(3) K-3 Illustrated by Courtney Dawson. A (fictional) story demonstrates the power of voting. As her grandmother campaigns in support of a vote to save the town's wilderness park, Callie participates in her class's election for their next field trip: cookie factory or wilderness park. Callie supports visiting the park and hopes to raise awareness about its importance in their community. Friendly cartoon illustrations show a diverse group of kids engaged in learning and eventually enjoying the winning trip to the wilderness. Information about elections and voting in the US, a voting rights timeline, and lists of related websites and books are appended.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Tales of the World series. Illustrated by Doris Ettlinger. After WWII ends, Thomas travels aboard the Queen Mary with his mum and baby brother to be reunited with his American stepfather in New York. Thomas's story highlights the experiences of "war brides" who immigrated to America to join their soldier husbands. Softly realistic illustrations capture the characters' range of emotions in this different kind of war story. An author’s note is appended.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Karen Sapp. Shelter dog Barnaby dreams of being a hero. When Martha adopts him and trains him in bedbug-detecting, Barnaby finally gets his opportunity to help people. Although the text maintains an upbeat tone, it clumsily weaves in information on bedbugs that may leave readers feeling squeamish. The illustrations add much-needed levity to the itchy subject matter. Bedbug facts are appended. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Julie Bartynski-Fenner

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Suzanne Beaky. School nurse Penny's three "oh-so-smart students" notice she is not her optimistic, confident self. Their faith in her inspires Penny to hold a school assembly about head lice, at which she shares an awkward secret. While the message about lice infestations is a bit heavy-handed, the bright illustrations and touches of humor convey an upbeat tone. Lice facts are appended.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) K-3 Illustrated by David Leonard. It's Election Day, and the child narrators here know what a special day that is for the United States. Told from multiple points of view (it's sometimes unclear which character is narrating), this book includes descriptions of what Election Day is as well as the day's events, political vocabulary, and voting history. Upbeat illustrations mirror the celebratory and informative text.

Reviewer: Julie Bartynski

(4) 4-6 Kiley, wanting to find out if a boy likes her, starts the Tell-All Club. To join, everyone must divulge his or her secrets. Though the writing can be choppy, Stier offers realistically complex friendships and portrays with honesty the struggle between wanting to fit in and being yourself.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Tammie Lyon. Meticulously groomed Ellie is distraught to learn she has lice, but she uses the unpleasant experience to learn about lice and share the information with her friends. Cartoon drawings capture the range of Ellie's emotions as she deals with her unwelcome visitors. Her advice letter to the "kid who just found out you have lice" sums up the facts.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Lynne Avril. Stier enthusiastically describes the processes of running for and electing a president in the United States. After a clear one-page overview of the electoral college, the first-person text imagines six kids on the campaign trail, from declaring candidacy to moving into the White House. Unfamiliar words are well defined in context. The lively illustrations feature lots of red, white, and blue.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(3) K-3 Illustrated by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan. Six boys and girls of different ethnicities imagine being Commander in Chief of the United States. This light introduction to the office touches on duties that come with the job, such as being in charge of the armed forces and working with Congress to make laws. Some perks are mentioned as well, including having a chef and lighting the nation's holiday tree. The loosely rendered illustrations match the informal, informative text.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn