Bishop has produced another inviting photo-essay, this one introducing lizards from around the world. With text on two levels and astonishing photographs that capture the telling moment, he covers their habitats, egg-laying and lack of child-rearing, their specialized bodies and behaviors, their feeding and courtship. An afterword describes his research methods, but there’s even more information on his website which also includes a list of the reference books he used. For his young readers, he has included a glossary and suggestions for further reading as well as an index in the book. Kathy Isaacs  (Publication date of October 1, 2010--for October meeting)

A calm, simply-told, easily accessible tale of David, Joseph, Franklin, and Ezell sitting-in at the Woolworth's lunch counter in 1960. Brightly illustrated with Pinkey's usual buzzing black lines amidst watercolor splotches and liberally sprinkled with sayings and truisms, this is more than just an excellent introduction to history: it's a way into a different time. Excellent back matter. --Rhona Campbell

Amy, a seventeen year-old from California, believes that the car accident that killed her father is her fault. Months later, still emotionally paralyzed from the trauma, she is asked by her mother to meet in Connecticut. Roger, the son of a family friend, has been recruited to help get Amy to the east coast. An initially tentative friendship quickly deepens and eventually forms into romance between the two as they extend their cross-country adventure. While there are some pacing issues, and other minor quibbles (cream soda is much more available in the author's mind than in reality!), this is a sweet, contemporary, and quite relatable story of growth into young adulthood. Both main characters are largely likable, and a conclusion that neither ties up everything neatly, nor demands a sequel, is appreciated. --Todd Krueger