(3) 4-6 After the unexpected death of Tara's Grammy Claire, an ecological scientist studying butterflies on a remote South Pacific island, a mysterious scavenger hunt ensues with letters offering cryptic clues linked to ten keys that will unlock the truth behind Grammy's secrets. Suspense, intriguing characterization, and a bit of magical realism create a successful mystery with a twist in its unanticipated conclusion.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(4) YA Joseph, a Saipan native, and his half-Japanese cousin, Kento, struggle to save their families from the crossfire on their war-torn island. Set on Saipan amidst a World War II battle, the book sheds light on a lesser-known piece of the war's history. The details are useful and informative, but Joseph's narration can be lugubrious. Reading list.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Stacey Dressen-McQueen. Little Kessy gets the important task of running to the island's tiny store for more laundry soap--"the biggest piece." On the way home his soap keeps coming in handy to help people, and he turns his mundane errand into a story of adventure. The book is set in the Truk Islands of Micronesia: the pictures feature lush tropical colors.

Reviewer: Susan Dove Lempke | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2004

(4) YA Illustrated by Nashton T. Nashon & Nashton T. Nashon. [Collector-Editor]Kelin, a storyteller and playwright, has collected these little-known tales from all over the Marshall Islands and presents short biographical sketches of the original storytellers, as well as their stories. Some of the tales seem like story fragments, but others are strongly developed. The generous margins provide space for definitions and pronunciations. The line drawings are awkwardly rendered. Glos.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) 4-6 Mythic World series. Each book in this series is divided into ten chapters; each chapter presents a myth along with historical context and related information about language, religion, and lifestyle. The unexciting presentation is redeemed by archival reproductions, illustrations, and photographs that add interest to the text. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Mythic World titles: Myths of Oceania, Myths of Russia and the Slavs, Myths of West Africa, Myths of China and Japan. ]

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) YA Illustrated by Connie J. Adams. Telling the origins of a singular Yapese custom, "The Stone Money of Yap" is but one legend in this collection of Micronesian stories. Presenting legends from several islands along with substantial background information about each culture, this is an unusual resource about an area of the Pacific little known to most North Americans. Strong black-and-white woodcuts complement the tales. Bib.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Connie J. Adams. Over forty tales--including creation myths, ghost stories, and animal tales--are presented in an overlong volume. Each section contains a lengthy introduction providing the historical background of a region, identifying specific islands, and touching on traditions of the various peoples. The margins are littered with definitions and pronunciation guides, making the book appear more educational than entertaining. Bib.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta