(3) K-3 Illustrated by Bethany Stancliffe. In 1863 a woman named Eliza Davis began a correspondence with Charles Dickens. Her first letter compliments the author for his attention to social issues but criticizes his portrayal of Jewish characters ("a vile prejudice"). Dickens initially responds harshly but eventually comes to rail against prejudice and creates kind Jewish characters in future work. Stancliffe's inviting illustrations with a lush palette are interspersed with black-and-white drawings that evoke Dickens's era. Churnin's language also echoes the period and includes direct quotes from the pair's seven letters. An author's note provides additional historical context for antisemitism in Great Britain and comments on how Dickens "encouraged sympathy for the Jewish community."

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) 4-6 In this modern, middle-school spin on Dickens's A Christmas Carol, thirteen-year-old mean-girl Ellie is visited by a ghost, who shows Ellie scenes from her life to inspire her to change her ways. Margolis first presents Ellie as a deplorable monster, then, in the heart-rending flashbacks, strips away her confidence and perfection to reveal a broken teen with whom readers will sympathize.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes

(3) K-3 Translated by Nuria Molinero. Color by Jose Garibaldi. In this thoughtful and eminently readable Spanish translation of the third installment (Tale of Two Kitties) in Pilkey's Dog Man graphic-novel series, translator Molinero has clearly taken care to provide an understandable Spanish-language text for beginning readers of Spanish, regardless of their national origin. The thoughtfulness extends to Pilkey's child-emulating cartoon-style illustrations, where all the signs, storefronts, and advertising are here in Spanish.

Reviewer: Tim Wadham

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Tony Ross. Rosen employs a school production of A Christmas Carol as a device to suggest how a workaholic father withdrawn from his family may end up as lonely as Scrooge. The novel alternates young Harry's onstage experiences with scenes about his father's distance. The bad-dad story line seems aimed mostly at parents; however, Harry's sister Eva, who parallels Tiny Tim, is a gem. Christmas activities and songs are appended.

Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Chris Mould. Amelia, whose hope helped Father Christmas deliver his first gifts, is now orphaned and stuck in a workhouse. It's up to Father Christmas to help, despite his own holiday headaches. The plot feels unfocused--with historical-figure cameos and Santa's-workshop scenes vying for space--but fans of companion book A Boy Called Christmas will find echoes of its charm, particularly in the expressive black-and-white drawings.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(3) YA After cynical, materialistic Holly scoffs at her own Christmas Eve spectral visitation, she dies and must work as a ghost for a secret company called Project Scrooge to redeem other "Scrooges." This is A Christmas Carol meets Dead like Me; Hand balances sly humor (e.g., the tedium of a first job in the afterlife) with romance and holiday spirit.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher

(3) 1-3 Color by Jose Garibaldi. Hoping to double his villainy, cat Petey (Dog Man's nemesis) clones himself but accidentally creates a sweet young clone; Li'l Petey wins everyone over, including his creator. Peppered with Dickensian allusions and "flip-o-ramas," this third series entry highlights the redemptive power of love and friendship. Pilkey's child-emulating cartoon style never condescends, and the graphic novel brims with cleverness, humor, and action.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(2) YA Two years ago, Lucie Manette was rescued from Dark New York by the Light magic council. Now living in the Light city, Lucie learns that a revolution is coming--and that she is a rallying cry for both sides. Romance and a hint of snarky humor help to diffuse the tension of this dark fantasy/romance with nods to A Tale of Two Cities.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2016

(4) YA Living History series. REVIEW MISSING

Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac

(4) 4-6 Calico Chapter Books: Adventures in Extreme Reading series. Illustrated by Scott Altmann. When Uncle Dan's virtual-reality computer program that immerses readers in books is hacked, cousins Carter and Izzy head into the stories to stop the violator. Each title in this tech-savvy series focuses on a different classic novel; some may be confusing to readers unfamiliar with the original, but overall these books could serve as gateways to classic literature for children. Review covers these Adventures in Extreme Reading titles: The Calm Before the Storm, Hack Attack, Lightning Strikes Twice, and Trapped in Stormy Seas.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes

(4) 4-6 Classics Illustrated series. Adapted by Rodolphe Meyrand. Illustrated by Estelle Meyrand. Condensed graphic-novel versions of Stevenson's novel and two of Dickens's works (including the less well-known Mugby Junction) give reluctant readers an entryway into classic literature. The retellings are only adequate, but the illustrations and pacing of the graphic novels serve the material well. While not a substitute for the originals, these books retain some of the tone and flavor. Review covers these Classic Illustrated titles: Scrooge and Kidnapped.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(2) K-3 Illustrated by John Hendrix. His family in debtors' prison, a young Charles Dickens supports himself by working in a factory. He spends the long days turning the drama he witnesses into stories. Hopkinson adopts a conversational style, addressing readers directly to give the tale immediacy. Hendrix paints a smoke-stained London in sepia and rust, and against this drab backdrop Dickens's imaginings stand out in lucid blues.

Reviewer: Thom Barthelmess | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2012

(1) YA In early-Victorian London, street urchin Dodger rescues a young woman who's being beaten up; a complicated plot is set in motion with a cast ranging from Dickens to Queen Victoria. Dodger's original take and deft way with language make him a wonderful guide through a story of espionage, romance, action, and heroism. It's a glittering conjuring act, but there's real heart here, too.

Reviewer: Sarah Ellis | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2012

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Barry Moser. Skilley the cat finds the "purrfect" job at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Inn. There he poses as a mouser, but he's actually protecting the large mouse community in exchange for cheese. As he befriends the mice and fights a cruel alley cat, he's drawn into the world of Charles Dickens and even Queen Victoria. Witty wordplay and detailed pencil drawings abound. Glos.

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang

(2) 4-6 Warren focuses on how Dickens's impoverished childhood led to a deep sense of empathy that manifested itself in his writing and his life. Young Charles was largely self-educated; when he became a writer, he infused his novels with his own experiences and observations of rundown London. Warren generally sticks to her focus, but the narrative also takes some interesting diversions. Websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2011

(3) 4-6 This well-produced overview of the life and times of Dickens is replete with flaps, folds, and envelopes, making it an interactive and entertaining experience for readers. Accessible text on double-page spreads focuses on a single topic--family life, school, London, Christmas, etc. Pages also feature abundant reproductions of period illustrations, photos, documents, and more, in color and black and white.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) YA Illustrated by Greg Ruth. "It was time to stop waiting for Orion's return...It was time to go after him." Meg's older brother has been missing for six months, having vanished from the rooftop of their London home. Meg must use her wits--and the resources of enigmatic family friend Charles Dickens--to find Orion. Buzbee uses Victorian literary style to good effect in this engaging mystery.

Reviewer: Rebecca Hachmyer

(3) 1-3 Magic Tree House series. Illustrated by Sal Murdocca. In Victorian England, Charles Dickens's pen is quieted by writer's block; he's also dismayed by the plight of London's child laborers. Jack and Annie use magic to create three ghosts who visit Dickens, let loose his muse, and ultimately influence his next masterpiece. Magic Tree House fans won't be disappointed by this latest installment.

Reviewer: Sarah Novogrodsky

(3) K-3 Magic Tree House Research Guide series. Illustrated by Sal Murdocca. With the Magic Tree House's Jack and Annie as tour guides, this slim volume describes life in Victorian England, in particular the lives of children. Historical photographs and drawings bring the era of the Industrial Revolution to life. The book effectively concludes by drawing similarities between difficult conditions faced by children then and now. Reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Sarah Novogrodsky

(3) YA British Library Writers' Lives series. This thorough examination of Dickens provides readers with a clear sense of his life and how it influenced his work--an impoverished childhood and years as a journalist and law clerk provided Dickens with the foundation for novels such as Oliver Twist. Reproductions of letters, manuscripts, photos, and engravings add interest and break up dense text blocks. Reading list, timeline. Ind.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute