Maine authors and illustrators of children’s books offer a nostalgic remembering of the life of young Italian immigrants in turn-of-the-century New York and a present-day look at cultures around the world. A spellbinding novel for young adults uses a Maine setting for a ghostly tale based on a true-life story.

COAL MINE PEACHES, by Michelle Dionetti, illustrated by Anita Riggio, Orchard, 32 pages, $14.95, ages 4-8.

This book presents a loving remembrance of childhood days in the bosom of a large Italian family. Written by Maine resident Dionetti, it takes you back to the turn of the century when young immigrants landed in New York to seek their fortunes and a better life for their families. Dionetti was born legally blind and says she had “a dreamy but unreliable view” of the world and inventing stories helped her comprehend it. She excells at finding words for these stories and binds them up in this loving embrace of a book.

TALKING WALLS, by Mary Burns Knight, illustrated by Anne Sibley O’Brien, Tilbury House, 36 pages, $16.95, ages 7-10.

Knight of Winthrop and O’Brien of Peaks Island have joined forces to introduce young readers to a variety of world cultures by exploring the political, religious and aesthetic significance of 14 walls around the world. Presented are the Great Wall of China, the Western or “Wailing” Wall in Jerusalem, the wall murals of Mexican painter Diego Rivera, and others. Each continent is represented. Large vibrant pastel illustrations make powerful visual statements, while the accompanying text provides further information in a clear, concise manner. The book ends with additional information about each wall and a map highlighting their locations. A unique addition to children’s literature which celebrates the diversity of life upon this planet.

ACQUAINTED WITH THE NIGHT, by Sollace Hotze, Clarion, 230 pages, $13.95, ages 12 and up.

As this story opens, 17-year-old Molly Todd awaits the arrival by ferry of her 21-year-old double cousin, Caleb McLaughlin. He has spent time in Vietnam, was discharged with a Silver Star and a Purple Heart and has returned to “Plum Cove Island” in Maine to heal. Their paths are soon crossed by mysterious apparitions of a young girl and an old woman. A diary and information from local natives lead them to the realization that these ghostly appearances are two forms of one person, Evaline Bloodsworth, who lived on the property in the early 1800s.

Her life circumstances were extremely sad, involving a child who was the product of the rape of a cruel mill overseer, resulting in her ostracism by the residents of her community. Molly and Caleb are emotionally drawn to the plight of Evaline and sense that she is attempting to contact them for a special purpose. This purpose becomes clear as they find themselves falling in love.

Struggling with the desire they feel for each other, they finally realize that Evaline is trying to forewarn them away from the consequences which would befall them should they act upon their emotions. “Acquainted With the Night” is a suspenseful mystery based upon a true story; a realistic portrayal of the difficulties which face many Vietnam veterans; and a powerful story of forbidden love.

Judy Eyerer is a free-lance writer who resides in Bangor.