(4) 4-6 Calico Chapter Books: Monster Hunters series. Illustrated by Scott Brundage. Gabe, Tyler, and Sean continue to help Gabe's older brother document proof of mythical and legendary monsters for his internet show Discover Cryptids; these outings take the crew to the Ozark Mountains (Howler), West Virginia (Mothman), South Carolina (Swamp Lizard), and Saskatchewan (Turtle Lake). Despite the stilted dialogue, reluctant or struggling middle-grade readers will appreciate the large print, short chapters, and action-packed illustrations. Review covers the following Calico: Monster Hunters titles: Hunt the Ozark Howler, Meet the Mothman, Spot the Swamp Lizard Man, and Track the Turtle Lake Monster.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) YA Sixteen-year-old Ivy lives in superstition-fueled Rowan's Glen in the Missouri Ozarks, where, twenty-five years ago, Birch Markle killed the queen of the May Day celebration; he's rumored to still roam the woods. When decapitated animals start appearing, everyone knows Birch is back--and Ivy's cousin, Heather, is the new May Queen. Macabre atmosphere and terror abound in this thrilling, bloody mystery.

Reviewer: Sian Gaetano

(3) 4-6 This fifty-fifth anniversary edition features a new tribute by Newbery Medalist Clare Vanderpool, a reproduction of Rawls's "Special Message for Those Who Want to Be Writers," a one-page biographical essay from 1985, and a reproduction of the original jacket art.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(2) 4-6 Ten-year-old Josie and her mother, Ginny, are rootless and alone. When Ginny's Granny Ola dies, she insists they return to the Missouri Ozarks for the funeral, and once there, Josie begins to learn of her heritage. Despite the pat, albeit satisfying, ending, Josie's portrait of "mama and me" is effective, and her need to find a place within a family is touching and intense.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2000

(4) 4-6 During the Depression, Thad makes some extra money by delivering bootleg corn liquor to tourists in his Missouri town. A wealthy visitor opens Thad's eyes to the possibilities of life outside his poor, backwoods region but betrays the thirteen-year-old's trust when he reveals himself as a government agent sent to destroy illegal stills. Though colorfully told, the tale is familiar.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta