Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Go Indie.
Recommendations by independent childrens booksellers from across the nation. Find out more at www.abfc.com.
Our catalog cover comes from one of our laughout-loud picks of the year!
Its a Book
Lane Smith
When monkey tells donkey he is reading a book, donkey is bursting with questions: Can you blog with it? How do you scroll down? Can you make the characters fight? Does it text? Tweet? Does it need a password? To each question the long-suffering monkey patiently replies Noits a book. In the end, donkey discovers what the wondrous technology of the book can do better than any other. A witty and stylish celebration of the book that is sure to have both kids and adults laughing out loud. Ages 4-8. (978-1596436060)
www.abfc.com
Kristen McLean
Executive Director, ABC, www.abfc.com
Go Indie.
Published by the Association of Booksellers for Children Volume XVIII, October 2010 Catalog editor: Kristen McLean Catalog design and layout: Lorraine OrtnerBlake/Artifax Cover Art 2010 by Lane Smith
New Voices Look for this New Voices icon in the catalog indicating stellar books by first time authors. Abbreviations: PW Publishers Weekly SLJ School Library Journal ALA American Library Association 4 Starred Review = Special Honor Book
My Alphabet Playbook
Romero Britto A puzzle board book from one of the masters of eye-candy, pop artist Romero Britto. As children read the book they guess which object is hiding under each press-out letter. One by one, kids can stack the letters to make their own vibrant sculptures. Equally stylish on the bookshelf or the coffee table. Ages 3+. (978-1416996248) Simon & Schuster (Interactive) $12.99
Busy Birdies
John Schindel, photographs by Steven Holt Busy, busy birdies. What are they doing? Birdy nibbling, birdy dribbling, birdies eyeing, birdies flying. The beautiful close-up photoghraphy and amazing action in this book will make enthusiastic birdwatchers out of even the youngest readers. Ages 1-4. (978-1582463179)
Doodle Bites
Polly Dunbar Doodle wakes up feeling bitey. After she crunches and munches her way through the house, she spies something very good to bite. Unfortunately her friend Tumpty doesnt agree. All their friends must pitch in to help make it better. One of the best books weve found to help explain what happens when friends hurt each other. Ages 2-5. (978-0763643270)
Heads
Matthew Van Fleet This follow-up to the bestselling Tails is packed with cheerful animals of every stripe, bouncy rhyming text, texture on each page, and chunky tabs to pull and push. All the animalsfrom the familiar to the unusualare labeled on the last page. Its an interactive extravaganza that will keep young children happily busy for hours. Ages 3-8. (978-1442403796) 4 PW Simon & Schuster (Interactive) $17.99
Busy Gorillas
John Schindel, photographs by Andy Rouse From clinging and swinging, to scratching and napping, this book features gorillas of all sizes taking part in a variety of actions that will inspire toddlers to think about what they can do too. A great first look at our closest animal relatives. Ages 1-4. (978-1582463520) Tricycle Press (Board Book) $6.99
Pretty Pru
Polly Dunbar Pru likes to be pretty. She carries all her favorite accessories like her nail polish and lipstick in her purse. Tumpty wants to be pretty too, but when he asks, Pru wont share. Tumpty decides to take matters into his own trunk (with hysterical results) and everyone in the little yellow house learns a lesson about respect and sharing. Ages 2-5. (978-0763642723) Candlewick Press (HC) $12.99
Perfect Piggies
Sandra Boynton A celebration of the homey of beauty in the eye of the beholder, of sunshine and fresh air, and a place to put up our hooves when the day is done. We are all perfect piggies and we know what we need. Its really very simple, very simple indeed: a troughful of food, a place in the sun, and a little bit of comfort when the day is done. Bonus: download the song from the Workman website and sing along. Ages 1-4. (978-0761159933) Workman (Board Book) $6.95
Sunshine
Jan Ormerod Young readers follow a little girl through the routine of her morning in this wonderful, award-winning wordless picture book. From the first rays of morning light shining into the little girls bedroom, through breakfast, getting ready for the day, and heading off to school, children will love comparing routines and reading the story to you. Ages 2-5. (978-1845073909) = Mother Goose Award Frances Lincoln (PA) $7.95
Moonlight
Jan Ormerod Its nighttime, the day is winding down, and the little girl is getting ready for bed. She eats dinner, takes a bath, and says goodnight to her dolls. Her father reads her a bedtime story, but shes not quite ready to go to sleep. A glass of water, a hug, more stories, and then, when both of her parents fall asleep, shes ready for bed again. Warm and comforting. Ages 2-5. (978-1845070496) Frances Lincoln (PA) $7.99
Susan Magsaman This very special book is a collection of art, literature, and hands-on activities custom-made for the family bookshelf. It is broken into five sections Magic and Make-Believe, Outdoor Exploring, Crafts and Construction, Yummy for the Tummy, and Bedtime, Bathtime, and Dreamtime. Perfect for holidays, rainy days, bedtime, or anytime you want to build some special memories. Ages 3-103. (978-1426307157) National Geographic (HC) $19.99
Go Indie.
C H O O S E LO C A L & I N D E P E N D E N T F I R S T
Brave Mouse
Michaela Morgan, illustrated by Michelle Cartlidge Lots of things frighten Little Mouse but a little voice inside encourages him to be brave. Ultimately Little Mouse finds that it takes the most courage of all to decide when to make different choices. A wonderful story for encouraging new experiences and a sense of belief in oneself. Ages 4-8.
(978-1847801104)
Chick n Pug
Jennifer Sattler Chick lives for adventures. Pug lives for sleep. In Chick's eyes, however, Pug can do no wrong. But with danger around every corner and a hero who's a little low on energy, it may be up to Chick to save the day and earn the prized role of sidechicker, sidekick. A funny, heartwarming story of (slightly) misplaced hero worship. Ages 4-8. (978-1599905341) Bloomsbury (HC) $14.99
Dancing Feet!
Lindsey Craig, illustrated by Marc Brown A joyful story that asks children to guess whos dancing across the page by looking at the clues in the artwork and listening to the irresistible rhymes. Clickity! Clickity! Long green feet! Who is dancing that clickity beat? Lizard is dancing on clickity feet.. Clickity! Clickity! Happy feet! Ages 2-5. (978-0375861819) 4 PW Random House (HC) $16.99
Chicken Big
Keith Graves On a teeny little farm, in an itty-bitty coop, a very small hen laid a big, giant egg. And out of this egg came one big, humongous... something. No matter how they try, these clueless chickens cant make sense of him until he saves the day. A wacky, laugh-out-loud twist on the classic Chicken Little story. Ages 4-8.
(978-0811872379)
D O N T S E E A B O O K YO U WA N T ? A S K U S TO O R D E R I T F O R YO U !
Its a Secret
John Burningham Every night MarieElaines cat, Malcolm, goes out, and every morning he comes back in and sleeps. Where do cats go at night? the girl wonders. So when she sees him at his cat door dressed to the nines, she begs to come along. And amazingly, Malcolm agrees. It turns out to be a very exciting and wondrous night, indeed. Ages 4-8. (978-0763642754) = Horn Book Honor Candlewick Press (HC) $16.99
Food Chain
M.P. Robertson When a naughty boy throws a goldfish down the toilet, little does he realize that it will come back to haunt him. The goldfish is eaten by a chain of larger fish until it works its way round in a full circle with dramatic results. A funny, quirky look at how thoughtless actions can have unexpected consequences. Ages 4-8. (978-1845079291) Frances Lincoln (HC) $17.95
Dust Devil
Anne Isaacs, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky Swamp Angel is the greatest woodswoman in all of Tennessee, but she moves to Montana for more space. She wrestles a raging storm to the ground and finds herself a worthy horse she names Dust Devil. When an outlaw starts terrorizing the prairie, Angel and Dust Devil may be the only ones strong enough to stop him. A modern tall tale. Ages 5-9. (978-0375867224) Random House (HC) $17.99
Go Indie.
C H O O S E LO C A L & I N D E P E N D E N T F I R S T
One
Kathryn Otoshi BLUE is a quiet color, and REDs a bully. The other colors dont like it, but what can they do? When no one speaks up, ONE comes along and shows them how to stand up and count. An important message, beautifully delivered. Ages 4-8. (978-0972394642) = E.B. White Read Aloud Honor KO Kids Books (HC) $16.95
Zero
Kathryn Otoshi When Zero looks at herself, she feels empty inside. Every day she watches the other numbers line up to count. She tries to change to be like them. It isnt until she figures out how to be herself and help the other numbers count even more that she understands her own unique value. Ages 4-8. (978-0972394635) 4 ALA KO Kids Books (HC) $17.95
My Garden
Kevin Henkes Caldecott winner Kevin Henkes invites children into a most unusual garden. As a little girl helps her mama water, she imagines a wondrous garden of her own. She would grow chocolate rabbits, tomatoes as big as beach balls, flowers that change color, and seashells. Playful and joyous! Ages 2-6. (978-0061715174) 4 PW, Kirkus, SLJ, Horn HarperCollins (HC) $17.99
No
Claudia Rueda Its winter and little bear doesnt want to go to sleep. Hed rather play, and hes sure he wont get cold outside, no matter how long the winter is or how deep the snow might get. That is until little bear finds himself all alone in a snowstorm. Children will identify with little bears stubborn independence. Ages 2-5. (978-0888999917) Groundwood Books (HC) $18.95
Oh No!
(Or, How My Science Project Destroyed the World)
Memoirs of a Goldfish
Devin Scillian, illustrated by Tim Bowers With his bowl to himself and a simple routine, Goldfish loves his lifeuntil he is invaded by assorted intruders including a hyperactive bubbler, a grime-eating snail, a pair of guppies, and a really crabby crab. Goldfish is put out. But a little time away gives him a chance to discover what hes been missing. Funny. Ages 4-8. (978-1585365074) Sleeping Bear Press (HC) $15.95
Mac Barnett, illustrated by Dan Santat Some kids are too smart for their own good...and maybe for everybody elses good. When an overly ambitious little girl builds a humongous robot for her science fair, she fully expects to win first place. What she doesnt expect is the chaos that follows. A hilarious kids eye account of girl versus machine. Ages 5-10. (978-1423123125) 4 PW, Kirkus Hyperion (HC) $16.99
D O N T S E E A B O O K YO U WA N T ? A S K U S TO O R D E R I T F O R YO U !
One Smart Cookie: Bite- Size Lessons for the School Year and Beyond
Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated by Jane & Brooke Dyer A fresh batch of words that encompasses everything school-related you might say to a child from preschool to high school. Heartwarming and funny, with lovely illustrations, this is one vocabulary list that will resonate well beyond the school years. Ages 4+.
(978-0061429705)
Shadow
Suzy Lee A dark attic. A light. An imaginative little girl. A mostly wordless adventure that begins and ends with the click of a light bulb. These simple elements and a sophisticated book design combine to perfectly capture the joy of creative play celebrate the power of imagination. A special delight for both children and adults. Ages 2-8. (978-0811872805) 4 PW Chronicle Books (HC) $15.99
Go Indie.
C H O O S E LO C A L & I N D E P E N D E N T F I R S T
Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt
Megan MacDonald, read by Barbara Rosenblat When the Moody family drops anchor on Artichoke Island, they are greeted by the mysterious Capn Weevil, a one-eyed buccaneer with a treasure map. Soon, Stink and Judy are racing in search of gold. Can they find the hidden clues, crack the secret codes, and solve the tricky puzzles before time runs out? Aaarrr! Ages 7-12. (978-1441889348)
Margaret & H.A. Rey This is George. He lived in Africa. He was a good little monkey, and always very curious. This collection celebrates the anniversary of everyones favorite mischievous monkey with seven classic Curious George stories, an expert introduction, and two CDs of recordings to listen along. A wonderful gift! Ages 4-8. (978-0547391007) HMH Books (Book & CD) $29.99
Thumb Love
Elise Primavera Lulu was a thumb sucker. She and her thumb were very happy togetherin sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, Lulu and her thumb were best friends. That is, until one day when Lulu makes up her mind to stop with her own special twelve-step program. Very, very funny and insightful. Ages 4-8. (978-0375844812) Random House (HC) $16.99
Zen Ghosts
Jon Muth Its a Zen-inspired Halloween. When Addy, Michael, and Karl finish trick-or-treating, their bags are brimming with treats. But the fun isnt over yet. Their good friend Stillwater the panda has one more special surprise. A mysterious visitor is about to tell them a spine-tingling story one that will fill every reader with wonder. Ages 5-8. (978-0439634304) Scholastic (HC) $17.99
D O N T S E E A B O O K YO U WA N T ? A S K U S TO O R D E R I T F O R YO U !
Beautiful Oops!
Barney Saltzberg An important life lesson: Its OK to make a mistake. In fact, hooray for mistakes! A spill doesnt ruin a drawingit becomes the shape of a goofy animal. And an accidental tear becomes the roaring mouth of an alligator. Every mistake is a joyful opportunity to make something beautiful. Highly recommended. Ages 3-103. (978-0761157281) Workman (Interactive) $10.95
10-Minute Puppets
Noel MacNeal Its the Swiss Army knife of activity books: how to make puppets anywhere, in ten minutes or less, using everyday materials. Professional puppeteer MacNeal shows parents and kids how to make 30 puppets using socks, paper bags, napkins, and the most important tools of allyour two hands. All ages.
(978-0761157144)
Becky Baines The ultimate DIY journal. Each page is full of inventive, fun, and funky instructions for helping kids express themselves and explore the world around them. Includes features like voodoo your friends, crime scene investigation, best friend quizzes, and much more. Wicked fun. Ages 8+. (978-1426307485) National Geographic (PA) $12.95
Chalk
Bill Thompson A rainy day. Three kids in a park. A dinosaur spring rider. A bag of chalk. The kids begin to drawand then magic! The children draw the sun, butterflies, and a dinosaur that amazingly come to life. An astounding wordless picture book about the power of creativity and the imagination. Ages 3-8. (978-0761455264) 4 SLJ Marshall Cavendish (HC) $15.99
Built to Last
David Macaulay This new bookbased on the award-winning Castle, Cathedral, and Mosque reveals the how and why behind some of the most fascinating and enduring structures humankind has ever created. Beautiful, detail-driven illustrations and accessible explanations make this perfect for budding architects and engineers. Ages 9+. (978-0547342405) 4 Kirkus, Horn HMH Books (HC) $24.99
I Can Be Anything!
Jerry Spinelli, illustrated by Jimmy Liao An exuberant celebration of one of lifes big questions. When I grow up, what shall I be? / Of all the many, many jobs, which one will be the best for me? Pumpkin grower / dandelion blower / paper-plane folder / puppy-dog holder. An imaginative joyride about hopes and dreams, and a reminder of all the possibilities life has to offer. Ages 4-8. (978-0316162265) 4 PW Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (HC) $16.99
Teen Cuisine
Matthew Locricchio With an emphasis on fresh, made-from-scratch cooking, sophisticated recipes, and beautiful design, this is a book that takes teen chefs seriously. Includes diverse dishes that combine comfort with a broader palate of flavors and ingredients. Also includes equipment suggestions, conversion charts, and a helpful glossary. Ages 12+. (978-0761457152)
Marshall Cavendish (HC) $22.95
Go Indie.
C H O O S E LO C A L & I N D E P E N D E N T F I R S T
Chemistry:
Getting a Big Reaction
Dan Green, illustrated by Simon Basher Imagine Chemistry as a community of dynamic characters, each with its own peculiar personality. This book is the essential guide to the explosive guys who make up everything around us. Each chemical and reaction is presented with a hip manga-style avatar and essential facts that make it easy to understand. Ages 10+. (978-0753464137) Kingfisher (PA) $14.99
Condoleezza Rice:
A Memoir of My Extraordinary, Ordinary Family and Me
Out of Sight
Pittau & Gervais In this big, beautiful, astonishing book, more than 50 animals are waiting to pop from under flaps large and small. Readers can use pattern clues on the top of each flap to guess whats hiding underneath. The stylish and interactive design will make this book equally at home on a childs bookshelf or an adult coffee table. Ages 4-8.
(978-0811877121)
Condoleezza Rice In this memoir, Condoleeza Rice looks back with affection on a remarkable Birmingham, AL childhood which spanned the placid 1950s, where black people lived in a segregated parallel universe, and the violent and shocking 1960s, when bloodshed became a part of daily life in the South. She reveals how her experiences shaped her later life. Ages 14+. (978-0385738798) Random House (HC) $16.99
Chris Barton, illustrated by Tony Persiani Before 1935, fluorescent colors did not exist. This is the remarkable story of the invention of Day-Glo paint by brothers Joe and Bob Switzer. When an accident left Bob recovering in a darkened basement, the brothers began experimenting with ultraviolet light and fluorescing compounds. Ages 8-12. (978-1570916731) = Sibert Honor Charlesbridge (HC) $18.95
Ubiquitous:
Celebrating Natures Survivors
Almost Astronauts:
13 Women Who Dared to Dream
Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Beckie Prange Why is the beetle, born 265 million years ago, still with us today? How did the gecko survive 160 million years? How did the shark and the crow and the tiny ant survive millions and millions of years? A compelling poetic examination of why some animals become ubiquitous, and others go extinct. Ages 7-12. (978-0618717194) 4 PW, SLJ Houghton Mifflin Books for Children (HC) $17.00
Tanya Lee Stone What does it take to be an astronaut? Excellence at flying, courage, intelligence, resistance to stress, top physical shape but when America created NASA in 1958, there was another unspoken rule: you had to be a man. Here is the tale of 13 women who proved that they were not only tough enough, but also brave enough to challenge the status quo. Ages 10+. (978-0763636111) = Sibert Medal Candlewick Press (HC) $24.99 Briliance Audio (CD) $19.99
Compost Stew:
An A to Z Recipe for the Earth
Mary McKenna Siddals, illustrated by Ashley Wolff Environmental chefs, / heres a recipe for you / to mix a batch / of Compost Stew. A fun and bouncy A to Z that introduces children to ingredients that make great compost. Vibrant collage illustrations use recycled and found materials, and a note in the back clarifies the dos and donts of what should go in the bin. Ages 4-8. (978-1582463162) Tricycle Press (HC) $15.99
David M. Schwartz, Yael Schy, and Dwight Kuhn From the creative team behind Where in the Wild? comes 10 new mysteries of the natural world for readers to solve. Kid-pleasing riddles paired with mystifying images give clues to guess: What creature made that pile of twigs, mass of leaves, frothy spittle, and so on...And why? Clever and entertaining. Ages 5-8. (978-1582463100) Tricycle Press (HC) $16.99
My Teacher is a Dinosaur and other Prehistoric Poems, Jokes, Riddles and Amazing Facts
Loreen Leedy A whirlwind tour through prehistoric time, beginning with Earths fiery formation and ending with the last Ice Age. Arranged in a giant timeline, this book is packed with poems, facts, and jokes about dino history. Pronunciation guides are included, and the artwork is bright and appealing. Ages 4-8. (978-0761457084) Marshall Cavendish (HC) $17.99
D O N T S E E A B O O K YO U WA N T ? A S K U S TO O R D E R I T F O R YO U !
Animal Pop!
National Geographic Youve never seen a pop-out book like this! With the turn of a page, huge creatures unfold in fantastic high-resolution portraits up to four times the size of the book! Includes dolphins, pandas, tigers, sea turtles, and wolves. Children get a true understanding of just how big and beautiful these creatures really are. Ages 7-11. (978-1426307164) National Geographic (Pop-up) $14.95
Robots
Steve Weston A pop-up and pop-out book that gets hands-on as kids learn all about the many ways robots are used by humans. Readers can collect samples from a red-hot volcano, pilot a robot across the surface of the moon, explore an Egyptian tomb, and observe a shipwreck through the cameras of an ROV. Ages 3-6. (978-0753464274) Kingfisher (Interactive) $16.99
Versus: Pirates!
Richard Platt What would happen if the Golden Age pirate, Blackbeard, fought the dashing Muslim pirate Barbarossa? Its the ultimate tournament as various bands of swashbucklers from across history match up in battle. Comparing weapons, armor, tactics, and toughness, this is a winner-takes-all battle across time. Ages 10+. (978-0753464311) Kingfisher (HC) $19.99
Go Indie.
C H O O S E LO C A L & I N D E P E N D E N T F I R S T
Dolphins
WE LOVE ELEPHANT AND PIGGIE AND YOU WILL TOO!
Melissa Stewart Dolphins are smart, playful, and everyones favorite theme park attractionsbut this book reminds us they are wild animals. Learn what makes a dolphin different from a fish, understand their amazing abilities, and the role everyone needs to play in the conservation of their habitat. Ages 5-7.
(978-1426306525)
We are in a Book!
Mo Willems Gerald and Piggie finally notice that the blank white background of their world is a page in a book! At first its all fun and games until they realize the book will end. Gerald is dramatically upset, and Piggie thinks aheadthe best solution is to read the book again! Ages 4-8. (978-1423133087)
10
Meanwhile:
Pick a Path. 3,856 Story Possibilities
Michelle Harrison Tanya can see fairies. Unfortunately, theyre nasty fairies who torment her. Her mother, fed up with Tanyas strange behavior, sends her to live with her grandmother in a secluded manor beside a forbidden forest where a little girl disappeared 50 years ago. When children begin to disappear again, Tanya may have to get to the bottom of it. Ages 8-12. (978-0316041485) 4 PW Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (HC) $15.99
Jason Shiga The first decision readers face in this unique graphic novel is a simple onedoes Jimmy want chocolate ice cream, or vanilla? Once the choice is made, color-coded lines lead from one panel to the next and through a series of increasingly world-changing decisions and nearinfinite possibilities. Can you lead Jimmy to a happy ending? Ages 8-12. (978-0810984233) 4 PW Abrams/Amulet (HC) $15.95
Milo:
Sticky Notes and Brain Freeze
Alan Silberberg On the surface, Milos just like any other middle-school new kidhe doesnt quite fit in, but he manages to makes new friends. Underneath, Milo feels like everything has been wrong since his mother passed away, and he must survive a school year remembering his life when the kitchen was filled with music, and his family was happy and whole. Ages 10+. (978-1416994305) Aladdin (HC) $15.99
Harold Hutchins and George Beard Ook and Gluk are two cavemen on an adventure to the future to stop pillagers from the year 2222, who want to travel back in time to steal natural resources. After learning kung fu from Master Wong, Ook and Gluk are more than ready to take on the evil Goppernopper Enterprises. A wacky story from the Captain Underpants team. Ages 7-10. (978-0545175302) Scholastic (HC) $9.99
Jeff Kinney Gregs adventures continue in the fifth installment of the hit Wimpy Kid seriesand he cant wait to grow up. But is it really all its cracked up to be? Now he faces new responsibilities, the awkwardness of puberty, and even boy-girl parties. Can he get through it all without his best friend Rowley? Bonus: catch up on the first four books in this collectible boxed set. Ages 9-12. (978-0810984912 / 978-0810997820) 4 PW Abrams/Amulet (HC) $13.99 / $56.00
Amy Ignatow Lydia and Julie have one goal for fifth grade: find the secret to popularity before entering junior high. Through entries in their shared notebook, the two best friends record their research and all the mayhem that ensues. But will success in becoming popular girls drive these two best-friends-for-life apart? Ages 12+. (978-0810984219) Abrams/Amulet (HC) $15.95
Bamboo People
Mitali Perkins Chiko is a smart and scholarly but for him and his Bumese family, college is just a faraway dream. The military regime commandeers Chiko into their ranks, training him for war with the Karenni people. Tai, a streetsmart recruit, manages to keep them alive, but what will happen when Chiko is wounded and left at the mercy of Tu Reh, an angry Karenni teen? Ages 8-12. (978-1580893282) 4 PW Charlesbridge (HC) $16.95
Dork Diaries:
Tales from a Not-So-Popular Party Girl
Rachel Rene Russell For Nikki, nothing could be better than getting Brandon as a lab partner except going with him to the Halloween dance. When she overhears that mean Mackenzie is going with him, Nikki decides shed rather go to a kids party with her little sister. As it turns out, Mackenzie was lying. Can Nikki get a date with Brandon instead? Ages 12+. (978-1416980087) Aladdin (HC) $12.99
Go Indie.
11
Boom!
Mark Haddon When Jim and Charlie hide a walkie talkie in the teachers lounge, they hear their teachers talking in a strange language and when they investigate, Charlie disappears. Two of the teachers are actually aliens, part of a group trying to repopulate their planet, and now its up to Jim and his metalhead sister to stop the operation in its tracks! Ages 10-12.
(978-0385751872)
Museum of Thieves
Lian Tanner In the city of Jewel, children are literally chained to their parents until their Separation Day. Goldie cant wait to be free, and when a bomb interrupts her Separation, she flees and takes shelter in the Museum. But the mysterious building is not what it seems. Can Goldie protect both the Museum and the city from the Grand Protectors wicked plans? Ages 9-12. (978-0385739054) Random House (HC) $16.99
Out of My Mind
Sharon M. Draper Ten-year-old Melody is brilliant but nobody knows it. Born with cerebral palsy, she is unable to walk, talk or write, and days trapped in the special-ed room learning the alphabet are driving her crazy. Then she discovers something that will allow her to speak for the first time ever. At last Melody has a voicebut not everyone is ready to hear it. Ages 12+. (978-1416971702) Atheneum (HC) $16.99
Countdown
Deborah Wiles Franny has a pretty normal life an older sister she worships, a bothersome younger brother, air raid drills, nuclear bomb shelters, and writing letters to Khrushchev just an average girl living outside Andrews Air Force Base in 1962. Told through narrative and historical photos, newspaper ads, and ephemera, it perfectly captures the tension of growing up in the Cold War. Ages 9-12. (978-0545106054) 4 ALA Scholastic (HC) $17.99
The Candymakers
Wendy Mass Four kids are competing to find out who can invent the best new candy Logan, the son of the candymaker; Miles, a candy hound; Daisy, a cheery country girl; and Philip, a secretive and serious boy whos constantly scribbling in a notebook. Each tells their side of the storyand each new chapter reveals the fact that nothing is what it seems. Ages 8-12. (978-0316002585) Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (HC) $16.99
Dark Life
Kat Falls In the future, the frontier is the ocean floor, where Ty lives on his familys farm. Topside, the Commonwealth has made it the subsea pioneers job to hunt down the gang of pirates that threaten them. When Ty meets Gemma, a topsider orphanit forces Ty into the dangerous netherworld where he discovers a secret that may destroy everything. Ages 12+. (978-0545178143) 4 New Voices Scholastic (HC) $16.99
NERDS 1:
National Espionage, Rescue, and Defense Society
NERDS 2:
M is for Mamas Boy
Michael Buckley The 5th-grade spy network of NERDS is back in this new adventureand this time their foe is the super villain team-up of a former agent gone rogue and a 37-year-old mamas boy who happens to be a computer genius. Can the NERDS prevail, or will they be stripped of all their superpowers? Ages 8-12.
(978-0810989856 / 978-0810989863)
Ninth Ward
Jewell Parker Rhodes Born with a caul over her eyes, Lanesha is gifted with the ability to communicate with ghosts including her mother, who died giving birth. Abandoned by her fathers family, Lanesha lives in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans with old Mama Ya-Ya, who can predict the future. When Mama Ya-Ya forsees a storm, its up to Lanesha to find a way for them to survive. Ages 10-12. (978-0316043076) Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (HC) $15.99
12
D O N T S E E A B O O K YO U WA N T ? A S K U S TO O R D E R I T F O R YO U !
The Familiars
Adam Jay Epstein and Andrew Jacobson Aldwyn is the feline familiar of a young wizard-intraining, Jack. Unfortunately, Aldwyn is an imposterhe was mistaken for a magical cat when he blundered into a wizarding shop. He likes his new life, and bonds with the familiars of Jacks two friends. When the children are kidnapped, its up to ordinary Aldwyn and his familiar friends to save them. (978-0061961083) 4 New Voices HarperCollins (HC) $16.99
Lucia wants nothing to do with Castros revolutionaries, but when they take over her town, her parents send Lucia and her little brother Frank to the U.S. Settling in with a foster family, she must reconcile her identity as a Cuban exile and an American teen, trying to fit in and to figure out, through short phone calls and censored letters, whats happening back home. Ages 10-12. (978-0375861901) 4 New Voices Random House (HC) $16.99
The Rivalry:
Mystery at the Army-Navy Game
John Feinstein
Teenage sportswriters Stevie and Susan Carol are thrilled by the chance to cover the Army-Navy football game. But since the President will be in attendance, security will be unusually tight. Stevie and Susan Carol can see that the secret service agents are getting tenser as game day draws nearand nothing is as it seems when a mystery starts to unfold. Ages 9-12. (978-0375865701) Random House (HC) $16.99
Touch Blue
Cynthia Lord Tess loves New England island life, but she and her family may have to move if her school is closed due to lack of students. Several families take on foster children to bolster the schools enrollmentbut Aaron is far from what she was hoping for. As Tess tries to win him over, she learns that things dont always turn out as planned. Ages 9-12. (978-0545035316) Scholastic (HC) $16.99
Turtle in Paradise
Jennifer L. Holm Work is hard to come by in 1935, so when Turtles mother gets a live-in housekeeping job that doesnt allow children, she sends Turtle to Key West to stay with relatives. Unfortunately her relatives dont know shes coming. Everything is different in Key West, but when Turtle finds a treasure map, she hopes following it will solve her troubles. Ages 9-12. (978-0375836886) 4 PW Random House (HC) $16.99
Zora and Me
Victoria Bond & TR Simon Inspired by the young life of author Zora Neale Hurston, Zoras best friend Carrie narrates this novel set in the turn-of-the-century South. Zora is a storytellerand her latest tale of a shapeshifting alligator man rivets her friends. But when a boy is lost to an elusive real gator and a man is found murdered soon after, reality starts to sound a little too much like Zoras scary stories. Ages 8-12. (978-0763643003) 4 New Voices Candlewick Press (HC) $16.99 Briliance Audio (CD) $22.99
Go Indie.
C H O O S E LO C A L & I N D E P E N D E N T F I R S T
13
Annexed
Sharon Dogar In this reimagining of the events chronicled in Anne Franks diary, Peter van Pels struggles through his adolescence in the attic that becomes his home for two years. Grappling with everything from identity and politics to God, rebellion and romance, Peter searches for meaning in hiding and, later, amid the horrors of the death camp where he spent his last days. Ages 14+. (978-0547501956) Houghton Mifflin (HC) $17.00 Briliance Audio (CD) $29.99
Brain Jack
Brian Falkner In the near future, computer keyboards are replaced by neuro-headsets that allow users internet access through thought alone. Sam cant wait to get one, until he realizes it means his mind can be hacked. When his prying leads him to a frightening new threat at the heart of the countrys cyberdefense network, Sam must find a way to save himselfand the rest of humanity. Ages 14+. (978-0375843662) Random House (HC) $17.99
Fallout
Ellen Hopkins Sequel to Crank and Glass, this free-verse novel shifts the focus from meth-addicted Kristina to her three eldest childrenHunter, Autumn and Summer. Following their separate stories of anger, loneliness and hope, the multitude of ways a single persons addiction can touch the lives of everyone connected to them becomes vividly clear. Powerful and thoughtprovoking. Ages 14+. (978-1416950097) Margaret K. McElderry (HC) $18.99
Clockwork Angel
Cassandra Clare In this prequel to the Mortal Instruments series, Tessa travels to London in search of her brother, but instead finds herself caught in the struggle between the Shadowhunters and the Magister whose sinister group wants to use Tessas supernatural powers for their own devious goals. Shes also caught between James and Will, the two Shadowhunters who guard her. Ages 14+. (978-1416975861) Margaret K. McElderry (HC) $19.99 Briliance Audio (CD) $24.99
Before I Fall
Lauren Oliver A fatal car accident is not the end for popular girl Samanthain fact, she wakes up to relive the day of her death over and over again. At first she finds this afterlife freeing, and takes the opportunity to do all the crazy things she never would have before. As the repetitions progress, however, Sam begins to look more deeply at her relationships and the actions leading to her death. Ages 14+. (978-0061726804) 4 PW, New Voices HarperTeen (HC) $17.99
Forge
Laurie Halse Anderson Sequel to the award-winning Chains. Curzon goes to Valley Forge to fight after being freed from prison by Isabel. In addition to the hardships of soldiering, he lives with the fear of discovery, for he is an escaped slave passing for free. When Curzon and Isabel meet again they have both been capturedthey must decide what stands between them and true freedom. Ages 12+. (978-1416961444) Antheneum (HC) $16.99 Briliance Audio (CD) $29.99
Bloodthirsty
Flynn Meaney Not only is Finbar awkward, hes also allergic to the sun, and unusually pale. Guys like him never get girls until he notices the female students obsession with a new vampire romance novel. Pretending to be a vampire himself seems like the perfect way to overcome his failings, but his pseudo-paranormal life gets complicated when he meets a girl who might actually like him just the way he is. Ages 14+. (978-0316102148) Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (PA) $9.99
Going Bovine
Libba Bray Cameron is an average teen slacker with a dysfunctional family until hes diagnosed with mad cow disease. Hospitalized and told hes going to die, he embarks on a possiblyhallucinatory quest with Dulcie the punk angel and his hospital roommate, a video-game-obsessed MexicanAmerican dwarf. They battle the forces of evil in search of a cure, but is it real or a dream? Surreal and funny. Ages 14+. (978-0385733977) = Printz Award Random House (PA) $9.99
Devils Kiss
Sarwat Chadda Being the only girland with a Muslim motherBilli doesnt exactly fit in the Christian order of the Knights Templar. Nor is she quite cut out for the ruthless battles she will face in the Knights eternal war against the forces of darkness. Dealing with traditional creatures like vampires, weres and the undead is hard enoughbut can Billi prevail against a crazed Archangel? Ages 14+. (978-1423120223) 4 PW Disney/Hyperion (PA) $17.99
Halo
Alexandra Adornetto Bethany, one of three angels sent to earth on a goodwill mission, appears to be an average teenage girlas long as she can conceal her ethereal glow. But when her innocent affections are torn between good boy Xavier and demon Jake, the forces of light and dark clash. Will Bethany be strong enough to triumph over the evil that threatens the angels mission? Ages 14+. (978-0312656263) Feiwel & Friends (HC) $16.99 Briliance Audio (CD) $24.99
Leviathan
Scott Westerfeld, illustrated by Keith Thompson In this steampunk reimagining of the events of WWI, Aleksandar Ferdinand, prince of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is on the run. When his path crosses Deryn, a common girl disguised as a boy in the British Air Service, their lives are changed forever as they embark on a fantastical adventure on the airship Leviathan. Ages 14+. (978-1416971740) 4 PW Simon Pulse (PA) $9.99
Behemoth
Scott Westerfeld, illustrated by Keith Thompson This sequel to Leviathan continues the steampunk adventures of Derwyn and Alek, testing their opposing loyalties and philosophies as they grow to be friends aboard the Leviathan. They hope to stop the raging war, but when the ship is damaged by a German attack, the two are stranded in enemy territory of Istanbul. Ages 14+. (978-1416971757) Simon Pulse (HC) $18.99
14
D O N T S E E A B O O K YO U WA N T ? A S K U S TO O R D E R I T F O R YO U !
Hush, Hush
Becca Fitzpatrick When studious Nora meets Patch, her new biology partner, she is both drawn to his charm and puzzled by his eerie ability to know what shes thinking. This ability is explained when Patch is revealed as a fallen angel, trying to become human, but falling for him will put Nora at the center of a dangerous conflict. Ages 14+.
(978-1416989424)
Immortal Beloved
Cate Tiernan Nastasya is immortaland when youve lived 450 years already, its hard to fend off boredom. But when her friend turns to torturing humans, she realizes things have gone too far. She seeks refuge at a home for wayward immortals where she finds peace and friendship in Reyn, a Viking goda peace that is shattered when she learns someone wants her dead. Ages 14+. (978-0316035927) Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (HC) $16.99
Michaela MacColl London, 1838. Suddenly orphaned and penniless, Liza is forced to become a maid to the young and haughty Princess Victoria instead of making her own debut. When she is drawn into the servants gossipy underworld, the new friendships she makes may enable her to not only decide her own fate, but also secure Victorias future throne. Ages 12+. (978-0811873000) Chronicle Books (HC) $16.99
I Am Number Four
Pittacus Lore When the Mogadorians begin destroying each of the 9 surviving Loric children in numerical order, Earth becomes the setting for an alien game of cat and mouse. #3 is dead, and John Smith is next on the list. Will he be able to develop his unique super powershis Legaciesin time to defend himself, his human friends, and the planet itself? Ages 14+. (978-0061969553) HarperCollins (HC) $17.99
Mockingjay
Suzanne Collins In the conclusion of the hit Hunger Games trilogy, Katniss has survived her ordeals but as the face of the revolution, she has drawn the full ire of the Capitol not only upon herself, but on everyone in District 12. As the death toll climbs, she realizes shes more of a pawn than she ever realizedand she must become the real Mockingjay. Ages 14+. (978-0439023511) Scholastic (HC) $17.99
Reckless
Cornelia Funke Jacob Reckless follows in the footsteps of his missing father, crossing over into the enchanted Mirrorworld to adventure with his companion Fox. Unfortunately, Jacobs younger brother Will follows himand is placed under an enchantment that is slowly turning him into a living statue. Together they must find a way to reverse the enchantment, and return Will to his former self. Ages 12+. (978-0316056090) Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (HC) $19.99
Revolution
Jennifer Donnelly The death of Andis younger brother has torn her family apart. Shes about to flunk out of prep school when her father brings her to Paris over Christmas break. When Andi discovers the diary of a French Revolution-era girl named Alexandrine hidden in a guitar case, their stories and their mutual love of music begin to intertwine. Spellbinding. Ages 14+. (978-0385737630) Random House (HC) $18.99
Ship Breaker
Paolo Bacigalupi In the environmental dystopia of the future, its Nailers job to scavenge copper wire from wrecked oil tankers. When a luxury clipper ship runs aground, he thinks his fortune is madeuntil he discovers a wealthy survivor who promises him a life of privilege in exchange for his help. Now Nailer must choosego for the goods, or take a chance and help the mysterious girl? Ages 12+. (978-0316056212) 4 PW, Horn, ALA Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (HC) $17.99 Briliance Audio (CD) $19.99
Paranormalcy
Kiersten White Evie just wants to be a normal teenage girlwhich is hard, given her job capturing paranormal creatures and her ability to see through their glamours. Even less normal are the two boys vying for her affectionsone a shapeshifter, the other her ex, a powerful faerie who may hold the answers Evie seeks about her past and about a prophecy that threatens all paranormal life. Ages 14+. (978-0061985843) 4 PW HarperCollins (HC) $16.99
Plain Kate
Erin Bow Orphaned Kate is a skilled woodcarverso skilled that the village suspects her talent is magical, and accuses her of the troubles that have befallen the town. Then Linay, a mysterious stranger, offers her an out her shadow in exchange for a way to escape. Kate takes the bargain, but soon discovers that it may have darker consequences than she ever imagined. Ages 12+. (978-0545166645) Scholastic (HC) $17.99 Briliance Audio (CD) $24.99
Shiver
Maggie Stiefvater Grace loves the woods behind her home in the quiet of winter-time, when the yellow-eyed wolf who once saved her life appears to watch her. Then a local teen is killed by wolves, and a hunting party is formed. Grace, fearing for her wolfs safety, races to the woods only to discover a wounded, yellow-eyed boy shivering on her back porch. Ages 14+. (978-0545123273) 4 ALA Scholastic (PA) $9.99
Go Indie.
C H O O S E LO C A L & I N D E P E N D E N T F I R S T
15
The Bodyfinder
Kimberly Derting Violet has an unusual abilityshe senses the imprints that murder leaves on both victims and killers. When a serial killer starts terrorizing the town, she may be the only one who can stop him. Meanwhile, her childhood friend Jay has blossomed into a crush-worthy high school stud. Juggling love, friendship and serial murders is far from easy, especially when Violet may be the next victim. Ages 14+. (978-0061779817) HarperCollins (HC) $16.99
Torment
Lauren Kate In this sequel to Fallen, Luces fallen angel lover Daniel convinces her to seek refuge at a school for Nephilim, children of humans and fallen angels, while he hunts down the Outcasts who seek to harm her. But as Luce begins to learn more about her own power, she begins to suspect that Daniel may be hiding a dangerous secret about her pastand who shes meant to be with. Ages 14+. (978-0385739146) Random House (HC) $17.99
The Cardturner
Louis Sachar Altons rich, blind and ailing greatuncle is a skilled bridge player, but needs someone to turn his cards. Altons parents want him to take the job, cozying up to his uncle in hopes of the family being written into his will. Alton has no interest in bridge or his uncle whatsoeverbut he slowly begins to learn more about both (not to mention a cute, bridge-playing girl). Ages 14+. (978-0385736626) 4 ALA Random House (HC) $17.99
Trash
Andy Mulligan Rat, Raphael, and Gardo are three trash-pickers in an unnamed third-world city. When something valuable is lost in the detritus, the three set off to find it and uncover both a puzzling mystery and the extreme disparity between rich and poor. Can they make the right decisions in the face of poverty, police brutality, and break the code? Ages 12+. (978-0385752145) Random House (HC) $16.99
Woods Runner
Gary Paulsen The Revolution becomes a grim reality to Samuel when he comes home to find his house burned down and his parents missing. Comfortable in the Pennsylvania woods, he tracks them through enemy territory to the heart of British-held New York. Can he survive the terrible realities of war long enough to get them back? Ages 12+. (978-0385738842) 4 PW, Kirkus, ALA Random House (HC) $15.99
Susan Campbell Bartoletti This award-winning author tackles the complex post-Civil War era in this latest work, tracing the KKK from its small beginnings through the height of its violent spread across the South. With first-person quotations and stories from every side of the conflict, she renders a detailed image of the cultural strains and tensions that gave rise to the Klans legacy of racism and brutality. Ages 12+. (978-0618440337) 4 PW, ALA Houghton Mifflin (HC) $19.00 Briliance Audio (CD) $29.99
The Mockingbirds
Daisy Whitney At exclusive Themis Academy, the students are expected to behave honorably. That trust is sometimes misplaced, as Alex discovers when she is date raped in her junior year. Now she must choose whether to stay silent, or to enlist the help of the Mockingbirds, a secret ring of vigilante students who take it upon themselves to right the wrongs done to and by their peers. Ages 14+. (978-0316090537) 4 New Voices Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (HC) $16.99
16
D O N T S E E A B O O K YO U WA N T ? A S K U S TO O R D E R I T F O R YO U !
NEWBERY MEDAL
When You Reach Me
Rebecca Stead Miranda knows how to navigate her NYC neighborhood. She knows where its safe to go and whom to avoid, but things are unravelling. She starts receiving notes about things that havent happened yet, and she begins to believe that only she can prevent a tragic death. Highly recommended. Ages 9-12. (978-0385737425) = Newbery Award, = Horn Book Award Random House (HC) $15.99
C H O O S E LO C A L & I N D E P E N D E N T F I R S T
17