 Of Numbers and Stars: The Story of Hypatia. D. Anne Love. Illustrated by Pam Paparone. Holiday House. 32pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-8234-1621-9, $16.95. (P) Hypatia was born in fourth-century CE Alexandria, Egypt, where few women were educated; however, her father vowed to teach her everything he knew. She became a respected and sought-after teacher of mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy.

 Through Georgia’s Eyes by Rachel Rodriguez. Illustrated by Julie Paschkis. Henry Holt Books for Young Readers. 32pp. Trade ISBN 0-8050-7740-5, $16.95. (P) This Georgia O’Keeffe biography recounts her journey through life from girlhood to adulthood, from her calling as an artists at a young age to her inspiration in the desert for paintings as an adult.

 Hurricane Hunters!: Riders on the Storm. Written and illustrated by Chris L. Demarest. Margaret K. McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing. 40pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-689-86168- 0, $17.95. (P) Join the pilots of “Herc,” an Air Force weather-reconnaissance squadron, as they fly their plane into the eye of a hurricane to gather valuable information. Beautiful illustrations enhance the story of this courageous effort.

 Little Mamá Forgets. Robin Cruise. Illustrated by Stacey Dressen-McQueen. Melanie Kroupa Books/Farrar, Straus and Giroux. 40pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-374-34613-3, $16.00. (P, I) Without actually using the term dementia, the author depicts the loving relationship between a little Mexican American girl and her grandmother, who has periods of forgetfulness. Caring and mutual respect underlie the storyline.

 When I Grow Up, I Will Win the Nobel Peace Prize. Written and illustrated by Isabel Pin. Farrar, Straus and Giroux. 32pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-374-38313-8, $16.00. (P) A fun way to introduce the Nobel Peace Prize to students through simplistic text. Children will also learn various ways to make a difference in the world.

 Tunjur! Tunjur! Tunjur!: A Palestinian Folktale. Margaret Read MacDonald. Illustrated by Alik Arzoumanian. Marshall Cavendish Children’s Books. 32pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-7614-5225-6, $16.95. (P) “Tunjur” is the Arabic word for cooking pot. “Tunjur! Tunjur! Tunjur!” is the imagined sound of a mischievous little pot rolling into the market. After two thieving trips, the little pot is “rewarded” with goat dung, thus teaching the pot the difference between right and wrong.

 Mia’s Story: A Sketchbook of Hopes and Dreams. Written and illustrated by Michael Foreman. Candlewick Press. 32pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-7636-3063-8, $15.99. (I, P) Although Mia and her family must harvest scrap from a city dump in Chile in order to survive, they have hopes and dreams for a better future.

 Abbie in Stitches. Cynthia Cotten. Illustrated by Beth Peck. Farrar, Straus and Giroux. 32pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-374-30004-3, $16.00. (P) In early nineteenth-century America, Abbie is expected to master needlework and create a sampler. She finds a creative way to express her dislike of stitching and her desire to read instead.  Dancing With Katya. Dori Chaconas. Illustrated by Constance R. Bergum. Peachtree Publishers. 32pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-56145-376-4, $16.95. F (Peachtree). (P) At the age of five, Katya contracts polio. The disease not only disables her body, but her spirit as well. With the aid of braces and her sister’s love, Katya slowly learns to dance and live again.

 Salaam: A Muslim American Boy’s Story. Tricia Brown. Photographs by Ken Cardwell. Henry Holt Books for Young Readers. 40pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-80506538-1, $17.95. (I, P) Photographs and simple text describe Imran’s life as a Muslim American child.

 Yoon and the Christmas Mitten. Helen Recorvits. Illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska. Frances Foster Books/Farrar, Straus and Giroux. 112pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-374-38688-7, $16.00. (P) After learning about Santa Claus in school, young Korean immigrant Yoon desperately wants a visit from this traditional American icon, and struggles as her parents wish to retain Korean traditions

 The Patch. Justina Chen Headley. Illustrated by Mitch Vane. Charlesbridge Publishing. 32pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-58089-049-6, $15.95; Library ISBN 978-1-58089-049-6, $15.95; Paperback ISBN 978-1-58089-170-7, $7.95. (P) Amblyopia causes five-year-old Becca to wear a patch. Fearful of teasing, she wears a pirate costume to school, and leads her class on a merry chase until she finally explains the need for the patch

 Jackie’s Bat. Marybeth Lorbiecki. Illustrated by Brian Pinkney. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing. 40pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-689-84102-6, $15.95. (P) The story of Jackie Robinson’s first year in the major leagues and his struggle to break the color barrier is told through the eyes of a bat boy who learns to overcome his own prejudice

 What a Family!: A Fresh Look at Family Trees. Rachel Isadora. G.P. Putnam’s Sons/Penguin Young Reader’s Group. 40pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-39924254-0, $16.99. (P) Similarities and differences within families are celebrated in this humorous book. Illustrations of diverse and expressive faces enhance the story.

 Uncle Peter’s Amazing Chinese Wedding. Lenore Look. Illustrated by Yumi Heo. Atheneum Books for Young Readers/Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing. 40pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-689-84458- 4, $16.95. (P). This gentle story of Jenny’s difficulty with the idea of sharing her favorite uncle with a new aunt reveals many Chinese wedding traditions, which are portrayed through happy- go-lucky artwork

 The White Ram: A Story of Abraham and Isaac. Written and illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein. Holiday House. 32pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-8234-1897-8, $16.95. (P) This touching legend has its roots in three great religions—Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. The white ram’s sacrifice of himself on the altar in place of Isaac illuminates qualities of honor, duty, courage, and destiny.

 Dangerous Crossing: The Revolutionary Voyage of John Quincy Adams. Stephen Krensky. Illustrated by Greg Harlin. Dutton Children’s Books. 32pp. Trade ISBN 0-525-46966-4, $16.99. (P, I) Based on the diary of John Adams, this lively account of a secret mission to France to gain support for the Revolutionary War tells the heroic story of two future presidents.

 And Tango Makes Three. Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell. Illustrated by Henry Cole. Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers. 32pp. Trade ISBN 0-689-87845-1, $14.95. (P) Roy and Silo, two male penguins at the Central Park Zoo, fall in love. When they are given an egg from a female penguin who can’t care for it, baby Tango joins their family.

 Carl the Complainer (Social Studies Connects). Michelle Knudsen. Illustrated by Maryann Cocca- Leffler. The Kane Press. 32pp. Paperback ISBN 1-57565-157-2, $4.99. (P, I) Carl learns how to turn complaints into petitions and use personal involvement, action, and voice to become a more effective citizen. Appropriate vocabulary for young children.

 Fairy Trails. Susan Middleton Elya. Illustrated by Mercedes McDonald. Bloomsbury Children’s Books. 34pp. Trade ISBN 1-58234-927-4, $16.95. (P) Captivating rhymes and illustrations introduce readers to Spanish words. A brother and sister travel through familiar fairy tales and meet such characters as Humpty Huevo and the wicked brujita of Hansel and Gretel.

 Kallaloo! A Caribbean Tale. David and Phillis Gershator. Illustrated by Diane Greenseid. Marshall Vaendish Children’s Books. 32pp. Trade ISBN 0-7614-5110-2, $16.95. (P) A delightful retelling of “Stone Soup,” done Caribbean style. In Market Square, a magical shell assists Granny in summoning various ingredients from local merchants which eventually result in free soup for all and a “happy hullabaloo!”

 Zen Shorts. Written and illustrated by Jon J Muth. Scholastic Press. 40pp. Trade ISBN 0-439- 33911-1, $16.95. F (Scholastic). (P) A giant panda named Stillwater introduces the reader to Zen Buddhism through the stories he tells three children. In turn, the stories help the children deal with their everyday interactions.

 Recess at 20 Below. Written and illustrated by Cindy Lou Aillaud. Alaska Northwest Books/Graphic Arts Center Publishing Company. 32pp. Trade ISBN 0-88240-604-3, $15.95; Paperback ISBN 0-88240-609-4, $8.95. (P) Photographs depict the wintry wonderland of children at recess in an elementary school in Alaska. Children everywhere can relate to their fun-filled times—even if the temperature is 20° below zero.

 Sled Dogs Run. Jonathan London. Illustrated by Jon Van Zyle. Walker and Company. 32pp. Trade ISBN 0-8027-8957-9, $16.95; Library ISBN 0-8027-8958-7, $17.85. (P) A young girl trains her sled dogs from puppies to adults. She starts out on her first solo run and must utilize all that she has learned to return safely. Beautifully written and illustrated.

 The Journey of the One and Only Declaration of Independence. Judith St. George. Illustrated by Will Hillenbrand. Philomel Books. 48pp. Trade ISBN 0-399-23738-0, $16.99. (P) Take a delightful romp through history as our country’s most important document is whisked from place to place by a variety of conveyances, keeping it safe for more than 200 years  Mudball. Written and illustrated by Matt Tavares. Candlewick Press. 32pp. Trade ISBN 0-7636- 2387-3, $15.99. (P, I) This little-known baseball legend highlights the plight of the underdog and reminds readers that anything is possible. Beautiful illustrations enhance this enchanting, inspirational account.

 Show Way. Jacqueline Woodson. Illustrated by Hudson Talbott. G.P. Putnam’s Sons. 48pp. Trade ISBN-0-399-23749-6, $16.99. (P) Mixed-media artwork and rhythmic narrative combine to tell a generational tale about the importance of understanding one’s heritage. An excellent look at family roots and the significance of quilts in African American history.

 Many Ways: How Families Practice Their Beliefs and Religions. Shelley Rotner and Sheila M. Kelly. Illustrated with photographs by Shelley Rotner. Millbrook Press/Lerner Publishing Group. 32pp. Trade ISBN 0-7613-2873-4, $15.95; Library ISBN 0-7613-2873-4, $15.95. (P, I) Striking, simplistic photos depict families from all parts of the world playing, working, and praying together. A great introduction for young children to our diverse global society

 Mahjong All Day Long. Ginnie Lo. Illustrated by Beth Lo. Walker and Company. 32pp. Trade ISBN 0-8027-8941-2, $16.95; Library ISBN 0-8027-8942-0, $17.85. (P) Mahjong, a game that originated in China almost a thousand years ago, connects three generations of a family as they learn and play the game together

 The Secret Seder. Doreen Rappaport. Illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully. Hyperion Books for Children. 40pp. Trade ISBN 0-7868-0777-6, $16.99. (P, I) In France during World War II, Jacques and his family try to pass as Christians, while still maintaining their religious beliefs in secret.

 HACHIKO: THE TRUE STORY OF A LOYAL DOG. Pamela S. Turner. Illustrated by Yan Nascimbene. Houghton Miffl in Company. 32pp. Trade ISBN 0-618-14094-8, $15.00. (P) While this particular story (the tale of a statue and the dog that inspired it) illustrates Japanese culture, it is an excellent starting point for investigating the origins of local or national monuments

 CANDY SHOP. Jan Wahl. Illustrated by Nicole Wong. Charlesbridge Publishing. 32pp. Trade ISBN 1-57091-508-3, $15.95. F (Charlesbridge Publishing). (P) What happens in a diverse community when somebody scrawls hurtful words on the sidewalk outside of a candy shop? For one courageous young boy it is an opportunity to take action, fight prejudice, and support an acquaintance.

 HARD HAT AREA. Written and illustrated by Susan L. Roth. Bloomsbury Children’s Books. 40pp. Trade ISBN 1-58234-946-0, $17.95. (P, I) Kristen is an apprentice ironworker who helps build a new skyscraper. Readers will learn who works at a construction site and what tools they use.

 A PRIDE OF AFRICAN TALES. Donna L. Washington. Illustrated by James Ransome. HarperCollins Children’s Books. 80pp. Trade ISBN 0-06-024929-3, $16.99; Library ISBN 0-06-024932-3, $17.89. F (HarperCollins Children’s Books). (P, I) Rich watercolors illustrate traditional folktales from different regions of Africa.  BE MY NEIGHBOR. Maya Ajmera and John D. Ivanko. Illustrated with photographs. Charlesbridge Publishing. 32pp. Trade ISBN 1-57091-504-0, $15.95. (P, I) Although the neighborhoods are different, all children of the world live in a place they call home. This book illustrates how alike children are.

 CLATTER BASH! A DAY OF THE DEAD CELEBRATION. Written and illustrated by Richard Keep. Peachtree Publishers. 32pp. Trade ISBN 1-56145-322-6, $15.95. (P) Simple words and colorful illustrations depict playful skeletons celebrating the Day of the Dead in Mexico with feasting, storytelling, and dancing.

 CIRCLE UNBROKEN. Margot Theis Raven. Illustrated by E.B. Lewis. Melanie Kroupa Books/Farrar, Straus and Giroux Books for Young Readers. 48pp. Trade ISBN 0-374-31289-3, $16.00. (P) As a grandmother teaches her granddaughter the art of sewing the sweetgrass baskets of the South Carolina and Georgia Lowcountry, readers learn about African American craft, culture, and history

 THE BULLY BLOCKERS CLUB. Teresa Bateman. Illustrated by Jackie Urbanovic. Albert Whitman and Company. 32pp. Library ISBN 0-8075-0918-3, $15.95. (P, I) Lotty devises a scheme to solve her problem of being teased by a school bully. This serves as an excellent discussion starter for elementary classrooms. Includes a page that offers suggestions for dealing with unacceptable behavior.

 HENRY AND THE KITE DRAGON. Bruce Edward Hall. Illustrated by William Low. Philomel Books. 40pp. Trade ISBN 0-399-23727-5, $15.99. F (Puffi n Books). (P, I) This gripping story set in 1920 New York City describes a clash between two rival groups of children—one from Chinatown and the other from Little Italy. The children learn that despite their differences they share a great deal.

 SAY SOMETHING. Peggy Moss. Illustrated by Lea Lyon. Tilbury House Publishers. 32pp. Trade ISBN 0-88448-261-8, $16.95. (P, I) Bullying ... what can be done about it? The author suggests that “saying something” is the way to make the teasing, the jokes, and the hurtful statements “uncool.”