The Hired Hand

Written by: Robert San Souci and Jerry Pinkney

First line: Down Virginia Way, there once was a sawmill by a stream at the edge of the forest.

Why you should read this book: An African-American take on the old fairy tale theme of the magical healing ritual and the stolen charm that goes awry when not perfectly repeated, this is an exciting book for little kids who can handle a little death and uncertainty. Young Sam is a terrible employee and a terrible boss who lets his father, Old Sam, down again and again; the New Hand is a magical young fellow who will restore the balance, but only after Young Sam crosses the line, suffers a little, and sees the error of his ways. Gorgeous illustrations and nice use of dialect combine to bring the story to life and create a sense of place and time.

Why you shouldn't read this book: Your dad's the boss, so that makes you infallible and untouchable.