(3) YA Illustrated by Marianne Ferrer. The fifteen-year-old narrator reflects on her leukemia diagnosis and five years of treatment as she waits for her latest test results. Strong bonds with her parents, boyfriend, favorite nurse, and fellow patient Maxine help her cope with pain, fear, stress, loss, and "helpful" comments that are more alienating than encouraging. Stylized, often surreal illustrations in a palette of muted blues and greens with deep red accents heighten the story's emotional impact.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Pascal Blanchet. It is hard to imagine a child audience for this beautifully constructed, unbearably sad story. An elderly woman--who's afraid of falling and being a "natural target for thieves and muggers"--spends Christmas alone after missing the opportunity to engage with a family whose car breaks down in front of her house. The delicate, heartfelt story is adult in content and tone.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth