(3) 4-6 In this collection of stories about dangerous, sometimes deadly, events in the history of space exploration, Kluger uses actual dialogue and dramatic pacing to present real-time accounts of tragedies and near-misses from the American and Soviet space programs. The professionalism and bravery of astronauts and ground personnel from the Gemini, Apollo, Soyuz, space shuttle, and space station missions are emphasized. Photos not seen. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) YA With Ruby Shamir. Kluger's comprehensive account of the December 1968 Apollo 8 mission to orbit the moon engagingly captures the mission's excitement for a new generation of readers. He successfully integrates snippets of the astronauts' personal lives with space travel science and daily details from their mission, set against the historical context of the American space program and the Cold War. Diagrams and photos appended. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(3) 4-6 In exchange for his family's freedom, Lillie's father enlists in the Confederate Army; he's declared a thief after his death at Vicksburg, and the deal is broken. Lillie must uncover the truth while trying to prevent her brother from being sold. Ibo magic, brutal overseers, and sympathetic characters combine to provide a gripping account of events on one South Carolina plantation.

Reviewer: Nancy Hull

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by David Elliot. N'er-do-well Nacky Patcher and orphan Teedie Flinn discover a way to lift the curse that plagues their village: they must rebuild a ship from scratch with materials that mysteriously wash up from the lake. Readers will be intrigued by this quirky adventure with its oddly endearing cast of characters. The theme of cooperation comes through without overwhelming the plot.

Reviewer: Allison Cole