THE SEA CHEST by Toni Buzzeo, illustrated by Mary GrandPre (Dial, 2002)

First-time author Buzzeo is paired with HARRY POTTER illustrator GrandPre in a book that lovingly and poetically captures the stirring magic of a foundling babe who becomes a treasured sister. Maita says: “I longed for a time I might not be the only child the craggy island knew.” The time is now. Spectacular, musical, and deeply affecting. HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION for art and text.

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A PLACE TO CALL HOME by Jackie French Koller (Atheneum, 1995)

“Raggedy Anna” is the way Anna O’Dell thinks others see her. And Anna feels ragged from watching out for Mama’s moods and taking care of her younger sister and brother. But when Mama doesn’t come home, Anna fights to watch out for her siblings and, along the way, finds out the story behind Mama’s pain. An emotionally evocative book unafraid to address Anna’s concerns about her African American and white heritage ‘

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NINJAS, PIRANHAS, AND GALILEO by Greg Leitich Smith (Little Brown, 2003)

Elias, Shohei, and Honoria have always been a trio united against That Which Is The Peshtigo School. But suddenly it seems that understanding and sticking up for a best friend isn’t as easy as it used to be. Elias, reluctant science fair participant, finds himself defying the authority of Mr. Ethan Eden, teacher king of chem lab. Shohei, all-around slacker,

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MY ROAD TRIP TO THE PRETTY GIRL CAPITAL OF THE WORLD by Brian Yansky (Cricket, 2003)

In this journey to the self (and from Iowa to Austin), Simon’s struggling to keep things  together. He’s skating the law, recently dumped, and dealing with a dad who just doesn’t understand. Overwhelmed, he hits the road to find his biological parents and wisdom about evil advertisers, scary giants, witches, ETs, friendship, nature/nurture, and, well, pretty girls. One part magic,

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BROWN LIKE ME by Noelle Lamperti (New Victoria Publishers, 1999)

A simple, charming text, illustrated in photographs, guides young readers through this concept book reflecting an African-American child adopted by a white family. Child’s point of view with forward by Dr. Jacqueline Wallen, Associate Professor, Department of Family Studies, University of Maryland, College Park, whose own children are “brown” and adopted. Ages 4-up.

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