(4) K-3 Illustrated by Amy Córdova. Young Isabella, through the conceit of a school writing project, teaches readers about her Ecuadorian parents' fight against pesticides and for fair-trade status for their rose farm. The framework is clumsy, but the information is sound. Córdova's fluid, vibrant-hued paintings enliven the presentation. An afterword by Lynn Lohr of Fair Trade USA tells more about the process.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Paul Mirocha. In this intriguing (if wordy) story, Nizam, a Malaysian honey hunter, prepares to follow in his grandfather's footsteps. Soon he'll be responsible for climbing the towering tualang tree at night to harvest honey from the huge beehives. The dramatic illustrations look digitally flattened but are suffused with glowing light. Appended is further information about Malaysia and the real-life honey hunters.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Amy Cordova. This story about a boy who carves animal figures uses some elements from the life of Manuel Jiménez, a woodcarver of Oaxaca, Mexico, who promoted a new vibrant style of animal carvings. An afterword provides some information on Jiménez and his style, which now dominates Oaxacan carvings. The intensely colored acrylic paintings portray a traditional Mexican setting.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Francisco Delgado. Carlitos's mother works two jobs but still can't support him and his grandmother. As she helps organize Los Angeles's janitors' strike of 2000, Carlitos finds a way to get involved in the cause. Carlitos's narration, appearing in both English and Spanish, doesn't always ring true, but his mother's character comes across, and Delgado's heavily shaded illustrations capture the workers' weariness and dignity.

Reviewer: Nell Beram