guide book to gift books - The Bulletin of the Center for Children`s

Transcription

Guide Book
An Annotated List
of
to
Books
Gift Books
for
Youth 2013
I
T’S HARD TO IMAGINE FINER GIFTS THAN BOOKS—they offer enjoyment,
knowledge, and artistic stimulation. They’re also gifts that go on giving without requiring
any upkeep or cleanup, they’re a cinch to wrap, and they’re easily sent through the mail!
All of these titles have been reviewed in the Bulletin, so they’ve been recommended by professionals. All were in print in the U.S. at the time of this guide’s compilation, so they should be
either in stock or quickly available through a special order from bookstores both brick-andmortar and virtual.
You know your recipient better than we do, of
course, so you’re the best judge of a title’s suitability
and promise for an individual reader. We’ve included
a broad range of styles, genres, subjects, and challenge levels (roughly divided by audience age), so
whether you’re looking for a cheerful picture book,
an absorbing nonfiction title, or a pulse-pounding
novel, there will be something here for the young
person on your gift-book list.
While titles are sorted into four categories according to their most likely use—picture books for reading aloud to youngsters, books for primary-grades
readers, books for middle-grades readers, and young
adult titles—neither books nor readers are so easily categorizable, so we’ve included age/grade-range
designations to help you get an idea of just who in
that category is a title’s likeliest audience. And since
many books reach across category borders but could
only be included once, you’ll want to check the next
category younger for titles whose audience stretches
up into the higher age range.
A Look Inside
Picture Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Books for Young Readers
Gr. 1-3, 6-8 yrs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Books for Middle Readers
Gr. 4-6, 9-11 yrs . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Books for Older Readers
Gr. 7-12, 12-18 yrs . . . . . . . . . . .20
—Deborah Stevenson, Editor
Kate Quealy-Gainer, Assistant Editor
A Publication of the University of Illinois
Graduate School of Library and Information Science
501 E. Daniel Street, Champaign, IL 61820-6211
Picture Books
2
Barnett, Mac Extra Yarn; illus. by Jon Klassen. Balzer & Bray, 2011.
$16.99 5-8 yrs
The gentle, folkloric premise of a never-ending stash of yarn partners
with slyly comic illustrations for a winning combination that will
appeal to both aspiring knitters and jokesters alike.
Bean, Jonathan.= Big Snow; written and illus. by Jonathan Bean.
Farrar, 2013. $16.99 4-8 yrs
Homey illustrations enhance this irresistible story of a kid who can’t
wait for the slowly falling snow to accumulate and turns all his chores
into snowy imaginings.
Biggs, Brian Stop! Go!: A Book of Opposites; written and illus. by
Brian Biggs. Balzer + Bray, 2013. $7.99 1-3 yrs; 123 Beep Beep Beep!: A
Counting Book; written and illus. by Brian Biggs. Balzer +Bray, 2013.
$7.99 1-3 yrs
Biggs’ detailed, brightly colored illustrations feature vehicles that can
be compared and contrasted or counted; adults and older siblings
won’t mind the infinite rereads these clever books will undoubtedly
inspire.
Bingham, Kelly Z Is for Moose; illus. by Paul O. Zelinsky.
Greenwillow, 2012. $16.99 3-7 yrs In this cleverly silly staging of an alphabetical pageant, an endearingly
goofy moose disrupts the order in a book that works both as funny
alphabet book and comic story.
Brown, Monica Waiting for the Biblioburro; illus. by John Parra.
Tricycle, 2011. $16.99; e-book $10.99 5-8 yrs
In this picture book based on a real Colombian librarian’s work, Ana
is thrilled when a librarian rides into her rural Colombian village with
two donkeys and a portable collection of books that feed her hungry
imagination.
Browne, Anthony How Do You Feel?; written and illus. by Anthony
Browne. Candlewick, 2012. $14.99 3-6 yrs
Vivid watercolor and gouache art featuring an overalled child-proxy
chimp expressively illustrates moods such as “happy,” “angry,” and
“shy.”
Bruchac, James Rabbit’s Snow Dance; ad. by James Bruchac and
Joseph Bruchac, illus. by Jeff Newman. Dial Books, 2012. $16.99;
e-book $10.99 5-8 yrs
Elegant, ebullient illustrations pair with a well-told Iroquois traditional
story about Rabbit and how he lost his long, lush tail because he was
impatient to hasten winter.
Bryan, Ashley Who Built the Stable?: A Nativity Poem; written and
illus. by Ashley Bryan. Atheneum, 2012. $16.99; e-book $11.76 4-7
yrs
This engaging Nativity verse focuses on the young boy whose father
built the stable in which Joseph, Mary, and child shelter; legendary
illustrator Bryant’s radiant celebratory art is both fantastical and
inviting.
Buitrago, Jairo Jimmy the Greatest; illus. by Rafael Yockteng.
Groundwood, 2012. $18.95; e-book $18.95 5-8 yrs
In Jimmy’s small town in Latin America, there’s nowhere to go but
church and the boxing gym, and Jimmy’s embrace of boxing allows
him to find himself and, as he grows up, to find a way to give back to
his town; easygoing comic-style art is accessible yet subtly detailed.
Bunting, Eve Have You Seen My New Blue Socks?; illus. By Sergio
Ruzzier. Clarion, 2013. $16.99 3-5 yrs
The rhyming text and soothing (yet nicely detailed) illustrations
make this story of a duck who’s lost his socks terrific bedtime reading,
particularly on a night when pajamas, toothbrushes, or favorite stuffies
may have disappeared, as they are wont to do.
Blackall, Sophie Are You Awake?; written and illus. by Sophie
Blackall. Henry Holt, 2011. $12.99 3-6 yrs
Sleepless toddlers (and their sleepy parents) will be all too familiar
with the give-and-take of little Edward’s attempts to keep his mom
awake for some nighttime mischief.
Boudreau, Helene I Dare You Not to Yawn; illus by Serge Bloch.
Candlewick, 2013. $15.99 4-7 yrs
Those treacherous yawns get kids every time, as is (playfully) illustrated
in this amusing and oh so true tale of a little boy who tries mightily to
avoid bedtime but winds up cozily asleep by book’s end.
Campbell, K.G. Lester’s Dreadful Sweaters; written and illus. by K.G.
Campbell. Kids Can, 2012. $16.95; e-book $9.99 6-9 yrs
Kids who have been secretly horrified by their relatives’ attempts at
DIY gifts will greatly appreciate this ready-made tale of one youngster
who finds an ingenious fate for his aunt’s less than welcome knitted
creations.
Cole, Brock The Money We’ll Save; written and illus. by Brock Cole.
Ferguson/Farrar, 2012. $16.99; e-book $9.99 6-9 yrs
In this enjoyable period tale, the live turkey that’s supposed to end
up as the family’s Christmas dinner causes mayhem in their tenement
house—and becomes too much of a pet to be eaten; Cole’s cozily
rumpled watercolors are rich with light-hearted warmth.
Picture Books
3
Compestine, Ying Chang Crouching Tiger; illus. by Yan Nascimbene,
A young boy finds it difficult to connect with his visiting Chinese
grandfather until he realizes that Grandpa’s a cool and admirable guy;
streamlined watercolor illustrations include diagrams of tai chi poses.
Cordell, Matthew Another Brother; written and illus. by Matthew
Cordell. Feiwel, 2012. $16.99; e-book $9.99 4-6 yrs
Expectant siblings will appreciate this absurd story of Davy the sheep
and his ever-expanding family; even only-children will chuckle over
the ridiculously plump and pop-eyed sheep that fill the over-the-top
illustrations.
Fogliano, Julie And Then It’s Spring; illus. by Erin E. Stead. Roaring
Brook, 2012. $16.99 4-6 yrs
Spare, gentle prose describes the achingly gradual progress of spring
in partnership with tender, fetchingly detailed illustrations that follow
the gardening efforts of a determined young boy and the collection of
critters that follows him.
Gaiman, Neil Chu’s Day; illus. by Adam Rex. Harper/HarperCollins,
2012. $17.99 3-7 yrs
A sneeze of epic proportions drives this lavishly illustrated picture
book that will invite retellings both for the amusing story and for the
intricate paintings full of clever details.
Cunnane, Kelly Chirchir Is Singing; illus. by Jude Daly. Schwartz &
Wade, 2011. $17.99; e-book $10.99 5-8 yrs
Life in a rural Kenyan village is lyrically depicted in this cozy, touching
tale of one girl’s efforts to help out her family.
Czekaj, Jef Cat Secrets; written and illus. by Jef Czekaj. Balzer + Bray,
2011. $16.99; e-book $10.99 3-6 yrs
Youngsters have to prove their feline prowess before the furry narrators
of this book will let them explore the extra-special, super-secret book
of cat secrets.
Daly, Cathleen Prudence Wants a Pet; illus. by Stephen Michael
King. Porter/Roaring Brook, 2011. $16.99; e-book $9.99 6-9 yrs
There’s poker-face humor galore in this tale of plucky Prudence, who
when her parents forbid her a pet tries out creative alternatives such as
a Branch (named Branch).
Davies, Nicola Who Lives Here?; illus. by Marc Boutvant.
This lift-the-flap picture book helps tiny naturalists begin to
understand habitats and the animals that reside in them; clever paper
engineering and a guessing game element add even more fun to the
science.
Geisert, Arthur Ice. Enchanted Lion, 2011. $14.95 5-9 yrs
An intricately illustrated, wordless picture book recounts the efforts of
an industrious colony of pigs as they attempt to obtain and use a giant
iceberg to cool off.
Durand, Hallie Mitchell’s License; illus. by Tony Fucile. Candlewick,
2011. $15.99; paperback $6.99 3-6 yrs
Lively art partners with this inventive story of Mitchell, whose
bedtime ritual involves driving his father, complete with Dad’s
obliging automative noises and responses to steering, to bed.
Gibbs, Edward Little Bee; written and illus. by Edward Gibbs. LB
Kids/Little, 2012. $8.99 2-4 yrs
Vivid saturated colors and high-action line distinguish the illustrations
in this lively rhyming board book, where a little bee is only the first in
a sequence of several critters fleeing from a pursuing animal.
Falconer, Ian Olivia and the Fairy Princesses; written and illus. by
Ian Falconer. Athenaeum, 2012. $17.99; e-book $12.99 5-7 yrs
Young girls weary of the onslaught of pink that daily comes their way
will find a kindred soul in independent-minded Olivia, who eschews
the princess fashions of her classmates in favor of a “more stark,
modern style.”
Grey, Mini Toys in Space; written and illus. by Mini Grey. Knopf,
2013. $16.99; $10.99 5-8 yrs
If you are a toy left out on the lawn, why not while away the night by
making up stories influenced by the imagined picture book audience?
Busy illustrations worth re-examining, nifty storytelling gimmicks,
and endearing characters guarantee immediate fans.
Folgueira, Rodrigo Ribbit!; illus. by Poly Bernatene. Knopf, 2013.
$15.99; e-book $10.99 3-6 yrs
A little pig who is seeking friends tries an unorthodox way of
communicating with some wary frog strangers in this lush picture
book that exudes warmth in both the gently humorous text and in the
richly colored illustrations.
Hillenbrand, Will Mother Goose Picture Puzzles; ad. and illus. by
Will Hillenbrand. Marshall Cavendish Children’s, 2011. $17.99;
e-book $3.99 4-6 yrs
This large-formatted compilation of twenty traditional Mother Goose
rhymes will have youngsters poring over the pages as they puzzle out
the rebus poems.
Picture Books
4
Hoffman, Mary The Great Big Book of Families; illus. by Ros Asquith.
Dial, 2011. $16.99 3-7 yrs
Hoffman thoroughly tumbles together images of racial, religious,
ethnic, economic, educational, residential, emotional, and
generational diversity, effortlessly demonstrating the point that there
are all kinds of ways to be a family.
Holmes, Janet A. Have You Seen Duck?; illus. by Jonathan Bentley.
Cartwheel Books, 2011. $8.99 2-5 yrs
A towheaded boy loses his beloved stuffed duck only to be happily
reunited with the object of his affection later on in this beautifully told
tale that will please fans of Knuffle Bunny.
Hughes, Catherine D., ed. National Geographic Little Kids: First Big
Book of Dinosaurs; illus. by Franco Tempesta. National Geographic,
2011. $14.95 3-7 yrs
Intuitive organization and helpful fact boxes make this a veritable
dinofest for youngsters interested in the natural history behind the
googly-eyed cartoonish creatures that populate their pajamas.
Jenkins, Emily Water in the Park; illus. by Stephanie Graegin.
Schwartz & Wade, 2013. $16.99; e-book $10.99 5-8 yrs
People, dog, and water watching – there isn’t much else one could one
want out of a day at the park, particularly when it’s all offered with
detailed illustrations and poetic narration.
Jiang, Ji-Li Red Kite, Blue Kite; illus. by Greg Ruth. Disney/Hyperion,
2013. $17.99 6-9 yrs
Earnest, carefully detailed illustrations pair with a moving story about
the Chinese Cultural Revolution, and how a father and son share love
from afar using kites as symbols.
Kamkwamba, William The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind; written by
William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer, illus. by Elizabeth Zunon.
Dial, 2012. $17.99 5-9 yrs
This picture-book version of the adult title uses vivid illustrations to
help tell the true story of ingenious teenager William Kamkwamba,
who created a windmill to help his devastated Malawi village.
Kaplan, Michael Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake; illus. by
Stéphane Jorisch. Dial, 2011. $16.99 5-8 yrs
A precociously bubbly bunny learns a valuable lesson in patience after
falling hard for the sweet taste of chocolate cake.
Katz, Karen How Does Baby Feel?: written and illus. by Karen Katz.
Little Simon/Simon, 2013. $6.99 6-24 mos.
The usual multicultural cast of adorable, round headed, expressive
tykes this time illustrates emotions and states of being (tired, hungry,
etc) with absolute charm.
Knudsen, Michelle Argus; illus. by Andrea Wesson. Candlewick,
2011. $15.99 5-8 yrs
Dry humor and airy illustrations recount a science experiment gone
awry when Sally’s class gets eggs to hatch, one of which eventually
produces a large, reptilian creature with a penchant for mischief.
Knudsen, Michelle Big Mean Mike; illus. by Scott Magoon.
It’s rare to find a book that will appeal to both the lovers of monster
trucks and fuzzy critters, but this humorous picture book following
the friendship between one tough, hard-drivin’ dog and several
adorable bunnies might just do the trick.
Kostecki-Shaw, Jenny Sue Same, Same but Different; written and
illus. by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw. Henry Holt, 2011. $16.99; e-book
$9.99 5-8 yrs
Acrylics, crayon, pencil, collage, and tissue paper combine in this richly
composed picture book that follows the correspondence between pen
pals, Elliot (an American boy) and Kailash (a boy in India) and their
discovery that their lives are “same, same but different.”
LaRochelle, David How Martha Saved Her Parents From Green
Beans; illus. by Mark Fearing. Dial, 2013. $16.99; $10.99 6-9 yrs
Any kid who has eyed vegetables with trepidation will relate to
Martha, who leaps off the page through both the bouncy text begging
to be read aloud and the dynamic illustrations.
Lo, Ginnie Auntie Yang’s Great Soybean Picnic; illus. by Beth Lo. Lee
& Low, 2012. $18.95 7-9 yrs
A story based on the author’s own family history chronicles an
immigrant Chinese family’s annual tradition of sitting down together
at a nearby soybean farm for a delicious soybean picnic.
Lobel, Anita 10 Hungry Rabbits: Counting & Color Concepts; written
and illus. by Anita Lobel. Knopf, 2012. $9.99; e-book $9.99 3-6 yrs
A lively story rich with age-appropriate concept opportunities
chronicles the various veggies that ten bunny siblings find and add to
Mama’s simmering soup.
Lodge, Jo Icky Sticky Monster; illus. by Jo Lodge. Candlewick, 2012.
$12.99 5-7 yrs
Young readers with a yen for the yucky will find plenty to delightfully
“eeewww” over in this vibrantly hued pop-up book that describes the
gross shenanigans of Icky Sticky Monster.
Picture Books
5
Look, Lenore Brush of the Gods; illus. by Meilo So. Schwartz &
Wade, 2013. $17.99; e-book $10.99 7-9 yrs
A visually stunning book is the natural way to show Wu Daozi, a
Tang Dynasty painter who, in a legend, is said to have painted in
such a remarkably realistic way that he eventually walked into his
own masterpiece.
Lyon, George Ella All the Water in the World; illus. by Katherine
Tillotson. Jackson/Atheneum, 2011. $16.99; e-book $11.76 5-9 yrs
Lyrical text compactly describes the hydrological cycle and the global
contrast between plenty and dearth of the key life-giving substance
with the aid of strong, inviting visuals.
MacDonald, Maryann How to Hug; illus. by Jana Christy.
Cavendish, 2011. $16.99; e-book $3.99 3-6 yrs
This delightful picture book navigates youngsters through the dos
and don’ts of the basic embrace by pairing pieces of advice with
visuals of children and critters hugging.
Thank goodness monsters are as varied as children, so that Milgrim
could identify them a hearty mix, and illustrate the ways in which
folks (and their monstrous equivalents) can look and be different but
still have meaningful overlaps.
Moore, Inga A House in the Woods; written and illus. by Inga Moore.
An industrious team of hard-hatted beavers is called in to save the day
when Moose and Bear accidentally destroy the homes of their beloved
friends, the two Little Pigs, in this cozy, autumnal-hued critter tale.
Morales, Yuyi Niño Wrestles the World; written and illus. by Yuyi
Morales. Porter/Roaring Brook, 2013. $16.99; e-book $9.99 4-7 yrs
Although he may only be a luchador in his own mind, Niño is still a
force to be reckoned with in this exuberant, warm picture book that
celebrates lucha libre with gusto.
Macy, Sue Basketball Belles: How Two Teams and One Scrappy Player
Put Women’s Hoops on the Map; illus. by Matt Collins. Holiday House,
2011. $16.95 6-9 yrs
This fictionalized tale of women’s basketball at Stanford in 1896
supports its lively sports story with solid historical research.
Manceau, Edouard Windblown; written and illus. by Edouard
Manceau; tr. from the French by Sarah Quinn. OwlKids, 2013.
$16.95 3-6 yrs
Ripe with possibilities for pairings and activities, this creative picture
book explores how simple shapes can turn into seemingly infinite
animals when arranged properly.
Marcus, Kimberly Scritch-Scratch a Perfect Match; illus. Mike Lester.
Putnam, 2011. $16.99; e-book $10.99 4-7 yrs
Crisply scanning anapestic verse and energetic illustrations tell a tale
of a madcap friendship that begins when a tiny flea takes a giant bite
out of an unsuspecting dog.
McDermott, Gerald, ad. Monkey: A Trickster Tale from India; ad.
and illus. by Gerald McDermott. Harcourt, 2011. $16.99 4-7 yrs
This latest installment in McDermott’s series of multicultural trickster
stories draws on the Jataka tales of ancient Buddhist tradition to tell
the story of a clever monkey who twice tricks a hungry crocodile.
Medina, Meg Tia Isa Wants a Car; illus. by Claudio Munoz.
Spanish dialogue is seamlessly woven into this story that has our
plucky narrator and her spirited aunt longing for the open road.
Menotti, Andrea How Many Jelly Beans?; illus. by Yancey Labat.
Chronicle, 2012. $18.99; e-book $13.99 4-7 yrs
This oversized picture book uses the device of a jelly-bean competition
between a boy and a girl to provide striking visual illustrations of
numbers from ten to a million.
Milgrim, David Some Monsters Are Different; written and illus. by
David Milgrim. Holt, 2013. $16.99; e-book $9.99 3-5 yrs
Murray, Alison Apple Pie ABC; written and illus. by Alison Murray.
Disney Hyperion, 2011. $16.99; e-book $8.33; board book $6.99
3-7 yrs
This cleverly terse, alphabetically organized story follows the tale of
a girl who bakes an apple pie and the dog that desperately wants to
eat it.
Na, Il Sung Snow Rabbit, Spring Rabbit: A Book of Changing Seasons;
written and illus. by Il Sung Na. Knopf, 2011. $15.99; e-book $10.99;
board book $6.99 4-6 yrs
A white rabbit observes the changes in nature in this quiet and spare
animal story that has just a touch of the hush of winter in its tone.
Nivola, Claire A. Orani: My Father’s Village; written and illus. by
Claire A. Nivola. Foster/Farrar. 2011. $16.99 6-9 yrs
Intricate illustrations make this tribute to the Mediterranean home of
the author’s father both elegant and interesting.
Numeroff, Laura Ponyella; by Laura Numeroff and Nate Evans;
illus. by Lynn Munsinger. Hyperion, 2011. $16.99 5-8 yrs
Yup, it’s what the title suggests—the story of “Cinderella” featuring a
pony, with all the pink ribbons, and it’s exactly what its audience has
been waiting for.
Picture Books
6
Offill, Jenny 11 Experiments That Failed; illus. by Nancy Carpenter.
Schwartz & Wade, 2011. $17.99; e-book $10.99 5-8 yrs
Budding scientists--especially those of the “mad” variety--will find
plenty of inspiration for their mischievous research in this how-to tale
that includes step-by-step diagrams and a fair dose of humor.
Savage, Stephen Where’s Walrus?; written and illus. by Stephen
Savage. Scholastic, 2011. $16.99 3-6 yrs
This hilarious wordless picture book follows the attempts of an
adventurous walrus to blend with various groups of people after he
slips out of the zoo for a lark.
Ogburn, Jacqueline K. Little Treasures: Endearments from Around
the World; illus. by Chris Raschka. Houghton Mifflin, 2012. $16.99
4-7 yrs
This playful, affectionate book identifies the creative endearments
(from “my bubble of joy” to “little coconut candy”) people have for
their children in fourteen different languages and countries; exuberant
illustrations add energy as well as sweetness.
Schoonmaker, Elizabeth Square Cat; written and illus. by Elizabeth
Schoonmaker. Aladdin, 2011. $14.99; e-book $10.99 4-7 yrs
It’s not easy being a square cat in a round world, but the humorous
trials and tribulations of the rectangular Eula are sure to tickle the
funny bones of listeners of all shapes and sizes.
OHora, Zachariah No Fits, Nilson!; written and illus. by Zachariah
OHora. Dial, 2013. $16.99 4-6 yrs
Nilson can’t keep it together – try as he might to be patient, his best
friend Amelia has to help him calm down again and again, until, in
a perhaps foretold but still perfectly reversed moment, he is able to
assist her in keeping her temper; rich colors and crisp illustrative lines
welcome repeat examinations.
Pechter, Lesley Wynne Alligator Bear Crab: A Baby’s ABC; written
and illus. by Lesley Wynne Pechter. Orca, 2011. $9.95 1-4 yrs
Two pre-reader staples, the animal book and the alphabet book, make
a happy mash-up in this attractive board book.
Pinkwater, Daniel Bear in Love; illus. by Will Hillenbrand.
Candlewick, 2012. $15.99; e-book $11.00 4-6 yrs
The art is awash with delicate yet cozy charm in this appealing story of
a bear who’s exchanging gifts with a secret admirer.
Shea, Bob I’m a Shark!; written and illus. by Bob Shea. Balzer + Bray,
2011. $16.99; e-book $10.99 5-7 yrs
Our ebullient and toothy protagonist thinks he’s pretty awesome until
he meets an eight-legged arachnid in this wonderfully humorous tale
that distinguishes bravado from just plain common sense.
Slonim, David I Loathe You; written and illus. by David Slonim.
Aladdin, 2012. $15.99; e-book $11.00 5-8 yrs
Any kid who squirms at the usual picture books that feature sappy
characters declaring their love will adore this reversal, where a monster
seeks reassurance that he is utterly loathed by his parents, and they are
more than happy to oblige.
Smallcomb, Pam I’m Not; illus. by Robert Weinstock. Schwartz &
Wade, 2011. $15.99; e-book $10.99 6-9 yrs
The young narrator talks admiringly about her vivacious and
adventurous friend, who is everything she’s not, in a tribute to the
complementary strengths of friendship; lively illustrations bring extra
absurdity to the friends and their doings.
Plecas. Jennifer Pretend; written and illus. by Jennifer Plecas.
Philomel Books, 2011. $15.99; e-book $10.99 4-7 yrs
Young make-believers will readily relate to this charming story of a
father-son team and their adventure through an imaginative landscape
that springs from their living room.
Rocco, John Blackout; written and illus. by John Rocco. Disney
Hyperion, 2011. $16.99 5-8 yrs
A power outage on a hot city night brings a family and a neighborhood
together to make a festive occasion out of adversity.
Runton, Andy Owly & Wormy, Friends All Aflutter!; written and illus.
by Andy Runton. Atheneum, 2011. $15.99; e-book $11.07 4-7 yrs
Runton’s rotund cartoon owl has been charming young comics readers
for nearly a decade in his black-and-white wordless graphic-novel
iteration, and now he debuts in full color in this inviting picture book.
Sauer, Tammi Me Want Pet!; illus. by Bob Shea. Simon, 2012.
$15.99; e-book $11.00 4-8 yrs
Plenty of youngsters will relate to Cave Boy’s desire for a pet (though
a few may balk at the thought of caring for a saber-toothed tiger)
in this chuckle-worthy tale that features Bob Shea’s saturated, thickly
outlined illustrations.
Snicket, Lemony The Dark; illus. by Jon Klassen. Little, 2013.
$16.99; e-book $9.99 5-7 yrs.
Dramatic gouache and digital illustrations emphasize the potential
power of the dark to frighten, even while the text alludes to the ways
in which children and make peace with it as a potentially helpful (or
at least harmless) aspect of life.
Picture Books
Snyder, Laurel The Longest Night: A Passover Story; illus. by Catia
Chien. Schartz & Wade, 2013. $17.99 5-8 yrs.
A lyrical, personal look at Passover from the perspective of a young girl
who was enslaved under the Pharoah and ultimately finds freedom;
thoughtful use of repetition and rhyming couplets make this an
accessible story even for the very young.
7
Underwood, Deborah Part-Time Princess; illus. by Cambria Evans.
Disney/Hyperion, 2013. $16.99 4-7 yrs
Everyday frustrations don’t get the part-time princess down because
she can just head off to her kingdom each night in this smart, justsharp-enough look at a girl who can serve tea and handle trolls with
equal aplomb.
Vernick, Audrey Brothers at Bat: The True Story of an Amazing AllBrother Baseball Team; illus. by Steven Salerno. Clarion, 2012. $16.99;
e-book $16.99 5-9 yrs
The Little Golden Book-style illustrations joyfully evoke the golden
age of baseball in this delightful true story of the Acerra all-brother
baseball team.
Weulersee, Odile, ad. Nasreddine; tr. from the French by Kathleen
Merz; illus. by Rebecca Dautremer. Eerdmans, 2013. $17.00 6-9 yrs
This Middle Eastern story uses rich, earth-tone illustrations and an
amiable protagonist to emphasize how, even when people always seem
to find something to criticize, you can still be happy with your lot.
Springstubb, Tricia Phoebe and the Digger; illus. by Jeff Newman.
A new excavator as consolation for putting up with a new baby in the
house doesn’t seem too bad a deal for a young girl, but some specific
reassurance that she isn’t forgotten helps a great deal too in this honest
look at the havoc a new infant can wreak.
Stein, David Ezra Ol’ Mama Squirrel. Paulsen/Penguin, 2013.
$16.99; e-book $10.99 4-7 yrs.
A hilarious and touching story about a mama squirrel and her fierce,
sassy determination to protect her young ones, whether from dogs,
kites, or grizzly bears is enlivened further with exaggerated illustrations
that emphasize how her will doesn’t match her size.
Symes, Sally Yawn; illus. by Nick Sharratt. Candlewick, 2011. $7.99
1-3 yrs
Rhyming text in this board book treats the familiar phenomenon
of yawn contagion, starting here with a yawning baby and traveling
through various animals; crisp, yawn-focused illustrations will appeal
to young sleepyheads.
Tuck, Justin Home-Field Advantage; illus. by Leonardo Rodriguez.
Simon, 2011. $16.99; e-book $12.99 5-8 yrs
Art that blends reality with hilarious hyperbole makes a comedic epic
out of New York Giant Justin Tuck’s tale of an unfortunate childhood
run-in with his hair-styling sisters.
Trasler, Janee Caveman: A B.C. Story; written and illus. by Janee
Trasler. Sterling, 2011. $14.95; e-book $3.99 3-6 yrs
Plenty of visual humor and context clues make this tale of Paleozoic
antics perfect for the prereading sect.
Willems, Mo Hooray for Amanda & Her Alligator!; written and illus.
by Mo Willems. Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins, 2011. $17.99 5-8 yrs
Six—well, six and one-half—very short, very funny stories suitable for
reading aloud or a lone document the relationship of young Amanda
and her beloved toy alligator.
Yolen, Jane Wee Rhymes: Baby’s First Poetry Book; illus. by Jane Dyer.
Wiseman/Simon, 2013. $19.99 6-24 mos.
A collection of original verses and traditional nursery rhymes paired
with warm, sweet pencil and watercolor art; a multiracial cast of
babies and caretakers furthers the appeal.
Young, Amy Don’t Eat the Baby!; written and illus. by Amy Young.
Viking, 2013. $16.99 4-6 yrs
Adults will get the humor right away as a kid, who wasn’t sure he liked
his baby brother at all, kicks into hero defender mode against the little
one being eaten alive because of his cuteness; imaginative illustrations
highlight the joke.
Books
for
Young Readers (Gr. 1-3, 6-8
yrs)
Aguirre, Jorge Giants Beware; illus. by Rafeal Rosado. First Second/
Roaring Brook, 2012. $14.99 Gr. 3-6
Vibrantly hued illustrations tell the story of plucky, punky Claudette
and her pals as they embark on a quest to fell the local giant in this
entertaining graphic novel that will appeal to fans of comic books and
fairy tales alike.
Atinuke The No. 1 Car Spotter; illus. by Warwick Johnson Cadwell.
Kane Miller, 2011. Paperback $5.99 Gr. 2-4
Automotive hijinks and boyish mischief are spotlighted in this
effervescent chapter book that centers on life in a small African village
and its “No. 1 car spotter,” Oluwalase Babatunde Benson.
8
Atmospheric text and dramatic illustrations combine well in the
telling of a story of a secret slave school, and one girl’s quest to
improve her life in any way she can.
Cooke, Lucy A Little Book of Sloth; written and illus. with
photographs by Lucy Cooke et al. McElderry, 2013. $16.99; e-book
$11.76 Gr. 3-5
Plenty of adorable photographs and short, engaging stories about the
sloths that live at the Aviarios sanctuary (home to 150 orphaned and
injured sloths in Costa Rica) make this an ideal choice for middle
grades animal lovers.
Bildner, Phil The Unforgettable Season: The Story of Joe DiMaggio,
Ted Williams and the Record-Setting Summer of ’41; illus. by S. D.
Schindler. Putnam, 2011. $16.99; paperback $8.99 Gr. 3-5
Baseball-mad youngsters won’t be able to resist this as-it-happens
account of a legendary summer in baseball.
Burks, James Beep and Bah; written and illus. by James Burks.
Carolrhoda, 2012. $16.95 Gr. 2-3
With a storyboard-like sensibility, this appealingly cartoony tale
follows the goat Bah and his unlikely pal, the robot Beep, as they
search for a missing sock.
Castellucci, Cecil Odd Duck: illus. by Sara Varon. First Second,
2013. $15.99 Gr. 2-4
Two ducks who are decidedly odd by duck standards find true
friendship in this warm, intricately illustrated graphic novel that is an
ideal intro to the format for the early elementary set.
Chad, Jon Leo Geo and His Miraculous Journey Through the Center of
the Earth; written and illustrated by Jon Chad. Roaring Brook, 2012.
$15.99 Gr. 3-6
With his indefatigable enthusiasm and his ability to spew science facts
nonstop, Leo Geo invites readers to join his quest into the belly of our
planet in this quirky geoscience lesson that will appeal to kids who
wear their nerdiness as a badge of honor.
Cheng, Andrea The Year of the Baby: illus. by Patrice Barton.
Houghton, 2013. $15.99 Gr. 3-5
This warm, early grades novel is liberally peppered with pen and ink
illustrations that reinforce the gentle warmth of Anna, our fifth-grade
Chinese American narrator who is welcoming a new baby sister and
negotiating a major science fair.
Christopher, Neil Ava and the Little Folk; written by Christopher
Neil and Alan Neal; illus. by Jonathan Wright. Inhabit, 2013. $13.95
7-10 yrs
This cozy, poignant tale of an orphaned boy who finally finds a true
home with magical little people after he is shunned by his Inuit
village is memorable both for the well-told story and for the striking
watercolors that pair with it.
Cline-Ransome, Lesa Light in the Darkness: A Story about How
Slaves Learned in Secret; illus. by James. E. Ransome. Jump at the Sun/
Disney, 2013. $16.99 7-10 yrs
Couloumbis, Audrey Lexie; illus. by Julia Denos. Random House,
2011. $15.99; e-book $5.99 Gr. 3-6
In this invitingly accessible exploration of family frailties and
strengths, ten-year-old Lexie is stunned and disappointed to find that
her special vacation by the sea with her father will be shared with his
new girlfriend and her two sons.
Cronin, Doreen The Trouble with Chickens; illus. by Kevin Cornell.
Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins, 2011. $14.99; e-book $5.99 Gr. 2-3
Big print and short chapters add accessibility to this humorously
rawboned tale of a search-and-rescue dog hired by a hen to find her
missing chicks.
Daley, Michael J. Pinch and Dash Make Soup; illus. by Thomas
F. Yezerski. Charlesbridge, 2012. $12.95; paperback $5.95; e-book
$9.99 Gr. 1-2
With its simple vocabulary, short chapters, and a quiet tone, this story
of animal critter friends Pinch and Dash will serve as a great appetizer
for youngsters looking for just a taste of independent reading.
Davies, Nicola Deadly! The Truth about the Most Dangerous Creatures
on Earth; illus. by Neal Layton. Candlewick, 2013. $14.99 Gr. 3-5
Clever, witty facts and stories about deadly animals (from beetles to
lions and everything in between) pair effortlessly with deceptively
simple illustrations to create perfect bait for young, independent
readers.
Books
for
yrs)
9
Davies, Nicola Talk, Talk, Squawk!: A Human’s Guide to Animal
Communications; illus. by Neal Layton. Candlewick, 2012. $14.99
Gr. 3-5
Budding naturalists (and maybe even a few science-minded gossip
hounds) will be fascinated by this informative but entertaining
overview of both animal and human communication.
Fradin, Judith Bloom The Price of Freedom: How One Town Stood
Up to Slavery; by Judith Bloom Fradin and Dennis Brindell Fradin;
illus. by Eric Velasquez. Walker, 2013. $16.99 Gr. 3-6
This nonfiction account of the brave decision of regular citizens in
Ohio in the mid 1800’s to help one escaped slave highlights the ways
in which ordinary can become exceptional.
Deacon, Alexis A Place to Call Home; illus. by Viviane Schwarz.
Candlewick, 2011. $16.99 Gr. 2-4
In this hilarious picture-book adventure, a litter of feral hamster
brothers outgrow their cozy den in an abandoned junkyard couch and
make their way out into the wide world—eventually.
French, Renee Barry’s Best Buddy. Candlewick Press, 2013. $12.95
Gr. 1-2
This quirky graphic novel for young readers demonstrates how true
friendship can withstand even the crankiest of moments as Polarhog
placidly distracts irascible Barry while ants decorate his house.
Divakaruni, Chitra Banerjee Grandma and the Great Gourd; illus.
by Susy Pilgrim Waters. Porter/Roaring Brook, 2013. $17.99; e-book
$9.99 6-9 yrs
Unusual color choices and intriguing illustrations pair with a lively,
well-told version of an old folk tale about a grandmother who fools a
fox, tiger, and bear on her way to visit her daughter.
George, Kristine O’Connell Emma Dilemma: Big Sister Poems;
illus. by Nancy Carpenter. Clarion, 2011. $16.99 Gr. 2-4
Being an older sister isn’t always easy, as narrator Jessica describes in
this sequence of thirty-four perceptive free-verse poems tracing her
relationship with pesky little sister, Emma.
Goodman, Susan E. It’s a Dog’s Life: How Man’s Best Friend Sees,
Hears, and Smells the World; illus. by David Slonim. Roaring Brook,
2012. $16.99; e-book $9.99 Gr. 3-5
An endearingly scruffy mutt narrates this informative guide to our
canine pals and their behaviors; pet-friendly readers everywhere will
be wagging their tales and barking for more.
Gravel, Elise A Day in the Office of Doctor Bugspit. Blue Apple
Books, 2011. $11.99; paperback $4.99 Gr. 2-4
This Balloon Toon series opener featuring the medical prowess of alien
Dr. Bugspit offers a goofy combination of picture book and junior
graphic novel that will draw in many a reluctant reader with its wacky
sensibility and mild grossness.
Dowson, Nick North: The Story of Arctic Migration; illus. by Patrick
Benson. Candlewick, 2011. $16.99 Gr. 3-5
Lyrical prose and elegant illustrations introduce readers to the
“warmer” side of the Arctic and the many animals, including the
gray whale, white crane, wolf, and caribou, that migrate north in “the
greatest journey on earth.”
Evans, Shane W. Underground: Finding the Light to Freedom; written
and illus. by Shane W. Evans. Porter/Roaring Brook, 2011. $16.99;
e-book $9.99 Gr. 2-4
This artistic treatment of the Underground Railroad translates the
experience of a family’s nocturnal escape from slavery into a sequence
of quick, tersely texted yet vivid glimpses.
Flood, Nancy Bo Cowboy Up!: Ride the Navajo Rodeo; illus. with
photographs by Jan Sonnenmair. Boyds Mills, 2013. $17.95 Gr. 3-5
Vivid photographs and an accessible writing style make for a
fascinating glimpse into the Navajo Rodeo, and the kids who are
among the avid participants.
Greenfield, Eloise The Great Migration: Journey to the North;
illus. by Jan Spivey Gilchrist. Amistad/HarperCollins, 2011. $16.99;
e-book $11.99 Gr. 2-4
Arresting art partners with simple yet compelling poetry in this
compact and personal introduction to the movement of African
Americans north in the early twentieth century.
Greenwood, Mark Drummer Boy of John John; illus. by Frane Lessac.
Lee & Low, 2012. $18.95 6-9 yrs
Stunning, Carnival-inspired gouache illustrations add flair to a story
inspired by the real life childhood junkyard band of Winston “Spree”
Simon.
Hapka, Catherine Mermaids in the Backyard; illus. by Patricia
Castelao. Random House, 2013. $4.99; e-book $4.99 Gr. 2-3
This early reader (featuring short sentences and mostly simple
vocabulary) offers an irresistible storyline and an engaging plot to
keep those young fantasy fans rapt all the way through.
Hatke, Ben Zita the Spacegirl; written and illus. by Ben Hatke. First
Second/Roaring Brook, 2011. $17.99; paperback $10.99 Gr. 3-6
Landing on a doomed planet after her friend is sucked into a vortex,
Zita gathers a motley crew of aliens and humans to rescue her pal and
possibly save their world in this intergalactic graphic novel.
Books
for
yrs)
Heppermann, Christine City Chickens; illus. with photographs.
Houghton Mifflin, 2012. $16.99 Gr. 3-5
Urban dwellers looking to bring a bit of the country to their concrete
surroundings will delight in this nonfiction photo essay focusing
on a rescue shelter for abandoned and relinquished chickens in
Minneapolis.
Hicks, Betty The Worm Whisperer; illus. by Ben Hatke. Roaring
Brook, 2013. $16.99; e-book $9.99 Gr. 3-5
The pleasantly absurd Woolly Worm Race offers a chance for lonely
Ellison, a fifth grade class clown, to find true friends and figure out
where his talents lie, whether in animal communication or just being
himself.
10
Jones, Diana Wynne Earwig and the Witch; illus. by Paul O.
Zelinsky. Greenwillow Books, 2012. $15.99; e-book $8.99 Gr. 2-4
In this whimsical chapter book, a witch looking for a servant adopts
an irascible orphan and ends up with a stubborn apprentice whose
dabbles with magic have hilarious results.
Kelly, David A. The Fenway Foul-Up; illus. by Mark Meyers.
Random House, 2011. Paperback $4.99; e-book $4.99 Gr. 2-4
This opening entry in an enticing baseball-mystery series follows
cousins Kate and Mike in their search for a star Red Sox player’s
suspiciously missing bat.
Laroche, Giles If You Lived Here: Houses of the World; illus. with
photographs. Houghton, 2011. $17.99; e-book $9.99 Gr. 2-5
Fort architects and treehouse masons will find inspiration among the
various types of shelter explored here, including homes carved from
caves in Spain and floating pontoon abodes in the Netherlands.
Look, Lenore Alvin Ho: Allergic to Dead Bodies, Funerals, and Other
Fatal Circumstances; illus. by LeUyen Pham. Schwartz & Wade, 2011.
$15.99; paperback $6.99; e-book $6.99 Gr. 2-4
A serious subject is treated with both compassion and a touch of
humor in this third outing featuring the anxiety-ridden Alvin Ho as
he struggles to come to terms with mortality, particularly in regards to
his aging grandfather.
Mack, Jeff Hippo and Rabbit in Three Short Tales; written and illus.
by Jeff Mack. Cartwheel/Scholastic, 2011 $3.99 Gr. K-1
Clever humor shines in the spare text of this chapterized beginning
reader featuring chums Hippo and Rabbit.
Hoberman, Mary Ann Forget-Me-Nots: Poems to Learn by Heart:
illus. by Michael Emberly. Megan Tingly Books, 2012. $19.99 Gr.
2-5
Noted versifier Hoberman gathers over 120 poems here along with
guidance and tips for committing the poems to memory, making this
a true treat for bards in the making.
Holm, Jennifer L. Squish: Super Amoeba; illus. by Matthew Holm.
Random House, 2011. $6.99; e-book $6.99 Gr. 2-4
Babymouse too pink for you? The Holms return in a new graphic
novel series, this time featuring plucky Squish the amoeba and his
schoolmate microorganisms in a cheerfully snarky and green-toned
adventure.
Igus, Toyomi I See the Rhythm of the Gospel; illus. by Michele Wood.
Zonderkids, 2011. $16.99; paperback $7.95; e-book $11.99 Gr. 3-6
Densely textured compositions featuring African design elements and
American quilt patterns dominate this look at the development of the
distinctive style of gospel music.
Jenkins, Steve Just a Second: A Different Way to Look at Time; written
and illus. by Steve Jenkins. Houghton Mifflin, 2011. $16.99 Gr. 2-5
The seconds will fly by for readers of Jenkins’ latest nonfiction work,
a chronicle of chronology itself that examines units of time by using
examples from the natural world and provides a wealth of backmatter.
Macaulay, David Castle: How It Works; written and illus. by David
Macaulay with Sheila Kennan. Roaring Brook, 2012. $15.99;
paperback $3.99 Gr. 2-4
This well-crafted chapter book features the intricate art of the first
iteration of Castle pared down effectively for beginning readers.
Maclachlan, Patricia Kindred Souls. HarperCollins, 2012. $16.99;
paperback $5.99; e-book $5.99 Gr. 3-5
This simply told tale of an affectionate, loving relationship between a
boy and his grandfather has the added bonus of a solid dog storyline
and deals with death in a respectful, unforced manner.
Manners Mash-Up: A Goofy Guide to Good Behavior. Dial, 2011.
$16.99. Gr. 2-4
This high-spirited picture-book look at manners showcases the
talents of fourteen illustrators, each of whom get a spread to explore
a particular area of behavior, with results that are high-spirited and
hilarious while also making some indelible points.
McCully, Emily Arnold Sam and the Big Kids; written and illus. by
Emily Arnold McCully. Holiday House, 2013. $14.95 Gr. K-1
Helpful illustrations, short sentences, and simple vocabulary ensure
that even beginning readers will be able to negotiate this warm story
about a too-small boy who finally finds his place with the big kids.
Books
for
yrs)
McGinty, Alice B. Gandhi: A March to the Sea; illus. by Thomas
Gonzalez. Amazon Children’s, 2013. $17.99; e-book $3.99 7-10
yrs
This lyrical picture book wisely takes a very tight focus on a
single key event in Gandhi’s life, paving the way for civil rights
discussions and more intricate biographies, while also remaining
entirely accessible to young readers.
McGuiness, Dan Pilot and Huxley: The First Adventure; written
and illus. by Dan McGuiness. Graphix/Scholastic, 2011. $8.99
Gr. 2-4
The gross-out hijinks of this graphic novel’s titular pals will give
the talking toilets and bionic boogers of Captain Underpants a run
for their money and will surely find a audience among fans of the
absurdly disgusting.
Mills, Claudia Kelsey Green, Reading Queen; illus. by Rob
Shepperson. Ferguson/Farrar, 2013. $15.99 Gr. 2-4
For some kids, giving up the notion that you must be the best
at something can be painful, and this book deftly handles this
struggle while also offering an amiable, well-developed protagonist
who finds there’s more to life than being the reading queen.
Moss, Marissa Barbed Wire Baseball; illus. by Yuko Shimizu.
Abrams, 2013. $18.95; e-book $9.99 Gr. 3-5
A thoughtful glimpse into Japanese internment camps through
the lens of the baseball that was played to raise the spirits of
those imprisoned is made even move vivid through the elegant
illustrations that hint at both dignity and desperation.
Myracle, Lauren The Life of Ty: Penguin Problems; illus. by Jed
Henry. Dutton, 2013. $12.99; e-book $10.99 Gr. 2-3
It is both entirely imaginable and outlandish to even consider that
a young boy, already seeking ways to act out, could end up with
a smuggled penguin chick after a class trip. The authenticity of
voice and congenial illustrations sprinkled throughout add to an
well-written story.
11
Rosenthal, Amy Krouse This Plus That: Life’s Little Equations; illus. by
Jen Corace. Harper/HarperCollins, 2011. $14.99 Gr. 2-4
Whether it be simple definitions (“big buildings + bustling = city”) or
more complicated operations (“cozy + smell of pancakes – alarm clock
= weekend”), this book cunningly uses mathematical equations to
creatively convey familiar concepts.
Rostoker-Gruber, Karen Ferret Fun; illus. by Paul Ratz de Tagyos.
Cavendish, 2011. $17.99; e-book $9.99 Gr. 2-4
With graphic-novel overtones and general good humor, this comic
tale follows ferrets Einstein and Fudge as they try to outwit their new
roommate– a carnivorous cat with a taste for rodents.
Salas, Laura Purdie Bookspeak: Poems about Books; illus. by Josee
Bisaillon. Clarion, 2011. $16.99 Gr. 3-5
Bibliophiles will delight in this cheerfully quirky collection of bookthemed poetry that ranges in theme and style and includes perspectives
of the book, characters, and readers.
Santat, Dan Sidekicks; written and illus. by Dan Santat. Levine/
Scholastic, 2011. $24.99; paperback $12.99 Gr. 3-6
Lively, insightful, and just plain fun, this convergence of capes and
creatures will find a wide audience in animal lovers and superhero fans
alike.
Smith, Alexander McCall The Great Cake Mystery; illus. by Iain
McIntosh. Anchor Books, 2012. $12.99; paperback $6.99; e-book $6.99
Gr. 3-5
Before she was the heroine of the adult mystery series The No. Ladies’
Detective Agency, Precious Ramotswe was just a girl living in Botswana,
cracking her first ever case when unattended sweets start disappearing at
her school.
O’Connor, Jane Nancy Clancy: Super Sleuth; illus. by Robin Preiss
Glasser. HarperCollins, 2012. Paperback $4.99; e-book $6.99 Gr.
2-3
Fancy Nancy is back, this time in chapter book form and armed
with a rhinestone-encrusted magnifying glass, a pink trenchcoat,
and a sassy attitude perfect for some light-hearted sleuthing.
Park, Linda Sue The Third Gift; illus. by Bagram Ibatoulline.
Clarion, 2011. $16.99 6-10 yrs
A quiet, contemplative story about a boy apprenticing his father
as he gathers myrrh from trees concludes with a joyful, and most
likely familiar, Nativity scene in this unique holiday book.
Rodriguez, Beatrice Fox and Hen Together; illus. by Beatrice
Rodriguez. Enchanted Lion, 2011. $14.95 3-7 yrs
After finding friendship with a fox in The Chicken Thief, Hen’s
efforts to put some dinner on the table go awry in this charmingly
quirky wordless picture book.
Spinner, Stephanie Alex the Parrot: No Ordinary Bird; illus. by Meilo
So. Knopf, 2012. $17.99; e-book $10.99 Gr. 2-4
Science minded animal lovers will find this slender picture-book
biography chronicling the life of Alex, the African grey parrot whose
ability to learn language challenged scientific beliefs, both intriguing and
delightful.
Books
for
yrs)
Spellman, David How to Negotiate Everything; by David Spellman
with Lisa Lutz; illus. by Jaime Temairik. Simon, 2013. $16.99 Gr. 2-4
This sharp, clever picture book will easily snag those older readers
who may consider themselves too old for the format – the funny and
motivated young bargainer who wheels and deals through each day
will likely inspire the audience with some business savvy.
12
Winter, Jeanette The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life with the Chimps;
written and illus. by Jeanette Winter. Schwartz & Wade, 2011.
$17.99; e-book $10.99 Gr. 2-5
Winter’s gentle, specific descriptions and sturdy and vivid illustrations
provide an effective introduction to the work of the great naturalist.
Sternberg, Julie Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie; illus. by Matthew
Cordell. Amulet/Abrams, 2011. $14.95; e-book $14.95 Gr. 2-3
Sternberg captures a sensitive kid’s first experience of loss with tender
respectfulness in this story of Eleanor, whose beloved babysitter from
birth, Bibi, moves away.
Sullivan, Mary Ball; written and illus. by Mary Sullivan. Houghton,
2013. $12.99; e-book $12.99 Gr. K-2
If it’s going to be just a single word, “Ball” may very well be the one of
choice for a playful dog who is just waiting for his girl to return so he
can romp again; perfectly drawn doggy poses and warm colors slow
the reader through this seemingly simple book.
Stoeke, Janet Morgan The Loopy Coop Hens; written and illus. by
Janet Morgan Stoeke. Dutton, 2011. $16.99; e-book $10.99 Gr. 1-2
Hens Midge, Pip, and Dot adore their wonderful Rooster Sam, but
they begin to realize he’s not all he seems in this hilariously deadpan
picture book.
Thorpe, Kiki In a Blink; illus. by Jana Christy. Random House,
2013. $5.99 Gr. 2-3
Getting magically transported to a fairy realm is already a fantasy of
many kids; this accessibly written (short sentences, frequent dialogue,
and approachable illustrations) story of four friends who transport
there in a blink will add to the imaginative fodder.
Van Allsburg, Chris Queen of the Falls; written and illus. by Chris
Van Allsburg. Houghton, 2011. $18.99; e-book $18.99 Gr. 3-6
The noted picture-book writer tackles nonfiction in this engrossing
and ultimately bittersweet account of sixty-two-year-old Annie Edison
Taylor’s record-setting barrel ride over Niagara Falls in 1901.
Voake, Steve Hooey Higgins and the Shark; illus. by Emma Dodson.
Candlewick, 2012. $14.99 Gr. 2-4
Wry humor and witty prose make this story of young Hooey’s efforts
to get money to buy an enormous chocolate egg an ideal choice for
aspiring entrepreneurs and mischief makers alike.
Weill, Cynthia Count Me In!: A Parade of Mexican Folk Art Numbers
in English and Spanish; illus. with photographs by Jorge Luis Santiago.
Cinco Puntos, 2012. $14.95 Gr. 1-4
Celebratory, sparkling, and beautiful, this bilingual picture book
helps readers count their way through a Mexican cultural event, the
Guelageuzta parades.
Willems, Mo Listen To My Trumpet; written and illus. by Mo
Willems. Hyperion, 2012. $8.99 Gr. K-1
The punchline of this latest installment of Willem’s dynamic duo will
elicit both giggles and “awwws” from young readers as they relate to
Piggy’s attempts to master the trumpet and be a good friend.
Winter, Jonah You Never Heard of Willie Mays?!: illus. by Terry
Widener. Schwartz & Wade, 2013. $17.99; e-book $10.99 Gr. 3-5
Even readers who imagined themselves indifferent to baseball will be
absolutely captivated by this rousing story of Willie “Say Hey” Mays,
one of the sport’s greatest all-around players.
Wissinger, Tamera Will Gone Fishing: A Novel in Verse; illus. by
Matthew Cordell. Houghton, 2013. $15.99; e-book $10.99 Gr. 2-5
Big brother learns to accept little sis’s presence on a fishing trip in this
novel told in multiple forms of verse (defined at the end for curious
readers).
Books
for
Middle Readers (Gr. 4-6, 9-11
yrs)
Abdel-Fattah, Randa The Friendship Matchmaker. Walker, 2012.
Seventh grader Lara Zany is confident in her skills as the school’s
Friendship Matchmaker until new girl Emily Wong challenges her to
a matchmaking contest in this satisfying novel about the true meaning
of friendship.
Adler, David Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad.
Holiday House, 2013. $18.95 Gr. 5-8
An intricate, thoughtful exploration of Tubman covers much more
than the usual biography; well chosen illustrations and primary source
material add context to her eventful life.
Allen, Crystal How Lamar’s Bad Prank Won a Bubba-Sized Trophy.
Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins, 2011. $16.99; paperback $6.99; e-book
$6.99 Gr. 5-8
Lamar is determined that this summer he’s going to get a girlfriend,
get his own Pro Thunder bowling ball, and maybe show up his older
brothers in this fresh and funny boy story that should please fans of
Christopher Paul Curtis.
Almond, David Slog’s Dad; illus. by Dave McKean. Candlewick,
2011. $15.99 Gr. 5-8
After Slog’s dad, the beloved hymn-singing garbage collector of their
small English village, finally loses his battle with cancer, Slog spends
the spring awaiting his father’s promised return in this wondrous and
captivating tale.
Arni, Samhita, ad. Sita’s Ramayana; illus. by Moyna Chitrakar.
Groundwood/House of Anansi, 2012. $24.95 Gr. 5-8
With illustrations based on Indian folk-art scrolls, this graphic novel
retells an ancient Hindu legend through the female eyes of Sita, the
queen over whom an epic war was fought.
13
Black, Holly Doll Bones; illus. by Eliza Wheeler. McElderry, 2013.
$16.99; e-book $9.99 Gr. 4-7
This deliciously odd novel about a group of preadolescent friends, a
creepy doll that is haunted, and a sad mystery that ties them together
is a perfect concoction for young horror buffs.
Blumenthal, Karen Bootleg: Murder, Moonshine, and the Lawless
Years of Prohibition. Flash Point/Roaring Brook, 2011. $18.99;
Blumenthal deftly weaves together tales of temperance crusading,
legislative action, widespread skirting of the law, and underworld
crime in this fascinating account of Prohibition in the U.S.
Bracken, Beth Wish; by Beth Bracken and Kay Fraser; illus. by
Odessa Sawyer. Capstone, 2013. $12.95 Gr. 6-9
Stunning photorealistic illustrations pair with spare, melancholytinged text in this novel about how one should always be careful what
one wishes for, especially if you find yourself in a magical forest.
Boyce, Frank Cottrell Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Flies Again; illus.
by Joe Berger. Candlewick, 2012. $15.99; e-book $6.99 Gr. 3-6
After Mr. Tooting repairs a camper van using an old engine found in
a scrap lot, he discovers that the camper has a will of its own, causing
the Tooting family to embark on epic road trip around the world in
this thoroughly modern sequel to the classic Ian Fleming novel.
Burgis, Stephanie Kat, Incorrigible. Atheneum, 2011. $16.99;
This breezy, delightful romp through Regency England follows the
indomitable twelve-year-old Kat as she invokes magic in order to save
her oldest sister from an unwelcome marriage.
Clark, Henry What We Found in the Sofa and How It Saved the
World; illus. by Jeremy Holmes. Little, 2013. $17.00 Gr. 5-8
Readers pair up with a gang tasked with saving the world, if they can
stop bickering long enough to figure out what to do with the couch/
sentient computer system that suddenly appears on a quiet road.
Columbus, Chris House of Secrets; by Chris Columbus and Ned
Vizzini; illus. by Greg Call. Balzer+Bray, 2013. $17.99 Gr. 5-8
A lightning pace, authentic family dynamics, and a movie-ready
fantasy plot about a family who get way more than they bargained for
when they bought a suspiciously cheap house make this an easy sell
for adventure film lovers.
Crowder, Melanie Parched. Harcourt, 2013. $15.99 Gr. 6-8
This spare, memorable story of a serious drought in Africa and a
girl, boy, and dog (the three narrators that tell the tale) who each
must survive it as best they can will stay with readers long after the
resolution.
Barton, Chris Can I See Your I.D.?: True Stories of False Identities;
illus. by Paul Hoppe. Dial, 2011. $16.99; e-book $13.99 Gr. 5-9
This offbeat collective biography chronicles the exploits of ten people
who engaged in dramatic, sometimes famous, acts of identity fakery,
from a teen passing as a New York subway driver to black slave Ellen
Craft posing as a white slaveowner.
Crump, Marty The Mystery of Darwin’s Frogs; illus. by Steve Jenkins
and Edel Rodriguez and with Photographs. Boyds Mills, 2013.
$16.95 Gr. 4-6
Clear photographs, scientific renderings, and a detailed text packed
with end matter to keep readers going all combine to make an
irresistible volume for any budding naturalist.
Books
for
yrs)
Curtis, Christopher Paul The Mighty Miss Malone. Lamb/Random
House, 2012. $15.99; paperback $7.99; e-book $7.99. Gr. 4-7
Narrated by intelligent, spunky, and resourceful eleven-year old Deza
Malone, this Depression era novel captures the impact of economic
strain on a family who struggles to persevere through many setbacks.
Daly, Cathleen Flirt Club. Porter/Roaring Brook, 2011. $15.99;
Best friends Annie and Izzy document their efforts to develop their
feminine wiles in a way that does not include stammering, blushing,
and running away, resulting in a delightful and humorous lesson in
all sorts of girl power.
Dowell, Frances O’Roark Ten Miles Past Normal. Atheneum,
2011. $16.99; paperback $9.99; e-book $9.99 Gr. 6-9
Dowell’s quiet wisdom imbues this tale of Janie, who’s finding it
tough to break loose from her family’s crunchy-granola lifestyle to
find herself a niche in the challenging new world of high school.
Dunlap, Susanne In the Shadow of the Lamp. Bloomsbury, 2011.
There’s classic historical romance aplenty in this tale of Victorian
servant Molly Fraser, who joins Florence Nightingale nursing in the
Crimea and finds not only a calling but also possible love.
14
Fleming, David. The Saturday Boy. Viking, 2013. $16.99 Gr. 4-7
This sensitive look at a kid pushed beyond his usual fragile sense of selfcontrol by bullying and the loss of a parent is exceptionally readable,
memorable, and accessible, even with the often-painful content.
Frazier, Angie The Midnight Tunnel. Scholastic, 2011. $16.99;
e-book $6.99 Gr. 4-6
This wonderfully atmospheric period whodunit features Zanna
Snow, who works in her family’s hotel but who really longs to be a
detective—and finally gets her chance.
Frazier, Sundee T. Brendan Buckley’s Sixth-Grade Experiment.
Delacorte, 2012. $16.95; paperback $8.99; e-book $10.99 Gr. 4-6
Science geek Brendan Buckley is gunning to win the sixth grade
science fair, but when he overhears his jock father calling him an
“egghead,” he wonders if he shouldn’t be pursuing more athletic goals.
Grady, Cynthia I Lay My Stitches Down: Poems of American Slavery;
Illus. by Michele Wood. Eerdmans, 2012. $17.00 Gr. 4-7
Fourteen expertly crafted free verse poems mirror the style of traditional
quilt making accompanied by vibrant and intricate illustrations in this
heartbreaking poetry collection that chronicles slaves’ experiences in
America in their daily lives.
Grimes, Nikki Planet Middle School. Bloomsbury, 2011. $15.99;
e-book $12.99 Gr. 4-8
Readers will cringe, laugh, and relate to twelve-year-old tomboy Joylin
as she stumbles her way through puberty in this thoughtful, funny
story told in verse.
Harkrader. Lisa The Adventures of Beanboy. Houghton, 2012.
$9.99; e-book $9.99 Gr. 4-6
Comic book superfan Tucker MacBean hopes that entering a contest
to create a new sidekick, Beanboy, for his favorite superhero, H2O,
will be the solution for his family’s money troubles in this actionpacked and thought-provoking novel that is sure to please Dairy of a
Wimpy Kid and Origami Yoda fans.
Engle, Margarita The Lightning Dreamer: Cuba’s Greatest
Abolitionist. Harcourt, 2013. $16.99 Gr. 6-9
This free verse fictionalized memoir offers plenty of context in which
one can better understand Gertrudis Gomez de Avellaneda, an early
feminist and abolitionist from Cuba; it matters not a whit that likely
not a single reader will have heard of her – they will leave enlightened
and inspired.
Fleming, Candace Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia
Earhart. Schwartz & Wade, 2011. $16.99 Gr. 5-9
Fleming dramatically combines a chronicle of Earhart’s life with an
as-it-happens account of the developing news story of her final fatal
flight in this engaging biography.
Hasak-Lowry, Todd 33 Minutes; illus. by Bethany Barton. Aladdin,
2013. $15.99 Gr. 4-7
In 33 minutes, Morgan is going to kick Sam’s butt. It’s a terrific
starting premise, and the rest of the book, unfolding in flashbacks and
one of the boy’s account of the countdown, is equally superb.
Haskell, Merrie Handbook for Dragon Slayers. Harper/
HarperCollins, 2013. $16.99; e-book $10.99 Gr. 5-7
An unlikely group of three friends (a princess who often wishes she
could disappear and two of her loyal pals) decide to become dragon
slayer adventurers in this sometimes quiet, sometimes rollicking
outing.
Hoose, Phillip Moonbird: A Year on the Wind with the Great Survivor
B95. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2012. $21.99 Gr. 7-12
This high-interest nonfiction book provides an intimate look at the
seldom-seen experiences of endangered red knot birds by following
the migration of a single bird named B95 from Tierra del Fuego,
Argentina to the Canadian Arctic and back again.
Books
for
yrs)
15
Hopkinson, Deborah Titanic: Voices from the Disaster. Scholastic,
2012. $17.99; paperback $5.99 Gr. 5-8
This chronological, straightforward retelling of the infamous
maritime disaster features period photographs, firsthand recollections
of survivors, wreckage reports and a plethora of backmatter that make
it the go-to source for Titanic aficionados.
Krull, Kathleen Lives of the Scientists: Experiments, Explosions (and
What the Neighbors Thought); illus. by Kathryn Hewitt. Harcourt,
2013. $20.99 Gr. 4-8
The newest in the Lives of… series delivers beautifully, as this jampacked volume of facts, secrets, and human elements will not only
inform but enthrall readers from start to finish.
Hurwitz, Michele Weber Calli Be Gold. Lamb, 2011. $15.99;
e-book $6.99 Gr. 4-6
Eleven-year-old Calli, the quiet, noncompetitive member of a highpowered, all-go family, finally stages a revolt when her family fails to
acknowledge the importance of her achievements in this accessible
and engaging novel.
Latham, Irene Don’t Feed the Boy; illus. by Stephanie Graegin.
Any animal lover who has dreamed of what it might be like to have
full access to a zoo will find this sensitive, well-balanced fictional
account of a kid who is being raised in one to be a good glimpse into
what that would actually be like.
Kadohata, Cynthia The Thing About Luck; illus. by Julia Kuo.
Atheneum, 2013. $16.99 Gr. 5-8
Luck is relative, and this book elucidates this point elegantly through
a thoughtful exploration of a family of agricultural workers, and how
they face both good and bad luck.
La Valley, Josanne The Vine Basket. Clarion, 2013. $16.99 Gr. 5-8
The ability to make beautiful woven baskets may hold all of the
opportunities of which Mehrigul, a fourteen-year-old Chinese girl,
has long dreamed in this emotional, spare story of hope.
Kennedy, Emma Wilma Tenderfoot: The Case of the Frozen Hearts.
Dial, 2011. $16.99; e-book $7.99 Gr. 4-7
Sherlock enthusiasts will delight in Wilma’s plucky resolve and
winsome spirit as she tries to prove her sleuthing skills to the great and
very Holmes-like detective Theodore P. Goodman.
Kluger, Jeffrey Freedom Stone. Philomel, 2011. $16.99; e-book
$13.99 Gr. 6-9
Well-paced adventure and mystery blend with history in this
compelling tale of a young black girl’s efforts to win her family’s
freedom during the Civil War.
Lawrence, Caroline The Case of the Deadly Desperados. Putnam,
2012. $16.99 Gr. 5-8
Twelve-year-old P. K. “Pinky” Pinkerton is forced to flee after
Whittlin’ Walt and his gang of desperados murder his foster parents in
the pursuit of a mysterious land deed from Pinky’s birth father in this
action-filled Western mystery.
Lin, Grace Dumpling Days. Little, 2012. $15.99; paperback $6.99;
e-book $6.99 Gr. 4-6
Preteens wondering about their identity or even readers just looking
for an international flight to a distant land via a book will appreciate
Pacy’s journey to self discovery as she spends a month with her
extended family in Taiwan.
MacHale, D.J. SYLO. Razorbill, 2013. $17.99; e-book $10.99 Gr.
5-8
The mysterious SYLO, a military organization of shadowy origins,
shakes up a small island permanently in this gripping, haunting first
book in an anticipated trilogy.
Macy, Sue Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom
(With a Few Flat Tires Along the Way). National Geographic, 2011.
$18.95 Gr. 4-8
As Macy demonstrates in this compact, lavishly illustrated history,
the bicycle wasn’t just an advance in transportation, it was a cultural
breakthrough that gave women new and controversial freedoms.
Krosoczka, Jarrett J. Platypus Police Squad: The Frog Who Croaked;
written and illus. by Jarrett J. Krosoczka. Walden Pond, 2013. $12.99;
e-book $8.99 Gr. 4-6
This rollicking take on crime fighting animals (in this case, the humble
platypus) has plenty of snark, a lightning pace, and, best of all, the
clear promise of a sequel to thrill readers.
Margolis, Leslie Girl’s Best Friend. Bloomsbury, 2011. $14.99;
Seventh-grader Maggie Brooklyn Sinclair starts out as a dog-walker
and ends up a sleuth when petnapping plagues her Brooklyn
neighborhood in this engaging mystery.
McCaughrean, Geraldine The Glorious Adventures of the
Queen. Harper/HarperCollins, 2011. $16.99; e-book $7.99
This Twainian adventure featuring twelve-year-old Cissy
a gang of mismatched companions, and a slightly illicitly
steamboat, defines the world “rollicking.”
Sunshine
Gr. 5-8
Cissney,
acquired
Books
for
yrs)
McClafferty, Carla Killough The Many Faces of George
Washington: Remaking a Presidential Icon. Carolrhoda, 2011. $20.95
Gr. 5-9
McClafferty explores science, art, and history as she follows the
fascinating project that used historical portraits, sculpture, and
information to create life-sized models of George Washington at three
different ages.
McKinlay, Meg Below. Candlewick, 2013. $15.99; e-book $15.95
Gr. 6-9
Readers who don’t mind their mysteries a bit offbeat will likely
appreciate this tale of two small Australian towns, one now underwater
and the other populated with folks who would rather forget it, and the
kids who try to determine why.
16
With his characteristic dramatic oil paintings, Nelson tells the story
of African Americans and their central role in the building of this
country and its future.
Nobleman, Marc Tyler Bill, the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator
of Batman. Charlesbridge, 2012. $17.95 Gr. 3-5
The true story of the creation of the immortal comic book character
Batman at the hands of writer Bill Finger, who never received credit
for his work, is finally revealed in this meticulously researched graphic
biography.
O’Connor, SheilaSparrow Road. Putnam, 2011. $16.99; paperback
$6.99; e-book $6.99 Gr. 4-6
Twelve-year-old Raine and her mother are spending the summer at a
writers’ getaway, where Raine bonds with the artists, explores her own
writing, and discovers the father she’s never known in this fluidly and
thoughtfully written novel.
Okorafor, Nnedi Akata Witch. Viking, 2011. $17.99; e-book
$14.99 Gr. 6-9
Sunny’s albinism causes her Nigerian classmates to call her “akata
witch,” and it turns out they’re right—she’s a Leopard person, with
natural magical abilities, and she must learn to understand and wield
her powers in this gripping fantasy that draws on Nigerian Igbo
religion and lore.
McNeal, Tom Far, Far Away. Knopf, 2013. $17.99 Gr. 6-9
This remarkable story offers fairy tale essentials, a warm romance, and
an enchanting storyline about a boy, the ghost he sees (Jacob Grimm),
and the malevolent creature that threatens everything.
Messer, Stephen The Death of Yorik Mortwell; illus. by Gris Grimly.
Random House, 2011. $15.99; e-book $6.99 Gr. 4-6
Youngsters who cut their teeth on Edward Gorey will find this chilling
yet comic tale of young (and deceased) Yorik’s battle against the
treacherous Yglhfm just to their liking.
Mulder, Michelle Pedal It!: How Bicycles Are Changing the World;
illus. with photographs. Orca, 2013. $19.95 Gr. 4-6
This passionate account on bicycles and how they are, indeed,
changing the world will have new riders and die-hard fans waxing
poetic about their own reasons they love their two-wheers.
Myers, Walter Dean Just Write: Here’s How. HarperCollins, 2012.
Aspiring writers will find an expert guide in prolific author Myers,
who gives readers both the inspiration and the practical know-how to
get started on their literary career.
Nelson, Kadir Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African
Americans; written and illus. by Kadir Nelson. Balzer + Bray, 2012.
$19.99 Gr. 4-7
Ottaviani, Jim Primates: The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian
Fossey, and Birute Galdikas; illus. by Maris Wicks. First Second/
This graphic novel on women of primatology is an excellent, thoughtful
work to introduce three essential female scientists and the ways in
which they changed our understanding of animals permanently.
Parry, Rosanne Written in Stone. Ramdon House, 2013. $16.99;
e-book $10.99 Gr. 5-8
An unusual setting (a Makah village, post-World War 1), a compelling
protagonist who is struggling to balance her recent orphan status
while also trying to save her tribe from a sketchy art dealer seeking
tribal masks, and informative notes make this book a stellar entry for
thoughtful readers.
Pastis, Stephan Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made; written and
illus. by Stephan Pastis. Candlewick, 2013. $14.99; e-book $14.99
Gr. 4-6
Timmy has an unswerving dedication to avoiding the truth, which
makes his “historical record” an extraordinarily hilarious account,
even while sensitive readers may note that his bluster sometimes
protects him from loneliness and rejection.
Patterson, James I Funny: A Middle School Story; written by James
Patterson and Chris Grabenstin; illus. by Laura Park. Little, 2012.
$15.99; e-book $9.99 Gr. 4-7
Jamie, the “sit-down comic” as he likes to call himself, isn’t going to let
bullies, his wheelchair, or the minor and major indignities of middle
school keep him from his dream of becoming a true comedian.
Books
for
yrs)
Pearsall, Shelley Jump into the Sky. Knopf, 2012. $16.99; e-book
$10.99; paperback $7.99 Gr. 5-9
Fans of Christopher Paul Curtis will find insight in this tale of
thirteen-year-old Levi and his father, a member of the 555th Parachute
Infantry Battalion, a colored division of the military in World War II.
Peot, Margaret Inkblot: Drip, Splat, and Squish Your Way to
Creativity; written and illus. by Margaret Peot. Boyds Mills, 2011.
$19.95 Gr. 5-9
Kids of all levels of artistic ability and interest are invited to join the
fun of creating a controlled mess and turning it into a project of
surprising loveliness or bizarre imagination in this informative and
inviting guide to using inkblots as the germ for artistic creations.
17
Rusch, Elizabeth Eruption!: Volcanoes and the Science of Saving
Lives; illus. with photographs by Tom Uhlman et al. Houghton, 2013.
$18.99 Gr. 5-9
Striking photographs, thoughtful exploration of the people who
live near volcanoes, and gripping science stories make this outing
an exceptional entry in a fairly well-stocked field of natural disaster
books.
Phelan, Matt Bluffton: My Summers with Buster; written and illus.
by Matt Phelan. Candlewick, 2013. $22.99 Gr. 5-8
A mix of wordless scenes, vivid illustrations, and effectively integrated
text combine in this intriguing graphic novel to describe a three year
period in Buster Keaton’s early life.
Phillips, Gin The Hidden Summer. Dial, 2013. $16.99; e-book
$10.99 Gr. 5-7
The pursuit of a sense of home, and the myriad places and ways we
find them, is the central theme of this vulnerable, poignant story of a
girl who is searching for peace everywhere but her own volatile house.
Pryce, Trevor An Army of Frogs; by Trevor Price with Joel Naftali;
illus. by Sanford Greene. Amulet/Abrams, 2013. $15.95 Gr. 5-7
It’s a fine book indeed for adventure lovers that offers fierce, wellcrafted battles between frogs and scorpions, lush full-page illustrations
worth poring over, and a determined but underestimated hero who
must save the froggy world.
Raczka, Bob Lemonade and Other Poems Squeezed from a Single Word;
illus. by Nancy Doniger. Roaring Brook, 2011. $16.99; paperback
$6.99 Gr. 3-7
Twenty-two clever verses introduce readers to an ingenious form
wherein every word in the poem is drawn only from the letters in the
poem’s title.
Rhodes, Jewell Parker Sugar. Little, 2013. $16.99 Gr. 4-6
This powerful novel examines slavery during the Reconstruction era
through the lens of Sugar, a ten-year-old girl whose true freedom
eludes her even five years after almost all of the freed slaves have left
her behind on the plantation.
Ross, Stewart Into the Unknown: How Great Explorers Found Their
Way by Land, Sea, and Air; illus. by Stephen Biesty. Candlewick, 2011.
$19.99 Gr. 4-8
What looks like a gimmicky collection of glitzy foldouts is actually a
tidily focused, intriguingly illustrated account of fourteen landmark
explorations.
Roth, Judith Serendipity and Me. Viking, 2013. $16.99 Gr. 5-8
This thoughtful, free-verse novel is tinged with melancholy as a girl
campaigns to keep a kitten that landed on her doorstep, desperate to
find something to help herself and her dad cope with a recent loss.
Rusch, Elizabeth The Mighty Mars Rovers: The Incredible Adventures
of Spirit and Opportunity. Houghton, 2012. $18.99. Gr. 5-9
Take a trip to Mars in this spectacular nonfiction book that follows
a team of the scientists as they explore the surface of Mars using the
rovers Spirit and Opportunity.
Scieszka, Jon, ed. Guys Read: The Sports Pages; illus. by Dan Santat.
Walden Pond, 2012. $16.99; paperback $6.99; e-book $6.99 Gr. 4-7
Sports fans will cheer for this collection of stories from writers and
athletes about the greatest games on earth that offers a blend of actionpacked fiction and nonfiction.
Shang, Wendy Wan-Long The Great Wall of Lucy Wu. Scholastic,
Sixth-grader Lucy Wu is dismayed when her elderly great aunt from
China moves in with her family but she gradually finds herself won
over by her gentle relative.
Shenkin, Steve Lincoln’s Grave Robbers. Scholastic, 2013. $16.99;
Told with gutso, this lively true crime story takes readers through a
1876 plot to steal the remains of Lincoln in a tale that is so thrilling
and funny, kids won’t even recognize the history lesson.
Sloan, Holly Goldberg Counting by 7s. Dial, 2013. $16.99;
e-book $10.99 Gr. 5-8
This book deftly sidesteps cloying lessons about individuality
and resourcefulness, instead presenting a brilliantly sensitive and
memorable look at a quirky girl who has always been unconditionally
accepted by her parents, and who must adjust to how to live without
them after their unexpected deaths.
Books
for
yrs)
Spinelli, Jerry Hokey Pokey. Knopf, 2013. $15.99; paperback
$9.99; e-book $7.99 Gr. 4-6
A wistful, complex, and surprisingly thoughtful novel about the
necessity of putting away childish things, and one boy’s resistance to
this concept.
Stone, Tanya Lee Courage Has No Color: The True Story of the Triple
Nickles, America’s First Black Paratroopers. Candlewick, 2012. $24.99;
Any story this amazing deserves a rich book packed with illustrations,
plenty of end matter, and a well told narration; Stone delivers in this
gripping account of the first all black parachute infantry company
from World War II.
Sullivan, George Tom Thumb: The Remarkable True Story of a Man
in Miniature. Clarion, 2011. $20.00 Gr. 5-8
Sullivan follows the careers of both Charles Stratton, the nineteenth
century’s celebrated Tom Thumb, and P. T. Barnum, the showman
who launched him into international stardom.
Timberlake, Amy One Came Home. Knopf, 2013. $16.99 Gr. 5-8
Sharpshooting, counterfeiting, a smart protagonist, and a compelling
mystery – what more could you ask out of a book about a 19th century
girl out to find her missing sister, and discovering herself along the way?
18
Bessica is looking to start sixth grade as a whole new woman, but
without her best pal Sylvie at her side, she’s barely avoiding being
branded a loser in this authentic and heartwarming portrayal about
finding yourself in unexpected places.
Turnage, Sheila Three Times Lucky. Dial, 2012. $16.99; e-book
$10.99 Gr. 5-7
Rescued from a hurricane as a baby by the amnesiac Colonel and
raised by him in the town of Tupelo Landing, North Carolina, Moses
(Mo) LeBeau is determined to solve the twin mysteries of a local
man’s murder and her own unknown origins in this rollicking murder
mystery.
Ursu, Anne Breadcrumbs; illus. by Erin McGuire. Walden Pond,
A wintry fairy-tale forest provides the backdrop to this poignant tale
of a young girl negotiating the transition from the magical world of
childhood to the confusing place of adolescence.
Valente, Catherynne M. The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland
in a Ship of Her Own Making; illus. by Ana Juan. Feiwel, 2011.
When the Green Wind offers to take young September to Fairyland
via flying leopard, she jumps at the chance; the resulting quest story
is a perfect balance of whimsical enchantment and playful profundity
that recalls Alice in Wonderland and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Vanderpoole, Clare Navigating Early. Delacorte, 2013. $16.99 Gr.
6-9
What starts as a problem novel about heartbroken boys navigating
post-World War II problems flows into a beautiful, equally wrenching
heroic quest tale as they set off to find one boy’s missing (and possibly
dead from the war) brother.
Vawter, Vince Paperboy. Delacorte, 2013. $16.99 Gr. 4-7
A quiet, impeccably told novel about a quiet boy whose stutter has
kept him isolated until a friend needs him to take over a paper route,
and the weekly collections that will require conversations.
Thomson, Ruth Terezín: Voices from the Holocaust. Candlewick,
2011. $18.99; paperback $9.99 Gr. 5-8
Thomson tells the story of the Terezín concentration camp almost
entirely in the voices of those who lived there, grounding it in solid
research and presenting it in an accessible magazine-style layout.
Tooke, Wes King of the Mound: My Summer with Satchel Paige.
Simon, 2012. $15.99; e-book $6.99 Gr. 4-7
Readers looking for a more realistic alternative to Dan Gutman’s
time-travel baseball adventures will find a homerun in twelve-yearold Nick’s story about his apprenticeship under the renowned Negro
League pitcher, Satchel Paige.
Tracy, Kristen The Reinvention of Bessica Lefter. Delacorte, 2011.
Wadsworth, Ginger First Girl Scout: the Life of Juliette Gordon Low.
Clarion, 2011. $17.99; e-book $17.99 Gr. 5-8
Wadsworth has created an in-depth portrait of the extraordinary life
and times of Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low, who worked for
the betterment of American girls.
West, Jacqueline The Shadows; illus. by Poly Bernatene. Dial,
2010. (The Books of Elsewhere) $16.99; paperback $6.99; e-book
$6.99 Gr. 5-7
Eleven-year-old Olive, newly moved into an old house, finds that it
holds more than she expects in this delightful concoction of classic
fantasy elements ranging from talking cats to animated paintings.
White, Ruth You’ll Like It Here (Everybody Does). Delacorte, 2011
When Meggie Blue and her alien family have to speedily escape Earth,
they’re initially optimistic about the Earth-like Fashion City, but soon
they realize its pleasant appearance hides sinister secrets.
Books
for
yrs)
Williams-Garcia, Rita P.S. Be Eleven. Amistad/HarperCollins,
2013. $16.99; e-book $10.99 Gr. 5-8
The powerful and dramatically described setting of 1960s Oakland
is as much a striking character as Delphine herself, a girl who is
continuing to find her place and voice in a large, complex family.
Wolitzer, Meg The Fingertips of Duncan Dorfman. Dutton, 2011.
Fans of Carl Hiaasen and E. L. Konigsburg will appreciate this solid,
thoughtful, and funny story about three kids competing in the national
Youth Scrabble Tournament for their own complicated reasons.
Yee, LisaWarp Speed. Levine/Scholastic, 2011. $16.99; paperback
$6.99; e-book $6.99 Gr. 5-8
Fans of Yee’s previous works will remember Marley as the forgotten
friend of Stanford Wong, but here the veteran outcast is the star of the
show, even if he’d much rather go unnoticed.
Ylvisaker, Anne The Luck of the Buttons. Candlewick, 2011. $15.99;
$6.99; e-book $6.99 Gr. 4-6
Small town life in 1929 America is richly depicted in this story of
young Tugs Button, who shocks her hardscrabble family by winning
a brand new camera and then uses it to pursue her suspicions of an
oily newcomer.
Young, Ed The House Baba Built: An Artist’s Childhood in China;
illus. with photographs. Little, 2011. $17.99 Gr. 5-9
An elegant combination of altered photos and episodic text make this
memoir of Young’s childhood growing up in Shanghai both moving
and intriguing.
Zia, Farhana The Garden of My Imaan. Peachtree, 2013. $15.95 Gr.
4-7
This thoughtful novel demonstrates how sometiems fading into the
background just isn’t your fate, as with middle-schooler Aliya, who
must negotiate both well-meaning ignorance and bullying as one of
few Muslims (and Indian-Americans) at her school.
19
Books
for
Older Readers (Gr. 7-12, 12-18 Yrs)
Adoff, Arnold Roots and Blues: A Celebration; illus. by R. Gregory
Christie. Clarion, 2011. $17.99 Gr. 8-12
Sixty poems, each visually creative and lyrically impressive, present a
dramatic but accessible look at the smoky dives, legendary artists, and
moody sounds at the heart of the blues.
Amateau, Gigi Come August, Come Freedom: The Bellows, the Gallows,
and the Black General Gabriel. Candlewick, 2012. $16.99; e-book
$16.99 Gr. 7-12
While trial records and newspaper clippings provide historical
legitimacy to this fictionalized version of the 1800 Virginia slave
insurrection, Amateau’s poetic language lends the tale an emotional
resonance that readers will not soon forget.
Anderson, Jodi Lynn Americapedia: Taking the Dumb Out of
Freedom; by Jodi Lynn Anderson, Daniel Ehrenhaft, and Andisheh
Nouraee. Walker, 2011. $24.99; paperback $16.99 Gr. 7-12
This high-spirited overview gets young adults up to speed on the civics,
economics, and global issues that they may have dozed through in
class; a scrapbook-style format and lively cartoons will lure browsers.
Anthony, Jessica Chopsticks; illus. with photographs by Rodrigo
Corral. Razorbill, 2012. $19.99 Gr. 9-12
This romance, told through emotive full-page compositions of
photographs, mementos, and a smattering of dialogue, questions
musically gifted Glory’s mental state as her possibly imagined
relationship with Francisco unfolds.
Archer, E. Geek Fantasy Novel. Scholastic, 2011. $17.99; e-book
$9.99 Gr. 8-10
A fourteen-year-old gamer on a trip to England finds his cousins’
wishes take him into an eccentric fantasy world in this story that both
plays with fantasy tropes and offers a great geeky coming-of-age tale.
Aronson, Marc, ed. Pick-Up Game: A Full Day of Full Court; ed. by
Marc Aronson and Charles R. Smith, Jr. Candlewick, 2011. $15.99;
e-book $6.99 Gr. 7-12
Nine all-stars in the field of YA lit contribute stories that form a
cumulative portrait of a ten-hour summer day at the famous West 4th
Street Cage in Greenwich Village.
Barraclough, Lindsey Long Lankin. Candlewick, 2012. $16.99;
e-book $16.99 Gr. 7-10
In a disquieting English village with an unexplained history of
murdered children, Cora and her sister Mimi confront portentous
spirits, deranged townspeople, and a genuinely terrifying villain in
this adaptation of a British folk ballad.
Beam, Cris I Am J. Little, 2011. $16.99; paperback $8.99; e-book
$7.99 Gr. 9-12
Despite being born a girl, J knows he’s male, and his struggle to explain
himself to his family and friends and journey toward transition are
sensitively treated in this novel on a still-new topic in YA literature.
Bellstorf, Arne Baby’s in Black: Astrid Kirchherr, Stuart Sutcliffe,
and the Beatles; tr. from the German by Michael Waaler; written and
illus. by Arne Bellstorf. First Second, 2012. $24.99 Gr. 8-12
20
A graphic novel featuring the compelling yet doomed romantic
relationship between the Beatles’ original bassist Stuart Sutcliffe and
the band’s visionary photographer Astrid Kirchherr, done in shadowy
pencil and thick black ink.
Beaudoin, Sean You Killed Wesley Payne. Little, 2011. $16.99;
Enticed by a beautiful girl (aren’t they all?), amateur sleuth Dalton Rev
takes on the case of her apparently murdered brother in this slick and
snarky send-up of the classic noir detective genre.
Beram, Nell Yoko Ono: Collector of Skies; by Nell Beram and Carolyn
Boriss-Krimsky. Amulet/Abrams, 2013. $24.95; e-book $24.95 Gr.
7-12
An intricate, well-developed biography of a complicated woman – this
volume goes far beyond the Lennon connection to examine a person
who has always longed to be known on her own terms.
Bick, Ilsa Ashes. Egmont, 2011. $16.99; e-book $9.99 Gr. 9-12
In this brutal post-apocolytpic world, seventeen-year-old Alex must
combat starvation, natural disasters, and those ever persistent flesheating zombies after an electromagnetic pulse kills off most of the
population.
Billingsley, Franny Chime. Dial, 2011. $17.99; paperback $8.99;
e-book $8.99 Gr. 7-10
Sparkling prose and a lush, spooky setting mark this supernatural
romance that twists and turns through the small town of Swampsea
where young Briony attempts to protect her family from the Old
Ones at the beginning of an alternative twentieth century.
Blythe, Carolita Revenge of a Not-So-Pretty Girl. Delacorte, 2013.
$16.99; e-book $10.99 Gr. 7-10
This mid-80’s look at a girl stuck in all sorts of bad situations thankfully
heads to a few hard-won small victories for Faye, who really just needs
one person on her side, and finds that woman in the most unlikely
of situations.
Books
for
Older Readers (Gr. 7-12, 12-18 Yrs)
Blumenthal, Karen Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different.
Feiwel, 2012. $16.99; paperback $8.99; e-book $6.41 Gr. 6-10
Blumenthal traces Jobs’ rise to technophile superstardom from earlycareer personality quirks and conflicts to the age of the iPod and his
ultimate battle with pancreatic cancer.
Blundell, Judy Strings Attached. Scholastic, 2011. $17.99;
Kit and Billy are seemingly a happy young couple in 1950s New York,
but little does Billy know that his mobster father has set dancer Kit up
with all she has in this noir tale.
Bowers, Rick Superman Versus the Ku Klux Klan: The True Story of
How the Iconic Superhero Battled the Men of Hate. National Geographic,
2012. $16.95; e-book $16.95 Gr. 7-10
During the post-WWII resurgence of the infamous hate group,
Adventures of Superman’s radio producers stage a takedown of the
not-so-subtly named Clan of the Fiery Cross in the climax of this
historical narrative.
Bray, Libba Beauty Queens. Scholastic, 2011. $18.99; paperback
$9.99; e-book $9.49 Gr. 7-10
Adventure blends with satire in this story of a wrecked plane of beautypageant contestants who use their pageant skills and equipment to
survive.
Brosgol, Vera Anya’s Ghost; written and illus. by Vera Brosgol. First
Second/Roaring Brook, 2011. $19.99; paperback $15.99; e-book
$9.99 Gr. 8-10
A juicy mystery, a bit of horror, a compelling cast, and a deceptive
ghost make this graphic novel a strong and appealing standout.
21
spurned lovers and their desire for payback in this fun and frothy
novel perfect for the recently broken-hearted.
Cook, Kristi Haven. Simon Pulse, 2011. $16.99; paperback $9.99;
e-book $9.99 Gr. 9-12
The steamy romance between Violet and Aidan takes a turn when she
realizes her destiny as a vampire slayer and his status as a bloodsucker
in this seriously sexy tale that will have Twilight fans swooning.
Cortez, Sarah, ed. You Don’t Have a Clue: Latino Mystery Stories for
Teens. Piñata, 2011. Paperback $16.95; e-book $9.99 Gr. 7-10
Eighteen mysteries by a mix of prominent and lesser-known Latino/
Latina authors creatively interpret the genre and take readers on
strange, suspenseful, and sometimes even creepy journeys.
Crispin, A. C. The Price of Freedom. Disney, 2011. $22.95; e-book
$22.95; e-book $12.99 Gr. 7-12
This fast-paced and adventurous prequel to The Pirates of the Caribbean
follows a young Jack Sparrow as he tries to work his way through the
legitimate naval ranks and to leave behind his pirate upbringing—
most of the time.
Cronn-Mills, Kirstin Beautiful Music for Ugly Children. Flux,
2012. $9.99 Gr. 9-12
A graduating senior faces a number of challenges as he pursues his
dreams to become a radio DJ, finally admit his love for his best friend,
and start his transition from Elizabeth to Gabe in this moving and
sensitive novel.
Clement-Moore, Rosemary Spirit and Dust. Delacorte, 2013.
$17.99; e-book $9.99 Gr. 7-10
This rollicking novel throws a plucky heroine, a family that uses their
supernatural powers to foil the bad guys, a reanimated dinosaur, and
a lot of campy humor into the mix and the result is enormous fun for
the reader.
Colfer, Eoin The Reluctant Assassin. Hyperion, 2013. $17.99;
e-book $9.99 Gr. 7-10
A welcome first volume of a new series for Colfer, this time warp
take on a futuristic witness protection program (transporting folks out
of the current time) is action filled with well-drawn villains and two
fascinating settings.
Cockrell, AmandaWhat We Keep Is Not Always What Will Stay. Flux,
2011. Paperback $9.95; e-book $9.95 Gr. 7-10
A miraculous apparition, a family split, and a troubling relationship
bring fifteen-year-old Angie to a spiritual crisis in this provocative and
ultimately hopeful read.
Collins, Yvonne Love Inc.; written by Yvonne Collins and Sandy
Rideout. Hyperion, 2011. $16.99; paperback $9.99; e-book $9.99
Gr. 7-10
Sharing the same cheating boyfriend gives three girls a brilliant
business plan, and soon Love Inc., is booming with business from
Datlow, Ellen, ed. After: Nineteen Stories of Apocalypse and Dystopia;
ed. By Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling. Hyperion, 2012. $16.99;
A hefty volume that offers numerous perspectives on the end of the
world, or dystopic scenarios that may almost seem even worse than
a quick apocalypse. Thoughtful and nicely edited, this collection is a
sure win with fans of the genre.
Books
for
Older Readers (Gr. 7-12, 12-18
Durst, Sarah Beth Drink, Slay, Love. McElderry, 2011. $17.99;
Fans of campy horror can’t ask for more than this whimsically gross
tale that features unicorns, vampires, and one snarky and bloodthirsty
protagonist.
Fleming, Candace On the Day I Died: Stories from the Grave. Schwartz
& Wade, 2012. $16.99;e-book $10.99 Gr. 7-10
Mike Kowalski is drawn into the company of a group of teenage ghosts
who share the horrifying tales of their deaths in Chicago that occurred
over the course of the past century, providing a satisfying and creepy
twist on the traditional ghost story collection with nine ghost stories
suitable to read on a dark and stormy night.
Flowers, Arthur I See the Promised Land: A Life of Martin Luther King
Jr.; illus. by Manu Chitrakar. Groundwood, 2013. $18.95 Gr. 9-up
This gem of a graphic novel collaboration offers a fresh and poetic look
at a historical figure in a way that will engage and challenge teen readers.
yrs)
22
Griffin, Adele Tighter. Knopf, 2011. $16.99; paperback $8.99; e-book
$8.99 Gr. 7-10
In this update of The Turn of the Screw, seventeen-year-old Jamie takes a
summer job caring for eleven-year-old Isa in a mansion on an exclusive
island off of the New England coast and discovers that she’s identical to Isa’s
previous au pair—who tragically died.
Griffin, Claire Nowhere to Run. Namelos, 2013. paperback $9.95 Gr.
9-12
This slim, powerful volume follows Calvin’s senior year in a rough, urban
neighborhood and the painful lesson he learns that earnest boys with good
intentions may not always win the day.
Griffin, Paul Stay With Me. Dial, 2011. $16.99; paperback $8.99; e-book
$8.99 Gr. 9-12
From the flustered anxiety of a first kiss to the eventual recovery from
heartbreak, this touching portrayal of the doomed romance between good
girl Cece and bad boy Mac will require an additional gift of a few hankies.
Handler, Daniel Why We Broke Up; illus. by Maira Kalman. Little, 2011.
Supported by full-color illustrations and conversational prose, this fervent
reflection on the dissolution of young love between artsy Min and basketball
star Ed gets high school heartbreak just right.
Hartzler, Aaron Rapture Practice. Little, 2013. $17.99 Gr. 7-10
Spell-binding and painful, this memoir of a boy raised in a deeply religious
household, and the ways in which he slowly pushed boundaries, questioned
aspects of his upbringing, and sought to keep the connection with his
parents that he so needed holds great potential for intergenerational book
clubs or discussions.
Hooper, Mary Fallen Grace. Bloomsbury, 2011. $16.99; e-book $9.99 Gr.
8-12
With dastardly villains, vindicated heroines, and true love just over the
horizon, how can this delightfully Dickensian novel miss?
Gansworth, Eric If I Ever Get Out of Here; written and illus. by Eric
Gansworth. Levine/Scholastic, 2013. $17.99; e-book $10.49 Gr. 7-10
Fans of Sherman Alexie and the Beatles have an immediate in with this
coming of age novel about a 1970s teen who must balance his life on
the reservation with his (often equally tough) life at “smart-kid” school.
Gill, David Macinnis Black Hole Sun. Greenwillow, 2010. $16.99; ;
Movie-ready doesn’t even begin to describe this lightning-paced action
novel about a group of teen mercenaries out to make a living on a
hardscrabble Mars and, if it’s financially rewarding, save a few lives
along the way.
Green, John The Fault in Our Stars. Dutton, 2012. $17.99; e-book
$10.99 Gr. 9-12
With their razor-sharp wits but failing, fragile bodies, exquisitely
characterized Hazel and Augustus embark together on a journey both
dashingly intellectual and thoroughly romantic after meeting in a teen
cancer support group.
Honeyman, Kay The Fire Horse Girl. Levine/Scholastic, 2013. $17.99;
e-book $10.49 Gr. 7-10
A love story trajectory, enlivened with a rather unusual setting (China and
then the US in the 1920s) and plenty of well-integrated twists and turns,
lands exactly where romantics will like – with true love.
Kirby, Jessi Moonglass. Simon, 2011. $16.99; paperback $9.99; e-book
$9.99 Gr. 7-10
Family secrets, a beach setting so well realized that you can smell the salt
air, and a moonlit romance (with a lifeguard, of course) combine in this
emotional and satisfying story of past loss and present love.
Kraus, Daniel Rotters. Delacorte, 2011. $16.99; paperback $10.99; e-book
$9.99 Gr. 9-12
You don’t need zombies or vampires for a good scare as proven by this
wonderfully creepy and downright gruesome tale of graverobbing and family
loyalty, making the perfect thriller for the thinking teen.
Iserson, David Firecracker. Razorbill, 2013. $17.99; e-book $10.99 Gr.
9-12
A spoiled private school girl is set adrift in the public school sea after being
caught cheating and whether she sinks or swims makes for intriguing, often
poignant, reading.
Books
for
yrs)
Jaffe, Michele Ghost Flower. Razorbill, 2012. $9.99; e-book $9.99 Gr.
7-10
Siblings Bain and Bridgette approach foster care runaway Eve with a
depraved—yet lucrative—scheme to impersonate the pair’s disappeared
cousin in this ghost-laden, contemplative mystery.
Jay, Stacey Juliet Immortal. Delacorte, 2011. $17.99; paperback $9.99
e-book $9.99 Gr. 9-12
The story behind Shakespeare’s most famous star-crossed lovers gets a
bit more twisted in this retelling that pits the angelic Juliet against the
devilish Romeo.
23
Levithan, David Two Boys Kissing. Knopf, 2013. $16.99; e-book $9.99
Gr. 9 up
This elegant, thoughtful, well-rounded look at a multicultural group of
young men on the GLBTQ spectrum will likely resonate with readers
long after they read it as both memorable for the story and important in
the field.
John, Antony Thou Shalt Not Road Trip. Dial, 2012. $16.99; e-book
$13.99 Gr. 8-12
After finding himself on a Christian book tour with his former best friend,
accidental author Luke faces the consequences of his poor friendship
decisions and challenges both professional and spiritual.
Johnson, Maureen The Name of the Star. Putnam, 2011. $16.99;
e-book $9.99 Gr. 8-12
It seems that even in modern times, Jack the Ripper isn’t quite done with
London, as seventeen-year-old Rory discovers when she runs afoul of a
murderous ghost.
Joseph, Lynn Flowers in the Sky. HarperTeen, 2013. $17.99 Gr. 7-10
For readers who like their romances sweet and their stories well-told and
poignant, this coming of age novel of a Dominican Republic immigrant
will resonate.
Knisley, Lucy Relish: My Life in the Kitchen; written and illus. by Lucy
Knisley. First Second/Roaring Brook, 2013. $17.99 Gr. 7-10
This luscious graphic novel memoir follows twelve stories about Lucy’s
life growing up in and around food culture; full-color, finely drawn stepby-step recipes are a nice bonus for foodies.
Kristoff, Jay Stormdancer. Dunne/St. Martin’s, 2012. $24.99;
paperback $14.99; e-book $9.99 Gr. 9 up
This mash-up of industrial steampunk and Japanese culture follows
the relationship between heroine Yukiko and a gryphon-like mythical
creature as they battle a corrupt regime; fans of dystopia and animal
companion tales will find much to like here.
LaFevers, Robin Grave Mercy. Houghton, 2012. $16.99; paperback
$9.99; e-book $9.99 Gr. 9-12
As a daughter of Death, Ismae infiltrates Brittany court politics and
the convent of St. Mortain to take down French-allied nobles while
cultivating her own identity, especially in her relationship with Duval.
Larson, Hope Who is AC?; illus. by Tintin Pantoja. Atheneum, 2013.
Paperback $14.99 Gr. 7-10
Effective use of contrasting black-and-white and color illustrations
(the latter is reserved for superheroes) works well in this graphic novel
primarily about a superhero fan who mysteriously and suddenly turns
into one herself.
Leavitt, Lindsey Sean Griswold’s Head. Bloomsbury, 2011. $16.99;
Leavitt manages to take a painful family crisis and makes one girl’s
reaction to it genuinely guffaw-worthy in this insightful and ultimately
uplifting dramedy that includes just a dash of romance.
Lindner, April Jane Poppy/Little, 2010. $17.99; paperback $8.99;
e-book $8.99 Gr. 7-10
After losing her estranged parents in an accident, Jane seeks work as a
nanny in this romantic and faithful retelling of Jane Eyre for the modern
teen.
Lynch, Chris Angry Young Man. Simon, 2011. $16.99; paperback $8.99;
e-book $8.99 Gr. 9-12
Lynch continues to be an edgy yet compassionate spokesman for workingclass kids, and here he tackles issues of masculinity, brotherhood, and
family loyalty.
Manzano, Sonia The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano. Scholastic, 2012.
$16.99; e-book $17.99 Gr. 7-10
Manzano laces an emotional journey with historical facts in this story of
the titular Evelyn’s coming of age in a Puerto Rican neighbor in New York
during the civil rights era.
Meehl, Brian You Don’t Know about Me. Delacorte, 2011. $17.99;
In this stylish contemporary road story inspired by Huckleberry Finn, Billy
Albright finds himself on a cross-country treasure hunt for his inheritance
from his father, guided by a man who forces Billy to examine his own
prejudices.
Myers, Walter Dean Darius and Twig. Amistad, 2013. $17.99 Gr. 8 up
Two best friends must each decide how much of their dreams to
compromise in order to succeed, and how they can use the best of their
Harlem neighborhood and let go of the grittier parts.
Northrop, Michael Trapped. Scholastic, 2011. $17.99; paperback
$9.99; e-book $9.99 Gr. 7-10
A record snowstorm isolates seven teens in their high school in this literally
chilling survival story where the suspense mounts as the snow accumulates.
Books
for
yrs)
24
Ockler, Sarah The Book of Broken Hearts. Simon Pulse, 2013. $16.99;
e-book $10.99 Gr. 7-10
Ah, the risks of love and the crush of heartbreak (romantic and
otherwise)…heady topics ably addressed in this sometimes romantic,
sometimes tragic exploration of familial and romantic love.
Sáenz, Benjamin Alire Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the
Universe. Simon, 2011. $16.99; e-book $9.99 Gr. 7-10
Lyrical prose explores the lives of restless Ari and his bookish, ephemeral
friend, Dante, as they struggle with notions of identity and sexuality during
a hot, languid summer in 1987 El Paso.
Oliver, Lauren Delirium. Harper/HarperCollins, 2011. $17.99;
With elements reminiscent of Westerfeld’s Uglies trilogy, this story of a
girl about to turn eighteen and thus undergo the government-mandated
procedure to eliminate her ability to love is a provocative dystopia sure
to elicit discussion.
Schumacher, Julie The Unbearable Book Club for Unsinkable Girls.
Delacorte, 2012. $16.99; e-book $10.99 Gr. 8-12
Adrienne’s summer plans suddenly include a mother-daughter book club,
and the forced camaraderie with wildly dissimilar classmates is fertile ground
for Adrienne’s coming-of-age with saucy social commentary and surprising
dimension.
Ostlere, Cathy Karma. Razorbill, 2011. $18.99; paperback $14.99;
e-book $15.99 Gr. 8-12
This lush novel in free verse recounts the story of Maya, a fifteen-yearold Canadian girl who journeys with her father in 1984 to her parents’
native India, finds herself caught up in the turmoil following Indira
Gandhi’s assassination, and then begins to find herself and real love.
Sepetys, Ruta Between Shades of Gray. Philomel, 2011. $17.99; paperback
$8.99; e-book $8.99 Gr. 8-12
Focusing on fifteen-year-old Lina, this harrowing historical novel recalls the
systematic deportation to Siberia of thousands of Lithuanians following the
Soviet invasion of their country in 1939.
Padian, Maria Out of Nowhere. Knopf, 2013. $16.99; e-book $10.99
Gr. 8-12
Complex national issues around immigration in America (in this case
Somali immigrants in Maine) are grounded in a strong, engaging plot
centered around sports, high school, and the quest of just about every
teen to find a way to fit in.
Pérez, Ashley Hope What Can(t) Wait. Carolrhoda, 2011. $17.95;
e-book $9.95 Gr. 7-10
Generations clash in this story about Marisa, a gifted student, who
struggles to convince her Mexican-immigrant father of the value of her
academic goals.
Pierson, D.C. Crap Kingdom. Viking, 2013. $17.99; e-book $10.99
Gr. 7-10
This quirky novel manages to be both a parody and an earnest
exploration of the fantasy genre, offering a kid who initially turns down
the opportunity to be The Chosen One, only to discover his best friend
has taken the job.
Reeves, Dia Slice of Cherry. Simon Pulse, 2011. $16.99; paperback
Twin girls, the daughters of a multiple murderer, decide to use their
own lethal impulses for good in this bizarre, absorbing, supernaturally
touched horror story.
Rosenthal, Lorraine Zago Other Words for Love. Delacorte, 2011.
$17.99; e-book $9.99 Gr. 9-12
Seventeen-year-old Ari must pick up the pieces after the demise of her
romantic relationship with Blake in this moving tale that will speak
strongly to the recently heartbroken and perhaps remind them that
there is a reason we call them “first” loves.
Rowell, Rainbow. Fangirl. St. Martin’s Griffin, 2013. $18.99; e-book
$9.99 Gr. 8-12
Nuanced characterization of Cath, an introverted freshman more
comfortable in the world of fan fiction than her in her new college
dorm, lends complexity and warmth to this humorous romcom.
Sheinkin, Steve Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World’s Most
Dangerous Weapon; illus. with photographs. Roaring Brook, 2012. $19.99;
e-book $9.99 Gr. 7-12
This fascinating true-life spy tale is edge-of-your-seat material and both
history buffs and YAs looking for a good thriller will find much to be
captivated by here.
Shiga, Jason Empire State: A Love Story (or Not); written and illus. by Jason
Shiga; color by John Pham. Abrams, 2011. $17.95; e-book $17.95 Gr. 9-12
Simple but nuanced art accompanies this quiet semi-autobiographical tale
about unrequited love.
Smith, Sherri Orleans. Putnam, 2013. $17.99 Gr. 7-10
In a futuristic and fever-ridden New Orleans, flooded by hurricanes and
walled off from the rest of the country, a young girl struggles not only to
survive but to save her beloved friend’s baby.
Steifvater, Maggie The Curiosities: A Collection of Stories; written and
illus. by Maggie Stiefvater, Tessa Gratton, and Brenna Yovanoff. Carolrhoda
Lab, 2012. $17.95; e-book $12.49 Gr. 7-10
A rare treat indeed, this collection of stories and evaluative commentaries is
perfect for budding writers as it stems from a blog created wherein each of
the three authors would write stories and critique those of the others.
Books
for
yrs)
Stella, Leslie Permanent Record. Amazon Children’s, 2013. $17.99 Gr.
7-10
The raw, first person narration of Badi, an Iranian-American, makes this
story of bullying and the hurt (and sometimes rage) it can inspire even
more gripping and painful.
Sullivan, Tara Golden Boy. Putnam, 2013. $16.99 Gr. 7-10
Being an albino in Tanzania is considered to be good luck, if you aren’t
the person being hunted for your “lucky” body parts; this intense novel
examines the practice through the lens of Habo, a carefully balanced
character who is more than his skin color.
Suma, Nova Ren Imaginary Girls. Dutton, 2011. $17.99; paperback
$8.99; e-book $8.99 Gr. 8-12
This deliciously disturbing tale chronicles the relationship between
Chloe and her magnetic older half-sister and primary caretaker, Ruby,
a relationship that, it becomes clear, comes at a terrible, unearthly price.
25
Wein, Elizabeth Code Name Verity. Hyperion, 2012. $16.99; e-book
$16.99 Gr. 9-12
Wein masterfully delivers methodical, plot twist-driven suspense and
sweeping wartime inquiry of hatred and heroes as captured British
spy Verity and pilot best friend Maddie give harrowing accounts of
survival. Wolf, Allan The Watch That Ends the Night: Voices from the Titanic.
Candlewick, 2011. $21.99; paperback $14.99 Gr. 7-10
Wolf ’s poetic recreation of the Titanic disaster gives fictional voice to a
score of real-life passengers, an undertaker who helped retrieve bodies
from the sea, and a pair of non-human participants in the catastrophe in
an absorbing as-it-happens unfolding of the tragedy.
Taylor, Laini Daughter of Smoke and Bone. Little, 2011. $18.99;
A human raised by human-animal hybrids known as chimaera, Karou
finds herself caught in an ancient war between chimaera and seraphim
when she’s attacked by a seraph—to whom she then discovers a powerful
attraction.
Valentine, Jenny Double. Hyperion, 2012. $16.99; e-book $16.99 Gr.
7-10
In this mystery-driven thriller, Chap is mistaken for disappeared Cassiel
and walks into the family he thinks he’s always wanted, saving himself
from deep-seated loneliness—until secretive details shrouding Cassiel’s
disappearance begin to emerge.
Violi, Jen Putting Makeup on Dead People. Hyperion, 2011. $16.99;
There are a lot of satiric and fantastical literary looks at death, but Violi’s
story of Donna Parisi, who after her father’s death decides that her career
path is to become a mortician, is a serious, wise, and poignant exploration
of the meaning of life and death.
Volponi, Paul The Final Four. Viking, 2012. $16.99; paperback $9.99;
e-book $9.99 Gr. 7-12
A rousing March Madness matchup between swaggering, star-powered
Michigan State and underdog Troy University offers edge-of-your-seat
sports suspense and a mindful examination of four dynamic characters in
the hands of college athletics.
Wallace, Jason Out of Shadows. Holiday House, 2011. $17.95;
paperback $8.95 Gr. 9-12
When Jacko moves from England to Zimbabwe in 1983, he discovers
that his boarding school, newly integrated following the war that brought
Robert Mugabe to power, is a hotbed of racial tensions that force him to
grapple with personal and political realities.
Warman, Jessica Between. Walker, 2011. $17.99; paperback $9.99;
e-book $7.99 Gr. 9-12
Liz’s eighteenth birthday is also her last, and she’s now roaming in limbo,
joined by the spirit of a classmate who died the previous year, and trying
to piece together the events that led to her death in this provocative,
intriguing title.
Yolen, Jane Bad Girls: Sirens, Jezebels, Murderesses, Thieves & Other
Female Villains: written by Jane Yolen and Heidi F. Y. Stemple; illus. by
Rebecca Guay. Charlesbridge, 2013. $18.95; e-book $9.99 Gr. 7-10
The title pretty much sums up this collective biography; all that’s needed
now is to point out the glamorous full-page illustrations of said bad
girls, short bibliographies that will keep readers going, and intriguing
intergenerational conversations about badness that supplement each entry.
Yovanoff, Brenna Paper Valentine. Razorbill, 2012. $17.99; e-book
$10.99 Gr. 7-10
This chilling offers both a raw glimpse into a toxic relationship between
two girls (one alive, the other now a ghost who is haunting her) and a
terrifying mystery that will keep readers guessing.
Acknowledgments 26
Permission to print the following material is gratefully acknowledged:
Cover image from Meg McKinlay’s Below ©2013, and cover image from Tricia Stubb’s
Phoebe and the Digger ©2013 used by permission of Candlewick Press.
Cover image from Jane Yolen’s Bad Girls Below ©2013 used by permission of
Charlesbridge.
Cover image from Carolita Blythe’s Revenge of a Not-So-Pretty Girl ©2013 used by
permission of Delacorte Press.
Cover image from William Kamkwamba’s The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind ©2012
used by permission of Dial Books.
Cover image from Kelly Bingham’s Z is for Moose ©2012 used by permission of
Greenwillow Books.
Cover image from Samhita Arni’s Sita’s Ramayana ©2011, and cover image from Arthur
Flowers’ I See the Promised Land ©2013 used by permission of Groundwood Books.
Cover image from Neil Gaiman’s Chu’s Day ©2013 used by permission of HarperCollins
Children’s Books.
Cover image from Ellen Datlow’s After ©2013 used by permission of Hyperion Books.
Cover image from Margarita Engle’s The Lightning Dreamer ©2013, and cover image
from Elizabeth Rusch’s Eruptions! ©2013 used by permission of Houghton Mifflin
Harcourt.
Cover image from David Levithan’s Two Boys Kissing ©2013, and cover image from
Stephanie Spinner’s Alex the Parrot ©2013, and cover image from Amy Timberlake’s
One Came Home ©2013 used by permission of Knopf.
Cover image from Lemony Snicket’s The Dark ©2013 and cover image used by
permission of Little, Brown and Company.
Cover image from Farhana Zia’s The Garden of My Imaan ©2013 used by permission
of Peachtree Publishers.
Cover image from Chitra Divakaruni’s Banerjee Grandma and the Great Gourd ©2013,
cover image from Betty Hicks’ The Worm Whisperer ©2013, cover image from Yuyi
Morales’ Nino Wrestle the World ©2013, and cover image from Steve Sheinkin’s Bomb:
The Race to Build—and Steal—the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon ©2012 used by
permission of Roaring Brook Press.
Cover image from Jarrett J. Krosoczka’s Platypus Police Squad ©2013 used by permission
of Walden Pond Books/HarperCollins.
Annotations and production by Deborah Stevenson and Kate Quealy-Gainer;
additional annotations by Eti Bertland, Lauren Chenevert, and April Spisak; design
by Jennifer DeBaillie.
About
the
Bulletin27
The Bulletin
of the Center for Children’s Books
The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books,
founded in 1945, is published monthly except
August; it is devoted entirely to the review of
current books for children and young adults, and
is one of the nation’s leading journals of literature
for youth. In addition to providing concise
summaries and critical evaluations, each review
gives information on the book’s content and
reading level.
More information about the Bulletin can be found
on our website:
http://bccb.lis.illinois.edu
For subscription information and a sample copy of
the Bulletin, contact the Johns Hopkins University
Press via mail at 2715 N. Charles Street, Baltimore,
MD 21218, via email at [email protected],
on the web at http://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/
bulletin_of_the_center_for_childrens_books/ or
toll-free at 1-800-548-1784.
Guide Book to Gift Books:
An Annotated List of Books for Youth
© 2013 by The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois

guide book to gift books - The Bulletin of the Center for Children`s

Transcription

Similar documents

E-Book Companion Calendar

holiday booklist 2007 3-8.indd - Connecticut Library Consortium

File

Newsletter no. 4 - Kujawska Szkoła Wyższa we Włocławku

Metoda nauki, która zmieni Twoje życie!

prospectus - Bayou Boogaloo

Version 11 Educational Content

Elementary (Pre K – Grade 2)