This book has a multifaceted appeal to middle-grade readers: First, it’s great story-telling! The main character of each tale is of middle-school or high-school age and faces a problem common to teens, from feeling too gangly to appeal to girls ("Teenage Chimps") to feeling ashamed of siblings and parents ("Sorry, Wrong Family"). Most stories include Hispanic characters and Spanish phrases, and the book includes a three-page translation list in the back. Stories are told from the perspective of girls and boys, yet the problems cross gender lines. The short stories make the book easy to read in short spurts — a fine competitor to TV and computers. (Ages 11-14)

This latest in Houghton Mifflin’s "Scientist in the Field" series features scientists and their work at the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in central Iowa. Collard’s photography captures multiple aspects of refuge life: a controlled burn, animal activity, workers, wildflowers and butterflies, to name a few. His text tells a good story, but the nature and people photography will open many readers’ eyes to a whole new world. (Ages 8-12)

Mayo’s colorful illustrations make this book, but special children’s features add to its charm. Large-font story type blends well with the pictures, but some pages contain even larger type with simple phrases or sentences for beginning readers. Each story has a Bible citation on which the tale is based, and some stories have small matching or sorting games for nonreaders. For example, "How many colors can you see?" is under the illustration of Joseph’s coat of many colors. The book works especially well if older readers read along or read aloud. (Ages 3-8)

From the opening paragraph, this first-person tale of a teenage boy fighting poverty and an alcoholic father will draw in the reader. Deuker addresses additional issues of friendship, survival and values with realism. A compelling plot will keep teens turning pages as they see how Chance Taylor finds his way. (Ages 12-15)

This is possibly the most clever book of poetry I have ever read in my life! From acrostics to haiku to rhymes to free verse, Lewis proves himself to be an accomplished wordsmith with an unlimited imagination. Each poem has something to do with reading, books or stories. Stone’s colorful and humorous paintings make this book, to steal the title of one poem, "Ab-so-lu-tas-ti-cal!" It is billed as a book for beginning readers, but, as Lewis writes, "A children’s book is a classic/If at six, excitedly/You read it to another kid/Who just turned sixty-three." (All ages)

The star siblings of tennis offer value-based and inspirational advice on topics from that range from "Beware of Dream Stealers" to "Don’t Rush a Crush" to "Love the Skin You’re In" and "Step Back, Setbacks." Each of the 10 chapters has a "sister rule," such as "Trophies don’t tell whether I’m a winner. I win by doing right by me." The Williams sisters offer some frank advice based very much on family values. The book is incredibly teen savvy: colorful photographs and graphics; pull-out, inspirational quotes; sections with quizzes and advice. Even teens who don’t like to read will pick up this book. (Ages 11-16)

Conan accomplishes the unlikely task of weaving together interesting facts and praise for creation in a book about — you guessed it — insects and other crawling creatures. Simple, rhyming verse and colorful, humorous illustrations combine to make a fun book for early readers or a read-aloud for nonreaders. The back few pages include games and recipes ("Tasty Spider Cookies") as well as "Fun Facts About Creepy Crawlies." Your child will be bugging you to read it! (Ages 3-6)

When in doubt, go with a Newbery Award-winning author: Lowry’s Gooney Bird Greene character makes her second appearance, this time as Mrs. Pidgeon’s second-grade class gets ready for the Thanksgiving pageant. Gooney Bird, who likes to be right in the middle of things, finds a room mother so she can star as Squanto, but the room mother’s identity remains a secret until the end. Lowry captures the give-and-take of a classroom full of characters and a very patient teacher. (Ages 7-9)

"Morgy" is a tale of a boy and his dog. It’s a tale of friendship, families, hockey and bravery. Lewis’ strength seems to be finding the humor in everyday life: coaxing a greyhound down the steps, reading aloud the lunch menu. She also catches the humor in family dynamics, and some of the "dialogue" between Morgy’s twin siblings is priceless. Chesworth’s black-and-white illustrations add to Morgy’s series of little adventures as he adjusts to life on the East Coast. (Ages 8-10)