The master of children's historical fiction spins a tale of greed and exploitation in the Spanish New World for young readers. As Maya villages throughout Central America submit to Spanish might, a young Jesuit missionary struggles with his own ambition -- and with his growing suspicion that he, too, is a willing oppressor. O'Dell exhibits a quiet rage at racial injustice, as well as his trademark unwillingness to coddle. The result is this tough, compelling young-adult book.  (MYA27, $17.00)

Maya