(4) YA Hanne is a Berserker: uncontrollable rage compels her to kill any threat--animal or human--to herself or her family. She and her siblings flee Norway for Montana Territory in hopes that their long-lost uncle can help her master her power; along the way, Hanne meets cowboy Owen. An unusual paranormal romance–meets–Western adventure seasoned with Norse mythology. The American-frontier setting notably lacks Native presence.

Reviewer: Deirdre F. Baker

(3) 1-3 Horse Diaries series. Illustrated by Ruth Sanderson. Jingle, a Clydesdale working in 1915 Wisconsin, has a special bond with his human girl, Kari. On Christmas Eve, the family's newfangled Model T slides into a snow bank, and it's Jingle and Kari to the rescue. Details about Jul (Norwegian Christmas season) and the transition to cars embellish this sweet horse's-eye-view tale. An appendix includes information on Clydesdales and the setting as well as activities.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(2) YA In 1896, seventeen-year-old Clara Estby and her mother Helga trek from Washington State to New York City to win a bet and save the family farm. Dagg's novel is based on the true adventures of her great-grandmother and great-aunt, making the characters that much easier to root for. Pulse-pounding encounters will leave readers invigorated and inspired by the women's determination.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2011

(4) K-3 Checkerboard: One Nation series. Color photos and maps illustrate these series books, which discuss each immigrant group's native country, residence within the United States, preservation of culture, assimilation, and the accomplishments of individuals. Each book includes a "Becoming a Citizen" spread, which offers very limited information. A useful pronunciation guide is appended in the back. There are five other spring 2004 books in this series. Glos., ind. Review covers these Checkerboard: One Nation titles: Chinese Americans, Dominican Americans, Norwegian Americans, Puerto Rican Americans, and Russian Americans.

Reviewer: KaaVonia Hinton

(4) 4-6 Thirteen-year-old Judy discovers that Pa isn't her real dad, and that her real father was an alcoholic who deserted the family. Through a friendship with a neighbor boy whose own father is an alcoholic, Judy eventually comes to forgive her family their secrets. While the story lacks a strong shape, Lurie's portrait of Brooklyn's Norwegian immigrant community in 1944 is well drawn.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander

(4) 4-6 Coming to America series. The accessible books in this series focus on reasons for immigration, traditional life in the "old country," conditions on the voyages, hardships faced in the United States, and the economic, political, and social advances made. Soft edges around the photos give the archival pictures a sentimental feeling while the contemporary color photos just look odd. Included are a recipe (no warnings about adult help), a time line, and places to write and visit. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Coming to America titles: German Immigrants, 1820-1920; Irish Immigrants, 1840-1920; Chinese Immigrants, 1850-1900; Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish Immigrants, 1820-192; Italian Immigrants, 1880-1920; Japanese Immigrants, 1850-1950.]

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt