(4) YA Inspired by real-life conflict in Mali, this intense thriller follows young Ali of the Defenders of Faith (part of Al Qaeda), who helps impose Sharia law on protesting citizens; and Kadi, daughter of an ancient-manuscript librarian in modern-day Timbuktu. As the two teens (improbably) develop feelings for each other, Ali struggles to understand his loyalties. Includes a contextual afterword. Glos.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Christopher Corr. Accompanying their father, a minibus driver, young Fatima and Galo look after passengers' luggage on the roof: two mopeds, three bicycles, four cans of cooking oil, five sacks of rice, etc. The exuberant adventure through Burkina Faso passes waterfalls, hippos, 1.8-billion-year-old rock domes, and the Grand Mosque in Bobo Dioulasso, all vividly depicted in Corr's colorful, naively styled illustrations.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Christopher Corr. After Penda's mother entrusts her to carry a bowl of milk on her head to her father, who is tending sheep in the grasslands, she's determined not to spill a drop. Penda's self-directed pep talks ("Don't shiver, don't quiver, / don't fall in the river, girl") are charming, and the mural-like art set along the banks of the Niger River is beguiling.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) YA Jake and his sister, children of the British ambassador to Burkina Faso, are kidnapped by someone who appears to be the notorious outlaw and alleged terrorist Yakuuba Sor. But when they meet the real Sor and discover he's more akin to Robin Hood, they help try to clear his name. The story offers a nuanced look into political complexities.

Reviewer: Randy Ribay