In this article, the author, Roger Soder, discusses past books he has read throughout the year on his own and with his book club. He also makes suggestions for summer reading selections. He thanks valued and nearby colleagues and friends for blessing him with books of great wisdom throughout the year.

Advises administrators to use their summers to relax and recharge their intellectual batteries. Reading suggestions include Edith Wharton's "House of Mirth," Charlotte Perkins Gilman's "The Yellow Wallpaper," Amy Tan's "Joy Luck Club," China Achebe's "Things Fall Apart," Paule Marshall's "The Chosen…

Reviews the title novel as a rare example of contemporary fiction for children with its chastened prose and suggestive details. (CRH)

Identifies the qualities in DeJong's children's books that make them equal to adult books in the depth of emotion they cover. (CRH)

Reviews in brief new paperbacks and issues of previously reviewed hardcovers. Gives age level recommendations. (CRH)

Reviews K.M. Peyton's novel as worthwhile reading despite some dated plot contrivances. (CRH)

Reviews at length books for younger readers dealing with animals such as hippopottami and opossums. Also reviews books on mosses and plant pathology. (CRH)

Describes the text and the suitability of recent books that deal with the subjects of eagles, insect's bodies, geology, human anatomy, and redwoods. (CRH)

This farewell column reviews the form of fiction that dominates children's literature--the short story. Explains why the column's author is giving it up to pursue his own writing. (CRH)

Reviews and recommends recent new publications and rereleases of both fiction and nonfiction works for young children, older adolescents, and adults. Genres include science fiction, mysteries, and biographies. (CRH)

Reviews books that deal with the adolescent need to break the ties of family and childhood and the depiction of courage and grace required to mend broken circles or to establish new ones. (EL)

Describes new editions of classic stories by Kipling and other major authors, as well as works of nonfiction and folklore. (CRH)

In response to the question "Aren't there any happy books anymore?" this column examines the work of Elizabeth Enright and how it contains trial and conflict but still manages to convey a sense of security, reason, and humor. (CRH)

Reviews seven assorted books for an older audience. The topics include archaeology, fantastic literature, and suspense. (CRH)

Media and Methods Reviewers discuss recent paperback books in the following categories: books for young adults, media, culture and society, science fiction, and literature and language arts. (FL)