Do you remember your first book crush? You know, the first time a book completely captured your imagination, transported you to a magical place, or introduced you to a lifelong friend you will never forget? In Book Crush , popular librarian and reading enthusiast Nancy Pearl reminds us why we fell for reading in the first place—how completely consuming and life-changing a good book can be. Pearl offers more than 1,000 crush-worthy books organized into over 100 recommended reading lists aimed at youngest, middle-grade, and teen readers. From picture books to chapter books, YA fiction and nonfiction, Pearl has developed more smart and interesting thematic lists of books to enjoy. Parents, teachers, and librarians are often puzzled by the unending choices for reading material for young people. It starts when the kids are toddler and doesn’t end until high-school graduation. What’s good, what’s not, and what’s going to hold their interest? Popular librarian Nancy Pearl points the way in Book Crush . The well-known adult readers' advisory expert attempts to extend her range into the world of youth. Immediately, quibbles arise. Why list only a few "Dragon Tales" for the middle readers, leaving out the dynamite series by Susan Fletcher, Jane Yolen, and Laurence Yep? Why isn't Ji-li Jiang's Red Scarf Girl listed in the section on memoirs for teens? Since Pearl mostly lists sequels when she mentions a title, did she really think that the sequel to Daniel Pinkwater's The Hoboken Chicken Emergency didn't deserve to be included? Why not point out the offensive qualities of Lynne Reid Banks's "The Indian in the Cupboard" series when you issue a caveat in your introduction about books published before 1960 having some offensive aspects for Native Americans? Why not include Jessica Haas and K. M. Peyton novels in the section on horses for middle readers along with old classics? Why are the teen "Queens of Fantasy" Mercedes Lackey and Tamora Pierce here, but not Anne McCaffrey? Why include M. T. Anderson's Feed in the section for middle readers? Many of the titles are old and out of print, which will ensure interlibrary loan in many locations. Among youth services professionals this volume will start lots of arguments and should be soon filled with sticky notes. Knowledgeable readers won't need it, but for those new to the field or who have a hard time thinking in readers' advisory categories, it could prove useful to get the juices flowing.— Carol A. Edwards, Douglas County Libraries, Castle Rock, CO Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. "A self-confessed ‘readaholic,’ Pearl lets us benefit from her addiction. May she never seek recovery." –Booklist "Read this, then go get a good book" –Christian Science Monitor Nancy Pearl created the program "If All of Seattle Read the Same Book," which has spread across America and around the world. She talks about books and reading on NPR’s "Morning Edition" and on other public radio stations. Pearl teaches at the University of Washington and inspires readers across the country. She is the author of several books, including Book Lust, More Book Lust, and George & Lizzie. Pearl lives in Seattle with her husband.