(4) 4-6 In this sequel to George Washington's Socks, Matt, his sister Katie, and their friends are thrown back in time to 1776 Boston. Katie and the girls end up with a Loyalist family while the boys are commandeered to participate in a Patriot spy mission. Despite some plot contrivances, Woodruff effectively approaches the human tragedy of war without losing her story's light touch.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(3) 4-6 In 1703, Digory sets out to search for news of his father's fate after a terrible storm sinks his ship. Confronted by swindlers and thieves, Digory is rescued by the "Jester of Littlebury," builder of England's Eddystone Lighthouse. Digory's adventure, in which he ultimately becomes indispensable in his benefactor's quest to save sailors' lives, is filled with excitement and intrigue. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(3) 4-6 As the son of the Ravenmaster at the Tower of London, eleven-year-old Forrest helps his father take care of the ravens and the prisoners and has the run of the Tower, but he longs to escape the prison walls. The setting is intriguing and the story engrossing as Forrest struggles with his identity and becomes friends with an innocent young prisoner set to be executed. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(3) 4-6 In this old-fashioned tale, set in the 1850s, Lucy and her little sister, Glory, find themselves in dire circumstances after they run away from the orphanage. Lucy obtains a temporary job embroidering hearts on dolls and sneaks Glory into the shop each night after closing, along with a friendly urchin who looks after Glory during the daytime. The sentimental tone and Dickensian setting create the right mood for this sweet story about dolls and sisterhood.

Reviewer: Anne St. John

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter. This sequel to Dear Levi contains young Levi's letters to his older brother in Oregon. Levi can't join Austin on Pa's claim until his health improves, but he manages to find adventure enough in Pennsylvania--even attempting to rescue his black friend's sister from slave catchers. The plot strains credibility, but the smoothly written text is fast paced.

Reviewer: Deborah L. Thompson

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Cynthia Fisher. Gramps won't tell Jack where they're going, but he does provide hints. He says they might see monkeys, or knights, or dinosaurs. At last they reach the library, and Jack realizes this is the source for many adventures. Although the story is a bit didactic, the illustrations provide both humor and clues to the destination, as Jack imagines the things they'll see.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley