(2) 4-6 From her small-town home in Paris, Kentucky, thirteen-year-old Cline (named after Patsy) dreams of a future as a singer-songwriter. Her mother, who must work long shifts at the local diner to support the family, wants her to focus on a more practical pursuit. Her best friend, who is heavily involved with her Christian youth group (and a boy in it), discounts Cline's pursuits entirely. Still, she finds strength and support through the encouragement of her musical grandmother, the memory of her late father, and the lyrics of the songs on her favorite playlist. When her mother forbids her to apply for a Young Singer-Songwriter Workshop at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, she conspires to do so anyway. Her determination and passion see her through many challenges along the way, bringing her closer to an understanding of herself and others (including well-developed secondary characters). Cline's first-person narration is an engaging mix of naive earnestness and mature self-assurance. Her secret weekly trips to Lexington and increased awareness of her attraction to workshop partner Sylvie help her grow as a musician and person. Comparing and contrasting her own feelings with what she notices around her, the protagonist explores her understanding of family, friendship, illness, sexual identity, religion, music, and more. Her story offers readers an inspiring combination of self-awareness, bravery, and passion.

Reviewer: Julie Roach | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2022

(1) 4-6 Illustrated by Dawud Anyabwile. Patterson and Alexander, two heavyweights in the world of books (and their respective publishing houses), unite to tell the story of how Cassius Clay grew up to be Muhammad Ali, one of the greatest boxers of all time. The book, authorized by the Ali estate, is not so much a biographical novel as a chance to hang out with young Cassius Clay as he lives his daily life in Louisville in the late 1950s--going to school, being with friends, shooting hoops, watching boxing on television, and working, while navigating the dangers of life in a segregated city, all of which is related in lean and eloquent first-person verse with plenty of white space on each page. Clay's poetic narration is framed by first-person prose sections (called "rounds" instead of chapters) by his (fictional) best friend Lucius Wakely, who, by the end of the story, writes for a big newspaper and is at ringside for the "Rumble in the Jungle," Ali's 1974 fight in Zaire against George Foreman. Anyabwile, who illustrated the graphic novel edition of Alexander's The Crossover (rev. 5/14), adds a powerful visual element with occasional dynamic, full-page black-and-white images; and a short bibliography is appended.

Reviewer: Dean Schneider | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2020

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham. Rosenstock taps the Southern vernacular to tell the story of bluegrass pioneer Monroe (1911–96), who lived a hardscrabble life in Kentucky before making his mark on the world. Fotheringham's art can be marvelously inventive, as when the curved neck of an outsize banjo in the grass illustrates, "He looked for an instrument to rush the music along like a mountain stream." An appendix includes photos. Bib.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) YA After mayor's daughter Darby causes a disaster at the July snow-globe unveiling in Christmas, Kentucky, she's forced into a cleaning job at Holly Jolly Land amusement park. As Darby considers what it will take to keep her small town's character authentic in the face of big-time developers, she digs more deeply into her own character and considers a new love interest. Christmassy sweetness abounds in this feel-good summer rom-com.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(3) 4-6 When Wavie's mom dies, an aunt she never knew takes Wavie back to Conley Hollow, the Appalachian town of poverty and unrealized dreams that her mother struggled to escape. Despite Aunt Samantha Rose's greediness and cruelty, new friends help Wavie adjust. Wavie is a strong and determined character, and the kindness of her neighbors helps soften the abuse and heartache she endures in this ultimately hopeful story.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(3) YA Like all teens in her poverty-stricken rural-Kentucky town, Winter Crane determines to leave Reeve's End forever. One day she discovers Lennon Bishop beaten and left in the woods--and with knowledge that something has happened to Winter's friend Edie. When Lennon also disappears, Winter joins forces with Lennon's brother for a dangerous pursuit of the truth. A thrilling mystery in the well-evoked Appalachian wilderness.

Reviewer: Grace Enriquez

(3) 4-6 When a mysterious syndrome causes several mares to deliver stillborn or dying foals on a thoroughbred farm in Kentucky, twelve-year-old Sky, who can telepathically communicate with horses, is determined to help. Inspired by a real foal epidemic in 2001 Kentucky (discussed further in an author's note), this inspiring story about overcoming loss is deeply emotional, and Henson's writing is gripping. Bib.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes

(3) YA In Otters Holt, Kentucky, preacher's daughter Billie and her group of friends ("the Hexagon") grew up inseparable. Lately, Billie has developed romantic feelings toward two members (one boy and one girl), and deepening awareness of her own sexuality colors her feelings about the future. Stevens offers meaningful and sensitive portrayals of her novel's many characters, all of whom have their own worthwhile stories.

Reviewer: Norah Piehl

(3) YA Forced to move to a coal mining town in rural Kentucky, Liberty is shocked to see that the tap water is orange. While the mining company claims that the water is safe, her granny's worsening health prompts Liberty to ask unpopular--and dangerous--questions. The fast-paced story probes multiple angles of complex topics and conveys the poverty, humanity, and beauty of Appalachia.

Reviewer: Rebecca Kirshenbaum

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Kent Culotta. Martin, who's visiting his cousin Marybeth in Kentucky, receives state-specific gifts (e.g., "11 fiddlers fiddling"), one per day, during the twelve days of Christmas. Chatty, overly explanatory letters written home to Mom and Dad expand on the information; additional Bluegrass State facts are appended to the story and a map precedes it. The cheerful illustrations incorporate each round of presents.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(4) 4-6 Aspiring reporter Callie, who's African American, supplies leads to the black newspaper in her 1953 Kentucky town. Her inquisitiveness leads her to investigate a mystery surrounding an old yellow dog with Wendell, an equally curious white boy; their partnership enrages some of the town's citizens. This historical novel about social justice also contains a ghost story, with each genre struggling to control the narrative.

Reviewer: Betty Carter

(3) YA Since she was a child, adopted teen Natalie has had nighttime visions of "Grandmother," an older woman who, like her, is American Indian. Grandmother shares allegories with Natalie, clearly trying to prepare her "for what's coming." "Three months," she tells Natalie during her last apparition, "to save him." What follows is a powerful love story and thrilling supernatural mystery with a vast scope.

Reviewer: Sian Gaetano

(3) YA Legally blind Agnes, stifled by her protective parents, and Bo, who has a bad reputation and a drug-addicted mother, together run away from their small Kentucky town one night. In alternating chapters, Agnes provides backstory for the friendship and Bo narrates in present tense. Supported by its vivid setting and matter-of-fact portrayal of a disability, this is an intense story about a passionate friendship.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(3) 4-6 Twelve-year-old Kentuckian Curley has lived with his grandpa since his parents and brother were killed in coal-mining accidents. When Red Hawk Mountain is threatened by strip-miners, Curley and his friends fight to save it. A healthy respect for nature and setting--Appalachian characters are portrayed intelligently, with Curley's Papaw stressing the importance of education and eloquence--make this an engaging, thoughtful read.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) 4-6 Wiechman offers readers an exceptionally empathetic portrait of life in a Harlan County coal mining town during the Depression. Thirteen-year-old Adabel's voice is clear and compelling as she slowly begins to uncover long-held family secrets and understand why her mother has left home and her father has turned to drink. Adults and children are portrayed with nuance, and the relatively happy ending is welcome.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(3) 4-6 In 1842, twelve-year-old Virginia native Elias is sent to Kentucky to the experimental tuberculosis hospital of Dr. John Croghan. As he regains his health, Elias builds relationships, not with the other (white) patients, but with the black slaves working there. Based on historical events, Elias's story is exciting, and the message of shared humanity is strong without being didactic.

Reviewer: Sian Gaetano

(4) K-3 Our Great States series. These graphically pleasing travel guides highlight the top ten sites to see and things to do in each place. Although the brochure-like books may include quickly outdated information, kids will appreciate the engaging second-person narratives and many photos. A map and facts are appended. There are ten other fall 2015 books in this series. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Our Great States titles: What's Great About Vermont?, What's Great About West Virginia?, What's Great About Kentucky?, What's Great About Alaska?, What's Great About New Jersey?, and What's Great About Michigan?.