(4) YA Robbie and his mates challenge each other to a "snogathon" (a kissing contest). If Robbie kisses Melanie, who's worth a lot of points, he'll definitely win. But a developing maturity and appreciation for poetry make him reconsider the bet--which is what could earn him the victory. Robbie's transformation isn't subtle, but readers may be gratified by his redemption. Glos.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(3) YA Teenage thief Luke is given community service as punishment for his latest crime. The family he victimized wants him to be a "guide runner" for their blind daughter in the London Marathon. The scenes in which the two well-developed characters learn to run together are especially strong in a novel that will appeal even to non-sports fans.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) PS Illustrated by Gwyneth Williamson. A rabbit dad decides to count his children, but they won't keep still, and despite his many attempts he always gets confused. Adults will quickly tire of the father's cumulative string of nonsense-word exclamations, but children in a silly mood will laugh. With the many active bunnies and distraught father, the watercolor illustrations are busy and fun to peruse.

Reviewer: Suzy Schmidt

(1) 4-6 Daniel and Tosh are trapped together in an underground cave during a vacation "safari"--a kind of Outward Bound excursion sponsored by their school. Ironically, also entombed is the teacher who has constantly ridiculed their lack of athletic ability and failure to identify with the "right" boys in their class. Edge-of-the-seat pacing makes this a gripping adventure, and Daniel's first-person narrative achieves a depth of characterization unusual for a thriller.

Reviewer: Mary M. Burns | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 1998