Pictures in the Dark

Gillian Cross. Puffin Books, $5.99 (208pp) ISBN 978-0-14-038958-6

An amateur photographer discovers that a schoolmate with an abusive father can turn himself into an otter. ""With its intricate construction and its poignantly recognizable characters, this thought-provoking story will linger long in the reader's mind,"" said PW in a starred review. Ages 10-14. (July)

Featured Children's Reviews

Aubrey Hartman

Clare, the undead fox of Deadwood Forest, is cast as a monster by the local children who gather each Halloween around the forest’s edge to chant about how he “waits to feast/ On Continue reading »

Tony Keith Jr

Poet and educator Keith (How the Boogeyman Became a Poet) delivers a poignant, hip-hop-fueled collection of poetry that’s equal parts memoir, love letter, and rallying cry to Continue reading »

Randy Boyagoda

Sixteen-year-old Sabel is puzzled by tonight’s family meal, which seems to be a special spread of her and her four siblings’ favorite foods. Sickness and savagery have toppled Continue reading »

Cheryl Willis Hudson

Willis Hudson movingly exalts the power of African American spirituals in a lyrics showcase that pairs existing verses with feelings they can evoke. On the first page, a Black Continue reading »