(4) 1-3 Illustrated by Amanda Harvey & Amanda Harvey. Although Ruddy finds Grandmother Silk stuffy and boring, he discovers another side to her when the two are snowed in for three days during a freak October snowstorm. When they have to make do without water, electricity, or any outside help, Ruddy shows his strengths and his grandmother softens to become a more compassionate person. The story, accompanied by warm illustrations, is touching but slowly paced.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(2) 4-6 A homeless boy finds he must fend for himself when his father fails to return one day. Ian becomes fascinated when workers begin setting up a kite exhibition in the abandoned city courthouse he's been living in, and eventually learns enough about kites from the books at the exhibit to be hired as a tour guide for children. The characters are sharply etched, and the narrative moves swiftly, with moments of poignancy and suspense.

Reviewer: Nancy Vasilakis | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 1999