The Children's Literature Choice List 1997 Books for Children 3 and Under Animal Crackers Jane Dyer    If you are frantically searching for a special shower gift for a first-time mother-to-be, this book fits the bill. It is a marvelous collection of pictures, poems, and lullabies you may recall from your own childhood. 1996, Little, Brown and Company, Ages 2 to 5, $17.95. Ba Ba Ha Ha Oooh Oooh Moo Zimm    Both board books are designed for newborns and have a striking black and white drawing on each page. 1996, HarperFestival, Ages 3 mo to 1 year, $4.95. Car Diggers and Dumpers Fire Engine Tractor    Four die cut board books for those who just want to get their hands on these big vehicles. 1996, Snapshot/DK, Ages 2 up, $3.95 ea. Cat is Sleepy Dog is Thirsty Satoshi Kitamura    Both board books have simple, bright effective illustrations on sturdy pages. Also in the series are Duck is Dirty and Squirrel is Hungry. 1996, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Ages 18 mo. up, $4.95 ea. Freight Train Donald Crews    Another Caldecott Honor book reissued in board format. 1996, Tupelo/Morrow, Ages 1 up, $6.95. Kipper's Snowy Day Mick Inkpen    A sweet tale of friends and fun on a wintry day. 1996, Harcourt Brace and Company, Ages 2 up, $14.00. My Very First Mother Goose Edited by Iona Opie Illustrated by Rosemary Wells    Nursery rhymes go back centuries and this delectable collection is a treat for the eyes and ears. 1996, Candlewick Press, Ages 2 to 6, $19.99. Owl Babies Martin Waddell Illustrated by Patrick Benson    A sweet story of three baby owls awaiting their mother's return, reissued in a board book format. 1996, Candlewick Press, Ages 2 up, $6.99. You and Me, Little Bear Martin Waddell Illustrated by Barbara Firth This charming story is perfect for bedtime or anytime you want to cuddle up and read aloud to a child. 1996, Candlewick Press, Ages 2 to 6, $15.99. Reviewer:Trina Heidt Picture Books Generally for Children Ages 4 to 8 Animals Black and White Phyllis Limbacher Tildes    Dynamic pictures and simple text allow the reader to identify a particular black and white animal. 1996, Charlesbridge, Ages 5 to 7, $14.95 and $6.95. Aunt Nancy and Old Man Trouble Phyllis Root Illustrated by David Parkins    Energetic Aunt Nancy outwits the crafty and wicked Old Man Trouble. 1996, Candlewick, Ages 4 to 7, $16.99. Reviewer: Judith Gravitz Baby Duck and the Bad Eyeglasses Amy Hest Illustrated by Jill Barton    Baby Duck is back! This time she has new glasses but she doesn't like the way she looks in them. 1996, Candlewick Press, Ages 3 to 6, $16.99. Big and Little Steve Jenkins    Beautiful illustrations and minimal, explanatory text introduce readers to the beauty of the diversity in the animal kingdom. 1996, Houghton Mifflin Co., Ages 3 up, $14.95. Bill Picket Rodeo-Ridin' Cowboy Written by Andrea D. Pinkney Illustrated by Brian Pinkney    This historical biography provides a unique glimpse into the Old West. 1996, Harcourt Brace, Ages 8 to 12, $16.00. Bug in a Rug: Reading Fun for Just- Beginners Joanna Cole and Stephanie Calmenson Illustrated by Alan Tiegreen    This charming book brings together twenty- three interactive poems, stories, and songs especially designed to make reading exciting and fun for children and parents together. 1996, Morrow Junior Books, Ages 4 to 7, $16.00 and $7.95. The Bunyans Audrey Wood Illustrated by David Shannon    In this hilarious tall tale, find out how Paul Bunyan, Babe, and Paul's wife and two children helped to create some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the United States. 1996, Scholastic, Ages 7 up, $15.95. The Day Gogo Went to Vote Elinor Batezat Sisulu Illustrated by Sharon Wilson    Voting and equality are also themes in this picture book. 1996, Little Brown and Company, Ages 6 to 10, $19.95. Fanny's Dream Caralyn Buehner Pictures by Mark Buehner    It is a witty twist on a familiar story and beautifully illustrated. 1996, Dial, Ages 5 up, $14.99. The Farmer and the Poor God: A Folktale from Japan Retold by Ruth Wells Illustrated by Yoshi    An unhappy, struggling farmer and his family blame their poverty on a poor god, an unlucky spirit that dwells in their attic. 1996, Simon & Schuster, Ages 5 to 12, $16.00. The Ghost of Nicholas Greebe Tony Johnston Pictures by S. D. Schindler.    This is a good-natured ghost story about a colonial gentleman who gives up his ghost in the fullness of time‹only to have one of his bones separated from his grave by an enterprising dog. 1996, Dial, Ages 4 to 8, $14.99. Goose Molly Bang    A baby goose adopted by woodchucks at birth has the feeling she doesn't belong. 1996, Blue Sky, Ages 4 up, $10.95. Happy Birth Day! Robie H. Harris Illustrated by Michael Emberley    This is the book you will need when your little one asks, "Where did I come from?" 1996, Candlewick Press, Ages 4 to 6, $16.99. Is There Room on the Bus? Helen Piers Illustrated by Hannah Giffard    Sam is a young boy who sets off for a trip around the world in a rickety old bus that he fixed and painted. 1996, Simon and Schuster, Ages 2 to 5, $14.00. Jack, Skinny Bones, and the Golden Pancakes M. C. Helldorfer Illustrated by Elsie Primavera    Recounted in the grand tradition of the American Tall Tale, but in reality a folktale for the 90's. 1996, Viking, Ages 7 to 9, $14.99. Jigsaw Jackson David F. Birchman Illustrated by Daniel San Souci    J. Jupiter is a natural born jigsaw champion. 1996, Lothrop, Lee & Shepard, Ages 3 to 7, $16.00. Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse Kevin Henkes    One day Lilly brings her new purple plastic purse to school. She is so excited to show and tell everyone about it that she can't keep quiet. 1996, Greenwillow, Ages 5 to 7, $15.00. Little Lil and the Swing-Singing Sax Libba Moore Gray Illustrated by Lisa Cohen    A touching story about giving. 1996, Simon and Schuster, Ages 5 up, $16.00. The Lonely Lioness and the Ostrich Chicks Verna Aardema Illustrated by Yumi Heo    This clever retelling of a Masai fable begins with a mother ostrich leading her chicks to feed under a tree, unaware that a lioness lies sleeping in the branches above. 1996, Knopf, Ages 4 to 7, $17.00. Market! Ted Lewin    We are transported to various markets throughout the world to discover at least some of the wonders to be found there. 1996, Lothrop, Ages 5 up, $16.00. Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten Joseph Slate Illustrated by Ashley Wolff    The first day of kindergarten can be a time of anxiety, excitement or even fear. 1996, Dutton, Ages 3 to 6, $14.99. Mr. Lincoln's Whiskers Written and illustrated by Karen B. Winnick    This is the charming, true story of how eleven-year-old Grace Bedell wrote to Abraham Lincoln on the eve of the 1860 presidential election to suggest that growing a beard might enhance his chances for winning. 1996, Boyds Mills Press, Ages 4 to 8, $15.95. Old Bag of Bones: A Coyote Tale Janet Stevens    Coyote, the trickster character from Native American folklore is back to his old tricks again. 1996, Holiday, Ages 4 to 7, $15.95. One Potato: A Counting Book of potato Prints Diana Pomeroy    One Potato is a lovely counting book of fruits and vegetables, beautifully and unusually rendered with potato prints. 1996, Harcourt, Ages 2 to 5, $15.00. Possum's Harvest Moon Anne Hunter    It's that time of year‹the Harvest Moon is ripe, and Possum is stirred by a longing to celebrate. 1996, Houghton Mifflin, Ages 4 to 8, $14.95. The Ring Lisa Maizlish    This story, all photos and no text, takes a kid who is bored while on a walk in Central Park on a flying adventure after he finds a ring on the ground. 1996, Greenwillow Books, Ages 3 to 8, $15.00. Roman Numerals I to MM Arthur Geisert    The text explains how Roman numbers are made using addition and subtraction and lots of wonderful illustrations.. 1996, Houghton, Ages 4 to 10, $15.95. Saving Sweetness Diane Stanley Illustrated by G. Brian Karas    Humor abounds in this tongue-in-cheek tale of a sweet little orphan who saves the local sheriff and ends up convincing him to become her new Pa. 1996, Putnam, Ages 4 to 8, $15.95. Some Smug Slug Pamela Duncan Edwards Illustrated by Henry Cole    A very funny story that is especially useful for youngsters learning to pronounce "S" or learning to recognize its sound. 1996, HarperCollins, Ages 4 to 8, $14.95. Squishy, Misty, Damp & Muddy: The In-Between World of Wetlands Molly Cone    This attractive volume introduces young readers to the many kinds of wetlands and the incredible variety of life they support. 1996, Sierra Club Books for Children, Ages 7 to 11, $15.95. What Faust Saw Written and illustrated by Matt Ottley    Australian Ottley gets directly into a dog's head in this fantastic vision of a hound's nightmare. 1996, Dutton, Ages 2 up, $13.99. The Wise Washerman Deborah Froese Illustrated by Wang Kui    Aung Kyaing is a Burmese washerman who is famed for his ability to work magic in his washtub, making white clothes gleam and colorful clothes sparkle. 1996, Hyperion, Ages 4 to 8, $14.95. Yard Sale James Stevenson    "A yard sale," Oliver says to Simsbury, is "where you take the stuff you don't want anymore, and somebody else buys it." 1996, Greenwillow, Ages 5 to 9, $15.00. Short Books or Picture Books with More Text Than Usual for Young Readers (Children 5 to 10) All About Deer Jim Arnosky    Arnosky drew on many years of tracking, observing, and learning about deer before writing this comprehensive look at one of nature's most graceful animals. 1996, Scholastic, Ages 7 up, $15.95. The Bobbin Girl Emily A. McCully    Caldecott Medal winner McCully has produced another outstanding book. She recounts the exploitation of women and girls who worked in the mills of Lowell, Massachusetts. 1996, Dial, Ages 6 up, $14.99. Brave as a Mountain Lion Ann Herbert Scott Illustrated by Glo Coalson    Spider is a young Indian boy who lives with his extended family on a reservation in the West. It is a nice representation of the importance of culture and family in a young child's life. 1996, Clarion Books, Ages 6 to 8, $14.95. Coral Reef: A City That Never Sleeps Mary M. Cerullo Photographs by Jeffrey L. Rotman    The clarity and color of these remarkable photographs show the beauty of coral reefs while a straightforward text describes how reefs develop, the variety of sea life, and what the future holds. 1996, Cobblehill, Ages 9 up, $16.99. Cowboys: Roundup on an American Ranch Joan Anderson Photographs by George Ancona    A realistic look at ranch life with photographs that clearly tell the story of and reveal the joy and freedom Leedro and Colter enjoy. 1996, Scholastic, Ages 7 up, $16.95. The Desert Fox Family Book Hans Gerold Laukel    The text is informative and personal, and the breathtaking photographs introduce children to the desert fox, or fennec. 1996, North-South, Ages 8 to 12, $17.95. Emma's Rug Alan Say    Emma is a child prodigy artist who learns where true inspiration lies. 1996, Houghton, Ages 5 up, $16.95. Falcons Nest on Skyscrapers Priscilla Belz Jenkins Illustrated by Megan Lloyd    The decline of the peregrine falcon as a result of DDT is documented, as well as its resurgence following a captive breeding program. 1996, HarperCollins, Ages 5 to 9, $4.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen Flood: Wrestling with the Mississippi Patricia Lauber    The Mississippi River has long been an incredible force, building and shaping the land in what is presently the interior of the United States. 1996, National Geographic, Ages 10 and up, $18.95. The Goalie Susan Shreve    Shreve has sculpted a wonderfully, realistic and hopeful family story about finding new love while still cherishing the old. 1996, Tambourine, Ages 8 to 11, $15.00. Golem David Wisniewski    The layered cut paper images pratically leap off the pages and seem so real you want to touch them in this retelling of a Jewish legend. 1996, Clarion, Ages 4 up, $15.95. Hey, New Kid! Betsy Duffey Illustrated by Ellen Thompson    Cody decides to cope with his first day in a new school by being "Super Cody," someone the other kids will admire. 1996, Viking, Ages 8 to 12, $13.99. How Artists See Animals How Artists See the Elements How Artists See People How Artists See the Weather Colleen Carrol    Wow! If you have been looking for a way to get children interested in art, call off the search: it just doesn't get any better than this. 1996, Abbeville, Ages 8 up, $10.95 ea. Icky Squishy Science Sandra Markie Illustrated by Cecile Schoberle    The hard thing about this book is deciding whether it'll grab kids because of its icky-squishyness, or because of its presentation of fun and easy-to-do science projects. 1996, Hyperion, Ages 8 to 12. $3.95. Into The Sea Brenda Z. Guiberson Illustrated by Alix Berenzy    At dawn, a newly hatched sea turtle, no bigger than a bottle cap, manages to survive the perils of sand and sea. 1996, Holt, Ages 5 to 12, $15.95. Just So Stories Rudyard Kipling Illustrations by Barry Moser    These stories cry out to be read aloud, as Kipling himself once did for his own children. 1996, Books of Wonder, All Ages, $22.00. Leonardo da Vinci Diane Stanley    For a guy who started off as the illegitimate son of a peasant woman and a country nobleman, Leonardo da Vinci ended up doing all right for himself. 1996, Morrow, Ages 8 to 12, $16.00. Locks, Crocs, & Skeeters: The Story of the Panama Canal Nancy Winslow Parker    An explanation of the people, politics, and procedures that were used to tame the danger and realize the dream of establishing a short-cut connection between the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. 1996, Greenwillow Books, New York, Ages 10 and up, $16.00. Milk and Honey: A Year of Jewish Holidays Jane Yolen Illustrated by Louise August    With art, story, song, and history Jane Yolen and Louise August have created an informative and inviting Jewish almanac. 1996, G.P. Putnam's Sons, Ages 6 and up, $21.95. Minty: A Story of Young Harriet Tubman Alan Schroeder Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney    A stirring account of the 1820's plantation life of the young slave Minty, (as Harriet Tubman was known as a child). 1996, Dial, Ages 5 to 12, $16.99. Miro in the Kingdom of the Sun Jane Kurtz Woodcuts by David Frampton     Kurtz retells the Incan folktale of Miro's determination to reach her dream and her kinship with all things wild. 1996, Houghton, Ages 7 to 10, $15.95. Mississippi Going North Sanna Anderson Baker Paintings by Bill Farnsworth    A nicely evocative portrait of the headwaters of the Mississippi River in northern Minnesota. 1996, Albert Whitman & Company, Ages 4 to 8, $15.95. Molly Limbo Margaret Hodges Illustrated by Elizabeth Miles    This gently didactic tale is the author's own version of an old Scottish folktale. 1996, Atheneum, Ages 3 to 9, $16.00. Muskrat Will Be Swimming Cheryl Savageau Illustrated by Robert Hynes    The kids in school are unkind and they call the kids who live by the water Lake Rats. Jeannie is upset, because she loves the lake and all of the surrounding wildlife. 1996, Northland, Ages 5 up, $14.95. The One-Eyed Giant and Other Monsters from the Greek Myths Anne Rockwell    With economy of phrase, and playful and appropriately horrific illustrations, Rockwell retells ten well-known tales about monsters from Greek mythology. 1996, Greenwillow Books, $16.00. Ages 5 to 8. Raptors!: The Nastiest Dinosaurs Don Lessem Illustrated by David Peters.    Don Lessem was a science advisor to Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park, and is quick to point out in this book the difference between film fiction and fact on the subject of small, meat-eating dinosaurs. 1996, Little, Brown, Ages 5 to 10. Red Wolf Country Jonathan London Illustrated by Daniel Sans Souci    Beautiful, evocative watercolors and a brief, poetic text introduce us to the world of the endangered red wolf, which disappeared from the wild in 1980. 1995, Dutton, Ages 4 to 9, $15.99. TheReturn of the Buffaloes Paul Goble    As the subtitle indicates, this is a Plains Indians story of famine and renewal of the earth. 1996, National Geographic, Ages 7 up, $15.95. See Your Around, Sam! Lois Lowry Illustrated by Diane de Groat    In this latest book featuring Sam and Anastasia Krupnik, we spend an afternoon with Sam as he runs away from home. 1996, Houghton Mifflin, Ages 6 to 8, $14.95. Shiloh Season Phyllis Reynolds Naylor    This sequel to the Newbery Medal winning Shiloh is set in rural West Virginia. A realistic portrait of rural life and its culture. 1996, Atheneum, Ages 8 to 12, $15.00. Shock Waves Through Los Angeles: The Northridge Earthquake Carole G. Vogel    Vogel writes of crusts and mantle, plates and fault zones, as well as of human tragedy, heroism and survival. 1996, Little, Brown, Ages 9 up, $15.95. Starry Messenger: Galileo Galilei Peter Sis     This is an exceptional book that documents the life of a great scientist who children usually don't meet until they are older. 1996, Frances Foster Books /FS&G, Ages 3 to 12, $16.00. The Tale of Tsar Sultan Alexander Pushkin Pictures by Gennady Spirin    Betrayed by her jealous sisters, a young tsarina and her infant son are cast out to sea. 1996, Dial, Ages 6 up, $16.99. The Toy Brother William Steig    Yorick is a mischievous boy who meddles with alchemy in his father's medieval workshop, and accidently shrinks himself to the size of a toy. 1996, HarperCollins, Ages 5 up, $14.95. The Unbreakable Code Sara Hoagland Hunter Illustrated by Julia Miner    In this compelling combination of story and history, Hunter reveals the heroic work of Navajo signalmen during World War II. 1996, Northland, Ages 8 up, $14.95. What's the Matter, Kelly Beans? Judith Ross Enderle and Stephanie Gordon Tessler The Brennans just moved to a new neighborhood and Kelly is feeling out of sorts. 1996, Candlewick Press, Ages 7 to 10, $ 14.99. When Birds Could Talk and Bats Could Sing Virginia Hamilton Illustrated by Barry Moser    Hamilton has taken African American tales originally written down by Martha Young shortly after the Civil War, and retells them in colloquial speech to make them accessible to today's readers and storytellers. 1996, Scholastic, All Ages, $17.95. Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman Kathleen Krull Illustrated by David Diaz    It truly is amazing to learn that a little premature baby who was stricken with many childhood diseases, including the dreaded polio, overcame it all to become one of the world's greatest runners. 1996, Harcourt, Ages 7 to 12, $16.00. The Wizard of Oz L. Frank Baum Illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger    Zwerger now brings her extraordinary talents to this modern fairy tale and has created a masterpiece of fantasy. 1996, North-South, Ages 7 up, $19.95. Longer Books with More Sophisticated Themes for Middle Readers (Children 8 to 12) Amazon Diary: The Jungle Adventures of Alex Winters Hudson Talbott Illustrated and photographed by Mark Greenberg    It is a very appealing way for both kids and adults to learn more about the Amazon Jungle and the Yanomami people. 1996, Putnam, Ages 8 up. $15.95. Bad Girls Cynthia Voight    The personalities of both "bad girls", Mrs. Chemsky, and the other students are especially well developed. 1996, Scholastic, Ages 9 to 13, $16.95. The Ballad of Lucy Whipple Karen Cushman    Lots of interesting characters and descriptions of the hard life facing the miners, and those whose livelihoods are part of the gold fever, make for an amusing and informative look at California and the struggles of one girl to find herself and a place to call home. 1996, Clarion, Ages 10 up, $13.95. The Bone Detectives Donna M. Jackson Photographs by Charlie Fellenbaum    Its subtitle, “How Forensic Anthropologists Solve Crimes and Uncover Mysteries of the Dead,” nearly tells it all. 1996, Little, Brown, Ages 10 up, $16.95. Clara and the Hoo Doo Man Elizabeth Partridge    This tale revolves around Clara’s struggles to gain her mother’s respect, her mother’s superstition about the hoo doo man, and Clara’s fight to save her little sister Bessie’s life. 1996, Dutton Children’s Books, Ages 8 to 12, $14.99. The Classroom at the End of the Hall Douglas Evans Illustrated by Larry di Fiori    Evans introduces us to the strangest elementary school classroom in the world. 1996, Front Street, Ages 7 to 10, $14.95. Crash Jerry Spinelli    Spinelli humorously tells this coming of age story. 1996, Knopf, $16.00, Ages 11 to 14. The Cuckoo’s Child Suzanne Freeman    Mia returns to America from Beirut after her parents mysteriously disappear at sea. 1996, Greenwillow, Ages 11 up, $15.00. Daring to be Abigail Rachel Vail    After stating that she has never refused a dare, Abigail gets trapped into carrying out a very nasty prank on her only friend at camp. 1996, Orchard Book, Ages 10 up, $15.95. The Down & Up Fall Johanna Hurwitz Illustrated by Gail Owens    Hurwitz’s humorous series featuring the friends Bolivia, Rory, and Derek is now completed. 1996, Morrow, Ages 8 to 12, $15.00. Earthquakes Sally M. Walker    This Carolrhoda earth watch book explains the forces involved in earthquakes, scientific measurements and predictions of earthquakes, and survival tips if caught in an earthquake. 1996, Carolrhoda Books, Ages 10 and up, $19.95 and $7.95. Exotic Invaders: Killer Bees, Fire Ants, and Other Alien Species are Infesting America! Jeanne Lesinski    Besides killer bees and fire ants, six brief chapters describe problems associated with sea lampreys and zebra mussels in the Great Lakes. 1996, Walker, Ages 8 up, $16.95. Far North Will Hobbs    This bracing, genuinely exciting adventure novel gives new life to the durable lost-in-the-wilderness genre. 1996, Morrow Junior Books, Ages 11 and up, $15. Following My Own Footsteps Mary Downing Hahn    In this sequel to Scott O’Dell Award winner Stepping on the Cracks, we learn what happens to Gordy Smith after his abusive father went to jail and his mother moved the remaining family south. 1996, Clarion, Ages 10 to 14, $13.95. Full Steam Ahead: The Race to Build a Transcontinental Railroad Rhoda Blumberg    In a meticulously researched book about the building of a railroad that would span the continental U.S., Blumberg’s writing entertains and informs. 1996, National Geographic, Ages 10 up, $18.95. The Ghost of Grania O’Malley Michael Morpurgo    Readers will be drawn into this magical story of perseverance, strength, and common bonds as today’s inhabitants of Clare Island join with the pirates, cutthroats, and other ancestors of its past to preserve their future. 1996, Viking, Ages 9 up, $14.99. Ghost Train Jess Mowry    With the help of his street-smart neighbor Niya, Remi tries to solve the mystery of a murder that took place on the train while at the same time adjusting to life in his new country. 1996, Holt, Ages 9 up, $14.95. Reviewer: Rebecca Joseph The Great Interactive Dream Machine Richard Peck    The Great Interactive Dream machine, which will grant the boys anything they wish for‹anything in the whole world! There are, however, certain small problems with the machine. 1996, Dial, Ages 9 to 14, $14.99. The Greek News Anton Powell & Philip Steele The Roman News Andrew Langly & Philip De Souza    These two oversized books representing daily newspapers are a very clever way to teach history. 1996, Candlewick, Ages 8 up, $15.99. Hurricanes: Earth’s Mightiest Storms Patricia Lauber    Hurricanes are powerful, terrifying, and damaging, yet they are also one of the most fascinating storms. 1996, Scholastic, Ages 9 and up, $ 16.95. Iditarod Dream Ted Wood    A native of Alaska, Dusty follows his family's tradition of dog racing. 1996, Walker, Ages 8 to 12, $16.95. Introducing Beethoven Introducing Gershwin Roland Vernon    Two excellent biographies of world famous musicians. 1996, Silver Burdett, Ages 10 and up, $14.95 and $8.95 (paper). Jip: His Story Katherine Paterson    Jip is the fascinating story of an orphan “poor farm” boy in Vermont during the 1850’s. 1996, Lodestar, Ages 9 up, $15.99. Margaret Bourke-White: A Photographer’s Life Emily Keller    Margaret Bourke-White is best remembered for her work as a photographer for Life magazine. 1996, Lerner, Ages 12 up, $22.95. Orphan Train Rider: One Boy’s True Story Andrea Warren    It is a true story, and as such is compelling in its revelation of Lee’s emotions and the well researched details of this American social experiment. 1996, Houghton, Ages, 10 up, $15.95. Purely Rosie Pearl Patricia A. Cochrane    Rosie Pearl Bush engages us from the first to the last paragraph in this moving story of the struggles of a migrant family. 1996, Delacorte, Ages 12 up, $14.95. Room for a Stranger Ann Turnbull    This historical fiction sequel to Speedwell and No Friend of MIne continues the adventures of the Dyer family and features the youngest daughter, Doreen. 1996, Candlewick Press, Ages 11 to 15, $15.99. The Sandy Bottom Orchestra Garrison Keillor Jenny Lind Nilsson    Rachel Green is afraid of becoming just like her parents. 1996, Hyperion, Ages 10 up, $14.95. Reviewer: Sees Behind Trees Michael Dorris    Set in the 16th century, this is a steadily paced Native American story with wonderful character development. 1996, Hyperion, Ages 10 up, $14.95. Step by Wicked Step Anne Fine    This British novel begins with a chilling tale of a small group of school children spending a stormy night in an old mansion with a secret room, but it takes a unexpected twist. 1996, Little, Brown, Ages 8 to 12, $15.95. Taxi Navigator Richard Mosher    While it isn’t unusual, living through the divorce of one’s parents isn’t easy. 1996, Philomel, Ages 8 up, $15.95. The Tuskegee Airmen: Blacks Heroes of World War II Jaqueline L. Harris    Until recently few people knew of the Tuskegee Airmen, African-American pilots who overcame prejudice at home to become fighter pilots during World War II. 1996, Dillon Press, Ages 10 up, $13.95 and $7.95. The View From Saturday E. L. Konigsburg    The expertise and experience of the author glimmer in this intriguing novel about the journey and triumph of Epiphany Middle School’s sixth-grade scholastic bowl team. 1996, Atheneum, Ages 8 to 12, $16.00. William Tell Leonard Everett Fisher    We know the overture, we know the legend of his shooting an arrow through an apple while it sat on his son's head, and now we are treated to a full-length version under the artistic guidance of Leonard Everett Fisher. 1996, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Ages 5 to 10, $16.00. Wonder Child and Other Jewish Fairy Tales Howard Schwartz and Barbara Rush, Illustrated by Stephen Fieser.    These stories come from almost all over the world‹Morocco, Egypt, Libya, as well as Poland and the generic "Eastern Europe." 1996, HarperCollins, Ages 8 up, $16.95. Young Adult (Children 12 and Up) An American Hero Barry Denenberg    This biography traces the life of Charles A. Lindbergh from his early success, his lionization (and persecution) by the press, the tragedy of his son’s kidnapping, and his fall from grace as a Nazi sympathizer. 1996, Scholastic, Ages 12 up, $16.95. Anastasia’s Album Hugh Brewster    The sad story of the last of the ruling Romanovs has been told many times, but this book provides a personal, intimate glimpse of the family through the photographs, drawings and writings of Anastasia, youngest daughter of the Tsar. 1996, Hyperion, Ages 12 up, $17.95. Belle Prater’s Boy Ruth White    In this beautifully written novel, Gypsy tells the story of her sixth grade year when her cousin Woodrow comes to live next door. 1996, Farrar, Ages 10 up, $16.00. Confess-O-Rama Ron Koertge    Fifteen-year-old Tony Candelaria has had to grow up fast. His mom has been widowed an amazing four times, leaving her an emotional basket case. 1996, Orchard Books, Ages 12 and up, $17.99. Dangerous Skies Suzanne Fisher Staples    This novel takes a frightening look at the depth and effects of racism in modern society. 1996, Farrar, Ages 12 up, $16.00. Don’t You Dare Read This, Mrs. Dunphrey Margaret Peterson Haddix    Tish’s mother has abandoned her and her younger brother Matt. Tish is trying desperately to do the child-rearing that her mother should be doing. 1996, Simon and Schuster, Ages 12 up, $15.00. Gateway Lee Robinson    Thirteen year old Margaret's comfortable, secure life in a beautifully restored historic house in Charleston South Carolina, is suddenly disrupted when her mother decides that she wants her own life and asks her father to move out. 1996, Houghton, Ages 11 to 15, $14.95. A Girl Named Disaster Nancy Farmer    The story of Nhamo’s survival and maturing during this harrowing journey will keep readers turning the pages. 1996, Orchard Books, Ages 12 up, $19.95. Imitate the Tiger Jan Cheripko    A high school senior, Chris loves to play football more than anything else, but even the camaraderie of his football team and a championship season cannot compensate for his internal emptiness. Alcohol becomes Chris’ way of trying to forget his unhappiness. 1996, Boyds Mills Press, Ages 12 up, $14.95. John Steinbeck Catherine Reef    Catherine Reef and her publisher have been producing the most attractive and intelligent author biographies around. 1996, Clarion, Ages 12 up, $17.95. The Life and Death of Crazy Horse Russell Freedman Drawings by Amos Bad Heart Bull    In this compelling biography based on extensive research and the artwork of a tribal historian and cousin of Crazy Horse, we get acquainted with this famous Native American chief. 1996, Holiday, Ages 12 up, $19.95. The Long Season of Rain Helen Kim    This tale of a Korean family who bring an orphaned boy into their home is subtly told by an observant and introspective eleven-year-old narrator named Junehee. 1996, Holt, Ages 8 up, $15.95. The Maestro Tim Wynne-Jones    When 14-year-old Burl runs away from his brutish father, he finds a place that feels like paradise. 1996, Orchard, Ages 12 up, $16.95. The Music of Dolphins Karen Hesse    Mia has been raised since the age of four by a pod of dolphins, and when she is discovered by humans she has no memory of any other family. 1996, Scholastic, Ages 12 up, $14.95. The Orphan’s Tent Tom De Haven Illustrated by Christopher H. Bing    Extrapolating from the historical Orphan Train saga, De Haven has constructed a curious and fascinating fantasy. 1996, Atheneum, Ages 12 up, $18.00. Parrot in the Oven: MiVida Victor Martinez    Given the book’s subject matters, it is an excellent resource for classroom discussion, on the topics of spousal abuse, gangs, and racism. 1996, HarperCollins, Ages 12 up, $14.95. Political Timber Chris Lynch    Fins Foley was the mayor; now he is doing time, but the vast political machine he controls is still to be reckoned with. 1996, HarperCollins, Ages 14 up, $14.95. The President Has Been Shot! Rebecca C. Jones    Considering that there have only been 42 presidents of the United States and four have been assassinated, and attempts were made on six more, the ability of our American government to continue without faltering is impressive. 1996, Dutton, Ages 10 up, $14.99. Remembering Mog Colby Rodowsky    Although Annie Fitzhugh is about to graduate from high school, and has been accepted by several colleges, she feels very confused and uncertain about what to do with her life. 1996, Farrar, Ages 11 up, $14.00. Slam! Walter Dean Myers    The book is filled with fast-paced dialogue and action-packed basketball scenes which help show Slam’s identity crisis as he tries to decide where he belongs. 1996, Scholastic, Ages 14 up, $15.95. SOS Titanic Eve Bunting    The plot is engrossing, interlaced with details about the Titanic's construction and fateful voyage. 1996, Harcourt Brace, Ages 12 up, $6.00. Stone Water Barbara Snow Gilbert    Fifteen-year-old Grant Hughes’ Grandpa is hospitalized and unable to communicate. Grant must find a letter which Grandpa hid, with instructions that the letter was to be read when Grandpa is moved into the “other part” of the nursing home. 1996, Front Street, Ages 13 up, $15.95. The Tuesday Cafe Don Trembath    This intriguing first novel by a Canadian author takes a fresh look at the coming of age story and provides a unique tale of sarcasm, angst, and candor. 1996, Orca, Ages 12 up, $6.95. The Whistling Toilets Randy Powell    Can Stan figure out what is causing Ginny’s tennis slump and get her to win the local Seattle tournament? 1996, Farrar Straus Giroux, Ages 13 and up, $17.00. A Young Patriot: the American Revolution as Experienced by One Boy Jim Murphy    Joseph Plumb Martin was only 15 in 1776, when he joined the revolutionary army in Milford Massachusetts. 1996, Clarion, Ages 11 up, $15.95. Zel Donna Jo Napoli    Zel is a tour de force of characterization and suspense. Fantasy and magic blend seamlessly with reality. 1996, Dutton, Ages 11 to adult, $15.99. Zero at the Bone Michael Cadnum    Cadnum provides a gripping account of a family’s ordeal when their eighteen year old daughter Anita fails to come home from work one night. 1996, Viking, Ages 13 up, $14.99. Poetry Falling Up: A New Book of Poems and Drawings Shel Silverstein    If you’re looking for something that will bring out the poetry lover in your child, this is it. 1996, HarperCollins, Ages 5 to 8, $15.95. The Goof Who Invented Homework and Other School Poems Kalli Dakos Illustrated by Denise Brunkus    Dakos takes readers through a “typical” school year with three dozen poems. 1996, Dial, Ages 7 up, $13.99. Monday's Troll Jack Prelutsky Peter Sis    Prelutsky's zany new book of poetry on unsavory characters such as ogres, wizards, goblins and giants tells the rest of the story. 1996, Greenwillow, Ages 4 and up, $16.00. Oh Grow Up! Poems to Help You Survive Parents, Chores, School, and other Afflictions Florence Parry Heide and Roxanne Heide Pierce    The essence of childhood drudgery has been captured in these delightful, rhythmic lines. 1996, Orchard, Ages 7 to 12, $15.95. A Pizza the Size of the Sun Jack Prelutsky Illustrated by James Stevenson    A large collection of humorous poems on a variety of subjects that will appeal to kids. 1996, Greenwillow, Ages 6 to 12, $18.00. Poetry Party Bruce Lansky Illustrated by Stephen Carpenter    Lansky, well-known as the editor of several anthologies for children, has written a funny book of poetry. 1996 Meadowbrook, Ages 6 up, $12.00. Sun Through the Window Marci Ridlon    “The univeral qualities of childhood do not change much over the years; Marci captures those universal qualities and concerns and joys in her poems.” 1996, Boyds Mills, Ages 6 to 9, $7.95. If you would like the full reviews for the books on the 1997 Choice List, it is available from Children’s Literature for $14.99. Also Children’s Literature can provide copies of the books. Use the on-line order form or call 1- 800 469 2070. Mention our Web site and get a 15% discount on your book order.