Promises to Keep: How Jackie Robinson Changed America, by Sharon Robinson
0-439-42592-1, $16.95, Scholastic Press, Ages 9–12

A warm, intimate portrait of America's sports icon, told from the unique perspective of a unique insider: Jackie Robinson's only daughter.

Promises to Keep is the story of Jackie Robinson's hard-won victories in baseball, business, politics, and civil rights. It looks at the inspiring effect the legendary Brooklyn Dodger had on his family, his community…his country. This intimate and uplifting book includes photos from the Robinson family archives and never before published family letters.

"…her private view of her father's accomplishments, placed within the context of American sport and social history, makes for absorbing reading…"
--Booklist, February 15, 2004 STARRED REVIEW

Read this month's "From the Editor's Desk" article by the editor who worked on this exceptional book.

Powerful Words: More Than 200 Years of Extraordinary Writing by African Americans, edited by Wade Hudson, illus. by Sean Qualls, foreword by Marian Wright Edelman
0-439-40969-1, $19.95, Scholastic Nonfiction, Ages 9–12

Powerful Words gathers together the dynamic, timely, eloquent, and enduring writings of more than 30 African Americans from colonial times to today. Through this impressive collection, readers can explore the many essential aspects of the African-American odyssey: the courageous struggle against slavery, discrimination, and racism; the shaping of a national African-American community; and the enormous contributions African Americans have made to help America grow.

Included in this selection is the writing of historical figures such as Dred Scott, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, and Langston Hughes, along with contemporary figures like Marian Wright Edelman and Lauren Hill.

I Love You, Too! by Eve Bunting, illus. by Melissa Sweet
0-439-45086-1, $8.95, Cartwheel Books, Ages 3-5

A story that celebrates the love between a mother and her child.

Little Brown Puppy loved his mama very much, and so he got her the best present he could find. A big, beautiful bone. The proud little puppy tells all his friends about the present he gave to his mama. Now all of his friends want to find presents for their mamas, too!

"An adorable small volume is just the right size for little hands and says just the right words for little voices…Sweet's limpid and winsome images, in bright washes of color, balance the text without being cloying."
--Kirkus Reviews, December 15, 2003

Wonders and Miracles: A Passover Companion, written and compiled by Eric. A. Kimmel, illus. with art spanning 3,000 years
0-439-07175-5, $18.95, Scholastic Press, All Ages

Passover is a beloved holiday that millions of people from all over the world have celebrated for centuries. The customs and rituals that are practiced today are a reflection of those many people, places, and times that came before.

Award-winning writer Eric A. Kimmel presents this ancient festival through stories, songs, poems, prayers, and commentary, which makes this timeless, ever-changing holiday understandable and relevant to today's readers.

"Handsomely designed with colorful reproductions…this informative and interesting volume is one to own and bring to the Seder table for generations for come…A truly wonderful and outstanding achievement."
--Kirkus Reviews, January 15, 2004 STARRED REVIEW

"This inviting, handsome, and informative compendium should find a place of honor in every library."" --School Library Journal, February 2004, STARRED REVIEW

Also available by Eric A. Kimmel:

Gershon's Monster, illus. by John J Muth 0-439-10839-X
When Mindy's Saved Hanukkah, illus. by Barbara McClintock 0-590-37136-3

Ruby in Her Own Time, by Jonathan Emmett, illus. by Rebecca Harry
0-439-57915-5, $15.95, Scholastic Press, $15.95

Mother Duck and Father Duck are worried about Ruby. As the littlest duckling of the family, she learns to eat and swim long after her four sisters and brothers. Father Duck frets that Ruby will never catch up, but Mother Duck calmly reassures him that Ruby will flourish — "in her own time."

Readers of all ages who have ever felt like the biggest or the littlest, the slowest or the fastest, or somewhere in between, will root for Ruby as she takes wing toward independence, at last.

"Adults will appreciate the reassuring and timeless message of honoring one's own rhythm in growing up. This message is not new, yet has a freshness and life all its own."
--Kirkus Reviews, January 1, 2004

Forest Explorer: A Life-Sized Field Guide, by Nic Bishop
0-439-17480-5, $17.95, Scholastic Press, Ages 5 and Up

In a dramatic follow-up to the award-winning Backyard Detective, explore the mini-wilds of the forest with this unique photographic nature guide. Seven dramatic life-size habitat scenes capture more than 130 tiny animals, from aphids and beetles to slugs and toads, just as they appear in nature. Expert tips on beginner forest exploration and a stunning picture index make this an exciting and informative field guide.

"Both budding naturalists and fans of Walter Wick's I Spy series will linger over this spectacular woodland foray."
--Booklist, January 1, 2004

Also available by Nic Bishop:

Backyard Detective: Critters Up Close 0-439-17478-3
Red-Eyed Tree Frog 0-590-87175-7

Agent A to Agent Z, by Andy Rash
0-439-36882-0, $16.95, Arthur A. Levine Books, Ages 4–8

It's spy vs. spy in an alphabetical adventure for junior James Bonds.

Agent A is on a mission, eyeing spies with great suspicion. Which of them is unofficial, lacking words with their initial? Agent A consults a list to make sure that no spy is missed: Agent B must be all right, defusing Bombs which were alight. Through the alphabet A goes, dodging dangers, facing foes. Will he find the fake in time? He'll need your help to solve the crime! A spy delight for every age, with Bond-dry wit on each new page.

The Hippo-Not-Amus, by Tony & Jan Payne, illus. by Guy Parker-Rees
0-439-56418-2, $15.95, Orchard Books, Ages 4–8

From the bestselling illustrator of Giraffes Can't Dance comes a silly story about a young hippo trying to be everything he's not.

Portly didn't ask to be a hippo; he was just born that way. And frankly, he's starting to find being a hippo kind of boring. So Portly begins a journey to figure out just what kind of animal he should be, and along the way meets all kinds of creatures.

This heartwarming story of a youngster searching for his identity and trying to be somebody he's not will strike a chord with all readers, while the repetitive, silly text and bright, zany illustrations make this an infectiously fun read.

Other books illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees:

Down By the Cool of the Pool, by Tony Mitton 0-439-30915-8
Giraffes Can't Dance, by Giles Andreae 0-439-28719-7
Dinosaurumpus! by Tony Mitton 0-439-39514-3
K is Kissing a Cool Kangaroo, by Giles Andreae 0-439-53126-8
Quiet! by Paul Bright 0-439-54512-9

The Year of Secret Assignments, by Jaclyn Moriarty
0-439-49881-3, $16.95, Arthur A. Levine Books, Ages 12 and Up

The hilarious follow-up to the #1 bestseller Feeling Sorry for Celia.

Lydia, Emily, and Cassie have always shared everything — guy problems, skipping school, even Significant Secret Assignments. But when they're given pen pals at rival Brookfield High, they write forth in individual style.

It turns out their pen pals are just as distinctive. And what starts out as a simple letter exchange leads to spy missions, false alarms, lock picking, legal drama, parental edicts, mistaken identities, and all-out war between the schools.

"Moriarty's characters speak in voices as playful and inventive as the novel's format…an exhilarating pace, irrepressible characters, and a screwball humor that will easily attract teens…"
--Booklist, January 1, 2004 STARRED REVIEW

The Young Man and the Sea, by Rodman Philbrick
0-439-36829-4, $16.95, The Blue Sky Press, Ages 9 and Up

With a nod to Hemingway, award-winning novelist Rodman Philbrick, author of Freak the Mighty, presents a dramatic story about a determined boy who refuses to give up, despite overwhelming odds.

Skiff Beaman has a boatload of problems. Ever since his mother died, his father can't seem to get off the TV couch — he'd rather drink beer and sleep all day. When the Mary Rose, his fishing boat, sinks at the dock, it's up to Skiff to take care of everything by himself.

Unfortunately Skiff's lobster traps won't earn him nearly enough to recover the Mary Rose. But suddenly he realizes there are bigger fish in the sea…bluefin tuna. If Skiff can somehow catch one, he just might save the Mary Rose — and get his family back on its feet again.

"This exellent maritime bildungsroman has all the makings of a juvenile classic: wide-open adventure, heart-pounding suspense, and just the right amount of tear-jerking pathos…A great read-aloud, a natural for classroom use, and a must-have for all collections.":
--School Library Journal, February 2004 STARRED REVIEW

Also available by Rodman Philbrick:

The Last Book in the Universe 0-439-08758-9 (HC) 0-439-08759-7 (PB)
Freak the Mighty 0-590-47412-X (HC) 0-439-28606-9 (PB)
Max the Mighty 0-590-57964-9
The Fire Pony 0-590-56862-0

Moses: The Long Road to Freedom, retold by Ann Keay Beneduce, illus. by Gennady Spirin
0-439-35225-8, $16.95, Orchard Books, All Ages

This beautiful, elegant retelling of the story of Moses includes spectacular watercolor illustrations.

In ancient Egypt, when a young mother frees her baby boy from the hands of slavery, his life as a great leader begins. The baby is rescued by the daughter of the Pharaoh and is named Moses. He is raised like an Egyptian prince. Years later God declares that Moses must free the Hebrew slaves from Egyptian rule.

"The volume's exquisite design includes some illustrated pages with panels incorporating passages of biblical text and smaller spot illustrations at the bottom of many pages adding details and visual interest."
--Kirkus Reviews, January 15, 2004

Charlie Bone and the Invisible Boy, by Jenny Nimmo
0-439-54526-9, $9.95, Orchard Books, Ages 8–12

The third book in the Children of the Red King series, Charlie Bone and the Invisible Boy offers more magical fantasy that is fast paced and easy to read.

This semester at Bloor's Academy brings a few changes. There is a new art teacher, Mr. Boldova, and a new student named Belle, who lives with the Yewbeam aunts and seems to have strange power over them. Emma and Charlie soon discover Mr. Boldova's secret identity: He is the older brother of Ollie Sparks, the boy who lives in the attic of Bloor's Academy. Ollie had always been prying into matters that didn't concern him, so Ezekiel Bloor had made him invisible. When Charlie and his friends find him, Ollie is alone and hungry, so they promise to help him become visible again.

Also available by Jenny Nimmo:

Midnight for Charlie Bone 0-439-47429-9
Charlie Bone and the Time Twister 0-439-49687-X

Hidden Roots, by Joseph Bruchac
0-439-35358-0, $16.95, Scholastic Press, Ages 9–12

We are excited to welcome acclaimed Native-American author Joe Bruchac to the Scholastic list. Hidden Roots tells the story of 11-year-old Sonny, a shy boy whose father's sudden rages are becoming more and more frequent.

The love of his fragile mother, the support and protection of his Uncle Louis, and an unexpected friendship with a librarian help Sonny gain the confidence to confront hidden family secrets and discover the truth about his Native-American roots, as well as the people in his family's past who tried to destroy their heritage.

Set in upstate New York in the 1950s, Hidden Roots is a novel that illuminates a startling truth about our history as only Joe Bruchac can tell it.

"This purposeful but discerning book will prompt discussion and further research into the plight of the Native people from the Green Mountain State."
--School Library Journal, February 2004

Geronimo Stilton has taken Europe by storm! Now he's published in America, too! Introducing a new series of early reader chapter books from international best-selling mouse, author, and adventurer, Geronimo Stilton. The first four titles are out this month, with a new title to follow each month hereafter. Each adventure story will have full-color illustrations on every page.

Geronimo Stilton series, by Geronimo Stilton, illus. by Matt Wolf and Larry Keys $5.99, Scholastic Paperbacks, Ages 7–10
In each humorous, action-packed tale, author Stilton recounts his many adventures in and around Mouse Island, where he lives with his sister Thea, his nephew Benjamin, and his cousin Trap.

Geronimo's adventures will continue in March with Four Mice Deep in the Jungle.

#1 Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye 0-439-55963-4
Geronimo's sister, Thea, discovers a map that reveals a treasure on a faraway island. Before Geronimo can squeak in protest, Thea drags him into her treasure hunt.

#2 The Curse of the Cheese Pyramid 0-439-55964-2
Geronimo is in Egypt, where he will interview a famous archaeologist. Geronimo soon finds himself lost inside the Great Cheese Pyramid!

#3 Cat and Mouse in a Haunted House 0-439-55965-0
Only Geronimo could get lost in a dark, spooky forest and stumble on an old castle that is haunted by cats!

#4 I'm Too Fond of My Fur! 0-439-55966-9
Geronimo travels around the world to visit Mouse Everest and gets kidnapped by a yeti!

The Keys to the Kingdom #2: The Grim Tuesday, by Garth Nix
0-439-43655-9, $5.99, Scholastic Paperbacks, Ages 9–12

In the second book of The Keys to the Kingdom series, Arthur hopes he will never have to return to the strange house that nearly killed him on Monday - the house that contains an entire world. But Tuesday brings new challenges - in the form of an enemy named Grim Tuesday, who threatens the well-being of both Arthur's family and his world. Arthur must retrieve the Second Key from Grim Tuesday in order to save everything.

Praise for the first book, Mister Monday:

"…an original re-imagining of a classic sci-fi theme: the origin and purpose of the universe — and the willingness of man to circumvent that purpose for selfish gain. With a likeable unlikely hero, fast-paced plotting and a plethora of mystical oddities, this series is sure to garner a host of fans."
--Publishers Weekly, July 28th, 2003 STARRED REVIEW

Also available by Garth Nix:

The Keys to the Kingdom #1: Mister Monday 0-439-55123-4, $5.99

PUSH is our exciting paperback imprint dedicated to new authors and new voices. These books are funny, observant, heartbreaking, and heart-stopping. Just like life.
http://www.thisispush.com/

Lucky, by Eddie de Oliveira
0-439-54655-9, $6.99, PUSH, Ages 12 and Up

A clever debut for anyone who's ever fallen for a friend.

Sam is a teen boy who's attracted to both boys and girls. He doesn't know what to call himself or where he fits in. Then he meets Toby, another boy who likes boys and girls. Are they destined to be friends, more than friends, or less than friends? And what would happen if they were attracted to the same girl?

A Corner of the Universe, by Ann M. Martin
0-439-38881-3, $5.99, Scholastic Paperbacks, Ages 9–12

Ann M. Martin's phenomenal Newbery Honor book, now in paperback!

Praise for A Corner of the Universe:

"Martin delivers wonderfully real characters and an engrossing plot…This is an important book." -School Library Journal, starred review

Belle Teal by Ann M. Martin
0-439-09824-6, $5.99, Scholastic Paperbacks, Ages 9–12

Set in a rural area in 1962, this is the story of Belle Teal, a ten-year-old girl struggling with poverty, family issues, and the racial desegregation of her elementary school.

Read the biography and hear Ann M. Martin read a chapter from A Corner of the Universe.

Behind the Mountains, by Edwidge Danticat
0-439-37300-X, $6.99, Scholastic Paperbacks, Ages 11–15

Edwidge Danticat tells the story of Celiane and her family's struggles in Haiti and New York. Ms. Danticat was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, in 1969. At the age of 12 she moved to Brooklyn.

Flight to Freedom, by Ana Veciana-Suarez
0-439-38200-9, $6.99, Scholastic Paperbacks, Ages 11–15

Flight to Freedom is loosely based on Veciana-Suarez's own story of leaving Cuba during the Freedom Flights of the 1960s. Ms. Veciana-Suarez was born in Havana in 1956 and immigrated to Miami, Florida at the age of six.

Coretta Scott King Honor Book

School Library Journal Best Books of the Year 2003

To find out about Scholastic authors and illustrators, please visit Authors & Books.

We hope that you have enjoyed reading our monthly newsletter. We welcome your comments and suggestions. We would appreciate hearing what you think!

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In Canada
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Don't forget to look for the March BookUpdate. Until then, Happy Reading!