(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Catherine Stock. Attractive watercolors bring to life this true story of the determined young woman who sculpted Abraham Lincoln's statue for the Capitol Rotunda. Sixteen-year-old Vinnie Ream was a sculptor's apprentice when the president began sitting for her, and after his death she fought for the commission to memorialize him. FitzGerald's account is accessible and inspirational. An author's note is included. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Juliet S. King

(4) 4-6 With the middle school's athletic program on the chopping block, self-proclaimed jock Tess Munro tries to drum up support for a tax levy. Some of the subplots wrap up a bit too neatly (eighth-grader Tess makes peace with her two antagonists, a bossy cheerleader and her brother's girlfriend), but the soccer scenes, including on-the-field action and on-the-sidelines chatter, play out realistically.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(4) 4-6 Seventh-grader Jo remains a dedicated hockey player despite adult disapproval and hazing by her male teammates. That isn't all she deals with though, as Fitzgerald adds in a sports-lout father, issues of popularity, a potential romance, and a senile grandfather. Missing the genre's "big game" conclusion, this becomes pretty soapy for sports fans but does have a strong narrative voice.

Reviewer: Susan Dove Lempke

(4) K-3 Gateway Green Biography series. Written in simple prose, this biography tells the story of Julia Hill, who spent 738 days sitting in a redwood to prevent it from being cut down. Briefly discussed are the environmental impact of clear-cutting and Hill's childhood. However, no context is given for the sometimes controversial eco-terrorist environmentalist groups and practices. The book is illustrated with color photos and includes a timeline. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey