(3) K-3 Illustrated by Ted Rand. After asking her great-grandfather about the song he's singing, Brenda Gail learns that his "mountain song" is made up of bits of his memories of life. Brenda Gail realizes that she can think of memories for her own song. An old-fashioned and more rural Kentucky is seen, heard, and tasted in the illustrations--dusty dog, creaky porch, homemade strawberry jam, and all.

Reviewer: Neill Sharp Myers

(3) YA World Writers series. Discovery of self and one's talents through self-reflection and cross-cultural experience are at the heart of this biography of the author of Out of Africa. Leslie emphasizes Dinesen's belief in accepting one's fate with hope--despite hardship--and her notion that something beautiful can come from suffering. The book is illustrated with black-and-white photos. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Neill Sharp Myers

(3) 4-6 In this engaging novel set in the Okefenokee swamplands during the Civil War, young Hamp sets out to capture a runaway slave because the bounty would ease the financial and emotional pains of his war-torn family. But when Hamp meets the runaway, he realizes that things are not always what they seem, and his contempt for the slave turns to understanding. Bib.

Reviewer: Neill Sharp Myers

(4) 4-6 All About series. Packed with quotes and color photos of the author, this short biography of the woman whose words brought Harry Potter to life gives insight into the person and the process behind the books, and fans will come out knowing more about their favorite author. However, text boxes, special graphics, and bold-faced words pander to reluctant readers. List of works, timeline. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Neill Sharp Myers