57th Street Books, 1301 E. 57th St., Chicago, 773-684-1300
1. The Calder Game by Blue Balliett, illustrated by Brett Helquist (Scholastic, $17.99) Chicago author Blue Balliett weaves another sophisticated art mystery for middle readers.
2. When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris (Little, Brown, $25.99): The humorous essayist recounts quirky events from his life.
3. Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson (Picador, $14 paper): Past and present mingle in this novel about a 67-year-old Norwegian man who moves from the city to a remote cabin.
4. The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama (Three Rivers, $14.95 paper): Details policy positions of the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee.
5. Sin in the Second City: Madams, Ministers, Playboys, and the Battle for America’s Soul by Karen Abbott (Random House, $15 paper): Sex and opulence in turn-of-the-century Chicago.
