Kids' Next List

This engaging middle grade book imagines the lives of Thomas Jefferson's children by his slave Sally Hemings. Although they occupied a position of privilege in the slave hierarchy at Monticello, Bradley makes it clear that they were still subject to sub-human treatment. As the children grew up, they confronted their mother with difficult questions, and she devised a plan for them to live in freedom.

Deborah Johnson, Barston's Child's Play

Take 50 incredible artists, give them each a classic nursery rhyme, and let them run! Lucy Knisley turns the "Old Lady Who Lived in a Shoe" into a rock-and-roll baby sitter whose charges for the band "The Whips." Raina Telgemeier sets "Georgie Porgie" at a birthday party that ends with a cupcake fight. Dave Roman depicts a surreal, sci-fi "One, Two, Buckle My Shoe" that is completely different from Patrick McDonnell's sweet "Donkey." A fabulous introduction to the comics format for you and old alike.

Marika McCoola, The Odyssey Bookshop

The town where Annabelle lives is a very boring place--a dull gray city where nobody wheres aything colorful at all. One day Annabelle finds a box full of yarn, so she knits herself a sweater. But she finds that she has extrea yarn left over. Soon, she is knitting sweaters for everyone and everything (even a pickup truck!) and her town is becoming brighter by the stitch. Somehow, she always has extra yarn!

Maryam Yachnes, Hooray for Books!

Louisiana teen Rory Deveaux arrives in London to attend Wexford Academy just as a series of Jack the Ripper copycat murders grips the city. Rory may hold the key to finding the murderer. A ghost story with a twist, this is sophisticated and sassy, with more than enough suspense to keep you madly turning pages. I can't wait for the next book!

Joanne R. Fritz, Chester County Book and Music Company

I loved this story about unlikely friends, each lonely and trapped by labels--trailer trash, brainy dork, and bluefish. I cared deeply about these characters who are struggling not to be defined by their past expectations, and I cheered for their unconventional teacher who provoked them into seeing their future possibilities. A great book for fans of Katharine Hannigan and Gary Schmidt.

Ellen Davis, Dragonwings Bookstore