Youthful self-discovery: a host of new titles inspires young minds to march to their own drumbeats.

Ish by Peter H. Reynolds Candlewick Press, July 2004 $14, ISBN 0-763-62344-X Ages 4-8

Little Ramon loves to draw, but when his brother pokes fun at one of his creations, Ramon is crestfallen and decides to renounce his art. It takes his savvy little sister to help Ramon realize that art is open to many interpretations. An absolutely charming look at a young artist is whimsically illustrated by Reynolds.

Poe Park by Agnes Martinez Holiday House, October 2004 $16.95, ISBN 0-823-41834-0 Ages 8-12

School is out for Enoch Morales, and he is just at the beginning of what promises to be a summer of lazy fun with his best friend, Spencer. When circumstances take a sudden and tragic turn, how will Enoch pull himself out of the darkness? In a poignant and well-written story, Martinez captures the voice of the spirited 11-year-old Enoch.

Precious and the Boo Hag by Patricia C. McKissack and Onawumi Jean Moss Illustrated by Kyrsten Brooker Atheneum Books for Young Readers/Ann Schwartz Books January 2005 $16.95, ISBN 0-689-85194-4 Ages 4-8

Precious is left at home alone while her mom goes to work in the fields. Will the little girl be clever enough to escape the clutches of Pruella the Boo Hag, the shape-shifting creature she has heard so much about? It's the perfect "just scary enough" story to thrill the littlest ones--with illustrations to match.

When You Were Born by Dianna Hutts Aston Illustrated by E.B. Lewis Candlewick Press, July 2004 $15.99, ISBN 0-763-61438-6

"When you were born / you came quietly, / and with eyes deep as an ocean / you looked at me, / and I looked at you,/and I thought to myself, / I know you! / And my heart heard you say, / I know you! / In that moment / I knew you were a gift / from God / and that I would love you / forever."

Overflowing with love, this is the perfect story to read aloud to remind both children and parents of the special bond they share. Rich, jewel-toned illustrations by E.B. Lewis complete the package.

Coming on Home Soon by Jacqueline Woodson Illustrated by E.B. White G.P. Putnam's Sons, October 2004 $16.99, ISBN 0-399-23748-6 Ages 5 and up

The war is on, and Ada Ruth's mother leaves town to find work out of state. The child writes letters and takes in a stray kitten to pass the time before Mama comes home.

Jump! From the Life of Michael Jordan by Floyd Cooper Philomel Books/Penguin Young Readers Group, October 2004 $15.99, ISBN 0-399-24230-9 Ages 5 and up

Back when he was a child in North Carolina, Michael Jordan's brother was the bigger, stronger athlete. Michael's determination eventually paid off big time.

Story for a Black Night by Clayton Bess Graphia/Houghton Mifflin, October 2004 $6.99, ISBN 0-618-49483-9 Ages 12 and up

An African father tells his children about a dark night long ago when evil entered his world.

Me & Neesie by Eloise Greenfield Illustrated by Jan Spivey Gilchrist Amistad/HarperCollins, January 2005 $15.99, ISBN 0-060-00701-X

First published in 1975 and now re-illustrated, this is a story about a spirited young girl and her imaginary best friend.

Double Treats From Julius Lester and Angela Johnson 

On Writing for Children and Other People by Julius Lester Dial Books for Young Readers, October 2004 $16.99, ISBN 0-803-72867-0 Ages 14 and up

Part memoir, part social critique, plus all the wisdom of a great writer, On Writing for Children and Other People is a unique look at the craft. Lester, the Newbery Honor-winning author of To Be a Slave, talks about his writing life from a very personal point of view. An excellent eye-opening read for young adult writer.

Let's Talk About Race by Julius Lester Illustrated by Karen Barbour Amistad/HarperCollins, December 2004 $15.99. ISBN 0-060-28596-6 Ages 6-10

I am so, so, so many things besides my race. lb know my story, you have to put together everything I am." Lester focuses on the importance of the human story and all of the particulars that make us who we are, regardless of race, but then reminds us that underneath it all we are the same. What shines through most? The values of respect, tolerance and the celebration of all people.

Let's Talk About Race is an enlightening read with important concepts and ideas that even younger children can ponder. Barbour's colorful paintings give visual expression to the rainbow of who we all are.

Bird by Angela Johnson. Dial Books/ Penguin Group, September 2004 $15.99, ISBN 0-803-72846 Ages 10 and up

Thirteen-year-old Bird is on a mission to find her stepfather and bring him home. Her journey uncovers other lost souls trying to fill the void in their lives, and she discovers important things about herself.

A Sweet Smell of Roses by Angela Johnson Illustrated by Eric Velasquez Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers Publishing, January 2005 $16.95, ISBN 0-689-83252-4 Ages 5-8

Two sisters slip out of their house early one morning to join Martin Luther King Jr.'s march for freedom and Justice. Johnson gives the reader a glimpse of the determination of all those men and women, and she pays tribute to their commitment. Drawings by Velasquez convey the raw emotions and help children understand the significance of that time in a not-so-distant past.