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 2014
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
Adderson, Caroline Norman, Speak!; illus. by Qin Leng.
Groundwood, 2014. $17.95 5-8 yrs
A shelter dog doesn’t seem to be able to learn commands, until a
family learns that he is actually quite conversant, just in Chinese;
retro ink and digital illustrations and ample white space reinforce the
joyful, easy-going vibe of the book.
Baldacchino, Christine Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine
Dress; illus. by Isabelle Malenfant. Groundwood, 2014. $16.95 6-9
yrs
Morris loves the tangerine dress in the dress-up center of his classroom,
and he won’t be told otherwise in this effective and dreamily illustrated
story that reinforces tolerance and inclusivity without ever becoming
didactic.
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.
Black, Michael Ian Naked!; illus. by Debbie Ridpath Ohi. Simon,
2014. $17.99; e-book $10.99 4-7 yrs
What’s more fun than running around post-bath naked? This
effervescent, carefully illustrated (all full frontals are cleverly obscured)
book takes a look at a boy’s joyful quest to keep the clothes off for as
long as possible.
Blackall, Sophie The Baby Tree; written and illus. by Sophie Blackall.
Paulsen/Penguin, 2014. $17.99 5-8 yrs
The always tricky question of where babies come from is handled
with grace in this thoughtful, gently humorous book about a boy who
learns he will be a big brother, but isn’t quite sure how that is going
to happen.
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.
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.”
Bean, Jonathan Big Snow; written and illus. by Jonathan Bean.
Farrar, 2013. $16.99; e-book $9.99 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.
Bildner, Paul The Soccer Fence: A Story of Friendship, Hope, and
Apartheid in South Africa; illus. by Jesse Joshua Watson. Putnam,
2014. $16.99 6-9 yrs
Rich acrylic paintings are paired with a gripping story of the African
Cup of Nations, a soccer competition that galvanized a nation around
supporting an integrated soccer team in South Africa.
Bingham, Kelly Z Is for Moose; illus. by Paul O. Zelinsky.
Greenwillow, 2012. $16.99 3-7 yrs Browne, Anthony What If…?; written and illus. by Anthony
Browne. Candlewick, 2014. $16.99 5-8 yrs
A child’s rampant imagination is depicted through Browne’s creative,
fantastical artwork as a boy catastrophizes about all the things that
could go wrong as he heads to his first real party.
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
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 Bryan’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.
Picture Books
3
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.
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.
Campbell, Scott Hug Machine; written and illus. by Scott Campbell.
Atheneum, 2014. $16.99 4-7 yrs
This sweet, impossibly warm picture book about a boy who is so good
at what he does that he is known as a hug machine will be the perfect
tool for an adult reader who wants to encourage snuggling time with
their own little one.
Cox, Lynne Elizabeth, Queen of the Seas; illus. by Brian Floca.
Schwartz & Wade, 2014. $17.99; e-book $10.99 5-7 yrs
A wayward elephant seal who makes herself at home in the city, stylish
and flowing illustrations that highlight oasis in the urban cityscape in
which Elizabeth plants herself, and a happy ending all make this factbased tale a compelling read.
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.
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.
Chin, Jason Gravity; written and illus. by Jason Chin. Porter/Roaring
Brook, 2014. $16.99 4-7 yrs
This exceptional picture book explores the concept of gravity, and what
would happen if it suddenly stopped working; dramatic illustrations
offer high-impact spreads worth lingering over, giving enough time
for some science to sink in as well.
Dubuc, Marianne The Lion and the Bird; written and illus. by
Marianne Dubuc; tr. from the French by Claudia Z. Bedrick.
Enchanted Lion, 2014. $17.95 5-7 yrs
Minimal text pairs with serene illustrations to explore the enduring
friendship between a lion and an injured bird he rescues; impeccable
use of white space emphasizes the loneliness that accompanies having
a friend who isn’t always near.
Elya, Susan Middleton Little Roja Riding Hood; illus. by Susan
Guevara. Putnam, 2014. $16.99; e-book $10.99 6-9 yrs
This modern retelling offers rhyming couplets that detail a zippy
Latina girl, our Little Red, who is taking soup to her grandmother;
finely textured, vividly colored illustrations complement the text.
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.
Cole, Henry Big Bug; written and illus. by Henry Cole. Simon,
2014. $14.99; e-book $9.99 3-7 yrs
This elegantly illustrated, straight forward concept book explores size
and perspective, impeccably showing even to young listeners how
one’s understanding of small and large can completely shift based on
context.
Escoffier, Michaël The Day I Lost My Superpowers; written and
illus. by Michaël Escoffier and Kris Di Giacomo; tr. from the French
by Claudia Bedrick and Kris Di Giacomo. Enchanted Lion, 2014.
$16.95 5-8 yrs
Amusing mismatches between the confident narration of a young girl
convinced she has superpowers and the wry illustrations that show
more worldly explanations for her abilities make this a winner for
young kids who are just old enough to spot an unreliable narrator.
Falconer, Ian Olivia and the Fairy Princesses; written and illus. by
Ian Falconer. Atheneum, 2012. $17.99; e-book $13.99 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.”
Faulconer, Maria A Mom for Umande; illus. by Susan Kathleen
Hartung. Dial, 2014. $16.99; e-book $10.99 5-8 yrs
A baby gorilla whose mama can’t care for him, expressive and direct
text that evokes an emotional connection, and textured illustrations
of captive gorillas all combine for a powerful look at the search for a
caregiver for a baby gorilla in need.
Picture Books
4
Folgueira, Rodrigo Ribbit!; illus. by Poly Bernatene. Knopf, 2013.
$15.99; e-book $10.99; e-book $7.99 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.
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 revisiting both for the amusing story and for the
intricate paintings full of clever details.
Gall, Chris Dog vs. Cat; written and illus. by Chris Gall. Little,
2014. $17.00; e-book $9.99 5-7 yrs
A dueling cat and dog ultimately bond over their uncertainty about
the new pet in the house, a baby.
Gandhi, Arun Grandfather Gandhi; by Arun Gandhi and Bethany
Hegedus; illus. by Evan Turk. Atheneum, 2014. $17.99 6-9 yrs
The stunning artwork in this picture book memoir extends the
simple, elegant story in skillful ways; the resulting look at a grandson’s
memories of his famous relative are haunting and memorable.
Poor Mister Bud has a hot spot that necessitates one of those dreaded
dog cones; dramatically comedic illustrations keep things light and
emphasize the temporary nature of this indignity.
Grey, Mini Toys in Space; written and illus. by Mini Grey. Knopf,
2013. $16.99; $10.99; e-book $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.
Hyman, Zachary The Bambino and Me; illus. by Zachary Pullen.
Tundra, 2014. $17.99 6-9 yrs
A bonus audio version, a ballpark giveaway style treat fans will
recognize, just adds to the fun of this humorous, eventful look at one
boy’s birthday trip to a 1927 Yankee game.
Imai, Ayono Puss & Boots; ad. and illus. by Ayano Imai; tr. from
the Japanese by Sayako Uchida; ad. by Kate Westerlund. Minedition,
2014. $17.99 5-8 yrs.
A streamlined plot and eye-catching, detailed illustrations make Puss
and his shoe-driven adventures accessible to a fairly young audience.
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.
Ieronimo, Christine A Thirst for Home: A Story of Water across the
World; illus. by Eric Velasquez. Walker, 2014. $17.99 5-8 yrs
A girl who is adopted from Ethiopia continues to connect with her
homeland through the universality of water (which is much scarcer
where she comes from); startling illustration shifts emphasize the
differences between her two homes.
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.
Gibbs, Edward Little Bee; written and illus. by Edward Gibbs. LB
Kids/Little, 2012. $8.99; e-book $6.99 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.
Goodrich, Carter Mister Bud Wears the Cone; written and illus. by
Carter Goodrich. Simon, 2014. $16.99; e-book $10.99 5-8 yrs
Johnson, Angela All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of
Freedom; illus. by E.B. Lewis. Simon, 2014. $17.99; e-book $10.99
5-8 yrs
End matter adds detailed history to this primarily emotional text of
the life-transforming, history changing moment of emancipation;
impeccable illustrations contrast the starkly glaring cotton fields with
a sweet brightness, the cool blue night of jubilation.
Judge, Lita Flight School; written and illus. by Lita Judge. Atheneum,
2014. $16.99; e-book $10.99 4-6 yrs
Little Penguin is pretty sure that, despite overwhelming evidence and
odds to the contrary, he was born to fly, and warm, robust illustrations
highlight his determined efforts to get himself airborne.
Picture Books
5
Kamkwamba, William The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind; written by
William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer, illus. by Elizabeth Zunon.
Dial, 2012. $17.99; e-book $10.99 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.
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.
Katz, Karen How Does Baby Feel?: written and illus. by Karen Katz.
Little Simon/Simon, 2013. $6.99 6-24 mos.
Katz’s usual multicultural cast of adorable, round headed, expressive
tykes this time illustrates emotions and states of being (tired, hungry,
etc) with absolute charm.
Menotti, Andrea How Many Jelly Beans?; illus. by Yancey Labat.
Chronicle, 2012. $18.99; e-book $9.99 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.
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 fans of 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.
Milgrim, David Some Monsters Are Different; written and illus. by
David Milgrim. Holt, 2013. $16.99; e-book $9.99 3-5 yrs
Thank goodness monsters are as varied as children, so that Milgrim
could identify a hearty mix, and illustrate the ways in which folks (and
their monstrous equivalents) can look and be different but still have
meaningful overlaps.
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.
Miyares, Daniel Pardon Me!; written and illus. by Daniel Miyares.
Simon, 2014. $16.99; e-book $10.99 4-7 yrs
A grumpy parrot learns a harsh lesson about what happens when you
ignore sound advice in this luminously illustrated, wryly humorous
book with a surprise ending.
Light, Steve Have You Seen My Dragon?; written and illus. by Steve
Light. Candlewick, 2014. $16.99 3-7 yrs
This counting book (1-20) offers so much more, as a boy wanders
around a lavishly detailed cityscape, looking for his missing dragon.
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.
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. $10.99; 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.
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.
Murphy, Mary Say Hello Like This!; written and illus. by Mary
Murphy. Walker, 2014. $12.99 2-5 yrs
This engaging concept book explores all the ways animals might say
hello; listeners will cheerfully imitate and will come up with their own
to add to the mix.
Picture Books
6
Na, Il Sung A Book of Babies; written and illus. by Il Sung Na. Knopf,
2014. $15.99 3-5 yrs
Eight diverse animal babies are explored in all their baby glory in this
(surprisingly informative) simple book that presents a swath of ways
animals can grow up.
Sauer, Tammi Me Want Pet!; illus. by Bob Shea. Simon, 2012.
$16.99; e-book $11.07 4-8 yrs
Plenty of youngsters will relate to Cave Boy’s desire for a pet in
this chuckle-worthy tale that features Bob Shea’s saturated, thickly
outlined illustrations.
Offill, Jenny Sparky!: illus. by Chris Appelhans. Schwartz & Wade,
2014. $16.99 5-7 yrs
A soft, creamy palette accents the slow and dreamy life of a little girl’s
perfect, low-maintenance pet, a sloth, who may be short on tricks but
is loveable all the same.
Schaefer, Lola One Busy Day: A Story for Big Brothers and Sisters;
illus. by Jessica Meserve. Disney-Hyperion, 2014. $16.99 3-6 yrs
Suspense on a backyard scale brings two siblings together as the older
brother finally isn’t too busy to join his adventuring little sister.
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.
OHora, Zachariah No Fits, Nilson!; written and illus. by Zachariah
OHora. Dial, 2013. $16.99; e-book $10.99 4-6 yrs
Big, possibly imagainary monster 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.
Schofield-Morrison, Connie I Got the Rhythm; illus. by Frank
Morrison. Bloomsbury, 2014. $16.99 4-7 yrs
Rhythm is present in the chanting patterns, the bouncy illustrations,
and in the vibe of the book itself as a girl wanders through the city she
loves, finding reasons to snap, tap, and clap as she goes.
Slonim, David I Loathe You; written and illus. by David Slonim.
Aladdin, 2012. $15.99; e-book $11.07 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.
Qitsualik-Tinsley, Rachel, ad.The Raven and the Loon; ad. by
Rachel and Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley; illus. by Kim Smith. Inhabit,
2014. $16.95 4-9 yrs
This appealing Inuit pourquoi tale offers a breezy look (further
emphasized through the icy cool illustrations) at why Raven and Loon
no longer share the same snow-white coats.
Patricelli, Leslie Tickle; written and illus. by Leslie Patricelli.
Candlewick, 2014. $6.99 6-36 months
Patricelli’s bald-headed, cheerful protagonist proclaims he is not
ticklish, but of course, all heck breaks loose when the whole family
starts a tickle fest.
Patricelli, Leslie Toot; written and illus. by Leslie Patricelli.
Candlewick, 2014. $6.99; e-book $6.99 6-36 months
What’s funnier than passing gas? Not much, even to the youngest set,
who will find the smiley protagonist’s proclamations about where and
when he “toots” to be a reassuring and joyful reminder that everyone
does it.
Pinkwater, Daniel Bear in Love; illus. by Will Hillenbrand.
Candlewick, 2012. $15.99; e-book $15.99 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.
Portis, Antoinette Froodle; written and illus. by Antoinette Portis.
Porter/Roaring Brook, 2014. $16.99; e-book $9.99 4-6 yrs
Silly wordplay and a winking irreverence for authority mark this book
about a little bird who decides she has a lot more to say than just her
usual peeping.
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 can make peace with it as a potentially helpful (or
at least harmless) aspect of life.
Snyder, Laurel The Longest Night: A Passover Story; illus. by Catia
Chien. Schartz & Wade, 2013. $17.99; e-book $10.99 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.
Picture Books
Springstubb, Tricia Phoebe and Digger; illus. by Jeff Newman.
A toy 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 the arrival of a sibling can wreak.
Stanton, Karen Monday, Wednesday, and Every Other Weekend;
written and illus. by Karen Stanton. Feiwel & Friends, 2014. $16.99;
e-book $9.99 4-7 yrs
The increasingly familiar shared custody situation is addressed in this
ultimately joyful book about a boy who is adapting, with the help of
his adorably illustrated dog, to having two homes.
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.
Stewart, Melissa Feathers: Not Just for Flying; illus. by Sarah S.
Brannen. Charlesbridge, 2014. $7.95 4-7 yrs
Even very young children will appreciate this lush, informative book
about all the myriad uses for feathers, and they’ll linger over the
stunning individual portraits of each highlighted bird.
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. $17.99;
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.
7
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.
Willems, Mo The Pigeon Needs a Bath; written and illus. by Mo
Willems. Hyperion, 2014. $16.99 4-7 yrs
Pigeon’s hyperbolic claims continue as he declares that his filthy self
(the dirt smears are particularly effective contrasted with the creamy
backgrounds of the panels) does NOT need a bath.
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)
Abel-Fattah, Randa The Friendship Matchmaker. Walker, 2012.
$15.99; paperback $6.99; e-book $4.99 Gr. 3-6
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.
8
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.
Amato, Mary Missing Monkey!; illus. by Ward Jenkins. Egmont,
2014. $4.99; e-book $3.99 Gr. 2-4
Part of a larger series, this light, amusing text will entertain readers,
even while the plentiful illustrations and large font will reassure even
the youngest set that they can tackle this book about thieves, monkeys,
and zoo hijinks.
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; e-book $9.99 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.
Bardos, Magali 100 Bears; written and illus. by Magali Bardos; tr.
from the French by Flying Eye Books. Flying Eye, 2014. $19.95 Gr.
1-3
Retro graphic illustrations in vivid colors and a whole bunch of things
to count marry happily in this gorgeous, silly book loosely about bears
and their party-having, hunter-evading adventures.
Cheng, Andrea The Year of the Baby: illus. by Patrice Barton.
Houghton, 2013. $15.99; paperback $5.99; e-book $5.99 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.
Cinotto, Laurie Itty Bitty Kitty Committee; illus. by Edward Miller;
illus. with photographs by Laurie Cinotto. Roaring Brook, 2014.
$12.99 Gr. 3-6
Any cat fan will swoon over the exquisitely adorable kitten
photographs, the clear and encouraging information about cat care,
and the perfectly age appropriate kitty projects that make up this gem
of a feline book.
Brown, Don He Has Shot the President!: April 14, 1865: The Day
John Wilkes Booth Killed President Lincoln; written and illus. by Don
Brown. Roaring Brook, 2014. $17.99; e-book $9.99 Gr. 3-6
This newest title in the Actual Times run uses the best elements of the
series in the copious illustrations, fluid storytelling, and a fairly short
length to here tell the story of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.
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
Atmospheric text and dramatic illustrations combine to tell the story
of a secret slave school, and one girl’s quest to improve her life in any
way she can.
Bryant, Jen The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus; illus. by Melissa
Sweet. Eerdmans, 2014. $17.50 Gr. 2-4
Wordsmiths will delight in this cleverly conceived biography of the
eccentric polymath behind the dictionary’s best friend; Sweet’s collage
like art also makes for a fine browsing experience for younger readers.
Cooke, Lucy A Little Book of Sloth; written and illus. with
photographs by Lucy Cooke et al. McElderry, 2013. $17.99; e-book
$13.99 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.
Burks, James Beep and Bah; written and illus. by James Burks.
Carolrhoda, 2012. $16.95; e-book $9.99 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.
Daley, Michael J. Pinch and Dash Make Soup; illus. by Thomas F.
Yezerski. Charlesbridge, 2012. $12.95; paperback $5.95 Gr. 1-2
With its simple vocabulary, short chapters, and a quiet tone, this story
of critter friends Pinch and Dash will serve as a great appetizer for
youngsters looking for just a taste of independent reading.
Books
for
yrs)
Dauvillier, Loic Hidden: A Child’s Story of the Holocaust; illus. by
Marc Lizano; color by Greg Salsedo; tr. from the French by Alexis
Siegel. First Second/Roaring Brook, 2014. $16.99 Gr. 3-6
Both the layout of this graphic novel and the careful presentation
of a grandmother’s recounting of the Holocaust to her beloved
granddaughter are clear and simple enough to be accessible to very
young readers.
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.
Davies, Nicola The Lion Who Stole My Arm; illus. by Annabel
Wright. Candlewick, 2014. $14.99; e-book $14.99 Gr. 2-4
This seamless blend of fact and fiction tells the story of young Pedru’s
encounter with a lion in the African grasslands; short chapters,
plentiful spot art, and an informative author’s note makes this a top
choice for big cat fans and budding animal rights activists.
DiCamillo, Kate Leroy Ninker Saddles Up; illus. by Chris Van
Dusen. Candlewck, 2014. $12.99; e-book $12.99 Gr. 2-4
DiCamillo returns to familiar territory for fans of the porcine Mercy
Watson in this ridiculous, hilarious, slightly older look at Deckawoo
Drive and the hijinks that always seem to occur there.
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 in intriguing illustrations pair with a lively,
well-told version of an old folktale about a grandmother who fools a
fox, tiger, and bear on her way to visit her daughter.
9
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.
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 1800s to help one escaped slave highlights the ways
in which ordinary can become exceptional.
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.
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 The Fly; The Worm; written and illus. by Elise Gravel.
Tundra, 2014. $12.99 Gr. 2-3
This series offers one key fact per page, lots of lively sidelines and
cartoonish illustrations, and fantastic subject matter that will appeal
to kids who prefer their early readers to be nonfiction, and sometimes
on the amusingly gross side.
Green, Rod Giant Vehicles; illus. by Stephen Biesty. Templar, 2014.
$15.99 Gr. 3-6
For any kid who thinks they are too old for a toy-book format, this is
immediate proof that the lift-the-flap style can work well beyond early
childhood; impressive facts and sophisticated artistry invite awe and
multiple readings.
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.
Hale, Shannon The Princess in Black; by Shannon and Dean Hale
and illus. by LeUyen Pham. Candlewick, 2014. $14.99 Gr. 2-4
Whether they prefer pink sparkles or superhero capes, readers-especially newly independent ones--will get a kick out of PIB’s exploits
as she manages both tea parties and a monster invasion.
Dolan, Elys Weasels; written and illus. by Elys Dolan. Nosy Crow,
2014. $17.99 Gr. 1-4
It’s pretty clear that if any animal was going to be sneaky enough to
take over the world, it just might be weasels, as Dolan illustrates in
this snarky, detailed look at their world domination headquarters.
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.
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 photoessay focusing
on a rescue shelter for abandoned and relinquished chickens in
Minneapolis.
10
Johnson, Rebecca L. When Lunch Fights Back: Wickedly Clever
Animal Defenses; illus. with photographs. Millbrook, 2014. $29.27
Gr. 3-5
Crisp color photographs and a clean (albeit “blood-spattered”) layout
make this combination of scientific investigation and gross out fun
utterly appealing to fans of Shark Week and the like.
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.
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 Comics Squad: Recess!; ed. by Jennifer L. Holm,
Matthew Holm, and Jarrett J. Krosoczka; illus. by Jennifer L. Holm,
Matthew Holm, and Jarrett J. Krosoczka, et al. Random House, 2014.
$7.99; e-book $7.99 Gr. 2-5
This fantastic collection of eight stories about recess gathers together
some of the most luminous and impressive of writers for young
readers, and adds in the graphic novel format and trim size to make it
a heady concoction of greatness for young readers.
Igus, Toyomi I See the Rhythm of the Gospel; illus. by Michele Wood.
Zonderkids, 2012. $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.
Isaacs, Anne Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch; illus. by Kevin Hawkes.
Schwartz & Wade, 2014. $17.99 Gr. 1-4
A tale tall at its best: painterly illustrations reinforce the exaggerated,
humorous take on a widow who suddenly becomes a millionaire,
moves to Texas, and has to deal with 1000 suitors.
Janeczko, Paul Firefly July: A Year of Very Short Poems; illus. by
Melissa Sweet. Candlewick, 2014. $16.99 Gr. 2-5
Thirty six-poems divided into four seasonal sections describes the facts
of the anthology but doesn’t begin to address the stunning mixedmedia art that accompanies each poem, the thoughtful arrangements,
and the overall impact of the volume as a whole.
Jenkins, Steve The Animal Book: A Collection of the Fastest, Fiercest,
Toughest, Cleverest, Shyest – And Most Surprising Animals on Earth;
written and illus. by Steve Jenkins. HMH Books, 2013. $21.99 Gr.
1-6
The title almost does all the work: any animal lover or Jenkins fan will
find the cut and torn paper illustrations and elegant, clear text to be
the perfect way to learn a little bit about a whole lot of animals.
Jones, Diana Wynne Earwig and the Witch; illus. by Paul O.
Zelinsky. Greenwillow, 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.
Kim, Patti Here I Am; illus. by Sonia Sanchez. Capstone, 2013.
$14.95 Gr. K-3
This wordless picture book perfectly captures the dizzying, glorious,
terrifying experience of arriving in America as an immigrant, full
of hope but lacking the language and cultural skills to immediately
adjust.
Lakin, Patricia Bruno and Lulu’s Playground Adventures; illus. by
Kirstie Edmunds. Dial, 2014. $16.99 Gr. 1-2
Dry humor and a whole story in speech bubbles hearken to Willems
early readers, but Bruno and Lulu, two squirrel buddies, are all their
own in this charming, accessible early reader.
Macaulay, David Castle: How It Works; written and illus. by David
Macaulay with Sheila Keenan. 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.
Macaulay, David Eye: How It Works; written and illus. by David
Macaulay with Sheila Keenan. David Macaulay Studio, 2013. $3.99
Gr. 1-4
Sophisticated vocabulary and concepts about eyes are presented with
short sentences, clear diagrams, and repeated explanations so that even
the early readers who are the intended audience will leave informed
and brimming with intriguing facts.
Books
for
yrs)
MacLachlan, Patricia Fly Away. McElderry, 2014. $15.99;
paperback $6.99; e-book $10.99 Gr. 2-4
A deceptively simple story illustrates the power of family and the
majesty of music (both small, shared songs and larger talent), all
while remaining accessible to early readers.
McCully, Emily Arnold Sam and the Big Kids; written and
illus. by Emily Arnold McCully. Holiday House, 2013. $14.95;
paperback $6.99 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.
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.
11
smuggled penguin chick after a class trip. The authenticity of voice and
congenial illustrations sprinkled throughout add to an well-written story.
O’Connor, Jane Nancy Clancy: Super Sleuth; illus. by Robin Preiss
Glasser. HarperCollins, 2012. Paperback $4.99; e-book $4.99 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.
Picard, Matthias Jim Curious: A Voyage to the Heart of the Sea; illus. by
Matthias Picard. Abrams, 2014. $19.95 Gr. K-5
A brilliant book that combines 3-D effects, a wordless narrative, and
comics influenced styling; kids will pore over this multiple times.
Powell, Patricia Hruby Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker;
illus. by Christian Robinson. Chronicle Books, 2014. $17.99; e-book
$8.99 Gr. 2-5
This jazzy, lively biography of Josephine Baker embodies the
determination, beauty, and free spirit of the woman herself.
Messner, Kate Marty McGuire Has Too Many Pets!; illus. by Brian
Floca. Scholastic, 2014. $15.99; paperback $5.99; e-book $9.99
Gr. 3-5
This story about a girl who takes on way more than she can handle
with an impromptu pet-sitting business is handled with grace
and aplomb, guaranteeing reader sympathy for the protagonist;
frequent illustrations break up the text effectively.
Mills, Claudia Kelsey Green, Reading Queen; illus. by Rob
Shepperson. Ferguson/Farrar, 2013. $15.99; paperback $5.99;
e-book $4.27 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.
Mills, Claudia Annika Riz, Math Whiz!; illus. by Rob Shepperson.
Ferguson/Farrar, 2014. $15.99; e-book $9.99 Gr. 2-4
If only Annika could convince her friends that math was fun, she’d
have so much to share with them; even mathphobic readers will
find the cheerfully illustrated, enthusiastic story engaging and they
may leave willing to try the Sudoku puzzles Annika adores.
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; paperback $5.99; e-book $5.99 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
Samworth, Kate Aviary Wonders, Inc. Spring Catalog and Instruction
Manual: Renewing the World’s Bird Supply Since 2031; written and illus.
by Kate Samworth. Clarion, 2014. $17.99 Gr. 3-6
This quirky title offers a wry environmental message embedded within
what appears to be a catalog of bird parts for the avian-friendly consumer
to buy and create their own birds, as all are extinct in this book’s world.
Scieszka, Jon Battle Bunny; written by Jon Scieszka and Mac Barnett;
illus. by Matthew Myers. Simon & Schuster, 2013. $14.99 Gr. K-4
An earnest, dull book a kid receives as a gift is made SO much better as
the recipient edits the heck out of it, adding rockets, mayhem, and ninjas
right onto the physical pages.
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. 1 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.
Books
for
yrs)
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.
Spellman, David How to Negotiate Everything; by David Spellman
with Lisa Lutz; illus. by Jaime Temairik. Simon, 2013. $16.99 Gr. 2-4
The funny and motivated young bargainer of this sharply clever book
wheels and deals through each day and will likely inspire the audience
with some business savvy.
Stills, Caroline Mice Mischief: Math Facts in Action; illus. by Judith
Rossell. Holiday House, 2014. $16.95 3-6 yrs
This simple math book is so intricately detailed and beautifully
illustrated that the very straight-forward equations may seem less
important, but readers will pore through this charmer often enough
to catch the addition guidelines.
Sullivan, Mary Ball; written and illus. by Mary Sullivan. Houghton,
2013. $12.99; e-book $12.99 Gr. K-2
The repetition of a single word, “Ball,” makes up the text of this story
of 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.
Tan, Shaun Rules of Summer; written and illus. by Shaun Tan.
Levine/Scholastic, 2014. $18.99 Gr. 3-5
True to Tan form, this book is exquisite and bizarre, all at once. There
is the core plot of brothers and summer, but mostly this is just a basic
framework for the author’s impeccable eye for art, trim stories, and the
magical spots where those intersect.
Thorpe, Kiki In a Blink; illus. by Jana Christy. Random House,
2013. Paperback $5.99; e-book $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.
12
Voake, Steve Hooey Higgins and the Tremendous Trousers; illus. by
Emma Dodson. Candlewick, 2014. $14.99 Gr. 2-4
Fans of goofy humor will delight in this mix of exaggerated
illustrations, amusing character development, and exploding pants
(think cola and Mentos), a plot that can only result in delight.
Weill, Cynthia Mi Familia Calca/My Skeleton Family; illus. by Jesus
Zarate. Cinco Puntos Press, 2013. $14.95; e-book $9.99 Gr. 2-5
A joyful, exuberant celebration of Mexico’s Day of the Dead also
highlights the comfort of family; splashy, bright illustrations and
clear notes alert unfamiliar readers to the non-scary nature of these
particular skeletons.
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; paperback $6.99;
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)
Acampora, Paul I Kill the Mockingbird. Roaring Brook, 2014.
Three young teens decide to make the world read their late teacher’s
favorite book, starting with the fifty-mile radius around their town;
smart characterization and compelling subplots enhance the story
further.
Agosin, Marjorie I Lived on Butterfly Hill; illus. by Lee White.
Atheneum, 2014. $16.99; paperback $7.99; e-book $5.99 Gr. 5-8
The fall from a charmed life, in this case triggered by political upheaval
in Chile, changes a young, sheltered girl forever in this dazzlingly
beautiful novel with equally stunning artwork interspersed.
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.
Albee, Sarah Bugged: How Insects Changed History; illus. by Robert
Leighton. Walker, 2014. $21.50; paperback $12.95 Gr. 4-8
A witty, informative, newsy book about insects and all the ways, big
and small, that they have impacted and altered human history.
13
Auxier, Jonathan The Night Gardener. Amulet/Abrams, 2014.
$16.99; e-book $9.99 Gr. 4-6
Nineteenth-century rural England provides the perfect spooky setting
for this brilliant ghost story of a tree that may provide all you might
wish for, but at an extraordinary cost.
Bachmann, Stefan Cabinet of Curiosities: 36 Tales Brief & Sinister;
written by Stefan Bachmann, Katherine Catmull, Claire Legrand, and
Emma Trevayne; illus. by Alexander Jansson. Greenwillow, 2014.
$16.99; e-book $6.99 Gr. 4-8
This spine-tingling collection of creatively organized stories offers a
wide range of topics with something to amuse, and mostly terrify,
any reader.
Bertozzi, Nick Shackelton: Antarctic Odyssey; written and illus. by
Nick Bertozzi. First Second, 2014. $16.99 Gr. 6-10
This graphic novel chronicle of Shackleton’s expedition makes
excellent use of the format, using both gripping text and dramatic
illustrations to convey the steely determination of a group of men
facing extreme odds.
Black, Holly Doll Bones; illus. by Eliza Wheeler. McElderry, 2013.
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.
Bracken, Beth Wish; by Beth Bracken and Kay Fraser; illus. by
Odessa Sawyer. Capstone, 2013. $12.95; e-book $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; paperback $6.99; 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 an epic road trip around the world
in this thoroughly modern sequel to the classic Ian Fleming novel.
Anderson, John David Minion. Walden Pond/HarperCollins,
2014. $16.99; paperback $6.99; e-book $9.99 Gr. 5-9
When you are raised by a mad scientist, it’s perhaps not too unexpected
that you may find yourself to be a rather unusual fourteen-year-old,
particularly when you also possess superhero powers of persuasion;
adventure comfortably mingles with musings on the complexity of
heroism in this sharp novel.
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.
Clark, Henry What We Found in the Sofa and How It Saved the
World; illus. by Jeremy Holmes. Little, 2013. $17.00; paperback
$7.00; e-book $6.99 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; paperback
$7.99; e-book $7.99 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.
Books
for
yrs)
Crowder, Melanie Parched. Harcourt, 2013. $15.99; paperback
$6.99; e-book $9.99 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.
14
innocence because of his time there.
Fleming, David The Saturday Boy. Viking, 2013. $16.99; e-book
$9.99 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.
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 combine to make an irresistible volume for any
budding naturalist.
Frazier, Sundee T. Brendan Buckley’s Sixth-Grade Experiment.
Delacorte, 2012. $16.95; paperback $6.99; e-book $6.99 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.
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.
Gavin, Rohan Knightley & Son: Cracking the Code. Bloomsbury,
2014. $16.99; e-book $11.99 Gr. 5-7
Classic detective tropes are filtered through the mind of a kid genius,
who takes over his father’s detective files when his dad falls into a
coma.
De Lint, Charles Seven Wild Sisters: A Modern Fairy Tale; illus. by
Charles Vess. Little, 2014. $18.00; e-book $9.99 Gr. 4-6
Lush illustrations and a traditional fairy tale format combine in
this novel length story about seven sisters and how they stop an
otherworldly fairy feud.
Giff, Patricia Reilly Winter Sky. Lamb, 2014. $15.99; paperback
$6.99; e-book $10.99 Gr. 4-7
A realistic look at the life of the kid of a firefighter who knows her
parent goes off to danger each time, particularly made poignant by
the fact that this is the only parent the protagonist has left; lyrical and
gripping writing move the story from fear to hope.
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
quiltmaking accompanied by vibrant and intricate illustrations in this
heartbreaking poetry collection that chronicles slaves’ experiences in
America in their daily lives.
Graff, Lisa Absolutely Almost. Philomel, 2014. $16.99; paperback
$7.99; e-book $10.99 Gr. 4-6
Albie just hasn’t found the right fit yet for his quirky, not by the books
understanding of school, life, and friendship in this intelligent, sharp
portrait of an outsider’s inner perspective.
Engle, Margarita The Lightning Dreamer: Cuba’s Greatest
Abolitionist. Harcourt, 2013. $16.99; e-book $9.99 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.
Faulkner, Matt Gaijin: American Prisoner of War; written and illus.
by Matt Faulkner. Disney Hyperion, 2014. $19.99; e-book $11.99
Gr. 4-6
Historical fiction in a graphic novel format examines the darkest
undersides of Japanese relocation camps, and one teen’s loss of
Grove, S.E. The Glass Sentence. Viking, 2014. $17.99; e-book $10.99
Gr. 5-8
Cartographer is proven to be cool in this emotionally engaging,
artsy novel about a world where time and location have all been
shifted around, and one small group must battle against a brilliantly
developed villain to save the day.
Harkrader. Lisa The Adventures of Beanboy. Houghton, 2012.
$12.99; e-book $8.49 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.
Hartnett, Sonya The Children of the King. Candlewick, 2014.
$16.99; e-book $9.99 Gr. 7-10
Books
for
yrs)
15
This richly layered, sophisticated story about a group of English
children and how they cope with war from their safe country home
is a plot that appears to be familiar, though there is always more to
uncover.
Johnson, Varian The Great Greene Heist. Levine/Scholastic, 2014.
$16.99 Gr. 5-9
A breezy, lightning-paced novel about a brilliant middle school kid
who can’t stop searching for the next big heist.
Hasak-Lowry, Todd 33 Minutes; illus. by Bethany Barton. Aladdin,
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.
Kadohata, Cynthia The Thing About Luck; illus. by Julia Kuo.
Atheneum, 2013. $16.99; paperback $7.99; e-book $9.99 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.
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; e-book $9.99 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.
Hopkinson, Deborah Titanic: Voices from the Disaster. Scholastic,
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.
Hurwitz, Michele Weber The Summer I Saved the World…in 65
Days. Lamb, 2014. $16.99 Gr. 6-9
Nina decides to spend the rest of her summer performing small acts
of kindness, and the points of connection made through this act help
her in her transition into adolescence as well.
Ibbotson, Eva The Abominables; illus. by Fiona Robinson. Amulet,
2014. $8.95 Gr. 3-5
This subtle gem of a novel seems to be about yeti and humans and the
places they converge but manages to work in issues of human rights
and advocacy within the adventurous plot.
Jobin, Matthew The Nethergrim. Philomel, 2014. $17.99; paperback
$8.99; e-book $10.99 Gr. 6-8
A spooky novel about the unlikeliest of heroes, a trio of kids each told
they are not good enough, and the genuinely creepy monster they
must face in order to save the day.
Johnson, Peter The Life and Times of Benny Alvarez. Harper/
HarperCollins, 2014. $16.99; e-book $9.99 Gr. 4-7
A snarky, smart novel about a seventh-grader who faces a list of
everyday challenges with a perspective that is part swagger, part
negativity, and part understanding, even at a fairly young age, that
he is still lucky.
Keplinger, Kody The Swift Boys & Me. Scholastic, 2014. $16.99;
e-book $10.49 Gr. 4-6
A warm, complex tale of one girl’s summer and all the ways her life
changes during it, from friendship to family turmoil, and back to
amiable summer ambling by the end.
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.
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.
Latham, Irene Don’t Feed the Boy; illus. by Stephanie Graegin.
Roaring Brook, 2012. $15.99; paperback $7.99; e-book $5.70 Gr.
4-6
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.
Books
for
yrs)
La Valley, Josanne The Vine Basket. Clarion, 2013. $16.99; e-book
$10.99 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.
Lawrence, Caroline The Case of the Deadly Desperados. Putnam,
2012. $16.99; e-book $7.99 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 $7.00;
e-book $5.99 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; paperback $9.99;
e-book $9.99 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.
Mateo, Jose Manuel Migrant; illus. by Javier Martinez Pedro; tr.
from the Spanish by Emmy Smith Ready. Abrams, 2014. $17.95
Gr. 5-8
A nameless narrator describes the experience of an undocumented
migration in this title; the unusual Aztex-inspired ink illustration on
an accordion-fold codex makes the physical object of the book itself as
intriguing as the content.
16
This exceptional nonfiction title examines the Cheetah Conservation
Fund in Namibia, and the incredible staff and animals who make this
place their home.
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.
Nagai, Mariko Dust of Eden. Whitman, 2014. $16.99; e-book $6.99
Gr. 4-7
Gripping free verse offers insight into the mind of a JapaneseAmerican girl who is moved from her Seattle home to a relocation
center during WWII.
Nelson, Kadir Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African
Americans; written and illus. by Kadir Nelson. Balzer + Bray, 2012.
$19.99; paperback $8.99 Gr. 4-7
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.
McKinlay, Meg Below. Candlewick, 2013. $15.99; e-book $9.99
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.
McNeal, Tom Far, Far Away. Knopf, 2013. $17.99; paperback
$9.99; e-book $9.99 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; paperback $6.99; 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.
Montgomery, Sy Chasing Cheetahs: The Race to Save Africa’s Fastest
Cats; illus. with photographs by Nic Bishop. Houghton Mifflin
Harcourt, 2014. $18.99 Gr. 4-7
Ottaviani, Jim Primates: The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian
Fossey, and Birute Galdikas; illus. by Maris Wicks. First Second/
Roaring Brook, 2013. $19.99; e-book $9.99 Gr. 6-9
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. Random House, 2013. $16.99;
An unusual setting (a Makah village, post-World War I), a compelling
Books
for
yrs)
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.
17
eludes her even five years after almost all of the freed slaves have left
her behind on the plantation.
Roth, Judith Serendipity and Me. Viking, 2013. $16.99; paperback
$5.99; e-book $13.99 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.
Patterson, James I Funny: A Middle School Story; written by James
Patterson and Chris Grabenstin; illus. by Laura Park. Little, 2012.
$13.99; 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.
Pearsall, Shelley Jump into the Sky. Knopf, 2012. $16.99; e-book
$7.99; 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, an African American division of the military in
World War II.
Petruck, Rebecca Steering Toward Normal. Amulet/Abrams, 2014.
$16.95; e-book $16.95 Gr. 6-10
A warm, carefully developed novel about two young teens who
discover that they are bonded by more than their individual but
similar losses: they are actually half-brothers.
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; paperback
$7.99; e-book $7.99 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; paperback
$8.95; e-book $10.49 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.
Rhodes, Jewell Parker Sugar. Little, 2013. $16.99; paperback
$6.99; e-book $6.99 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
Rubin, Susan Goldman Freedom Summer: The 1964 Struggle for
Civil Rights in Mississippi; illus. with photographs. Holiday House,
2014. $18.95 Gr. 6-10
This searing account of the summer of 1964 and civil rights struggles
in Mississippi is told with impeccable storytelling ability, first-person
accounts and photographs, and extensive, compelling end matter.
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.
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.
Senzai, N.H. Saving Kabul Corner. Wiseman/Simon, 2014. $16.99;
e-book $10.99 Gr. 4-7
Books
for
yrs)
A smart, layered mystery takes place in a multicultural suburban
region, and two preteen girls will be changed for the better because
of it.
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 gusto, 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.
Sís, Peter The Pilot and the Little Prince: The Life of Antoine de SaintExupery; written and illus. by Peter Sís. Foster/Farrar, 2014. $18.99;
e-book $9.99 Gr. 4-8
Sis is perhaps the ideal person to tackle such a project, as his dreamy,
otherworldy, artistic style pervades both the illustrations and the story
format, resulting in a rich, stunning glimpse into the life of the man
who created an iconic book.
18
Spinelli, Jerry Hokey Pokey. Knopf, 2013. $15.99; paperback $7.99;
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.
Timberlake, Amy One Came Home. Knopf, 2013. $16.99; paperback
$6.99; e-book $6.99 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 discovers herself along the way?
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.
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.
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.
Sloan, Holly Goldberg Counting by 7s. Dial, 2013. $16.99;
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.
Spinelli, Ellen Another Day as Emily; illus. by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff.
Knopf, 2014. $12.99; paperback $6.99; e-book $7.99 Gr. 4-6
This free-verse examination of the trickiness of being a tween elegantly
captures the drama and humor of a girl who declares herself Emily
Dickinson after a series of exasperating events makes her tired of being
herself.
Van Wagenen, Maya Popular: Vintage Wisdom for a Modern Greek;
illus. with photographs. Dutton, 2014. $18.99 Gr. 6-9
In this quirky autobiographical title about an experimental year, one
teen remakes everything about herself, specifically using a 1951 teen
self-help book as her guide.
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.
Wallace, Rich Babe Conquers the World: The Legendary Life of Babe
Didrickson Zacharias; by Rich Wallace and Sandra Neil Wallace.
Calkins Creek, 2014. $16.95 Gr. 5-9
Babe was a true athletic force, and this gripping biography is up to the
Books
for
yrs)
task of identifying her incredible talents while not shying away from
her less admirable traits; black and white photographs and extensive
end matter add to the mix.
Wiersbitzky, Shannon What Flowers Remember. Namelos, 2014.
$18.95; e-book $9.95 Gr. 5-7
When a girl loses a key older figure in her life, she struggles through
mourning and toward a new understanding of him; tender, thoughtful
passages will resonate with readers who have experienced loss.
Williams, Marcia Lizzy Bennet’s Diary: 1811-1812; written and
illus. by Marcia Williams. Candlewick, 2014. $16.99 Gr. 4-6
A bit of Austen for the young set in this diary written by a young
Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice; wry humor and a
scrapbook type format with ephemera from her life pasted in add to
the historical fun.
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.
Wilson, N.D. Boys of Blur. Random House, 2014. $16.99 Gr. 5-8
Using Beowulf as inspiration, this tale examines two cousins in a
Florida swamp town and the dramatic odds against them in this sharp
thriller.
Zia, Farhana The Garden of My Imaan. Peachtree, 2013. $15.95 Gr.
4-7
This thoughtful novel demonstrates how sometimes 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)
Andrea, Maria E. The Secret Side of Empty. Running Press, 2014.
$16.95; e-book $16.95 Gr. 7-10
Teens who have looked at their own future and been demoralized by
what they see as their options will find reflection and comfort in this
painful but ultimately uplifting novel about an undocumented girl
and the ways in which her limited choices expand.
Amateau, Gigi Come August, Come Freedom: The Bellows, the Gallows,
and the Black General Gabriel. Candlewick, 2012. $16.99; paperback
$6.99; e-book $6.99 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.
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.
Barakiva, Michael One Man Guy. Farrar, 2014. $17.99; e-book
$9.99 Gr. 8-10
What happens when political and cultural identity, questions about
sexuality, and a desire to please one’s parents all converge? This frothy
and intelligent romance between two boys who, in spite of it all, are
splendidly matched.
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.
Benincasa, Sara Great. HarperTeen/HarperCollins, 2014. $17.99;
e-book $9.99 Gr. 7-10
A luxuriant and sophisticated nod to The Great Gatsby, this novel
tracks Naomi who typically just follows her famous mother around
but has now embarked on a summer when she will be active, not a
passive observer in her life.
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.
Blythe, Carolita Revenge of a Not-So-Pretty Girl. Delacorte, 2013.
$16.99; e-book $10.99 Gr. 7-10
This mid-80s look at a girl stuck in all sorts of bad situations thankfully
leads 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.
Blumenthal, Karen Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different.
Feiwel, 2012. $16.99; paperback $9.99; e-book $5.99 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.
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
unsubtly named Clan of the Fiery Cross in the climax of this historical
narrative.
Bradley, John Ed Call Me By My Name. Atheneum, 2014. $17.99;
e-book $10.99 Gr. 7-12
While the race relations, both historical and contemporary, may spark
the most discussion and reflection from this novel, the core of a young
man’s own coming of age and struggle toward enlightenment is a
powerful feature as well.
Barraclough, Lindsey Long Lankin. Candlewick, 2012. $16.99;
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.
Caine, Rachel Prince of Shadows: A Novel of Romeo and Juliet. New
American Library, 2014. $17.99; e-book $10.99 Gr. 9-12
This irresistible reconceptualization of the star-crossed lovers offers
a strong setting, lush language, and a complex, well-developed cast
centered around the key two protagonists.
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
Carroll, Emily Through the Woods; written and illus. by Emily
Carroll. McElderry, 2014. $21.99; e-book $10.92 Gr. 7-10
Five graphic horror stories explore the true underside of fairy tales and
folklore, taking familiar tropes and characters to truly grim places.
Books
for
Older Readers (Gr. 7-12, 12-18 Yrs)
Christopher, Neil, ad. The Country of Wolves; illus. by Ramón
Pérez. Inhabit Media Inc., 2013. $24.95 Gr. 8-12
This eerie and chilling graphic novel, centering on two brothers’
journey into an arctic wasteland, will entrance fans of both horror and
folklore and serves as intriguing example of oldest stories translated
into newest media.
21
Fleming, Candace On the Day I Died: Stories from the Grave.
Schwartz & Wade, 2012. $16.99;e-book $9.99 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.
Clement-Moore, Rosemary Spirit and Dust. Delacorte, 2013.
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.
Flowers, Arthur I See the Promised Land: A Life of Martin Luther
King Jr.; illus. by Manu Chitrakar. Groundwood, 2013. $16.95 Gr.
9-up
This graphic novel collaboration offers a fresh and poetic look at a
historical figure in a way that will engage and challenge teen readers.
Colfer, Eoin The Reluctant Assassin. Hyperion, 2013. $17.99;
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.
Gansworth, Eric If I Ever Get Out of Here; written and illus. by Eric
Gansworth. Levine/Scholastic, 2013. $17.99; e-book $17.99 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.
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.
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.
DeWoskin, Rachel Blind. Viking, 2014. $17.99; e-book $10.99
Gr. 8-12
Life is rich and complex, and Emma is beginning to get that sense
after being blinded in an accident and finding the ways in which she
is changed and the same, and knowing how much awaits her still.
Duyvis, Corrine Otherbound. Amulet/Abrams, 2014. $17.95;
e-book $9.99 Gr. 7-12
A diverse cast of characters, nuanced explorations of power and
privilege, and a sharp adventure plot paired with a mystery…it’s a
heady mix for this intelligent novel to offer.
Fleming, Candace The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, and
the Fall of Imperial Russia. Schwartz & Wade, 2014. $18.99; e-book
$10.99 Gr. 7-12
Not only is this non-fiction title impeccably researched and brimming
with first-person narratives and photographs, but it is also so
compellingly written that even teens who insist they aren’t drawn to
non-fiction for their aesthetic reading will be drawn in instantly.
Giles, L.R. Fake ID. Amistad/Harper Collins, 2014. $17.99; e-book
$9.99 Gr. 7-10
Nick wearies of Witness Protection, but he knows this is his lifeline,
which makes him all the more determined to solve a risky mystery
in his new hometown; cutting dialogue and impeccable character
development add to the mix.
Green, John The Fault in Our Stars. Dutton, 2012. $17.99; e-book
$9.99 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.
Griffin, Claire Nowhere to Run. Namelos, 2013. Paperback $9.95;
e-book $8.95 Gr. 9-12
Books
for
Older Readers (Gr. 7-12, 12-18
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.
Goldsmith, Connie Bombs Over Bikini: The World’s First Nuclear
Disaster; illus. with photographs. Twenty-First Century, 2014. $34.60
Gr. 7-12
This is a treasure trove of information that builds a complete picture
of what happened on the Marshall Islands; the author combines
photographs, interviews, historical context, and environmental analysis
to create this powerful text.
Hale, Kathleen No One Else Can Have You. HarperTeen, 2014.
$17.99; e-book $9.99 Gr. 10 up
This novel manages to be awkward and smooth at once as it explores one
girl’s sardonic, uncomfortable, painful response to her friend’s death.
yrs)
22
Hubbard, Jenny And We Stay. Delacorte, 2014. $16.99 Gr. 9-12
Drawing inspiration from Emily Dickinson, this novel features a girl who is
seeking redemption, escape, and closure through her own poetry; smooth and
effective movement from dark to light keeps the heavy topics manageable.
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 witty, often
poignant, reading.
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.
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, Alaya Dawn Love Is the Drug. Levine/Scholastic, 2014. $17.99;
e-book $17.99 Gr. 9-12
A sharp, urban setting and diverse cast makes this cyberpunk tale an easy
choice for fans of thrilling adventures and concpiracy theories.
Johnston, E.K. The Story of Owen: Dragon Slayer of Trondheim. Carolrhoda
Lab, 2014. $17.95; e-book $9.99 Gr. 8-10
In true bardic tradition, a rich quest is told by a girl with a way for words
about her friend, a dragon slayer in this alternate earth where (all-tooprevalent) carbon emissions attract the giant beasts.
Hattemer, Kate The Vigilante Poets of Selwyn Academy. Knopf, 2014.
$16.99; e-book $10.99 Gr. 9-12
A reality show collides with a group of outsider teens who want to buck
the system in this smart, cool novel.
Hartzler, Aaron Rapture Practice. Little, 2013. $17.99; paperback
$9.00; e-book $7.99 Gr. 7-10
Spellbinding 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.
Honeyman, Kay The Fire Horse Girl. Levine/Scholastic, 2013. $17.99;
e-book $9.99 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, ends exactly where romantics will like – with true love.
Howe, Katherine Conversion. Putnam, 2014. $18.99; e-book $10.99
Gr. 9-12
One teen’s cool, academic approach to life begins to crumble as her core
high-achieving goals get waylaid by bizarre health issues that suddenly
impact her exclusive school.
Joseph, Lynn Flowers in the Sky. HarperTeen, 2013. $17.99; e-book $10.99
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.
Kephart, Beth Going Over. Chronicle, 2014. $17.99; e-book $13.99 Gr.
8-12
Love becomes epic as it is physically divided by the Berlin Wall in this
painful, elegant novel set in 1980s Germany.
Knisley, Lucy Relish: My Life in the Kitchen; written and illus. by Lucy
Knisley. First Second/Roaring Brook, 2013. $17.99; e-book $9.99 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 step-by-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.
Books
for
yrs)
Kuklin, Susan Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out; written
and with photographs by Susan Kuklin. Candlewick, 2014. $22.99;
e-book $22.99 Gr. 9-12
The remarkable variety in the cultural, social, and sexual identities of the
six teens highlighted is impressive, but more key for readers will be their
honest, nuanced, and engaging personal stories.
Kwame, Alexander The Crossover. HMH, 2014. $16.99; e-book $16.99
Gr. 6-9
Poem with a pulsing, athletic beat mix with quieter, more introspective
verses in this startlingly beautiful and tragic verse novel about teen twin
boys, their stubborn father, and basketball.
LaMarche, Una Like No Other. Razorbill, 2014. $17.99; e-book $10.99
Gr. 7-10
An unlikely romance between two teens from very different backgrounds
becomes the impetus both need to break from cultural and social
limitations that have become oppressive in this unusual love story with a
female Hasidic narrator.
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.
23
Moore, Peter V is for Villain. Hyperion, 2014. $17.99; e-book $17.99
Gr. 8-10
This fantastic novel about good guys, bad guys, and all the places they
intersect pits one boy against his own brother as both pursue their powers
for what they believe to be the greater good.
Myers, Walter Dean Darius and Twig. Amistad, 2013. $17.99;
paperback $9.99; e-book $9.99 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.
Nelson, Blake The Prince of Venice Beach. Little, 2014. $18.00; e-book
$9.99 Gr. 7-10
A dreamy, surf-influenced detective story features a memorable protagonist,
Cali, and his slow move toward adulthood and responsibility, even while
he resists true acquiescence to normalcy.
Nelson, Marilyn How I Discovered Poetry; illus. by Hadley Hooper.
Dial, 2014. $16.99; e-book $10.99 Gr. 7-12
This slender verse novel covers a large span of the author’s early life, and a
dramatic, searing range of struggles she and her family endure during the
civil rights movement.
Legrand, Claire Winterspell. Simon, 2014. $17.99; e-book $17.99 Gr.
9-12
This lush revision of The Nutcracker has a bounty of lust, gore, and moral
dilemmas that will be sure to please fans of dark fairy tales.
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.
Longo, Jennifer Six Feet Over It. Random House, 2014. $17.99;
e-book $9.99 Gr. 8-12
A teen accepts more burden than she should in a family that can’t quite
get it together; the thoughtful interplay of death and life through the
family business of running a cemetery marks Leigh’s coming of age story.
King, A.S. Glory O’Brien’s History of the Future. Little, 2014. $18.00;
e-book $9.99 Gr. 8-12
King’s use of magical realism makes this coming-of-age story of a teen
girl attempting to reconcile her past with her present both unique and
fascinating.
Manzano, Sonia The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano. Scholastic, 2012.
$16.99; e-book $9.99 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 neighborhood in
New York during the civil rights era.
May, Elizabeth The Falconer. Chronicle, 2014. $17.99; paperback
$8.99; e-book $8.99 Gr. 7-10
Teens open for an adventure will find plenty in this Scottish steampunk
battle quest that offers faeries, revenge plots, and a steamy romance.
Ockler, Sarah The Book of Broken Hearts. Simon Pulse, 2013. $16.99;
The risks of love and the crush of heartbreak are ably addressed in this
sometimes romantic, sometimes tragic exploration of familial and
romantic love.
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 to fit in.
Perkins, Stephanie, ed. My True Love Gave to Me. St. Martin’s Griffin,
2014. $18.99; e-book $9.99 Gr. 7-10
This collection of holiday meet-cutes and relationship stories will appeal to
those readers who get out the holiday decorations the day after Halloween,
and it may even convert a Scrooge or two.
Books
for
yrs)
Pierson, D.C. Crap Kingdom. Viking, 2013. $17.99; paperback $9.99;
e-book $99.99 Gr. 7-10
This quirky novel manages to be both a parody and an earnest
exploration of the fantasy genre, featuring a kid who initially turns down
the opportunity to be The Chosen One, only to discover his best friend
has taken the job.
Prince, Liz Tomboy; written and illu. by Liz Prince. Zest, 2014. $15.99
Gr. 7-12
This graphic memoir centering on gender identity has a pleasing
accesibility in its comic book-like styling, and will likely strike a chord
with those readers who chafe under gender norms.
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 in her new college dorm,
lends complexity and warmth to this humorous romcom.
Rutkoski, Marie The Winner’s Curse. Farrar, 2014. $17.99; e-book
$9.99 Gr. 7-10
A sumptuous Greco-Roman setting and a steamy romance mark this
elegant novel about the ways one must sometimes sacrifice personal
needs for the greater cultural good.
Sharpe, Tess Far From You. Hyperion, 2014. $17.99; e-book $9.99
Gr. 9-12
While the core of this novel is a murder mystery, the nuanced, detailed
exploration of grief and regret of a surviving teen, the good friend of the
victim, is as compelling and memorable as the death itself.
Sheinkin, Steve The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight
for Civil Rights. Roaring Brook, 2014. $19.99; e-book $9.99 Gr. 7 up
With gripping first-hand accounts and a commanding narrative
voice,, this nonfiction piece recounts a historical injustice that remains
unresolved: the supposed mutiny of fifty African American seamen after
a horrific tragedy.
24
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.
Struyk-Bonn, Chris Whisper. Orca, 2014. $12.95; e-book $7.99 Gr.
9-12
This unusual novel blends a dystopian backdrop, an innate musical talent
coming to bear, and a pseudo-historical analysis of the ways in which physical
deformities were (are) cause for isolation and discrimination in society.
Sullivan, Tara Golden Boy. Putnam, 2013. $16.99; paperback $8.99;
e-book $8.99 Gr. 7-10
This intense novel examines the practice of hunting albinos through the
lens of Habo, a carefully balanced character who is more than his skin color.
Tamaki, Mariko This One Summer; illus. by Jillian Tamaki. First Second,
2014. $21.99; e-book $9.99 Gr. 7-10
A poignant graphic novel highlights the painful, joyful, sometimes
frightening moments between childhood and adolescence, and one girl’s
summer on the cusp.
Tingle, Tim House of Purple Cedar. Cinco Puntos, 2014. $16.95; e-book
$9.99 Gr. 10 up
Lyrical, fearless writing marks this exploration into a Choctaw boarding
school from the late 1800s, and the brutal community life in the surrounding
region.
Venkatraman, Padma A Time To Dance. Paulsen/Penguin, 2014. $17.99;
e-book $9.99 Gr. 7 up
A free verse exploration about loss and what still remains features an unusual
cultural perspective, that of a teen who dreams of excelling at traditional
Indian dance until she loses her leg in an accident.
Smith, Matt Barbarian Lord; written and illus. by Matt Smith.
Clarion, 2014. $17.99; e-book $17.99 Gr. 6-9
A little bit of Nordic and Viking lore, a whole lot of battle scenes, and
humorous nods to fantasy tropes all combine in this graphic novel about
Barbarian Lord and his epic quest to clear his maligned name.
Smith, Sherri Orleans. Putnam, 2013. $17.99; paperback $9.99;
e-book $9.99 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.
Stiefvater, 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.
Stella, Leslie Permanent Record. Amazon Children’s, 2013. $17.99;
paperback $9.99 Gr. 7-10
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.
Waltman, Kevin Next. Cinco Puntos, 2013. $11.95; e-book $11.95 Gr.
6-9
Books
for
yrs)
A near perfect basketball book that is generous with in-depth basketball
descriptions while not short-changing readers on character development,
sharp plot, and a memorable protagonist.
Williams, Julie Drama Queens in the House. Roaring Brook, 2014.
$16.99; e-book $8.99 Gr. 7-10
Jessie knows that she is actually one of the least dramatic and over-thetop people in her theatrical family, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t also
have the theater bug, she just needs to find her niche in this effervescent,
joyful novel.
Woodson, Jacqueline Brown Girl Dreaming. Paulsen/Penguin, 2014.
$16.99; e-book $16.99 Gr. 7-12
Budding writers will find much inspiration in this lyrical, layered memoir
that traces Woodson’s life and family from before she was born onward.
Yang, Gene Luen The Shadow Hero; illus. by Sonny Liew. First Second/
Roaring Brook, 2014. $17.99; e-book $17.99 Gr. 7-12
This tour de force graphic novel takes a little-known Asian character
from 1940s comic books and gives him a brilliantly told modern
story. 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.
25
Acknowledgments 26
Permission to print the following material is gratefully acknowledged:
Cover image from Arun Gandhi’s Grandfather Gandhi ©2014, and cover image from
Cynthia Kadohata’s The Thing About Luck ©2013 used by permission of Atheneum
Books.
Cover image from Melissa Stewart’s Feathers: Not Just for Flying ©2014 used by
permission of Charlesbridge.
Cover image from Patricia Hruby Powell’s Josephine ©2014 used by permission of
Chronicle Books.
Cover image from Marilyn Nelson’s How I Discovered Poetry ©2014 used by permission
of Dial Books.
Cover image from Michael Barakiva’s One Man Guy ©2014, and cover image from
Peter Sís’s The Pilot and the Little Prince ©2014 used by permission of Farrar, Straus,
and Giroux.
Cover image from Jim Ottaviani’s Primates ©2013 and cover image from Gene Luen
Yang’s The Shadow Hero ©2014 used by permission of First Second Books.
Cover image from Magali Bardos’ 100 Bears ©2014 used by permission of Flying Eye
Books.
Cover image from Christine Baldacchino’s Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress
©2014 used by permission of Groundwood Books.
Cover image from Kathleen Hale’s No One Else Can Have You ©2014 used by
permission of HarperTeen/Harper Collins.
Cover image from Susan Goldman Rubin’s Freedom Summer ©2014 used by permission
of Holiday House.
Cover image from Margarita Engle’s The Lightning Dreamer ©2013 used by permission
of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Cover image from Lemony Snicket’s The Dark ©2013 used by permission of Little,
Brown and Company.
Cover image from Rebecca L. Johnson’s When Lunch Fights Back ©2014 used by
permission of Millbrook Press.
Cover image from Padma Venkatraman’s A Time to Dance ©2014 used by permission
of Penguin Books.
Cover image from Jason Chin’s Gravity ©2014, cover image from Chitra Divakaruni’s
Banerjee Grandma and the Great Gourd ©2013, and cover image from Yuyi Morales’
Nino Wrestles the World ©2013 used by permission of Roaring Brook Press.
Cover image from N.D. Wilson’s Boys of Blur ©2014 used by permission of Random
House.
Cover image from L.R. Giles’ Fake ID ©2014, and cover image from Shaun Tan’s Rules
of Summer ©2014 used by permission of Scholastic.
Cover image from John David Anderson’s Minion ©2014 used by permission of
Walden Pond Books/HarperCollins.
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
© 2014 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

2015 NBGS flyer Jan 23

IndieBestsellers - American Booksellers Association

2016 NBGS flyer Jan 18

PDF format

New and Backlist Titles

E-Book Companion Calendar

Magnus Dimert CEO adlibris.com

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

Version 11 Educational Content