(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Dave Phillips. Nosewise, wizard Merlin's eager dog, narrates this tale about magic, Fae, and the legendary Sword in the Stone. Nosewise loyally attends Merlin's magic lessons for apprentice Morgana, so this dog knows more than the usual canine tricks. When Merlin is kidnapped by Fae, Nosewise leaps to the rescue (with help from young Arthur). Humor and action dominate this lively middle-grade take on the legend.

Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Sam Nielson. The animals at his father's exotic Guiana zoo are the only creatures Marlin can speak to without stuttering. When an encounter with a mysterious black jaguar leaves him able to not only talk to the animals but also understand them, Marlin develops new empathy for the captive creatures. Both human and animal relationships are thoughtfully portrayed in this well-written historical fantasy set in the late eighteenth century.

Reviewer: Norah Piehl

(3) 4-6 The clever premise has sixth-grade "Grunt" Eric Haskins investigating a mysterious how-to guide on bullying circulating the school. Alternating between Eric's journal entries and passages from The Bully Book, the narrative conveys both the perspective of the bullies' unfortunate target but also the vulnerability of the "bully bookers" themselves. Readers will cheer for Eric as he regains control of his life.

Reviewer: Rebecca Kirshenbaum