I, Q: Independence Hall, by Roland Smith; Sleeping Bear Press, 2008; $8.95 (paper); www.sleepingbearpress.com. 

Quest (aka “Q”) and his stepsister Angela are thrust into the work of the Secret Service and the Israeli Mossad when Angela realizes that she is being followed. (Angela’s mother is a former Secret Service agent.) This adventure thriller grabs readers’ attention and take them on a fast-paced ride. Think Ian Fleming for younger readers. The first in the series, Independence Hall is sure to have a fast-growing following. Learn more about the series and keep up with what’s new at www.IQtheSeries.com.
 

by Sherry North, illustrated by Marcellus Hall; Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2008; $15.95; www.hnabooks.com. A mother shares her wishes for her baby in this celebration of a parent’s love for a child.

Never Take a Shark to the Dentist (and Other Things Not to Do), by Judi Barrett, illustrated by John Nickle; Atheneum/Simon & Schuster, 2008; $16.99; www.simonsayskids.com. Funny, self-explanatory truths about animals spring from the mind of the beloved author of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. Among the things that you should “never, ever, ever do” are to sit next to a porcupine on the subway or hold hands with a lobster. Children will join in the silliness and come up with equally humorous aphorisms of their own.

written by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by David Gordon, Loren Long and David Shannon; Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, 2008; $16.99; www.simonsays.com. Big trucks Jack and Dan spend the day doing what they do best – smashing, crashing and playing.

Meet Rebecca, by Jacqueline Dembar Greene, illustrated by Robert Hunt, vignettes by Susan McAliley; American Girl, 2009, $6.95 (paper); www.americangirl.com. 

The newest “American Girl” is Rebecca Rubin, a lively 9-year-old girl growing up in a big Jewish family in New York City in 1914. She longs to be the center of attention, but that’s not easy with four siblings. Cousin Max, an actor, tells her the secret to pleasing an audience, and Rebecca can’t wait to try out his advice. This historical character encourages girls to “stand tall, reach high, and dream big.” Included at the back of the book are a nonfiction piece about New York in 1914 and a glossary. Fans of the American Girl Series won’t want to miss this newest addition.
 

B-books; $7.95/issue, $26/year; www.kikimag.com. This quarterly journal for ’tween girls features grooming tips and articles that empower readers to develop their own personal styles and gain self-confidence. Each issue highlights a different international destination, from fashion capitals to countries with fascinating cultures, customs and dress.

Finding Lincoln, by Ann Malaspina, illustrated by Colin Bootman; Albert Whitman, 2009; $16.99; www.albertwhitman.com. 

Louis has to write an essay about Abraham Lincoln, but it’s 1951 in Alabama and African Americans can’t use the “whites only” public library. When Louis tries to visit the library, he is turned away. But one librarian tells him to “come back tomorrow after five.” When Louis returns, the librarian has selected just the right book for his assignment.

Author’s notes provide information about similar events and about Lincoln. The illustrator, Colin Bootman, is a former Coretta Scott King Honor artist. This historical fiction picture book showcases injustice and bravery, and celebrates the joy of libraries and the passion of librarians.

“A perfect book to celebrate Martin Luther King’s and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays.”
– Librarian
 

by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by Pascal Lemaitre; Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, 2008; $14.99; www.simonsays.com. In what might be the funniest book of the year, a bear named Ted pronounces himself Doctor and goes on to misdiagnose everyone he meets.

by Robert D. San Souci, illustrated by Daniel San Souci; August House, 2008; $16.95; www.augusthouse.com. Master storyteller Robert San Souci provides a fun and lighthearted retelling of a Brothers Grimm tale that’s full of amusing absurdity and good intentions gone awry.

by Andrea Beaty; Amulet Books/Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2008; $15.95; www.hnabooks.com. Lily hasn’t spoken since her brother died, but she keeps busy reading every Nancy Drew book in the library. Then, Lily has the chance to solve a mystery and make a friend in this poignant story with memorable characters.