September 2002

Catalyst, by Laurie Halse Anderson. Contemporary YA. The latest from the author of Speak-and a worthy successor it is too. If you loved Melinda in Speak, you'll love Kate here.

Ashes of Roses, by Mary Jane Auch. Historical YA. Rose immigrates to New York from Ireland and goes to work at the Triangle Shirtwaist factory. A grim episode from American history which I haven't read about in fiction for young people before.

The Ropemaker, by Peter Dickinson. Fantasy YA. WOW! I love Dickinson's work and this is my favorite of his so far. Epic fantasy with a girl protagonist and an inventive and thought-provoking twist: Tilja has the opposite of magical powers. If you like fantasy, don't miss this one!

The Kite Rider, by Geraldine McCaughrean. Historical MG set in China. Kites, a traveling circus, Kublai Khan-a terrific adventure story. I especially appreciate the author's sensitive portrayal of both the Mongols and the Cathay Chinese-a difference little appreciated in the west.

The Same Stuff as Stars, by Katherine Paterson. Contemporary MG. I'll read anything by this author-and am never disappointed. Echoes of Gilly and Jess and Leslie, yet a story all its own, and the title is based on a concept near and dear to my heart.

Adult titles:

Patience & Fortitude, by Nicholas Basbanes. Nonfiction, the history of libraries.

Kitchen Confidential, by Anthony Bourdain. Memoirs of a bad-boy chef.

Letters to a Fiction Writer, edited by Frederick Busch. Noted authors offer advice to those starting out.

In the Heart of the Sea, by Nathaniel Philbrick. Nonfiction, the true story on which Melville based Moby-Dick.