By Mona Bronson Fuqua
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Laketa Cole, Cincinnati councilwoman since April

Black Leaders of the Twentieth Century, August Meier and John Hope Franklin (editors) (University of Illinois Press; $18.95)

A history of black leaders from the well- known, including journalist/civil rights advocate Ida B. Wells, to the obscure, such as businessman Charles Clinton Spaulding.

"This was a gift from (former Councilman) Tyrone Yates in 2000 while I was still an aide." Cole says.

Friends such as Judge William McClain and (former Mayor) Dwight Tillery have always encouraged her to read as much as possible about leadership.

Casey Kuhn, Age 11, White Oak Middle School

The Carnivorous Carnival (A Series of Unfortunate Events, Book 9), Lemony Snicket (HarperCollins; $10.99) and Song of the Unicorns, Rachel Roberts (Client Distribution Services; $4.99)

One of the top readers in the Monfort Heights Branch Library's summer program, Casey is reading books from two different series. Song of the Unicorns is about mythical animals and magic. Carnivorous Carnival follows three orphans ' misadventures.

"I really like the Harry Potter books and both of these are kind of like Harry."