(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay. Charlie, Max, and their parents (Summer in the City) visit Croatia. This slim volume is packed full of their adventures in an unfamiliar landscape, from almost getting arrested (because Max has to pee) to meeting the mysterious hermit of Vrgada and learning about the costs of war. Charlie's wide-eyed first-person point of view keeps this latest travel romp as fresh as the others.

Reviewer: Dean Schneider | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2015

(3) 4-6 Thirteen-year-old Joe, a Croatian war orphan at age three who was adopted by Hollywood stars, is asked by his famous parents to write an autobiography. What starts out as a PR extravaganza soon turns into a life-changing journey as Joe revisits his birthplace and discovers the true meaning of family. The story is funny, well-written, and surprisingly touching.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(3) YA Cultures of the World series. The strengths of these two volumes are found in the numerous contemporary color photos and the descriptions of everyday life, the arts, and traditional customs. Over half of each book is devoted to the country's people, but history, geography, the economy, and the current political situation are discussed as well. A recipe, a map, and a fact page are useful features. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt