(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Jeremy Holmes. A magical Romani trombone whisks twelve-year-olds Bro, Frankie, and Tom back to 1852 in their small Ohio town, a dangerous era for the three nonwhite kids as they are targets for slave traders. An ancient Chinese text and Morse code messages may help get them back. This original, humorous adventure novel is great fun for fans of history and time travel.

Reviewer: Pam Yosca

(3) 4-6 The discovery of a rare, zucchini-colored crayon in an old couch mysteriously deposited at their bus stop propels friends River, Freak, and Fiona into the middle of an intergalactic plot to take over Earth. This debut novel is a successful sci-fi/adventure/fantasy mash-up with well-developed characters, goofy humor, puns galore, and plenty of suspense.

Reviewer: Pam Yosca

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Patrice Barton. In a sentimental adoption story that reads like a fairy tale, a Chinese baby floats away from her birth parents down a river, watched over by the moon. Meanwhile, her adoptive parents travel toward her on their own journey. The moon presides over text and illustrations alike, a reassuring reminder of the way they're all linked: China, birthparents, and the newly created family.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert