(4) YA Stumbling upon a magical wish-granting dress, Olivia is able to bring back her dead twin sister Violet. As the sisters re-bond, Olivia realizes she has never truly been her own person and she must learn to fit in her own skin. Though its numerous characters can overcrowd the plot, Bullen's story is multi-layered and poignant.

Reviewer: Katie Clausen

(4) YA After receiving an antique mirror from her mother, already-vain Sukie finds herself caught in an isolating world of self-obsession. Discovering a devastating family secret helps her realize that a narcissistic life is not what she needs. Sukie, initially unsympathetic, becomes more likable as the story goes on, leading to a heartfelt ending.

Reviewer: Katie Clausen

(3) YA Vivacious Liana escapes the world by studying science and kissing too many boys. Hank, who has Asperger's syndrome, is introspective and awkward. Their worlds converge during one overwhelming and confusing, romantically entangled summer. Through alternating chapters, the authors create distinctive and believable voices for their protagonists.

Reviewer: Katie Clausen

(4) YA For Joy, hearing other people's thoughts, or "Whispers," is a gift. However, after her rebellious sister, Jessica, disappears, Joy realizes that "Hearing" has consequences and complications--and that sometimes families hold haunting secrets. Though it suffers from a sugar-coated ending, Kitanidis's plot-oriented story, with its crisp narration, is compelling.

Reviewer: Katie Clausen

(3) 4-6 Eleven-year-old Gopal and his family hope moving from the country to Mumbai will save them from starvation; unfortunately, their misfortunes only intensify. Gopal is sold into child labor, spending grueling hours making picture frames. But as he befriends other workers and begins telling his kahanis (stories) he builds both his self-worth and plans for freedom. Sheth's unique voice is as compelling as her characters. Websites. Glos.

Reviewer: Katie Clausen

(3) K-3 Elephant & Piggie Book series. A snake (armless, natch) wants to be included in Elephant and Piggie's game of catch. The trio problem-solves--with many amusing trial-and-error attempts--until finding a satisfying solution. Willems succeeds with his spare illustrations, detailed facial expressions, and simple yet inventive text in easy-to-read speech bubbles.

Reviewer: Katie Clausen

(4) K-3 Everyone Has Feelings series. Illustrated by Damian Ward. This series takes characters through situations that readers themselves may experience, along with associated emotions and physical manifestations of the feelings (e.g., "Aaron wins first place in the spelling bee. His smile is really big"). Though their purpose-driven agenda is evident, the books do a decent job portraying the events. Digital illustrations convey the title emotions without much fanfare. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Everyone Has Feelings titles: Everyone Feels Sad Sometimes, Everyone Feels Angry Sometimes, and Everyone Feels Happy Sometimes.

Reviewer: Katie Clausen

(4) K-3 Everyone Has Feelings series. Illustrated by Damian Ward. This series takes characters through situations that readers themselves may experience, along with associated emotions and physical manifestations of the feelings (e.g., "Aaron wins first place in the spelling bee. His smile is really big"). Though their purpose-driven agenda is evident, the books do a decent job portraying the events. Digital illustrations convey the title emotions without much fanfare. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Everyone Has Feelings titles: Everyone Feels Sad Sometimes, Everyone Feels Angry Sometimes, and Everyone Feels Happy Sometimes.

Reviewer: Katie Clausen

(4) K-3 Everyone Has Feelings series. Illustrated by Damian Ward. This series takes characters through situations that readers themselves may experience, along with associated emotions and physical manifestations of the feelings (e.g., "Aaron wins first place in the spelling bee. His smile is really big"). Though their purpose-driven agenda is evident, the books do a decent job portraying the events. Digital illustrations convey the title emotions without much fanfare. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Everyone Has Feelings titles: Everyone Feels Sad Sometimes, Everyone Feels Angry Sometimes, and Everyone Feels Happy Sometimes.

Reviewer: Katie Clausen