Summer 2011 Kids Indie Next List
Summer 2011 Kids' Next List
Divergent
Veronica Roth (Katherine Tegen Books)
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“In Roth's harsh future, people are divided into five factions: Abnegation, Amity, Candor, Dauntless, and Erudite. When you reach the age of 16, you are tested to see where you are best suited and then give a choice. That choice will affect everything, including where you live, what you believe, and whom you will befriend. Beatrice grows up in Abnegation but chooses Dauntless for her future. She has no idea how dangerous that choice is for her, especially as she has tested Divergent -- showing traits of more than one faction. Divergents are wild cards. And wild cards are dangerous. This is a fast-paced all-action page-turner that held me captive from beginning to end.”
— Angela Mann, Kepler's Books & Magazine, Menlo Park, CA
By John Stephens
Knopf Books for Young Readers
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“This is a Tolkien for 10-year-olds, chock-full of giants and dwarves, heroes and villains, and all of the wizarding magic we've grown to love. When three siblings discover a book with magical properties, all the hardships of their orphaned past are overshadowed by the trials that lie ahead. Each sibling uses his or her unique strengths to overcome great obstacles, including time itself, and finds the courage to save the lives of others. Read it aloud, and the whole family will enjoy this fresh adventure that pays homage to the fantasy greats that came before.”
— Angela K Sherrill, 57th Street Books, Chicago, IL
By A. L . Weatherly
Candlewick
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“I've always harbored suspicions about angels. Angel Burn is a revelation, and we all know what they're really up to now! Weatherly has turned angel lore upside down to reveal the secrets under there twinkly robes and feathers, packing in page after page of rollicking action and creating a strong cast of characters with humor, depth, and humanity. She redefines the 'journey of self-discovery' in a dreamlike, almost schizophrenic introduction to the angel within Willow in a tight story package that promises to only get better in the next installment.”
— Elizabeth Anker, Alamosa Books, Albuquerque, NM
By Katherine Hannigan
Greenwillow Books
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“This is a book I want to hand to people and say 'just read it' because it is so difficult to put into words how truly touching and tender this story is. It's about a group of misunderstood loners, including one with a difficult secret, who find each other and are healed through friendship. Involved are a wonderful family, a secret 'hideaways,' a snarly cat, and even the game of basketball. Delly Pattison, an impossible-to-forget, self-avowed troublemaker with an imaginative and descriptive vocabulary, is the kind of character you'd like to leap off the page and into your life.”
— Pam Stilp, Boswell Book Company, Milwaukee, WI
By Lauren Myracle
Amulet Books
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“Myracle has stepped outside of her comfort zone here and pulls readers outside of theirs, too. IN a hate crime eerily reminiscent of the murder of Matthew Shepard, Cat's friend Patrick has been brutalized and left comatose. The police in her small rural town seem eager to blame 'outsiders,' so Cat decides to investigate on her own at great risk. Disturbing, suspenseful, and totally engaging, this book will spark crucial conversations among both teens and adults.”
— Banna Rubinow, The River's End Bookstore, Oswego, NY
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“The search for his grandfather's past leads Jake to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where a home for orphaned and 'peculiar' children once stood. Jake's grandfather's stories -- about invisible children, children who can command fire, children with enormous strength, and the monsters who hunt them -- can't possibly be true, but Jake's search of the island proves otherwise. This well-wrought story has just the right amount of suspense, scare-your-pants-off detail, and smart, compassionate children searching for a path forward in a twisted, topsy-turvy world.”
— Connie Brooks, Battenkill Books, Cambridge, NY
By Kevin Henkes
Greenwillow
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“What is it about the sea that makes so many things clear? In Junonia, Henkes' words and illustrations tell the beautiful story of Alice Rice and her broadening horizons. Alice always looks forward to her trip to the beach in Florida. The same people arrive each year and are almost like a family. This year, however, many of the regulars can't make it, and Alice feels like the vacation is ruined. When her 'Aunt' Kate arrives with her new boyfriend and his six-year-old daughter, who is adjusting to a few changes herself, Alice realizes that maybe her problems are worth putting aside to help out someone else. This is a beautiful pitch-perfect story.”
— Emily Grossenbacher, Lemuria Bookstore, Jackson, MS
By Libba Bray
Scholastic Press
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“Bray's newest novel deserves far more than a simple 'Gilligan's Island meets Lord of the Flies' comparison. Yes it's funny, and yes, it's scary. And of course, you won't be able to put it down until you've read the last page. But this social-comedy adventure is also a masterfully written, inspiring story about being true to yourself, no matter what.”
— Ellen Klein, Hooray for Books!, Alexandria, VA
By Michael Kaplan, Stephane Jorisch (Illus.)
Dial
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“I'm going to marry chocolate cake!' states Betty Bunny after she tries her first piece, and who can blame her? Once Betty Bunny has discovered the wonderful goodness of chocolate cake, it is all she wants, and she has problems being apart from it. The illustrations of Stephane Jorisch bring Betty Bunny's adventures with her precious chocolate cake to life, and the situations she gets herself into will have you and your child laughing out loud. This is a hilarious tribute to the most wonderful food out there, and to all of the picky eaters who won't try anything new.”
— Amber Sentance, Vero Beach Book Center, Vero Beach, FL
By Leslie McGuirk
Tricycle Press
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“McGuirk has been collecting rocks from the shore for a very long time. Her collection is the basis for this most unusual alphabet book. Rocks that look like letters of the alphabet matched with corresponding objects will inspire readers young and old to go for a walk and start their own collection. Very clever and fun!”
— Margaret Brennan Neville, The King's English, Salt Lake City, UT
Summer 2011 Kids' Next List
By John Rocco
Hyperion Books for Children
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“A normal, busy night in the big city becomes something beautiful when all the lights go out. A young girl just wants someone to play a game with her, but her family members have other things to do. Disappointed, she sits down to play video games, but is surprised when the power all over the city goes out. The whole city becomes still, and her family finds ways to entertain themselves -- together. This wonderfully illustrated story focuses on spending time together as a family and knowing when it's alright to simply slow down and enjoy life!”
— Amanda Snow, Hooray for Books!, Alexandria, VA
By Beatrice Rodriguez
Enchanted Lion Books
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“This wordless picture book continues the story began in The Chicken Thief. Hen cradles her egg while Fox remarks on the empty refrigerator. Hen entrust her egg to Fox and goes out fishing for some food, but she gets more than she bargained for when an enormous bird snares the fish she's just caught, pulling Hen away on a dangerous adventure. This is a rip-roaring tale with a fun little twist ending. Who knew that a Hen-and-Fox baby would look so cute?”
— Marika McCoola, Odyssey Bookshop, South Hadley, MA
By Catherine Thimmesh
Houghton Mifflin
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“This remarkable photo book for children combines candid shots of unusual animal friendships with brief rhymes about the quality of friendship expressed in each picture. Also included is information about the animals and their setting, situation, and behaviors. Photos come from all over the world with many different zoos represented. This is a beautiful way to explore friendship, tolerance, and compassion.”
— Leslie Reiner, Inkwood Books, Tampa, FL
By Yukiko Kato, Komako Sakai (Illus.)
Enchanted Lion Books
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“This darling story is about a little girl chasing a butterfly through a meadow. Along the way she experiences the sights, sounds, and feel of the meadow. Her sense of wonder is brought to life by artwork reminiscent of painted fabric. This is a wonderful addition to any child's bookshelf.”
— Fran Wilson, Colorado State University Bookstore, Fort Collins, CO
By Deborah Underwood, Renata Liwska (Illus.)
Houghton Mifflin
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“Add one more example to The Loud Book: the 'Let Everyone Know How Much You Love a Book Loud!' Deborah Underwood and Renata Liwska once again combine talents, this time to create the lound and standout moments in life. This is a worht companion to the creative The Quiet Book, published in 2010.”
— Rosemary Pugliese, Quail Ridge Books, Raleigh, NC
By Patrick McDonnell
Little, Brown Young Readers
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“Yes, there are other picture book biographies about Jane Goodall and her life's work with the primates, but none are as sweet, lovely, and perfectly put together as this one. McDonnell, the author and illustrator or the Mutts cartoons and numerous other books for children, combines his distinct illustration style with childhood drawings and sketches from Goodall herself to create a reading experience for children that mimics the methodology of the world-famous primatologist: Explore, discover, and observe. Me...Jane is a joy to read and is sure to satisfy even the most inquisitive of readers.”
— Carter Hasegawa, Porter Square Books, Cambridge, MA
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“Geoffrey Hayes understands children. From their sense of humor to their attention span, the Theodor Suess Geisel Award winner nails it. His words and pictures speak to children of all ages and are sure to elicit laughter. Patrick follows a little bear as he picnics with his loving mother, dodges big bully bear, and avoids naps at all costs. This is a perfect book for anyone learning to read.”
— Becky Quiroga, Books & Books, Coral Gables, FL
By Dean Hale
Bloomsbury USA Childrens Books
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“Poor Oat the Goat gets blamed for everything at Jimmy Choat's house. That's because Jimmy's parents don't understand the language of goat. It takes kindly neighbor Bert Sproat to sort out who is causing trouble and who is the real scapegoat. Silly rhymes combine with funny illustrations to create a fun read-aloud with a charming lesson in good behavior.”
— Anne Holman, The King's English, Salt Lake City, UT
By Anne Crausaz
Kane/Miller
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“This lovely book from France is a welcome addition to the American children's book market. Anyone who loves the clean lines and block colors of Charley Harper's books will enjoy the simple, fresh illustrations in the book about what each season of the year brings.”
— Laura Hansen, Bookin' It, Little Falls, MN
By Amy Krouse Rosenthal, Jen Corace (Illus)
HarperCollins
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“Equations + imagination + Amy Krouse Rosenthal = delightful! In Rosenthal's charming new book, simple arithmetic equations illuminate the elements that make life wonderful. Whether it's sharing secrets with a best friend or building a giant snowman, memorable moments are broken down into their most basic components. Rosenthal's endearing concept is caputred beautifully by Jen Corace's colorful illustrations.”
— Megan Graves, Hooray for Books!, Alexandria, VA
By Dieter Schubert
Lemniscaat USA
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“This is a wonderful wordless adventure involving a little black dog who unwittingly gets windswept around the world via a bright red umbrella. A holiday not bargained for, but one that brings many smiles as children follow the pair on their journey.”
— Jenesse Evertson, bbgb books, Richmond, VA
By Walter Dean Myers, Christopher Meyers (Illus)
Collins
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“This is a beautiful compilation of free verse, quotes, and illustrations focusing on all things 'America.' From Native Americans and their legends to the hard-won freedoms following the Civil War, many events in history are covered, teaching both children and adults about our ancestors and what it means to live in America now. The illustrations are magnificent, and history buffs will love what Walter Dean Myers and his son Christopher have created.”
— Amanda Snow, Hooray for Books!, Alexandria, VA
By Jodi Moore, Howard McWilliam (Illus.)
Flashlight Press
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“Doesn't everyone love a fun picture book set at the beach? This delightful story adds a different dimension when a dragon moves into the sandcastle built by a young boy. The boy is so excited to share his structure with his new friend, but his unimaginative parents and older sister respond to his 'discoveries' of dragon's teeth, the sound of a dragon's roar, and a feather from the dragon's wing with bland disregard. Readers know better, however! The fanciful illustrations add to this creative and charming story.”
— Cynthia Claridge, Paulina Springs Books, Sisters, OR
By 9.78142E+12
Hyperion Books for Children
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“This fun-filled book captures all of the exuberance and enthusiasm of a child's trip to the ocean. With brilliantly colored illustrations and pages crammed with information, this book is sure to please all ages.”
— Cindy Koyiades, Island Bookstore, Duck, NC
Summer 2011 Kids' Next List
By Kathryn Erskine
Philomel
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“This is a lovely tale of resilience and discovery. Mike is sent to stay with his great-aunt and uncle while his professor father goes to teach in Romania for the summer. Mike shortly finds himself the leader of a whirlwind campaign to help the local minister adopt a boy who seems hauntingly similar to himself, although he was orphaned on the other side of the world. In the process, Mike learns that appearances are rarely dependable, but that he can depend upon himself, and that a person's absolute value is measured in the people who care for you.”
— Elizabeth Anker, Alamosa Books, Albuquerque, NM
By Clete Smith
Hyperion Books for Children
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“Scrub's parents send him to stay with Grandma for the summer and help out at her backwoods bed-and-breakfast. What a surprise he gets when he meets her guests! Can Scrub keep the local sheriff (and his nice-but-nosy daughter) from discovering just where these strange tourists come from? I can't wait for the next book in this fun, new series!”
— Ellen Klein, Hooray for Books!, Alexandria, VA
By Tommy Greenwald
Roaring Brook
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“Middle school student Charlie Joe Jackson hates reading, so he devises a clever scheme involving an ice cream-loving friend who helps him with his reading assignments. After the terms of their agreement suddenly change, Charlie Joe hatches an elaborate but risky plan to avoid the reading portion of a major project. Readers will find Charlie Joe's guide to be an irresistible blend of wit and creativity that will hold their interest to the very last page.”
— Tish Gayle, The Blue Marble, Fort Thomas, KY
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“Since forever it seems, Maple has listened to Mamma sing a lullaby about the Wise Woman who has the power to grant wishes. When Lily, Maples tiny, sickly baby sister is born too early, Maple knows what she must do. In need of a miracle, she and her older sister Dawn venture off to seek the Wise Woman's magic on a journey that is filled with danger and discovery, frustration, and hope. A riveting story of a close-knit, loving family and the real source of miracles.”
— Christopher Rose, Andover Bookstore, Andover, MA
By Kirby Larson
Delacorte
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“In 1927, Japan sent 58 Japanese dolls as ambassadors of goodwill to America. This story is told from the point of view of one of those dolls, Miss Kawanaga. Miss Kawanaga finds that having a heart is a very important thing, and Larson challenges readers to see the impact of this historic gift through the eyes of the various girls who come into contact with this exquisite doll. Today, 45 dolls are accounted for and through Miss Kawanaga, Larson also issues the challenge to locate the 13 dolls that are missing.”
— Margaret Brennan Neville, The King's English, Salt Lake City, UT
By Anna Perera
Albert Whitman & Co
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“Guantanamo Boy is one of those rare reads that successfully bridge fiction and real events, making the story even more vivid in the telling. Khalid is a normal 15-year-old English boy who loves soccer and computer games and has a crush on a girl at school. Soon after 9/11, on a trip to Pakistan to visit family, Khalid is kidnapped, tortured, and eventually incarcerated at the Guantanamo Bay prison for terrorists. Terrorism and its consequences on the innocent are brought into stark focus in this must-read for young adults with great crossover potential for adults as well.”
— Becky Anderson, Anderson's Bookshop, Naperville, IL
By Tim Angleburger
Amulet Books
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“The 'loosening' of a corset sets the tone for another hilarious story by the author of the bestseller The Strange Case of Origami Yoda. At Smugwick Manor life is very nice if you are a Luggertuck, but very not nice if you are a lowly kitchen servant like Horton Halfpott. As M'Lady's corset loosens, so do the rules at the manor, allowing for a series of thefts that get Horton arrested just as the love of his life, Celia, is about to be kidnapped. A clever entertainment with important life lessons for all ages.”
— Karen Briggs, Great Northern Books and Hobbies, Oscoda, MI
By Emily Jenkins, Harry Bliss (Illus.)
Balzer + Bray
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“Starting fourth grade without your best friend can be pretty scary. On the other hand, finding an invisible furry creature in the corner of your family's ice cream shop can be very cool. Hank's delight at actually having a real, live invisible friend makes this a warm and funny narrative. The tale of their adventures, fears, errors and triumphs while searching for edible squash and battling the school bully is sure to win young fans and parents alike.”
— Jeanne Snyder, Books & Books, Coral Gables, FL
By Kate Messner
Scholastic
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“Third-grader Marty McGuire prefers fishing in the creek to putting on pink frilly dresses and acting ladylike. When she is chosen for the lead in her class play and must wear a tiara, Marty determines to put her own twist on the production, with hilarious results. Messner has introduced a spunky new character that young readers will take to their hearts and eagerly await her next adventure.”
— Kathy Carrigan, Books & Company, Oconomowoc, WI
By John Boyne, Oliver Jeffers (Illus.)
David Fickling Books
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“Noah, age eight, runs away from a difficult reality at home to a fatasyland where trees scold him and animals talk. He finds a toy shop in which all the toys are made of wood, including row upon row of puppets. The old and engaging shop owner tells his own story, and through gentle, savvy, and wise dialogue leads Noah to return home. This allegory confronts the issues of fantasy and reality, immortality and mortality, and what it means to be human, all in a very fine read.”
— Joyce Miller, Baker Books, North Dartmouth, MA
By Joanne Rocklin
Amulet Books
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“When a mysterious man and an orange construction cone appear on Orange Street one day, the children who live there and the street's oldest resident find unexpected connections with each other and a very old orange tree. This warm, gentle story of family, friendship, and childhood anxieties is peopled with real, likable characters and comes to an happily satisfying conclusion.”
— Carla Ketner, Chapters Books & Gifts, Seward, NE
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“The Penderwicks are surely one of the most memorable families in the world of recent children's books. Now, Skye, Jane, Batty, and Hound are off to spend two weeks with their Aunt Claire at Birches, a house on the Maine coast. Skye worries that with her as OAP (Oldest Available Penderwick), the vacation is sure to be a disaster. Instead, what awaits is a summer filled with friends old and new, surprising discoveries, and lots of adventures! A seal serenade, a golf ball collection, a boy on a skateboard, and a boisterous dog all play a part in an unforgettable vacation. I can't wait for the next book!”
— Joyce Tiber, Next Chapter Bookshop, Mequon, WI
By Sheila O'Connor
Putnam Juvenile
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“Twelve-year-old Raine's mom takes a summer job as cook at a small artist's colony, and they leave the safety and security of Grandpa's loving home. The first part of the book has an aura of foreboding as they try to settle in to this new and seemingly creepy place, but as they get to know the residents, that creepiness disappears. Raine begins to put hopes and dreams on paper, and learns that with art it's not just about being 'good.' As Diego tells her, 'Do not think about being good. Good will goof you up from the beginning. Art just has to be. Dream your dreams. Trust the words that come.'”
— Sue Carita, The Toadstool Bookshop, Milford, NH
By Gail Carson Levine
HarperCollins
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“Fourteen-year-old Elodie leaves the family farm to gain an apprenticeship in the bustling city of Two Castles. Her parents tell her to apprentice to a weaver, but she wants to act. But by the end of her first day, she has been robbed by a cat, run into a shape-shifting ogre, and becomes an apprentice -- to a dragon! Levine turns fantasy conventions upside down in this surprising, charming, and fun tale, and, like Elodie, the reader finds that good and evil are sometimes not easy to tell apart, and that both friends and enemies can come in every shape and size.”
— Jocelyn Koehler, Boswell Book Company, Milwaukee, WI
By Mark Kurlansky, Frank Stockton (Illus.)
Workman
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“This book, part narrative, part graphic novel, should be read by everyone from middle school to adult! Kurlansky, a former commercial fisherman, is the author of the very popular non-fiction books Cod and Salt. He knows the ocean and speaks for all species, including humans, as he appeals to all of us to know where the fish on our plate come from. He weaves ecology, evolution, human history, as well as human folly, together in a format that is both accessible and compelling.”
— Dianne Patrick, Snowbound Books, Marquette, MI
Summer 2011 Kids' Next List
By Robert Sharenow
HarperTeen
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“This is historical fiction at its very best. Nazi-era Berlin is the setting for teen Karl Stern, a boy who has never thought of himself as a Jew. With the help of champion boxer, German her, and family friend Max Schmelling, he learns not only to box, but also to stand up and help protect his family from harm. This is a great addition to any curriculum about WWII, the Holocaust, and the history of the rise of Nazi power in Berlin.”
— Becky Anderson, Anderson's Bookshop, Naperville, IL
By Tim Wynne-Jones
Candlewick
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“Blink & Caution begins with two separate storylines, both involving teenagers living on their own in the runaway world of Toronto. Having each left their homes due to traumatic circumstances, they live in dangerous places without the normal structure and limits imposed by a caretaking adult. This unregulated world is the antithesis of true liberty. They are stifled by their freedom and live in a suspended state. Blink & Caution is the story of how their lives become intertwined, and how they provide each other with the fulcrum to climb back into life.”
— Kenny Brechner, Devaney, Doak & Garrett Booksellers, Inc., Farmington, ME
By Moira Young
Margaret K. McElderry Books
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“This debut novel is a searing adventure that follows Saba, an 18-year-old girl searching for her kidnapped twin, as she travels throughout a desolate, post-apocalyptic world. Saba's journey is a blend of coming-of-age and bloody survival in a world that has lost all essence of sanity and decency. I was utterly captivated by this story of sisterly devotion, desolation, and love.”
— Heather Christman, Warwick's, La Jolla, CA
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“What an exciting ride this book is! The first in a four part series, Relic Master chronicles the journey of Galen and his apprentice Raffi, outlawed keepers of a demolished Order, who travel to the once great city of Tasceron to both restore Galen's power and bring hope to the scattered remains of the Order. Joined by a young spy from the governing Watch and a member of the curious Sekoi tribe, they must combat terrifying monsters - and their own self-doubt - if they hope to release their world from the dark grip of the Watch. This is a promising start to a great new adventure!”
— Amanda Hurley, Inkwood Books, Tampa, FL
By Rachel Hawkins
Hyperion Books for Children
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“Hawkins doesn't disappoint in this fast paced
sequel to her debut novel, Hex Hall. Sophie, Jenna, Archer and Cal are all back, as is Hawkins' trademark sarcastic sense of humor. As
summer vacation begins, Sophie's estranged father invites her to stay with him in England to learn what being a demon is all about. Sophie accepts, and travels overseas for a roller coaster ride of spells, attacks, mysteries, betrayals and, of course, romance.
This incredible story will leave you hungry for more after a huge cliffhanger ending!”
— Nikole Bonacorsi, The River's End Bookstore, Oswego, NY
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“Devasted after the death of her parents, Katie Mercier moves to her grandparents' home in Paris. Sitting at a cafe, she is drawn to the handsome Vincent. As their relationship grows, Katie's heart starts to mend. But the secret of Vincent's terrifying destiny could leave Katie more heartbroken than before. Is true love worth it? Die For Me is a brilliant debut novel that is rich with romance, mystery and paranormal mythology.”
— Karin Beyer, Saturn Booksellers, Gaylord, MI
By Heather Dixon
Greenwillow
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“What does a zingarella, an esperaldo, a gorlitza and the Entwine all have in common? They are all dances that the 12 princesses have learned from their mother, the Queen. Unfortunately, the Queen has died and dancing has been forbidden during mourning by the King. Magic leads them to a silver forest where they can keep their mother's memory alive by dancing all night unseen, except for the mysterious and handsome Keeper. Based on the Grimm's fairy tale, Dixon has created a romantic fantasy laced with humor that will have teens tying on their dancing shoes.”
— Karen Briggs, Great Northern Books and Hobbies, Oscoda, MI
By Michelle Cooper
Knopf Books for Young Readers
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“This sequel to A Brief History of Montmaray delivers the goods. After their island home is destroyed by the Germans, Sophia and her family evacuate to London, where they try to regain control of their homeland. Set in the years leading up to WWII, the family saga, both bittersweet and hilarious, continues. This meticulously researched book presents another great work from a stellar voice in historical fiction for young adults.”
— Cathy Berner, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX
By Cat Patrick
Little, Brown Young Readers
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“London Lane loses her memory every night, so she makes notes to tell her everything that happened that day, from what she wore, to what homework she needs to do, to what her friend has told her. She can, however, 'remember' the future, so she knows who people are because she sees them in the days and weeks and years ahead. Then she meets Luke and is confused because she really likes him but can't see him in the future. What does this mean? And why is she having dreams about a cemetery?”
— Nancy Felton, Broadside Bookshop, Northampton, MA
By Laura Lee Gulledge
Amulet
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“Gulledge's graphic novel is a unique and insightful portrayal of a young woman's internal dialogue as she comes of age. Paige has just moved to New York City with her family and hasn't quite been able to adjust to her new surroundings. Moving away from everything familiar, going to a new school, and finding new friends while trying to discover who she really is inside and letting it show are all part of the large and scary step she is forced to take. Paige uses her unique drawing ability to detail how she finds her real self.”
— Emily Clare, Horizon Books, Traverse City, MI
By Jenna Burtenshaw
Greenwillow
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“The High Council of Albiom wants 15-year-old Kate Winters, but it's only after she's been captured that she discovers why: She has the ability to bring the dead back to life. Imagine what would happen if a ruthless megalomaniac forced Kate to create an army of soldiers who couldn't die. This dystopian fantasy is a page-turner of sensational originality.”
— Ellen Klein, Hooray for Books!, Alexandria, VA
By Dana Reinhardt
Wendy Lamb Books
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“Hooray! A new book from Dana Reinhardt! Drew is a 13-year-old loner waiting for life to begin. Meanwhile she has a summer job at her Mom's cheese shop, her pet rat Hum in her backpack, her dead dad's book of lists, and a mysterious new friend she met in the alley. This is another treasure of a book from a treasured author.”
— Jeanne Snyder, Books & Books, Coral Gables, FL
By Holly Black, Ellen Kushner (Eds.)
Random House Books for Young Readers
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“Imagine if someone lured all our best-known urban fantasy writers to one place and wouldn't let them go until they had collectively crafted interconnected stories of a wild, magical city on the borders of the real world and the realm of magic. That's exactly what Black and Kushner did, and the result is a madcap, rushing fantasy adventure with lost maidens, cursed shapeshifters, impossibly beautiful and cruel princesses, and a heavy dose of rock'n'roll. If urban fantasy is your thing, you'll find your next great fix here!”
— Jocelyn Koehler, Boswell Book Company, Milwaukee, WI
By Sara Dessen
Viking Juvenile
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“Each time she and her father move, McLean invents a new identity for herself - cheerleader, drama queen, yearbook president. But now, as they find themselves in another new town, McLean finally starts to deal with her parents' divorce. Instead of being someone new, she learns to be herself -- with the help of her friends. Another winner from Sarah Dessen!”
— Meaghan Beasley, Island Bookstore, Duck, NC