Nilsen (English, Arizona State U.) is among Bauer's fans, but she focuses on how Bauer creates narratives and characters that appeal to teens. Nilsen gives teachers of young adult readers, librarians and the readers themselves an illuminating interview with the author, a well-balanced critique of Bauer's short stories and essays on each of her eight novels (to date), including the award-winning Squashed, Thwonk (Bauer's favorite), Sticks, Rules of the Road, Backwater, Hope Was Here, Stand Tall and Best Foot Forward. From Nilsen's assessment it is obvious that Bauer's topics, such as the trials and tribulations of learning how to drive in Rules of the Road, comes from the heart of a storyteller who is truly on the side of the kids. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) Read Less