BookBag

Life, love, friendship: relationship stories for teen readers

2012-02-10T08:30:00.001-05:00

A new year can bring lots of new ideas about relationships, school, and family. Here are some recent books that look into life from a kaleidoscope of angles, from fantasy to poetry and points in-between. Find copies using the World Catalog and Amazon search boxes here on BookBag ...

A Match Made in High School, by Kristin Walker (Razorbill) Realistic Fiction. At the beginning of Fiona Sheehan's final year of high school, the principal announces a new requirement for graduation: every senior will participate in a mock marriage to a classmate for the entire year. Fiona is appalled when she's paired with Todd, who she sees as a dumb, jerky jock--and even worse, Todd's actual girlfriend is Amanda, a cheerleader who's had it in for Fiona since second grade. Amanda gets matched with Gabe, Fiona's long-time crush, and pranks, misunderstandings, and drama ensue. This laugh-out-loud funny story will make you think twice about stereotypes and is sure to please readers who enjoy great characters and a plot with plenty of twists and turns.

You Don't Even Know Me: Stories and Poems about Boys,by Sharon Flake (Jump at the Sun/Hyperion Books) Poetry/Short Stories. Lots of books tell stories about the trials and tribulations of being a teenage girl; the poems and stories in this companion to the girl-focused collection Who Am I Without Him? are all about guys and their lives. From 17-year-old Tow-Kaye, who's both excited and scared about marrying his pregnant girlfriend, to James, who's contemplating taking his own life after the death of his twin, to Eric, who loves his North Philly 'hood, the African-American young men you'll meet in this book are realistic characters that you'll care about and remember.

The Wandora Unit, by Jessy Randall (Ghost Road Press) It's the Duran Duran 1980s: Wanda Lowell and Dora Nussbaum are two word-obsessive girls, as well as being the two editors of Galaxy magazine, and between them there isn't an unexpressed thought about literature, love, and how it is definitely better to be weird than boring at Brighton High. Their friendship is surrounded on all sides by doubt, and not just the kind that questions the middle-class values of prom dates and getting into good colleges. Call it the price of being self-aware. Unfortunately for Dora this means watching her friendship with Wanda change until it shatters into a million pieces outward into the expanding universe. It's a clever story told in fractured fragments, with quotes from poets like Diane Wakowski and Gwendolyn Brooks acting as guideposts along the way. The poems that make up the "Galaxy" magazine at book's end are real ones, from the real Brighton High literary magazine of the 1980s, and the authors are duly acknowledged; the poems are made of equal parts teen-age anxiety and aspiration, and they're good, too.

All Unquiet Things, by Anna Jarzab (Delacorte Press) Mystery. Jaded, sarcastic Neily Monroe, a senior at the exclusive Brighton Day School, is still haunted by the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Carly, whose lifeless body he found on a bridge one year ago. But Neily is determined to get through high school and move on--almost as determined as Carly's cousin Audrey, who believes that her father was falsely convicted of the murder, is to find out who really committed the crime. As Audrey and Neily attempt to untangle a web of secrets and lies at Brighton, the dark side of their privileged world is revealed. Those who enjoy deep psychological explorations of a story's characters and smart, tense whodunits will be enthralled by All Unquiet Things.

Before I Fall, by Lauren Oliver (The Bowen Press) Fiction. Samantha Kingston, one of the most popular girls in her high school, dies in a car accident after a wild party...but instead of seeing her whole life replayed before her eyes, she wakes up to live her last day over again. And again. And again. As Sam tries to change her destiny by altering small decisions and acts in the course of that one repeated day, she begins to realize how she has affected other people--and who she really wanted to be. This compelling debut novel is full of realistic characters, believable dialogue, and heartbreaking insights, and the suspense of wondering whether Sam will finally get it right (and what will happen if she does) will keep you turning the pages.

Num8ers, by Rachel Ward (Chicken House) Thriller. British 15-year-old Jem Marsh has got everyone's number. Whenever she makes eye contact with a person, a number--the date of that person's death--pops into Jem's head, making it hard for her to get close to people. But when gawky, troubled Spider doggedly pursues friendship (and more) with her, Jem finds that she can't resist him. When the two of them go to London on a date, Jem has the horrifying realization that many of the people in line to ride the London Eye Ferris wheel share the same death date -- that very day. Like an amusement park ride, this gritty, fast-paced thriller starts slowly, but once it takes off, you won't stop reading until you reach the firework ending.

Animal tales: new stories for tweens

2012-02-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

Cats, dogs, birds, goldfish ... the variety of animals that live with humans is astounding (though cats may insist they choose whom they want to live with!) Here's a variety of new fiction and non-fiction books about animals, with settings from neighborhood backyards to Caesar's palace in ancient Rome. Wherever they are, and in whatever home they find themselves, animals (and their humans) have great stories to tell.

Dancing Through the Snow, by Jean Little (Kane Miller) Fiction. Abandoned as a toddler, Min Randall has been rejected by one foster family after the other until she finds it nearly impossible to trust anyone. Then, when Min's current foster mother takes her back to children's services just before Christmas, Dr. Jessica Hart -- who knows Min's history -- surprises everyone by taking her in. It isn't easy for anyone to break through Min's tough exterior, and although Jessica tries, it's really Min's experiences with neighborhood pets and a stray dog that soften her up. If you liked Clay Carmichael's Wild Things, give this emotionally intense yet ultimately uplifting story a try.

Tiger, Tiger, by Lynne Reid Banks (Laurel-Leaf Books) Historical Fiction. Stolen from their home in the wild, two tiger cubs are brought to ancient Rome -- one to be the pet of Caesar's daughter, Aurelia, and the other to kill men in the Colosseum. This "gripping, tantalizing examination of power, sacrifice and mercy" (Publishers Weekly) tells the suspenseful story of the brother cubs' lives with drama and emotion, and the author's descriptive writing brings the tigers' tale, a bittersweet love story (between Aurelia and her cub's keeper), and its third-century Roman Empire setting to life.

Nuts: A Novel, by Kacy Cook (Marshall Cavendish Children) Fiction. A squeaking noise outside 11-year-old Nell's bedroom leads her to a baby squirrel abandoned in her yard, and soon she is convincing her parents to let her rehabilitate not just one injured squirrel, but two. Despite the advice of an online squirrel expert to give the orphaned babies to a certified wildlife rehabilitator, Nell determines to heal and raise the squirrels on her own...but she has no idea what she's getting into. This upbeat yet thought-provoking story presents some differing perspectives on the natural world and is sure to hold animal lovers spellbound.

ER Vets: Life in an Animal Emergency Room, by Donna M. Jackson (Houghton Mifflin) Nonfiction. If you're interested in someday working at an emergency vet clinic, or if you just wonder what goes on behind the scenes at a pet ER, this "well-researched and well-written" (School Library Journal) book is one you'll want to read. Illustrated with a wealth of photos -- some sad, others sweet, and some (such as detailed shots of surgery) not for the squeamish -- it offers a glimpse into a typical day for the veterinarians, vet techs, and others who work at a clinic, provides information on the history of veterinary care, and explains how to make a pet first-aid kit.

Animals in the House: A History of Pets and People, by Sheila Keenan (Scholastic Nonfiction) Nonfiction. Ever wonder when people started welcoming animals into their homes? Or how the number of people in America compares to the number of pets? (You might be surprised!) From famous people's pets to animal-related superstitions to which pets are most popular -- dogs? birds? lizards? cats? armadillos? -- this fun, illustrated book covers just about anything you might want to know about the history of people keeping pets.

Strange places, strrage stories: fiction for teens

2012-02-08T14:17:00.000-05:00

Sometimes it's good to get away -- even if it's just to get lost in a book. Here are some great recent stories that will make the reader keep turning the pages with anticipation of what happens next! Find them here using the Amazon and World Catalog search boxes on BookBag.

Everwild, by Neal Shusterman (Simon & Schuster) Fantasy. Sometimes, children lose their way to the afterlife and end up--at least temporarily--in the bizarre in-between world of Everlost. In this second volume of the Skinjacker Trilogy (after Everlost), deceased teens Allie and Nick are waging a sort of war against Mary Hightower, who wants to keep all of the children of Everlost with her forever. Packed with twists and turns, startling revelations, and even some laughs and a bit of romance, Everwild is a mesmerizing story set in a uniquely creative imaginary world.

Hush, Hush, by Becca Fitzpatrick (Simon & Schuster) Paranormal Romance. Smart, responsible Nora Grey is irritated by mysterious transfer-student Patch when they first meet, but it isn't long before she finds herself irresistibly attracted to him (despite her persistent doubts about his character). After extremely frightening things begin happening to Nora, she decides to investigate Patch ... and discovers that he is one of the Nephilim, a fallen angel. And he wants very badly to be human. Hush, Hush is a haunting and tantalizingly sexy read that will have you on the edge of your seat--and hoping for a sequel.

The Maze Runner, by James Dashner (Delacorte Press) Science Fiction. Thomas wakes up in a metal box that's lurching upward, and the only thing he can remember about himself is his first name. Deposited in the central courtyard of an enormous maze, he meets the boys who were delivered there before him. They've developed a society based on two goals: survival--the maze is populated by deadly mechanical monsters--and escape. But soon after Thomas' arrival, things change, and the need to find a way out of the maze takes on new urgency. This suspenseful novel establishes a fascinating and enigmatic world that's suffused with a creeping sense of doom. Fans of dystopian stories will be riveted--and desperate to learn what happens next.

Goth Girl Rising, by Barry Lyga (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) Fiction. Kyra, the girl from The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl, has spent the last six months in a mental institution, and Fanboy didn't visit or contact her once. Maybe he was too busy managing his sudden popularity -- the result of publishing his comic in the school's literary magazine while Kyra was away -- but whatever the reason, Kyra is angry, and she's going to get revenge. If you like believable characters and stories filled with raw emotion, don't miss Goth Girl Rising.

How to Say Goodbye in Robot, by Natalie Standiford (Scholastic) Fiction. Beatrice Szabo, forced to start her senior year in a new place because of her father's job, is the new girl at a Baltimore, Maryland private school where everyone else has known each other since kindergarten. She's so emotionally deadened that her mother declares her a robot ... but something tugs at her wiry heartstrings when she meets tortured, antisocial Jonah, aka Ghost Boy. Witty, emotionally intense, and at times startlingly funny, How to Say Goodbye in Robot is the perfect novel for proud misfits; fans of quirky, character-driven stories; and anyone looking for an unconventional love story.

We Were Here, by Matt de la Peña (Delacorte Press) Fiction. Miguel Casteñeda has been sentenced to a year in a group home for a crime that he won't talk about--and honestly, he figures it's better than living at home, where his mother won't even look him in the eye anymore. Then Miguel runs away from the group home with two other residents, Mong and Rondell, with a half-baked plan to go to Mexico. Still keeping the journal that he was required to start in juvie, Miguel relates the hardships, adventures, and epiphanies that the trio have along the way. Part survival tale and part friendship story, We Were Here is a gripping, suspenseful read.

Shaggy-dog stories, for the canine lover

2012-02-07T09:30:00.000-05:00

Some folk are cat people, others are dog people. Which are you? Here are books about "man's best friend" -- they may be furry and all have tails, but they're not all cuddly! Look for these here on BookBag: find a copy at your local library by searching on the WorldCatalog box, or use the Amazon search box to buy a copy.

A Dog for Life, by L. S. Matthews (Delacorte Press) Fiction. Brothers Tom and John are so close that they sometimes dream the same dream at night, and they also share a telepathic connection with their dog, Mouse. When Tom becomes ill and the doctor forbids the family from having any pets, both brothers are horrified by the prospect of losing Mouse. John sets out on a wild and crazy journey, with Mouse in tow, in an attempt to find their dog a temporary home with a long-lost uncle. Full of rollicking adventures, this funny, exaggerated, and magical "tail" shows what lengths a couple of boys will go to in order to keep a beloved canine.

Wild Dogs: Past & Present, by Kelly Milner Halls (Darby Creek) Nonfiction. If you're only acquainted with Pekingese, poodles, or other pets, you've met merely a twig's worth on the family tree. Wild dogs of today and their ancestors, who have traversed the planet since right after the dinosaurs, are the subject of this book filled with pictures, fascinating facts, and even a bit of folklore. Taking a close look at the various sorts of dogs living in habitats all over the world--from wolves to dingoes to coyotes and more -- Wild Dogs will give you an appreciation for your pampered pooch's untamed relatives.

Waggit's Tale, by Peter Howe; illustrated by Omar Rayyan (HarperCollins) Fiction. After running frantically all day around the big city park where his owner abandoned him, a small white puppy is taken in by a pack of wild dogs who live there. Learning how to survive from pack-leader Tazar and the rest of the strays, Waggit also earns a name when he can't seem to stop wagging. It's a hard life in the park; food is scarce, and Tazar's crew competes with another pack for it. But as long as they steer clear of the park rangers who want to send them to the Great Unknown (the pound), Tazar and his hardscrabble pack are, at least, free. If you like tales of adventure and survival, this dog story is the one for you.

White Star: A Dog on the Titanic, by Marty Crisp (Holiday House) Fiction. Twelve-year-old Sam Harris is sailing on the Titanic to America, where he is to see his mother for the first time in six years and meet his new stepfather. He's understandably nervous about his new life--but luckily, there are dogs on board the ship, and Sam spends most of his time hanging around the kennels and wishing that one special Irish setter named White Star could be his. But then disaster strikes--and amid the watery chaos, Sam is determined not to leave White Star behind. With bits of little-known history woven into its story, White Star is a gripping tale of survival for dog lovers and adventure fans alike.

City of Dogs, by Livi Michael (G.P. Putnam's Sons) Animal Fantasy. When Sam gets a puppy from Auntie Dot on his birthday, he has no idea that his new companion has been charged with saving the universe. As it turns out, Jenny, the scared little dog that Sam's aunt nearly ran over with her car, had just been fleeing the end of the world in another dimension. Now the peril of Jenny's former world threatens this one, and she must recruit help--a raggedy bunch of neighborhood dogs--to prevent the ultimate destruction of all Nine Worlds. With many wonderful canine characters, a dizzyingly complex plot, and elements of Norse and Greek mythology woven into its story, this exciting book is a sure bet for dog-loving fantasy fans.

Hachiko Waits, by Lesléa Newman; illustrated by Machiyo Kodaira (Henry Holt) Fiction. Every day, Professor Elizaburo Ueno tells his dog Hachi the same thing: "Hachi, you are the best dog in all of Japan." And every day, Hachi follows Professor Ueno to the train station, returns home, and later shows up promptly at three o'clock to greet his master and walk home with him. After the professor dies suddenly at work one day, Hachi is at the train station at 3:00 pm as always. Although friends of Professor Ueno's try to take Hachi in, he is unswerving in his loyalty and his hope that his master will return--so much so that he waits at the station every day for ten years. This fictional version of a true story, while heartbreaking, is also a great tribute to one very noble and faithful dog.

The perils of parenting while plugged-in, from the NY Times

2012-02-06T08:06:00.000-05:00

(photo by Michelle Litvin, the New York Times)

The lives of parents are not one-dimensional: often the needs of children and work and home often intersect, and when they do it can be difficult to find the proper balance. Here, written by Julie Scelfo, are excerpts from a New York Timesarticle that explores the risks parents face in this plugged-in world.

One of the important factors, experts find, is that reading to a child is more engaging, more involved, and shows more individual affection than other forms of parent-child interaction. You can find copies of any books mentioned here or anywhere on BookBag by using the WorldCatalog and Amazon search boxes.

WHILE waiting for an elevator at the Fair Oaks Mall near her home in Virginia recently, Janice Im, who works in early-childhood development, witnessed a troubling incident between a young boy and his mother.
The boy, who Ms. Im estimates was about 2 1/2 years old, made repeated attempts to talk to his mother, but she wouldn’t look up from her BlackBerry. “He’s like: ‘Mama? Mama? Mama?’ ” Ms. Im recalled. “And then he starts tapping her leg. And she goes: ‘Just wait a second. Just wait a second.’ ”
Finally, he was so frustrated, Ms. Im said, that “he goes, ‘Ahhh!’ and tries to bite her leg.”
Much of the concern about cellphones and instant messaging and Twitter has been focused on how children who incessantly use the technology are affected by it. But parents’ use of such technology — and its effect on their offspring — is now becoming an equal source of concern to some child-development researchers.
Sherry Turkle, director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Initiative on Technology and Self, has been studying how parental use of technology affects children and young adults. After five years and 300 interviews, she has found that feelings of hurt, jealousy and competition are widespread. Her findings will be published in “Alone Together” early next year by Basic Books.
In her studies, Dr. Turkle said, “Over and over, kids raised the same three examples of feeling hurt and not wanting to show it when their mom or dad would be on their devices instead of paying attention to them: at meals, during pickup after either school or an extracurricular activity, and during sports events.”
... “There’s something that’s so engrossing about the kind of interactions people do with screens that they wall out the world,” she said. “I’ve talked to children who try to get their parents to stop texting while driving and they get resistance, ‘Oh, just one, just one more quick one, honey.’ It’s like ‘one more drink.’ ”
Laura Scott Wade, the director of ethics for a national medical organization in Chicago, said that six months ago her son, Lincoln, then 3 1/2, got so tired of her promises to get off the computer in “just one more minute” that he resorted to the kind of tactic parents typically use.
“He makes me set the timer on the microwave,” Ms. Wade said. “And when it dings he’ll say, ‘Come on,’ and he’ll say, ‘Don’t bring your phone.’ ”

... “It sort of comes back to quality time, and distracted time is not high-quality time, whether parents are checking the newspaper or their BlackBerry,” said Frederick J. Zimmerman, a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Public Health who has studied how television can distract parents. He also noted that smartphones and laptops may enable some parents to spend more time at home, which may, in turn, result in more, rather than less, quality time overall.
There is little research on how parents’ constant use of such technology affects children, but experts say there is no question that engaged parenting — talking and explaining things to children, and responding to their questions — remains the bedrock of early childhood learning.
Betty Hart and Todd R. Risley’s landmark 1995 book, “Meaningful Differences in the Everyday Experience of Young American Children,” shows that parents who supply a language-rich environment for their children help them develop a wide vocabulary, and that helps them learn to read.
The book connects language use at home with socioeconomic status. According to its findings, children in higher socioeconomic homes hear an average of 2,153 words an hour, whereas those in working-class households hear only about 1,251; children in the study whose parents were on welfare heard an average of 616 words an hour....
Part of the reason the children in affluent homes she studied developed larger vocabularies by the time they were 3 is that “parents are holding kids, the kids are on their lap while the parent is reading a book,” Dr. Hart said. “It is important for parents to know when they’re talking to kids, they’re transferring affection as well as words. When you talk to people, there’s always an implicit message, ‘I like you,’ or ‘I don’t like you.’ ”
Meredith Sinclair, a mother and blogger in Wilmette, Ill., said she had no idea how what she calls her “addiction to e-mail and social media Web sites” was bothering her children until she established an e-mail and Internet ban between 4 and 8 p.m., and her children responded with glee. “When I told them, my 12-year-old, Maxwell, was like, ‘Yes!’ ” Ms. Sinclair said.

Problems, problems: teen stories about coping with real life

2012-02-05T08:49:00.000-05:00

Stepping into someone else's shoes can help you see your own life more clearly. The characters in the books below -- whether as a result of their own mistakes or due to circumstances totally beyond their control -- all find themselves in chaotic, seemingly unworkable situations. Look for copies of these books using the Amazon and WorldCatalog search boxes here at BookBag; their methods for coping with the chaos, getting a grip, and taking control of their lives make for some great stories.

Marcelo in the Real World, by Francisco X. Stork (Arthur A. Levine Books) Fiction. Marcelo Sandoval isn't interested in sticking even a big toe out of his comfort zone; he'd be happy forever just listening to the music in his head, obsessively reading books about religion, and caring for the ponies in his special school's stables. But his dad, a high-powered attorney, insists that Marcelo take a summer job in his law firm's mailroom to get a dose of "the real world." There, Marcelo has to let go of his familiar routines and face challenges: having to tell true friends from false ones, doing the right thing even if it's dangerous, and taking the risk of loving someone. Unpredictable, moving, and memorable, Marcelo in the Real World offers a unique view of life.

Hot Lunch, by Alex Bradley (Dutton Children's Books) Fiction. When blue-haired, smart-mouthed Molly is paired up with her nemesis--blonde, perky Cassie--for a class project, they clash. And clash again. Then they get lunch duty and end up in a food fight, causing the lunch lady to quit. At their private, hippie-run school, punishment fits the crime, so Cassie and Molly have to take over for the lunch lady--but besides not being able get along, neither of them can cook! The two of them find out whether they should spend time around sharp knives together. Hot Lunch is a fast-paced, funny read with some great recipes,

Island of the Lost: Shipwrecked at the Edge of the World, by Joan Druett (Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill) Adult Nonfiction. This slice of history shows how the way people react to a drastic situation can make a huge difference in its outcome. In 1864, two ships, the Grafton and the Invercauld, wrecked on opposite ends of the same remote South Pacific island. The Grafton's five-man crew, through determination and sheer force of will, overcame the harsh environment and eventually built a small ship to carry them to New Zealand -- but the crew of theInvercauld descended into anarchy. After a year and a half, only three of theInvercauld's original 25-man crew survived to be rescued by a passing ship. Fans of adventure and survival stories (or TV shows) will find this descriptive history
fascinating.

Keesha's House, by Helen Frost (Frances Foster Books/Farrar, Straus and Giroux) Novel in Verse. Keesha's father gets violent when he drinks (which is often), but she has finally found a safe place to live--a house owned by a man whose aunt took him in when he was young and in trouble. Keesha, in turn, invites other teens to take refuge and start fresh there: Stephie, who's pregnant and terrified; Harris, whose dad kicked him out after Harris revealed that he's gay; Katie, whose stepfather crossed a line but whose mother won't believe her; and several others. Heartbreaking yet hopeful and with painfully realistic characters, Keesha's House will mesmerize readers who like emotionally intense, brutally honest books like E.R. Frank's Life is Funny.

Nation, by Terry Pratchett (HarperCollins) Fiction. Mau is headed home in a canoe, ready to take part in the ritual that will make him a man, when a tsunami kills every member of his island nation but him. The deadly wave also wrecks an English ship on the island's shore, depositing a girl named Ermintrude there. Soon, refugees from nearby islands begin to arrive, and Mau and Ermintrude must take the lead in establishing a new nation if they hope to survive. But Mau isn't sure who he is without his people, Ermintrude no longer knows what to believe about the world, and great danger awaits them both. Part survival adventure, part fantasy, and full of marvelous characters and comic relief, Nation is a riveting and memorable read.

Books about history: truth vs. fiction

2012-02-04T15:38:00.001-05:00

Sometimes truth really can seem stranger than fiction! Here is a selection of books, some non-fiction and others fiction based on fact, for readers who enjoy reading about unusual history -- and the almost-unbelievable stories of some American heroes. Find these books here on BookBag by using the World Catalog and Amazon.com search boxes.

The Great and Only Barnum: The Tremendous, Stupendous Life of Showman P.T. Barnum, by Candace Fleming; illustrated by Ray Fenwick (Schwartz & Wade Books) Nonfiction. Lay-dees!... and!... Gentlemen! Children of All Ages!! Step right up and be AMAZED by the story of a man who hauled himself up from the depths of poverty by fooling people for a fee--and making them like it! That's right: this self-avowed "humbugger" made preposterous claims about the wonders in his traveling exhibitions, but folks still clamored to see them. He was the infamous P.T. Barnum, and among other things, he founded the circus known as "The Greatest Show on Earth." This entertaining biography presents the facts--both flattering and appalling--of Mr. Barnum's life in stories, pictures, and memorabilia that are almost as much fun as the circus that still bears his name.

Twelve Rounds to Glory: The Story of Muhammad Ali, by Charles R. Smith, Jr., illustrated by Bryan Collier (Candlewick Press) Nonfiction. As nimble with a rhyme as he was in the boxing ring, world-champion boxer Muhammed Ali is duly honored in this collection of poems and artwork that tell his life's story. Boldly illustrated, Twelve Rounds to Glory tells about some of Ali's most famous fights--not just his rounds against opponents like Joe Frazier and George Foreman, but also his resistance to racism, his refusal to be drafted into the Vietnam war, and his ongoing battle with Parkinson's disease.

Riot, by Walter Dean Myers (Egmont USA) Historical Fiction. Desperate for more Union troops, President Lincoln has instituted a draft requiring all able-bodied men--except those wealthy enough to pay a $300 waiver--to serve in the Civil War. This doesn't settle well with Irish immigrants who can't afford the waiver and who are already angry because they believe that black people are "stealing" their jobs. On July 11, 1863, the first names are drawn for the draft in New York City, and simmering racial tensions explode--Irish mobs loot stores, set fires, and attack black people in the streets. Told in a screenplay format like the author's book Monster, this powerful story centers on 15-year-old Clare Johnson, who, as the daughter of a black father and an Irish mother, is caught between the two warring sides.

A Season of Gifts, by Richard Peck (Dial Books) Historical Fiction. When 12-year-old Bob Barnhart's family moves in next door to Mrs. Dowdel -- aka Grandma Dowdel from A Year Down Yonder and A Long Way from Chicago -- he isn't sure what to think of his grumpy and odd new neighbor. But then Mrs. Dowdel helps Bob get back at the town bullies for pulling a humiliating prank on him, and their friendship is well on its way. Chock full of memorable characters and small-town Illinois charm, this homey story brings the late 1950s (when Elvis was king and not everyone had indoor plumbing) to vibrant life.

Murder at Midnight, by Avi (Scholastic Press) Historical Mystery. Orphan and former street-urchin Fabrizio, newly apprenticed to Mangus the magician, is eager to prove his worth to his master. When Mangus is accused of treason against the king, Fabrizio gets his chance to be useful by proving the charges false--before he and Mangus are executed. Set in Italy during the Renaissance, this fast-paced and suspenseful prequel to Midnight Magic includes fascinating history about the first printing presses, which were thought by some to run on the power of evil magic. [Would-be time-travelers, take note: don't show off any modern technology to citizens of the past--they're liable to burn you at the stake for it.]

The Omnivore's Dilemma: The Secrets Behind What You Eat, by Michael Pollan, adapted by Richie Chevat (Dial Books) Nonfiction. Do you know where your dinner came from? If you'd like to find out, this is the perfect book for you. It explains how many processed foods, like chicken nuggets, "are really corn wrapped up in more corn" and that, if you wash 'em down with a soft drink, "you are drinking corn with your corn." Breaking down what most Americans eat, where their food comes from, and why it matters, author Michael Pollan also answers a nagging and fascinating question: since human beings are omnivores and can eat just about anything, what should we eat? Environmentalists, foodies, and fans of the movie Super Size Me will find plenty of food for thought in this kid-friendly version of the best-selling book, The Omnivore's Dilemma.

Graphic novels you might have missed

2012-02-03T07:45:00.002-05:00

Graphic novels can be great fun! Some are even based on movies and stories you may know. If you're a fan of graphic novels and looking for some new reads, here are some to check out from your local library (use the WorldCatalog search box to see if your library has them) or find a copy using the Amazon search box also here on BookBag.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, written by F. Scott Fizgerald & adapted by Nunzio DeFilippis & Christina Weir; illustrated by Kevin Cornell (Quirk Books) Classic. Perhaps you've seen the 2008 movie starring Brad Pitt as a man who ages backwards after being born a full-grown, elderly man in Baltimore in 1860. This witty and handsomely illustrated graphic novel sticks closer to the original F. Scott Fitzgerald short story than the somewhat melancholy film does, preserving its satirical humor (among other things). Literature buffs--and anyone who enjoys tales about people who fail to meet society's expectations of them--should thoroughly enjoy this version of the story that Fitzgerald himself declared to be "the funniest thing ever written."

Prince of Persia, created by Jordan Mechner; written by A.B. Sina; illustrated by LeUyen Pham & Alex Puvilland (First Second) Adventure. Based on thePrince of Persia video games and composed by the game's creator, Jordan Mechner, and Iranian author A.B. Sina, this "magnificent and complex" (Booklist) graphic novel illuminates the underlying legend of the games' world. Make no mistake, there's plenty of action, adventure, and mayhem here--but players who appreciate the substantial storylines of the games will be eager to delve deeper into the mythology laid out in the book, which should also please fans of historical fantasies rich with political intrigue, battles, and elemental magic. Both the newPrince of Persia gameThe Forgotten Sands and the movie The Sands of Time (which stars Jake Gyllenhaal) will be released this May, making April a great time to check out the book!

Aya of Yop City, by Marguerite Abouet; illustrated by Clément Oubrerie (Drawn & Quarterly) Fiction. This sequel to Aya plunges readers right back into the "good-humored soap opera" (Booklist) of studious, responsible Aya and her boy-crazy friends, all of whom live in the Ivory Coast of the late 1970s. Aya's friend Adjoua has had her baby...and he looks nothing like her rich, slacker husband, Moussa. Meanwhile, Bintou thinks that she's found the perfect man--but is he too good to be true? Once again vibrantly bringing all of Yop City's characters and their day-to-day drama to life, this 2nd of three graphic novels in the series -- Aya: The Secrets Come Out is next -- will have readers laughing, crying, and sighing as that drama unfolds. (New to the series? Be sure to start with Aya, or you'll be lost.)

Kin, by Holly Black; illustrated by Ted Naifeh (Graphix) Urban Fantasy. Goth-girl Rue Silver ("like kangaroo or like 'you'll rue the day we met, MWA-HA-HA!'") claims that she's not a worrier--but when her mom goes missing, her father is accused of murder, and she begins to see impossible creatures that no one else sees, worrying might be sensible. Rue thinks she's going crazy, but in the course of this darkly compelling graphic novel, the existence of the faerie world and the source of Rue's connection to it are revealed. Fans of Charles de Lint's books (such as Dingo) or of Neil Gaiman's highly imaginative and menacing Neverwhere will be entranced by this first volume in the Good Neighbors series--and will clamor for the second volume, Kith.

Emiko Superstar, by Mariko Tamaki; illustrated by Steve Rolston (Minx) Realistic Fiction. Being a geek never really bothered Emiko...but now her geeky friends are excited about attending a young executives' retreat over the summer, and Emi isn't interested. Then, just when it seems that her summer will be all babysitting, all the time, shy Emi is handed a flyer advertising weekend performance-art "Freak Shows," and she's both intrigued and terrified. After she finally works up the nerve to go to one of the shows, her whole life changes. Check out this slightly angsty, gently funny, and completely engaging read to see how Emi goes from geek to superstar on the road to becoming herself.

Pride of Baghdad, by Brian K. Vaughan; illustrated by Niko Henrichon (DC Comics) Fiction. As American bombs rain down on Iraq in 2003, four lions escape from the Baghdad Zoo--only to struggle for survival in the battered, unfamiliar city. Having relied for so long on their keepers, the lions ponder the benefits of their captivity and the price of their freedom as they wander in search of food and safety. Both a gripping adventure and "a thoughtful allegory about the war in Iraq" (Library Journal), this provocative, expressively illustrated, and occasionally violent graphic novel was inspired by a pride of lions' real-life flight from captivity.

Recommended childrens' readers in Spanish

2012-02-02T08:43:00.001-05:00

This recommended list of books for kids from WETA's Reading Rockets project includes favorites for Hispanic students and for those interested in learning a bit of Spanish. The books are written by today's most notable Hispanic and Latin American children's authors. The diverse sampling includes traditional songs, bilingual poetry, and much more. Some of the books are bilingual while others come in Spanish or in English editions peppered with Spanish words. Look for these books by using the World Catalog / Amazon.com search boxes on BookBag.

Esta lista de libros recomendados para niños de los cohetes de WETA Reading Rockets proyecto incluye los favoritos para los estudiantes hispanos y para aquellos interesados en aprender un poco de español. Los libros son escritos por los más notables hispanos y latinoamericanos de hoy los autores de los niños. La toma de muestras diversas, incluye canciones tradicionales, poesía bilingüe, y mucho más. Algunos de los libros son bilingües, mientras que otros vienen en español o en ediciones Inglés salpicado de palabras en español. Puedes buscar estos libros utilizando el Catálogo Mundial y los cuadros de búsqueda en Amazon.com.

Abuela, by Arthur Dorros (age level: 3-5; reading level: beginning reader). Rosalba imagines flying over New York City with her much loved abuela. The young girl uses a lovely mix of English and Spanish to describe their journey, moving from the busy streets of Manhattan to the Statue of Liberty. Brightly colored illustrations detail what Rosalba and her grandmother glimpse as they fly, and the rich tales of Abuela's memories. (Available in both English and Spanish).

Arroz con Leche, by Lulu Delacre (age level: 3-6; reading level: beginning reader). These traditional rhymes and songs from Latin America are presented in both English and Spanish. Gentle illustrations accompany the short verses, and show both cities and the countryside. Children and adults from Spanish-speaking backgrounds will recognize many of these fun songs and rhymes.

Barrio: José's Neighborhood (Barrio: El barrio de José) by George Ancona (age level: 6-9; reading level: independent reader). José lives in a diverse neighborhood where he's just as likely to hear Spanish, English, or Chinese. The appealing photographs in this book document José's life at home, at school, and on the streets of his barrio in San Francisco, a city that is a vibrant mosaic of different cultures. (Available in a Spanish edition and in an English edition with a Spanish glossary).

Chato's Kitchen (La cocina de Chato), by Gary Soto, illustrated by: Susan Guevara (Age level: 3-6; reading level: beginning reader). Chato, along with Novio Boy, are the coolest cats in their East Los Angeles barrio. When a family of mice moves next door to Chato, he invites them to dinner. He's going to eat them for dinner, but the mice bring a friend along – a dog – to surprise Chato and foil his plans. The text and pictures show the funny situation and the satisfying solution. (In English sprinkled with Spanish. Includes a glossary of Spanish words used in the text.)

De Colores and Other Latin-American Folk Songs for Children, by Jose-Luis Orozco, illustrated by Elisa Kleven (age level: 3-6; reading level: beginning reader). Bursting with color and spirit, this book is a bilingual collection of Latin-American folk songs. The songs were selected and translated by popular Mexican performer and songwriter Jose-Luis Orozco. The book includes traditional tunes, rhymes, and hand games. An accompanying music CD is also recommended.

From the Bellybutton of the Moon and other Summer Poems (Del ombligo de la luna y otros poemas de verano), by Francisco Alarcón, illustrated by Maya Christina Gonzalez. (Age level: 6-9; reading level: independent reader). The poet remembers summers growing up in Mexico in poems presented in both English and Spanish. Readers meet his family and join them in the everyday joys of the sunny season. Illustrations are as colorful and evocative as the words.

In My Family (En mi familia), by Carmen Garza (Age level: 6-9, reading level: independent reader). Kingsville, on the border of Mexico and Texas, comes to life in words and pictures in this book. Readers will share the simple joys of eating, dancing, and celebrating as the artist remembers her own childhood. Her stories, presented in both English and Spanish, are accompanied by her bright paintings.

Roadrunner's Dance (El baile del correcaminos) by Rudolfo Anaya, illustrated by: David Diaz (Age level: 6-9; reading level: independent reader). Snake terrifies children and their parents. He claims to be the "king of the road." But with gifts from the animals, Desert Woman fashions Roadrunner to defeat Snake. In the tradition of a folktale, this original story explains why rattlesnakes have their rattle and how cooperation can save the day.

The Most Beautiful Place in the World (El lugar más hermoso del mundo), by Ann Cameron, illustrated by Thomas Allen. (age level: 6-9, reading level: independent reader). Now that Juan's mother has left him with his grandmother, he shines shoes to earn a living. More than anything else, though, 7-year old Juan wants to learn to read and go to school. Guatemala comes alive through the daily lives of Juan and his grandmother and the detailed black/white illustrations.

The Rainbow Tulip, by Pat Mora, illustrated by Elizabeth Sayles (Age level: 6-9, reading level: independent reader). Stella and her brothers speak Spanish at home but English at school. Being different is both scary and exciting. Stella learns this when she prepares for the school's celebration of May Day. She finds a way to honor her Mexican background by wearing a special skirt that is both alike yet different from the other girls'. Stella, like many children, can take pride in being part of two cultures. (In English sprinkled with Spanish).

Under the Royal Palms: A Childhood in Cuba (Bajo las palmas reales), by Alma Flor Ada (age level: 9-12, reading level: independent reader). In writing about her childhood growing up in Camaguey, Cuba, the author evokes all the senses. Readers will smell jasmine, coffee, and grandmother's perfume. They will see the bats flying overhead and hear adults talk. When parents and other adults read this memoir with children, they may start to share their own family stories.

Books for young artists

2012-02-01T09:39:00.001-05:00

It's a new year, and maybe one of your new year's resolutions is to paint. Whether you're a beginner or need help learning more about the different techniques of painting, here are a group of helpful books with lots of great ideas. Look for them using the Amazon search box, or locate a copy at your local library using the World Catalog search engine here on BookBag. And have a colorful New Year!

A Book about Color, by Mark Gonyea (Henry Holt) Nonfiction. Doctors have to learn how human bodies work; lawyers have to learn how the law works (and how to win arguments about it); artists have to learn how color works. And believe it or not, the rules of using color can get pretty complicated! This book, however, explains art terms such as "primary," "secondary," and "analogous" in simple words and demonstrates them in pictures. It also shows how different colors can feel different--cheerful, dangerous, calm, or fun. Budding artists who like this book might also want to check out the author's books about design.

Artist to Artist: 23 Major Illustrators Talk to Children about Their Art, from the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art (Philomel Books) Nonfiction. Do you ever think about the artists who illustrated your favorite picture books? If you're curious about how people become professional artists and illustrators, how they think about their artwork, what inspires them, or where they work, you'll love this book. It presents letters from 23 famous artists (from Maurice Sendak and Quentin Blake to Ashley Bryan, Jane Dyer, Eric Carle, and many more) written to kids who like to paint or draw, along with samples of the artists' work, a self-portrait of each artist, and photos of the artists in their studios.

Here's Looking at Me: How Artists See Themselves, by Bob Raczka (Millbrook Press) Nonfiction. While it's quite slim, this book introduces a whole world of intriguing things to ponder about the many styles, techniques, and meanings of art. To prove the point that there's no right or wrong way to create a picture of yourself, Here's Looking at Me presents the unique self-portraits of 14 renowned artists, both historic (as far back as the 1400s!) and modern-day. Author Bob Raczka points out interesting details in the portraits that you probably wouldn't notice otherwise--such as the tiny candles on the brim of Spanish painter Francisco de Goya's hat--and explains why the artist included them. Fans of this book will also want to check out Raczka's art books No One Saw and More Than Meets the Eye.

Drawing: The Only Drawing Book You'll Ever Need to Be the Artist You've Always Wanted to Be, by Kathryn Temple (Lark Books) Nonfiction. This book's subtitle really means business! With lots of encouragement, visual examples, and step-by-step illustrations, Drawing shows how to master the basics of line drawing, light and shadow, proportion and scale, and perspective. It also includes chapters on "opening your artist's eyes"--yep, they're different from ordinary eyes--and on using the basics you learn to draw faces, bodies, and more. Anyone who wants to create realistic drawings (whether 10 years old or 100) will find fun and practical guidance here.

New fantasy and mystery books for young readers

2012-01-31T08:55:00.003-05:00

Mystery and fantasy can be a great combination for young readers. Here are some stories that mix fantasy and adventure with a touch of the mysterious. Fast-paced, entertaining and sometimes funny (meet Esmeralda Lightfoot, a nosy hedgehog ...), these books are just right for a chance to escape into fantasy!

No Passengers Beyond This Point, by Gennifer Choldenko (Dial Books) Fantasy. With hardly any warning, siblings India, Mouse, and Finn Tompkins are sent to stay with an uncle in Colorado when the bank forecloses on their house. But after their plane lands, a bizarre feathered taxi whisks them away to a strange, fantastical place called Falling Bird. There, each of them is given a perfect house -- and a mysterious clock that is ticking down to the time when they'll have to decide whether to stay there forever. It's all quite baffling, but anyone who likes fast-paced, unusual fantasy adventures with well-drawn characters will enjoy the ride.

The Missing Magic, by Lexi Connor (Scholastic) Fantasy. Now that Beatrix (a.k.a. "B") is 11, she should be able to cast spells with rhymes like everyone else in her magical family, but no matter how hard she tries, she fails. Then a new English teacher comes to B's school, and B realizes -- maybe a bit later than she'd have liked, as she casts some spells accidentally -- that her unnaturally perfect spelling ability is the key to her powers. This fun, lighthearted, and easy-to-read fantasy is the first of five books (so far!) in the B Magical series; want more? The Trouble with Secrets is the second story.

Sundered Lands: Trundle's Quest, by Allan Frewin Jones; illustrated by Gary Chalk (Greenwillow Books) Animal Fantasy. Mild-mannered hedgehog Trundle Boldoak likes his simple, cozy life as Port Shiverstone's town lamplighter. But his world is turned upside-down the night he meets Esmeralda Lightfoot, a spitfire hedgehog who insists that Trundle has a destiny to fulfill, and the two of them are attacked by vicious pirates. As they flee from the bloodthirsty buccaneers, Esmeralda and Trundle fall off of their planet, onto a windship, and into a whole host of wild and dangerous adventures! Fans of Brian Jacques' Redwall books are sure to enjoy this story, which is filled with memorable animal friends (and foes) and packed with action.

A Tale of Two Castles, by Gail Carson Levine (Harper) Fantasy Mystery. When 12-year-old Elodie journeys from her family's farm to the city of Two Castles, she hopes to secure an apprenticeship as a "Mansioner," or actor. But Mansioners' apprentices must pay for their learning, and when Elodie's only coin is stolen, she instead accepts an apprenticeship with a wise and kindly dragon named Meenore, who is (among other things) a detective. Together, Meenore and Elodie investigate a series of threats against the shape-shifting ogre Count Jonty Um -- and must clear Elodie's name when she is falsely accused of a crime. This fast-paced and unpredictable adventure is a wild ride.

Beyonders: A World Without Heroes, by Brandon Mull (Aladdin) Fantasy. In this new series opener by the author of Fablehaven, 13-year-old Jason Walker is suddenly (and unexpectedly) transported from the hippo pool of a Colorado zoo to a strange world called Lyrian. At first, Jason's only concern is finding a way back home, but as he gets to know the downtrodden citizens of Lyrian, he is drawn into a plot to rid the realm of its ruler, the tyrannical evil wizard Maldor. With wonderfully inventive creatures, clever dialogue, and nearly non-stop action, A World Without Heroes will leave you eager for the next exciting volume of the Beyonders series.

Stories about facing challenges for young readers

2012-01-30T09:50:00.001-05:00

Growing up can take all kinds of twists and turns -- funny, scary, challenging. Here's a group of stories about how young characters face the ups and downs of life through sports, family, and school. Learning to use brains and a bit of courage helps a lot -- and makes for good reading, too!

Hound Dog True, by Linda Urban (Harcourt Children's Books) Realistic Fiction. Mattie has always been "that shy girl," and her mother's habit of pulling up stakes every time things get tough hasn't made it any easier for her to make friends. Now the two of them are going to live with Mattie's Uncle Potluck, who is the custodian at the school where she'll soon be starting fifth grade. While helping Uncle Potluck get things ready for the start of the school year, Mattie jots down his words of "custodial wisdom" in her notebook...and hatches a plan to avoid facing the other kids at school altogether. This hopeful novel about a shy girl becoming brave is one that fans of great characters and emotional stories will love.

Love of the Game, by John Coy (Feiwel and Friends) Realistic Fiction. What with bullies on the bus, hardly any classes with his friends, and some difficult changes at home, sixth-grader Jackson Kennedy hopes that playing on the football team will be his one bright spot in the new school year. But Jackson's mom and his friends' mothers are all worried that football isn't safe -- and the guys may not get to join the team. This believable novel is a quick read and will please fans of sports stories that also deal with the ups and downs of adjusting to middle school, such as Tiki Barber's Kickoff!

Vanishing Acts, by Phillip Margolin and Ami Margolin Rome (HarperCollins Children's Books) Mystery. At the start of seventh grade, Madison Kincaid and her new friend Jake have a mystery to solve: it seems that Madison's best friend, Ann, never returned from her summer vacation abroad. Meanwhile, Madison secretly helps her attorney father solve a missing-persons case that might involve Madison's teacher. With believable drama, intense courtroom scenes, and a hint of romance, this 1st volume in a new mystery series set in Portland, Oregon will be welcomed by Nancy Drew fans who'd like something a bit more modern.

Breadcrumbs, by Anne Ursu; illustrated by Erin McGuire (Walden Pond Press) Fantasy. Ten-year-old Hazel Anderson isn't happy; her parents have split, and she's had to switch to a new school where neither the kids nor the teachers understand her. She figures that as long as she has her best friend, Jack, she'll be okay...and then Jack disappears. Determined to rescue him, Hazel ventures into the snowy Minnesota woods where she last saw Jack -- and discovers a frightening magical world full of mystery and danger. If you enjoyed the mix of reality and the fantastical in Rebecca Stead's When You Reach Me, or if you like haunting, poetic stories that pull in bits and pieces from fairy tales and other books, be sure not to miss Breadcrumbs.

Pie, by Sarah Weeks (Scholastic) Mystery. When Alice's beloved Aunt Polly -- the undisputed "Pie Queen" of Ipswich, Massachusetts -- dies, Alice is devastated. Then she learns that Aunt Polly left the secret recipe for her unbeatable pie crust to her cranky cat, Lardo...and Polly bequeathed Lardo to Alice. After Lardo is kidnapped and Aunt Polly's bakery is ransacked, it's clear that someone wants the recipe very badly, and Alice and her friend Charlie are determined to figure out who it is. Sad in some parts and hilarious in others, this cozy small-town mystery set in 1955 is a good choice for readers who liked Joan Bauer's similarly food-oriented, feel-good novel Close to Famous.

More books for fans of the Ranger's Apprentice series

2012-01-29T07:39:00.007-05:00

If you like the Ranger's Apprentice series, try one of the books below. They're all exciting stories with fast-paced, action-packed fantasy adventure. Tween readers will enjoy the carefully rendered, medieval settings, details of battles and warfare, and stories about heroes who work behind the scenes. Any of them should keep you entertained while you wait your turn to check out John Flanagan's latest book set in Skandia, The Outcasts (first in a new series called The Brotherband Chronicles.)

Revenge of the Witch, by Joseph Delaney (Greenwillow Books) Horror. Young Tom Ward, the seventh son of a seventh son, is the new apprentice of Mr. Gregory, the village Spook, whose job is to protect ordinary folk from "ghouls, boggarts, and all manner of wicked beasties." Seventh sons can see things most people can't (such as ghosts), but even with this special ability, Tom still struggles to learn his new job. When Tom is left in charge while Mr. Gregory is away, he accidentally allows a dangerous witch to escape -- and that's only the beginning of his troubles. While The Last Apprentice series is scarier than the Ranger's Apprentice books, both are set in vaguely medieval worlds and offer action-packed adventures about heroes who do their work in secret.

The Land of the Silver Apples, by Nancy Farmer (Atheneum Books) Fantasy. Apprentice bard Jack, whom fans of this series met in The Sea of Trolls, ventures underground into the world of hobgoblins and elves in this 2nd adventure rich in myth and magic. Jack's sister Lucy hasn't seemed quite right since the midwinter ritual, and when the two of them travel to a monastery to find help for her, Lucy is kidnapped (again). Now Jack must journey to the Land of the Silver Apples in search of her, getting help from the freed slave girl Pega and shield maiden Thorgil. Readers who are fascinated by Norse myths, Pict legends, or early Christianity will be mesmerized by Jack's world, into which all of these (and more) are woven.

Outlaw: The Legend of Robin Hood, by Tony Lee (Candlewick Press) Graphic Novel. In Crusades-era England, the Sheriff of Nottingham rules with an iron fist. But in the haunted heart of Sherwood Forest, a defiant rogue disguises himself to become an outlaw -- a hero known as Robin Hood. Sure, it's a familiar story; but whether you have heard only once or many times about the man who stole from the rich and gave to the poor, you'll still want to check out this thrilling comic-book interpretation of the tale. Its breathtaking artwork will please graphic novel fans, and its exciting action will be a hit with devotees of the Ranger's Apprentice adventures.

Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit, by Nahoko Uehashi; translated by Cathy Hirano and illustrated by Yuko Shimizu (Arthur A. Levine Books) Fantasy. Martial-arts expert Balsa wanders the land, saving lives on a personal quest of atonement. After she rescues a boy from drowning, Balsa learns that the boy is Prince Chagum -- and that he's possessed by a water demon. The Empress hires Balsa as Prince Chagum's bodyguard, and the two of them set out on a journey to defeat the demon and protect the land from a devastating drought...but will the price be Chagum's life? Rich with family secrets and "complex mythologies" (Kirkus Reviews), this action-packed novel will thrill fans of its anime adaptation as well as those who loved the medieval Japanese setting of The Emperor of Nihon-ja (the 10th Ranger's Apprentice book).

The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp, by Rick Yancey (Bloomsbury) Adventure. When extra-large underachiever Alfred Kropp reluctantly agrees to help his Uncle Farrell, a night watchman, steal a valuable sword from his uncle's workplace, he has no idea that he'll be called on to save the world. It turns out that the sword is none other than King Arthur's Excalibur -- and when the heist goes awry, the legendary weapon falls into the hands of a madman bent on global domination. Monks with sabers, Agents of Darkness on motorcycles, white-knuckle car chases, high-tech weapons and a touch of gore (heads literally roll in one battle) all figure in this thrilling story of Alfred's transformative journey from loser to valiant hero.

New science fiction worlds to discover

2012-01-28T08:40:00.003-05:00

Science fiction is filled with enough new unexplored worlds to fill an entire universe. Here are some recent sci-fi books for teen and tween readers that will take them to the furthest reaches of their imagination. There's no need to stay earth-bound with these stories and series!

Worldshaker, by Richard Harland (Simon & Schuster) Steampunk. Groomed to be the successor to his grandfather, the Supreme Commander of the city-sized ship Worldshaker, 16-year-old Colbert Porpentine fully believes his family's contention that the underprivileged classes are little more than animals. But then he meets Riff, a "Filthy" who has fled her life on the ship's lower decks, and he learns the truth. Rife with dark secrets and lightened with a touch of romance, this steampunk science fiction is fast-paced, exciting, and will thrill fans of detailed world-building with its careful descriptions of the ship and its stubbornly Victorian society.

The Lab, by Jack Heath (Scholastic Press) Science Fiction. Far into the future, the world is devastated by pollution, and the single walled city that remains is controlled entirely by the corrupt ChaoSonic corporation. The only hope for the downtrodden populace is the Deck, a secret organization that's sworn to take down ChaoSonic -- and whose best operative is a product of ChaoSonic's lab, genetically enhanced Agent Six of Hearts. But Agent Six has just been captured. Readers fond of the high-octane action and suspense in James Patterson's Maximum Ride books or Anthony Horowitz's Alex Rider series will be glued to this thrill ride.

The Resisters, by Eric S. Nylund (Random House) Alien SF. Life seems normal and pleasant enough to 12-year-old Ethan Blackwood...until he learns that the world he believes to be real is nothing but a carefully crafted illusion. Diabolical aliens with the ability to control people's minds took over Earth decades ago, and a few brave kids (the mind-control only works on adults) are the only ones still fighting them. This thrilling and action-packed novel, written by a story consultant for Microsoft Game Studios, is a sure bet for video-game buffs and fans of Orson Scott Card's ever-popular Ender's Game.

Only You Can Save Mankind, by Terry Pratchett (HarperTrophy) Humorous Science Fiction. To escape his parents' marital strife and the non-stop TV coverage of the Gulf War, Johnny Maxwell plays video games (badly). But when Johnny's hacker buddy, Wobbler, gives him a bootleg copy of a computer game called Only You Can Save Mankind, something unusual happens. The game's alien invaders surrender to him, which is completely outside the parameters of the game, and ask for his protection from their human assailants. That's only the beginning of the weirdness in this thought-provoking first volume of the Johnny Maxwell trilogy, which fans of British humor -- and Vivian Vande Velde's novel Heir Apparent -- will especially love.

Astronaut Academy: Zero Gravity, by Dave Roman (First Second) Graphic Novel. Aside from having awesome hair, Hakata Soy is hoping to just be a normal kid at Astronaut Academy, a school in space that offers classes like Anti-Gravity Gymnastics and Wearing Cute Hats. But his superhero past won't be easy to shake -- especially when a robot that looks exactly like Hakata comes to kill him. If you like zany adventures with lots of action and a manga-like flair, be sure not to miss this grab bag of a story that mixes in middle-school drama, sweet romance, goofy villains, and outer-space dinosaur racing.

Koalas, coral reefs, a trip around the world: new kids' books for the winter blahs

2012-01-27T07:21:00.001-05:00

When it's cold and wintry outside, books can give kids a chance to escape the bad weather without leaving the house. Here's a group of fantasy, non-fiction, and picture books for young readers that will help warm up the imagination!

Coral Reefs, by Jason Chin (Roaring Brook Press) Nonfiction. In this follow-up to the award-winning Redwoods, a girl pulls a book about coral reefs off of a library shelf and, as she reads its ordinary yet informative text, experiences something quite marvelous. As in Redwoods, this book's words present interesting facts about a particular ecosystem -- while its illustrations tell a completely different story (here's a hint: in Redwoods, a bustling city corner changes into a forest right before the reader's eyes). If you like nature, science, or art, there's something in Coral Reefs just for you.

Killer Koalas from Outer Space: And Lots of Other Very Bad Stuff that Will Make Your Brain Explode! by Andy Griffiths; illustrated by Terry Denton (Feiwel & Friends) Graphic Novel. Sensitive readers who aren't fond of random violence or jokes about poop should just skip right to the next book in this list. The rest of you are going to enjoy Killer Koalas from Outer Space! It's a collection of short, ridiculously funny tales in comics form by the best-selling Australian author of The Day My Butt Went Psycho. Yes, there are killer koalas, but there are also killer giraffes -- as well as an abundance of gross-out moments and several fiendishly fractured fairy tales -- and it's all zany, wacky, icky fun.

If You Lived Here: Houses of the World, by Giles Laroche (Houghton Mifflin) Picture book. Are you fascinated by different types of houses? This book presents intricate, nearly-3D collage illustrations of dwellings from many regions of the world and throughout history -- from a Southern U.S. "dogtrot log house" to a Chilean palafitos (a house raised on stilts) to a Mongolian yurt and more! In addition to describing a wide variety of dwellings, this unusual book also briefly explains how different people live -- and why they live the way they do. For another book that compares life in different cultures (and has a similar style of pictures), check out Jeannie Baker's award-winning Mirror.

Secrets at Sea: A Novel, by Richard Peck; illustrated by Kelly Murphy (Dial Books) Fantasy. It's the late 1880s, and house-mouse Helena and her siblings have a dilemma: the human family whose home they occupy is making a voyage overseas -- meaning that crumbs will be in short supply for a while -- but mice are terrified of water. As head of her household since her parents' demise, Helena makes the bold call to stow away in the Cranstons' luggage, and many ship-board adventures follow. Clever, fun, and packed with memorable characters, this animal fantasy should be a winner with fans of other mousy tales like Lois Lowry's Bless This Mouse or Avi's Poppy.

Around the World, by Matt Phelan (Candlewick Press) Graphic Novel. This exciting true story in comic-book form traces the paths of three 19th century adventurers who, inspired by Jules Verne's fictional Around the World in Eighty Days, each travel around the world solo. Thomas Stevens, once a miner, rides a bicycle from California to Massachusetts and then (after crossing the ocean on a ship) all the way to Japan; fearless reporter Nellie Bly aims to circumnavigate the globe faster than her fictional counterpart; and retired sea captain Joshua Slocum attempts to become the first person ever to sail all the way around the world alone.

New books: The magic world of dreams

2011-01-26T09:56:00.006-05:00

Dreams are a place where many things can happen to us, and where reality can seem an upside-down world. Here are books about the world of dreams, some silly and some serious, but all exciting. Look for copies using the Amazon and WorldCatalog search boxes here on BookBag, and be ready for a nighttime of adventure!

The Dream Stealer, by Sid Fleischman; illustrated by Peter Sís (Greenwillow Books) Fantasy. Zumpango is a Dream Stealer. It's his job to capture children's nightmares, but he's sick of dealing with scary monsters and has begun to steal happy dreams instead. One night, however, Zumpango steals an especially good dream from a brave and clever young girl named Susana --and Susana decides to get her dream back. This whimsically illustrated story is a little bit funny, a little bit scary, and a whole lot of fun to read.

The Glitch in Sleep, by John Hulme and Michael Wexler; illustrated by Gideon Kendall (Bloomsbury Children's Books) Fantasy. Months after he filled out a very unusual job application on a whim, nine-year-old Becker Drane was taken to The Seems, the secret place where everything about the world as we know it (including Nature, Weather, Time, and Sleep) is manufactured. Now Becker is 12 and has become a full-fledged Fixer, and he's got a whopper of a problem for his first assignment: a glitch in Sleep has created an insomnia epidemic that, left unchecked, could mean the end of reality altogether. If you enjoy fast-paced, suspenseful fantasies with great world-building and plenty of puns, give this first volume in the Seems series a try.

Philippa Fisher and the Dream-Maker's Daughter, by Liz Kessler; illustrated by Katie May (Candlewick Press) Fantasy. In this follow-up to Philippa Fisher's Fairy Godsister, nearly-12-year-old Philippa has won a vacation for herself and her parents to the destination of their choice. But they can't decide where to go ... until a butterfly lands on their spread-out map at the spot marked Ravenleigh Woods. As it turns out, the butterfly is Philippa's fairy godsister in disguise, and this time around, she's got a job for Philippa to do. Weaving plenty of magic into its story, as well as a serious look at the importance of dreams, this friendship tale is a compelling, ultimately upbeat read.

Gossamer, by Lois Lowry (Houghton Mifflin) Fantasy. Littlest One ("Littlest" for short) is a dream-giver in training. At night, she practices the art of gathering memories and impressions and blending them into dreams, which she and other dream-givers bestow on humans with a touch. When the old woman to whom Littlest has been assigned takes in a deeply unhappy foster son, Littlest must learn how to fight the evil Sinisteeds who cause the boy's horrible nightmares. Gossamer is a hopeful story of healing and magic that tackles a serious issue in a sensitive, poetic way.

The Song of the Whales, by Uri Orlev; translated by Hillel Halkin (Houghton Mifflin)

Fiction. Nine-year-old Michael doesn't have any friends his own age. He prefers the company of adults -- which is fortunate, since he and his parents are moving from New York to Israel to be closer to Michael's ailing grandfather. Michael bonds almost instantly with his Grandpa and later learns that Grandpa has an amazing gift: the ability to share his dreams with others. Beautiful writing, lavishly imagined dream-time adventures, and a quietly moving story make The Song of the Whales a good bet for fans of Kathi Appelt's similarly magical-yet-realistic The Underneath.

The Florida Everglades: reading that's wet and wild

2011-01-19T09:45:00.008-05:00

Florida's Everglades National Park, described as "a vast wetland wilderness unlike any other in the world" on the National Park Service website, was dedicated and opened on December 6, 1947. Find these books on the BookBag search boxes, and take your own trip to the Everglades!

Scat, by Carl Hiaasen (Alfred A. Knopf) Eco-Thriller. Nick Waters and his friend Marta are terrified of their biology teacher, Mrs. Starch, the most demanding and feared teacher at the Truman School. The only kid who doesn't seem to be scared of her is underachieving pyromaniac Duane Scrod, Jr., a.k.a. "Smoke." But after a class field trip to the Everglades gets cut short by a freak wildfire, Mrs. Starch goes missing! Nick and Marta don't buy the official "family emergency" explanation and decide to investigate on their own. This exciting and funny story features a big cast of quirky characters, an endangered swamp and an endangered species, mystery, peril, heroics, and possibly the worst substitute teacher ever.

The Talking Earth, by Jean Craighead George (Harper & Row) Fiction. Seminole teenager Billie Wind doesn't believe that her people's legends--about talking animals and a "great serpent" who lives in the Everglades--are true. As punishment for being a doubter, Billie undertakes a solo journey into the Everglades, where she must stay until she hears the voices of the land and animals for herself...which she never expects to happen. Part survival adventure and part coming-of-age story, The Talking Earth vividly describes both the Everglades and Billie's emotional journey.

Science Warriors: The Battle Against Invasive Species, by Sneed B. Collard (Houghton Mifflin) Nonfiction. Scientists estimate that there are 7,000 invasive species -- plants and animals that are not native to an area and harm its ecosystems--in the United States. This book profiles scientists who are battling fire ants in the southern states, Melaleuca trees in the Everglades, brown tree snakes in Guam, and zebra mussels in Minnesota, showing them at work in the lab and in the field. Large, clear photos show what happens when these destructive flora and fauna invade (we'll warn you, it isn't pretty), and lucid text explains efforts to combat their spread--including what you can do.

Everglades Forever: Restoring America's Great Wetland, by Trish Marx; photographs by Cindy Karp (Lee & Low Books) Nonfiction. The story and pictures in this book follow a fifth-grade class from Homestead, Florida as they explore and study Everglades National Park. Home to a unique ecosystem, the Everglades have been endangered by pollution and development, and Ms. Stone's fifth-graders (and readers!) also learn about ongoing efforts to restore and protect the fragile wetlands. With lots of great photos of and information about the wildlife and waterways of the Everglades, this book will fascinate and educate environmentally- minded kids and teens.

Martin Luther King Day: books for young readers

2011-01-17T10:00:00.001-05:00

Today is the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. Americans celebrate this day not just as a holiday, but as a day of service to think about ways in which we can all make this country better. Here are books for parents to share with young readers who want to learn more about Dr. King, including two books by his sister Christine King Farris. Locate copies using the Amazon and World Catalog search boxes here on BookBag.

Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King Jr., by Jean Marzollo; illustrated by J. Pinkney (Scholastic). An eloquent and powerful introduction to the life and death of Martin Luther King, Jr. This simplified summation leaves out most of the details, while bringing the essence of his life and work to young readers. A foreword offers options for softening the facts surrounding his murder for preschoolers. Pinkney's scratchboard and oil pastel illustrations convey both the strength and gentleness of King's character. Both text and art carry his central message of peace and brotherhood among all people. This is a good choice for reading aloud. Adler'sPicture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr. (Holiday, 1989) covers the same material with more detail. --Eunice Weech, Amazon

My Brother Martin: A Sister Remembers Growing Up With the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by Christine King Farris; illustrated by Chris Soentpiet (Aladdin). Farris recalls the birth of her two younger brothers and relates anecdotes that demonstrate both the mischievous exploits of the siblings and the love and understanding that permeated the close-knit multigenerational family in which they grew up. Using plain language, she describes conditions in the South during her childhood that separated blacks and whites- "Because they just don't understand that everyone is the same, but someday, it will be better." From their father's church sermons and his actions when confronting the hatred and bigotry, the children learned the importance of standing up for justice and equality. The warmth of the text is exquisitely echoed in Soentpiet's realistic, light-filled watercolor portraits set in the King home, in their Atlanta neighborhood, and at Ebenezer Baptist Church. The simple directness of this short biography will help young children understand the concept of segregation and the importance of Dr. King's message -- Susan Schleps, Amazon

March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World, by Christine King Farris; illustrated by London Ladd (Scholastic). Although he is depicted as older and more serious than the mischievous little boy portrayed in My Brother Martin, Farris's unique perspective on her subject continues to be compelling. She concentrates on the march and the effects of the speech. Some phrases in the text are printed in a larger font and in color, emphasizing important aspects and establishing an appealing rhythm for reading aloud. Ladd's acrylic paintings are an excellent accompaniment to the text. His use of color and varying perspectives creates a great deal of visual energy, extending the excitement of the event. An informative addition.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, Amazon

A Picture Book of Martin Luther King Jr., by David A. Adler; illustrated by Robert Casilla (Holiday House). Adler examines King's family background, leadership of the Montgomery bus boycott, and the 1963 march on Washington, D.C. By focusing primarily on these events, Adler provides young readers with enough basic information to form a well-rounded picture of King and his ideals. However, the outstanding feature of this book is the vivid watercolor illustrations, which are sure to capture readers' attention. Casilla dramatically reveals the mood and feelings of the era. A fine introduction to King and the freedom movement, and one that would be equally useful for storyhour and discussion groups. --Jeanette Lambert, Amazon

The Story of Martin Luther King Jr., by Johnny Ray Moore; illustrated by Amy Wummer (Ideals Publishing) Parents quite often want to begin to teach their children about important aspects of history and culture even at the earliest of ages. This book is the perfect avenue through which parents can begin teaching their children about Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement. Moore has done a superb job in writing a biography that is short, concise and easy to understand. Even children with the shortest of attention spans can enjoy and understand this book. Friendly illustrations will make this book even more pleasurable for children. The boardbook format of this book makes it easy for children to handle the book and even turn the pages without parents having to worry about the book being damaged.--Stacey Seay, Amazon

The "Tim and Sally" series: books to share throughout the year

2011-01-14T10:00:00.003-05:00

The beginning of a new year is a wonderful time to discover books for young readers ages 4-8 that are beautiful to look at as well as being fun to read. With the colder winter weather settling in it's great to have a series of books for youngsters and parents to share -- with stories and lessons that can be read and enjoyed time and again throughout the year.

The Tim and Sally series published by Miglior Press is a large-format series of picture books all written by Grady Thrasher and illustrated by Elaine Hearn Rabon. There are three hardback readers in the Miglior series, as well as a fourth, paperback coloring book published by Miglior's Jonquil Books. Each of the readers is written in easy and clever rhyme that children and their parents will enjoy reading together.

All the books in the series can be purchased using the Amazon search box here on BookBag, or by clicking on the individual links below. More information about the author, the illustrator, and the books themselves can be found at the Tim and Sally website: www.timandsally.com.

Tim and Sally's Year in Poems is a good starting place for young readers. It's a jaunty and colorful trip through the seasons and their celebrations, from the sighting of springtime robins to building winter's snowman. The joys of holidays from Independence Day to Halloween, and Easter to Christmas, are captured in original poems and illustrations. There's even a bit of pause for grown-ups in the onward rush of the year: "I meant to drive to work today" celebrates simply sitting on the porch and watching the passing parade of nature, even as the hours meant for work tick away. And children get their own summer daydreaming hour, too, with its important lesson of enjoying the seasons just for themselves.

Spring is a time for planting gardens, and kids will enjoy learning about seeds and sprouts, sowing and watering in Tim and Sally's Vegetable Garden. After a long winter it's time to get started growing again! The book is filled with rhyming details kids need to know about all aspects of gardening, from preparation to planting to harvest:

"For awhile we'll care for each growing sprout,
But in a few days we must thin them out,
So their roots will have room to spread all about
And gather water and minerals from the soil below
To provide each plant with what's needed to grow."

The book offers young readers valuable lessons in cooperation and working together -- not just to put food on the table for everyone to enjoy, but in building lasting family relationships through shared work and experiences.

Tim and Sally's Beach Adventure is pure vacation fun, a trip to a warm ocean beach while there's still snow at home in the mountains. Tim and Sally build a sand castle and run in the waves, enjoying the sunshine and wonderful seafood meals that the ocean provides. The family's dog Flip becomes an unexpected hero when Tim demonstrates his bravery in the surf and discovers the ocean waves have their secret tides. Eventually the family heads back home, and though they are sad to leave they know they'll be back. The book's sun-filled illustrations glow on each page, and kids will enjoy reading Tim and Sally's Beach Adventure in the car as they head to their own special vacation spot with mom and dad.

The coloring book Color the Year With Tim and Sally gives young readers the chance to be artists on their own, with illustrations based on the three Tim and Sally adventure books. Elaine Hearn Rabon's seasonal art is filled with strong lines and friendly scenes, and offers familiar pictures for those readers who know the other books in the series. It makes a good activity book companion, which is a consideration for parents whose youngsters ages 4-8 may just be learning about coloring and would enjoy having familiar subjects.

Books to help you beat the winter blues and blahs

2011-01-10T14:13:00.000-05:00

Snow and ice. And then more snow. And then more ice. And ... then more snow. If you're feeling trapped because of the bad winter weather that's kept you inside for days, here are some books that may help you beat the blahs! Look for them using BookBag's search boxes for Amazon and World Catalog for library copies. And phone ahead -- you want to make sure your library is open when you get there!

Papertoy Monsters: Make Your Very Own Amazing Papertoys! by Brian Castleforte (Workman) Ages 9-12. Paper airplanes meet Origami meets Pokemon. Created and curated by Brian Castleforte, a graphic designer and papertoy pioneer who rounded up 25 of the hottest papertoy designers from around the world (Indonesia, Japan, Australia, Italy, Croatia, Chile, even Jackson, Tennessee), Papertoy Monsters offers 50 fiendishly original die-cut designs that are ready to pop out, fold, and glue. The book interleaves card stock with paper stock for a unique craft package; the graphics are colorful and hip, combining the edginess of anime with the goofy fun of Uglydolls and other collectibles. Meet Pharaoh Thoth Amon, who once ruled Egypt but is now a mummy who practices darkmagic in his sarcophagus. Or Zumbie the Zombie, who loves nothing more than a nice plate of brains and yams. NotSoScary, a little monster so useless at frightening people that he has to wear a scary mask. Yucky Chuck, the lunchbox creature born in the deepest depths of your school bag. Plus Zeke, the monster under your bed, Nom Nom, eater of cities, and Grumpy Gramps, the hairy grandpa monster with his very own moustache collection.

Up and Down, by Oliver Jeffers (Philomel) Ages 4-8 Once upon a time, in a book called Lost and Found, a penguin appeared at a small boy's doorstep. Since that adventure, in which the two traveled to the South Pole in a rowboat, the boy has crash-landed his plane on the moon and rocketed into space to catch a star. In this installment, the fearless, practical, and sympathetic child–drawn as a circle (head), square (striped shirt), and two lines (legs)–is back with his penguin friend. A chance sighting of a circus help-wanted poster takes the penguin off on his own and both friends must follow exciting, suspenseful, and wistful paths back to one another. Jeffers has an endearing, deceptively simple style that will warm the hearts of children and adults. An expert draughtsman and a gifted colorist, he creates artwork that is as masterful as it is eccentric. (Devoted readers will be delighted to find pictorial references to his earlier books.) His peculiar plots combine with a saccharine-free sensitivity to the nuances of friendship, making this book just plain special. (Susan Weitz, Amazon)

DC Super Heroes: The Ultimate Pop-Up Book (Little, Brown) Ages 4-8. Reinhart incorporates images created by a number of DC artists into a set of spectacular 3-D portraits – both the sort that leap up in massively muscled splendor from the center of each spread and smaller but no less eye-popping figures tucked into folding booklets in the corners. Superman leads off, of course, a solar-powered “living symbol of truth, justice, and the American way” towering over a view of his spacecraft while escaping an exploding Krypton on one side, and, on the other, cameos by a trio of sidekicks. Plus Lois Lane, Lex Luthor, and (temporary) nemesis Doomsday. The Man of Steel is followed by Batman (with battery-powered Bat-Signal), “Warrior Goddess” Wonder Woman, the squad of intergalactic Green Lanterns, Lord Darkseid (in a spread devoted to the Bad Guys), and, finally, a 45-character composite of the Justice League of America and its prominent adversaries complete with a numbered legend. Other heroes and villains from Captain Marvel, Teen Titans, and even the Justice Society of America to the Joker and Anti-Monitor take bows in the side galleries.

Scribbles: A Really Giant Coloring Book, Taro Gomi (Chronicle Books) Ages 4-8. Scribbles is full of many zany ideas to get kids' imaginations flying. Gomi's simple artistic style is appealing to kids and adults alike. Pages have simple instructions that will guide kids without them feeling hemmed in. Gomi often has several pages in a row with the same simple illustrations but with different leaders: a quaint town drawn at the bottom of several pages has the headings: "Its a beautiful day today: draw a bright sunny sky," "Today it is not so nice: Draw a dark cloudy sky," and "Today there's a thunderstorm: draw lighting and rain." Or a simple stick drawn on several pages and children being asked to draw a dragonfly sitting on one, a sparrow on another, a crocodile balancing on another and finally an elephant! Kids will love the crazy ideas. There are also masks, mazes, time-telling exercises etc. The sheer abundance of ideas makes up for the few that fall short of perfect.

Fortune Cookies, by Albert Bitterman & Chris Raschka (Beach Lane) Ages 4-8 An intense meditation on the ups and downs of life? Or, a super adorable kids book, complete with kitties? We'll let you decide which. A box arrives for Fortune from her Uncle Albert with seven fortune cookies. How wonderful ... a cookie and a fortune for each day of the week! Best of all, each fortune comes true, but not in ways that Fortune expects. A. Bitterman is the pen name of Pete Cowdin, owner of the beloved independent children's bookstore Reading Reptile. This is his first book. Chris Raschka is the illustrator of The Hello, Goodbye Window, which was awarded the Caldecott Medal. He is also the illustrator of the childrens' books Yo! Yes?; Charlie Parker Played Be Bop; Mysterious Thelonious; John Coltrane's Giant Steps; and Can't Sleep.

Tween fantasy and adventure for a new year

2011-01-06T15:02:00.000-05:00

If winter's got you down, if the holidays seemed so last year, it may be time for stories set in other times and places. Here are some new titles that will take readers away with fantasy and adventure, available here at BookBag using the Amazon and World Catalog search boxes.

Moon Over Manifest, by Clare Vanderpool (Delacorte Press) Historical Fiction. Feisty 12-year-old Abilene Tucker isn't too keen on spending the summer away from her daddy, but since she can't accompany him on his new railroad job, she'll be staying with a family friend in Manifest, Kansas, where her dad once lived. Abilene is disappointed in Manifest when she first gets off the train--it looks like any other ratty, worn-out old town in the throes of the Depression--but she soon uncovers all kinds of mysteries to investigate. Spies, outlaws, secrets, and even murder are woven into this complex, multilayered story that's sure to please fans of memorable characters and richly detailed settings.

The Clockwork Three, by Matthew J. Kirby (Scholastic Press) Fantasy. Giuseppe is an orphan who plays the violin on street corners for spare change, most of which goes to his cruel master, Stephano. Hannah works as a hotel maid, trying to earn the money for an operation that her father desperately needs. Frederick, apprenticed to a clockmaker, is building an automaton in secret. In this adventure that melds magic, action, myth, and mystery, the three characters' separate paths converge...and none of their lives will ever be the same. If you liked the historical setting and suspense of The Invention of Hugo Cabret, be sure to give The Clockwork Three a look.

Blue Fire, by Janice Hardy (Balzer + Bray) Fantasy. Like other Takers, 15-year-old Nya can physically remove a person's pain, but her ability to transfer pain from one person to another is extremely rare. In this thrilling sequel to The Shifter, Nya must use her healing powers as a weapon in order to rescue her sister and a small band of Takers from the sadistic ruler who has invaded their homeland. Fans of action-packed fantasies with girl heroes (such as Tamora Pierce's Beka Cooper books) will finish Blue Fire breathless for the next volume in The Healing Wars series.

A Long Walk to Water: A Novel, by Linda Sue Park (Clarion Books) Fiction. When rebel soldiers attack his Sudanese village in 1985, 11-year-old Salva runs away. Separated from his family in the chaos, he walks--sometimes with other refugees, sometimes alone--all through southern Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya in search of a safe haven. Many years later, a young Sudanese girl also spends most of her time walking, but her trek is the same every day: it takes her eight hours to reach the place where she fetches water for her family. Both of these spare, harrowing stories are based on real-life events, and readers are sure to be surprised and uplifted when they learn what connects them.

Virals, by Kathy Reichs (Razorbill) SF/Thriller. While exploring an abandoned laboratory near their secluded South Carolina home, science geek Tory Brennan and her friends rescue a quarantined dog...and, soon after, they all develop much keener senses and quicker reflexes. It's a bizarre situation that the friends--now more of a "pack" than ever--use to their advantage when an unsolved murder case from years ago suddenly becomes news again. Fans of the TV show Bones (Tory is Temperance Brennan's niece) will love the forensic science details in Virals, and anyone who enjoys fast-paced, action-packed fare will be eager for the next volume in this new series.

Books for young artists

2011-01-01T13:57:00.005-05:00

Stories about angels and saints for the holidays

2010-12-23T11:01:00.009-05:00

Here are some books that tell the stories of saints and angels, as well as the animals that are associated with them. As Christmas draws closer these books may remind readers about Christ's birth in a manger, and that the history of many religious figures (like Saint Francis) have been associated with specific animals. You can find copies of these stories using the search boxes here on BookBag.

Saints Among the Animals, by Cynthia Zarin, illustrated by Leonid Gore (Atheneum) Zarin retells ten stories that chronicle the interactions of holy men and women with an eclectic menagerie of wild creatures. Saint Canice befriends a patient stag that allows him to use its antlers as a bookstand, Saint Jerome champions a misunderstood lion, and Saint Brendan is rescued at sea by a great whale. Two women are represented: Saint Hilda saves her fellow sisters from an influx of snakes, and Saint Werburge prevents a flock of greedy geese from gobbling up all of the seeds planted in farmland. The majority of the tales are set in ancient England or Ireland. Written in the conversational style of a storyteller, the selections contain lovely descriptions of the natural settings in which the saints and the animals coexist, and each legend is accompanied by a somber charcoal illustration depicting the saint and the featured animal.

The Day the Animals Came: A Story of Saint Francis Day, by Frances Ward Meller (Philomel) The blessing of the animals ceremony held at St. John the Divine's church in New York is the basis for this story about Ria, who misses her Caribbean home and the animals she left behind. Her baby-sitter, Mrs. Blum, takes her to the ceremony, and Ria initially feels bad because she doesn't have her own pet. But after she rescues a disagreeable duck, one of the church members invites her to bring Groucho, as he's named, for his blessing. The experience of becoming one with the community and their creatures makes Ria feel as if she's finally home. Weller's story of St. Francis Day, with its animals crowding into a church, may seem unlikely to some readers, but the author's note offers confirmation and clarification.

Special Friends: Tales of Saints and Animals, by Arlene Graston (Bantam Books) From the introduction: "There was a time when man was especially aware of the world around him and spoke a silent language with the living things that make up our planet. This was a silent language of love and respect and it made all living things equal in the story of Life. Some of the people who could do this were called Saints, a title that means they shared a deep love for God and for the Beauty of the Universe and found in their animal friends companionship, understanding and love. This silent language is not a secret one - nor do only saints know how to speak it. Silent means inside ourselves, within our thoughts and emotions, and because everyone has an inside and has thoughts and emotions, we can all speak it. All we have to do is listen and learn from our animal friends and the growing things around us."

Saints and Angels, by Claire Llewellyn (Kingfisher) Nonfiction. Beautifully illustrated with reproductions of artistic masterpieces, this is an easy-to-understand introduction to Christian saints and angels. Beginning by answering the question "What is a Saint?," Saints and Angels goes on to tell the stories of saints both familiar and unfamiliar--from the apostles to Joan of Arc to the very first American-born saint--as well as those of the angels and archangels of the Bible. Information on each saint's emblem, feast days, and patronage is also included.

Brother Wolf, Sister Sparrow: Stories about Saints and Animals, by Eric A. Kimmel; illustrated by John Winch (Holiday House) Nonfiction. If tidbits about Catholic saints in novels like Frank Cottrell Boyce's Millions make you want to learn more about the beatified, check out these fascinating legends of different saints' interactions with animals. From St. Brigid, who fed the poor with milk and butter from her cow, to St. Ambrose, whose mouth was swarmed by bees when he was a baby, to St. Francis of Assisi, who struck a bargain between a hungry wolf and the town it was terrorizing, 12 saints are profiled in these stories.

Tween dreams: adventures for a new year

2010-12-20T12:39:00.001-05:00

The end of another year brings thoughts of what dreams may come. Every year we make plans and every year, it seems, plans have a way of escaping our grasp. But we keep dreaming! Here are some exciting books about characters who have unique dreams -- and some nightmares, too. Find copies using the Amazon and World Catalog search boxes here on BookBag, and be ready for some unusual fantasy ...

The Keepers' Tattoo, by Gill Arbuthnott (Chicken House) Fantasy. Fifteen-year-old Nyssa works in a tavern as a maid and cook, but in actuality, she is among the last descendants of an ancient civilization that Alaric, Archipelago's tyrannical ruler, is determined to obliterate. Only the strange tattoo on the back of her head and vivid, terrifying dreams connect Nyssa to her forgotten past. When Alaric's Shadowmen come looking for her, Nyssa flees the tavern with her uncle and sets out to find the meaning of her tattoo...and the source of her nightmares. This fast-paced and suspenseful story set in a medieval-inspired world should please fans of both fantasy and adventure.

On Thin Ice, by Jamie Bastedo (Red Deer Press) Fiction. Ashley has been having disturbing dreams of a frightening man/bear whom she believes is a shaman calling to her. When a classmate ofAshley's is found dead from what appears to have been a polar bear attack--even though no polar bears have been near their Arctic village for many years--Ashley begins drawing what she sees in her dreams and struggling to understand what she should do. This haunting, action-packed story paints a vivid picture of modern life in the far north and describes how global warming is changing the Arctic and its people.

Alphabet of Dreams, by Susan Fletcher (Atheneum Books) Fiction. Mitra and her little brother Babak are of royal lineage, but they've been living as beggars on the streets (with Mitra disguised as a boy) ever since their father's death. When Mitra discovers that Babak can dream other people's dreams--and predict the future from them--she

hopes to use his gift for profit. But instead, the two of them end up on the road with the magus Melchior, who has read portents in the stars about a new king and hopes that Babak's dreams can plot their way forward. With its richly described Persian setting and its focus on Mitra, this vividly imagined novel puts the journey of the Three Wise Men to Bethlehem (to see the baby Jesus) in a whole new light.

Dormia, by Jake Halpern and Peter Kujawinski (Houghton Mifflin) Fantasy. Lots of people imagine themselves doing incredible things in their dreams -- but Alfonso Perplexon really does accomplish amazing feats while he's fast asleep, including tending to a very strange, color-shifting plant. One day a man claiming to be Alfonso's long-lost Uncle Hill shows up and tells Alfonso that the plant, the Dormian bloom, is crucial to the survival of the kingdom of Dormia--and that the two of them must journey there to plant it in its native soil. This suspenseful, epic tale is a strong choice for readers looking for stories beyond the Harry Potter books. Dormia unfolds slowly but offers plenty of thrilling adventure and heated battles in a variety of exotically imaginative locales.

Seeing Red, by Anne Louise MacDonald (KCP Fiction) Fiction. Fourteen-year-old Frankie Uccello feels like he's utterly, boringly average, particularly in comparison to his multi-talented parents and sister. But when Frankie discovers that his vivid, strikingly colored dreams predict the future (and then he dreams that his friend Tim has a terrible riding accident) he almost longs to feel average again. This slightly supernatural companion to the novel The Ghost Horse of Meadow Green revisits that book's rural Canadian setting and includes plot lines and details that horse enthusiasts are sure to enjoy.

Tween fantasy ... and a graphic novel about knitting!

2010-12-16T10:21:00.015-05:00

Here's a group of books that will keep you entertained while the snow swirls outside! From Mirka's unusual pig problem to the dark and mysterious tale of The Kneebone Boy, these are inventive and quirky adventures filled with unexpected twists. Find them at Amazon, or at your local library using the World Catalog, both with search boxes here on BookBag ... and curl up with some unusual characters!

Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword, by Barry Deutsch (Amulet Books) Graphic Novel. In this hilarious and impassioned tale of adventure, family, tradition, heroism, and ... knitting, smart and spunky 11-year-old Mirka Herschberg longs to slay dragons. But to earn her sword, she'll first have to do battle with the school bullies, an enormous pig (a pig in the Orthodox Jewish community of Hereville? Oy vey!), and a rather supercilious and very creepy troll. Hereville's fabulous artwork, distinct characters, droll humor, and insight into Jewish tradition will pull you into Mirka's world and make you wish the story didn't end so quickly.

Crazy, by Han Nolan (Harcourt) Fiction. Jason Papadopoulos has voices in his head, a whole chorus of characters, his internal audience. He knows they aren't real; they just help him deal with his life, which, to tell the truth, is pretty messed up. Jason's mom died recently, and his father, who suffers from mental illness, has lost touch with reality. Jason is trying to protect his father, but things are falling apart...and his dad is getting worse. When his odd behavior at school lands him in group therapy sessions, Jason slowly begins to make friends who aren't inside his head--but can he tell them the truth? This emotionally intense yet at times very funny novel will enthrall fans of Tracktown Summer by Elizabeth Holmes or Ann Dee Ellis' Everything is Fine.

Millions, by Frank Cottrell Boyce (HarperCollins) Fiction. Damian Cunningham is obsessed with patron saints and their reported miracles. So, when a bag stuffed with more than a quarter-million British pounds is flung from a train near Damian's cardboard-box "hermitage," it's only natural that Damian thinks it's a gift from God. But as his practical older brother, Anthony, points out, the money will be worthless in 17 days, when the UK converts from pounds sterling to Euros. Can the brothers spend, give away (Damian's preference), or otherwise get rid of the mountain of cash before it's useless--and before the robbers who stole it find them? By turns funny, touching, and suspenseful, Millions is a richly rewarding read that's sure to please fans of Louis Sachar's Holes.

The Society of Unrelenting Vigilance, by Glenn Dakin (Egmont) Steampunk Fantasy. Theo Wickland has been confined to three rooms of his guardian Dr. Saint's mansion for his entire life. But on Theo's 12th birthday, burglars invade Empire Hall--and Theo discovers that he has the ability to melt criminals with merely a touch of his hand. This is only the beginning of Theo's adventures, for he escapes from Empire Hall and joins the Society of Unrelenting Vigilance, whose members reveal the truth about Dr. Saint. Action-packed and suffused with a creepy atmosphere, this first volume in the Candle Man series will leave you breathless for book two, The Society of Dread (due out this month).

The Kneebone Boy, by Ellen Potter (Feiwel and Friends) Fiction. The Hardscrabble

children are a peculiar lot, and ever since their mother disappeared several years ago, Otto, Lucia, and Max have been shunned even more thoroughly by the townsfolk. In this quirky, dark, and occasionally preposterous tale, the three of them are swept up in an adventure when a trip to visit a London relative goes awry. Ending up in the village of Snoring-by-the-Sea, the siblings uncover a mystery, dark family secrets, and hints about what became of their mother. Fast-paced and full of great characters, this witty story blends realism and fantasy and should charm fans of both Lemony Snicket and Polly Horvath.

Some fractured fairy-tales, and a visit with Kubla Khan

2010-12-13T10:19:00.010-05:00

It's time for some silly fun (and a little exciting history too). Here are some recent books that will make you laugh and one that's just plain fascinating! Find them on BookBag's Amazon and World Catalog search boxes, and enjoy a bit of reading that's just for laughs. Then meet Kubla Khan, who really knew how to throw a party!

There's a Princess in the Palace, by Zoë B. Alley; illustrated by R. W. Alley (Roaring Brook Press) Picture Book. In these slightly fractured fairy tales that are illustrated in comic-book style, Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and two other well-known princesses share a surprising connection. With funny references to modern times (such as Cinderella wishing that chocolate cupcakes were invented because they'd make her feel better), a pair of wisecracking mice who provide commentary on each tale, and lots of wordplay, these fresh takes on the traditional stories will delight fans of strong-minded princesses and "punny" humor.

Cloaked in Red, by Vivian Vande Velde (Marshall Cavendish) Fractured Fairy Tales. Author Vivian Vande Velde has a beef with Little Red Riding Hood: in her opinion, it's "the perfect example of the exact opposite of a good story." Think about it: a girl who can't tell her granny from a member of another species? Parents who name their kid after an article of clothing? Here, Vande Velde offers up eight new takes on the familiar story that are unexpected, funny, and deliciously irreverent. Don't judge Cloaked in Red by its serious-looking cover; it's a light, witty, and quick read.

The Familiars, by Adam Jay Epstein and Andrew Jacobson; illustrated by Peter Chan and Kei Acedera (Harper) Fantasy. Aldwyn is a resourceful stray cat who ducks inside a magic shop in order to hide from someone who's chasing him. Then Jack, a wizard-in-training, comes into the store to select his familiar (a magical animal companion) and adopts Aldwyn, who plays along despite having no powers. Jack's new cat may be an imposter when it comes to magic, but when Jack and two of his classmates are kidnapped, Aldwyn is determined to help the other students' familiars--Skylar, a bossy blue jay, and Gilbert, a bumbling tree frog--rescue them. Chock full of action, humor, and adventure, The Familiars is a real page-turner.

Kubla Khan: The Emperor of Everything, by Kathleen Krull; illustrated by Robert Byrd (Viking) Nonfiction Picture Book. With clear, thoroughly researched writing that's fun to read and artwork that is colorful, dramatic, and intricately detailed, this biography of Kubla Khan Genghis' grandson, is a fascinating total package. That's fitting, since Kubla Khan himself was quite impressive: he built the imperial city that is now Beijing, fathered 100 children, and was known for throwing lavish birthday parties in his own honor for up to 40,000 guests. If this book about Khan, his massive empire, and its far-reaching effects makes you want to read more about life during his time, check out Geraldine McCaughrean's fictional book The Kite Rider.

Lulu and the Brontosaurus, by Judith Viorst; illustrated by Lane Smith (Atheneum

Books) Fiction. Lulu is a major brat whose parents always give her every single thing she wants--until one year, she asks for a pet brontosaurus for her birthday. When her parents say no (a word that Lulu isn't used to hearing), Lulu throws a screaming fit, but that doesn't change their answer. So, Lulu decides to go into the forest and get a brontosaurus herself! In this silly, sarcastic story, Lulu is in for a big surprise...and readers get to pick their favorite of three different endings.

More tales for fans of "House of Night"

2010-12-10T10:18:00.006-05:00

Awakened, the eighth novel in the paranormally popular House of Night series by P.C. and Kristin Cast, publishes this month. Fans of these vampire books can't get enough of their fast pace, thrilling, twist-filled plots, suspense, and steaming-hot romance -- and they also love Zoey Redbird, the stories' strong-willed heroine. Looking for something similar while you wait to sink your teeth into Awakened? Check out the books listed below, and look for copies using the Amazon and World Catalog search boxes here on BookBag ... if you dare.

Evernight, by Claudia Gray (HarperTeen) Paranormal Romance. When Bianca's parents accept teaching positions at creepy Evernight Academy, an elite boarding school, they enroll Bianca as a student there. She doesn't fit in at all with the wealthy and beautiful students at Evernight, and she considers escape...but then she meets handsome rebel Lucas, and they immediately connect. Bianca soon realizes that she'd risk anything to be with Lucas, even revealing the dark secret she's been keeping from him; little does she know that Lucas has a secret of his own. Put on your seat belt, readers: the twists and turns in this 1st book in the Evernight series of steamy vampire novels will have you on the edge of your seat.

Hearts at Stake, by Alyxandra Harvey (Walker) Paranormal Romance. Solange Drake is the only female born to vampire parents in 900 years. As her 16th birthday--when she'll "turn" from mortal to vampire--approaches, suitors emerge...as do those who are threatened by the ancient prophecy that says Solange will be queen. Solange just wants to be a normal teenage girl, not some kind of "vampire broodmare," and hang out with her smart-mouthed, vampire-obsessed best friend, Lucy (who's human). But long-simmering animosities are coming to a boil, and Solange is at risk...as is, it turns out, her heart. This fast-paced, intriguing, and suspenseful vampire romance is the first volume of the Drake Chronicles.

Vampire Academy, by Richelle Mead (Razorbill) Paranormal Romance. Lissa and Rose are best friends who share a special bond; Lissa is a Moroi vampire princess (and mortal), and Rose is her Dhampir bodyguard. The two of them have been on the run for a couple of years when they are found and forced to return to St. Vladimir's Academy, a boarding school for vampires. It's a very dangerous place for Lissa, who is grappling with a rare and volatile power and is being stalked by the evil and deadly Strigoi vampires. With forbidden romance, dark secrets, and a social scene that's nearly as vicious as the Strigoi, this sexy, intense first volume in the Vampire Academy series is a real page-turner.

Peeps: A Novel, by Scott Westerfeld (Razorbill) Horror/Science Fiction. What if you have a parasite that causes an extreme form of cannibalistic vampirism and, ultimately, madness? That's just what's happening in New York City, where 19-year-old Cal Thompson works for the secret organization Night Watch, hunting down those who are parasite-positive, or "peeps." While hunting for his ex-lover (who's now a peep), Cal meets Lace, a dedicated young journalism student who makes him curse his vow of celibacy...and seriously question his employers. If you like the suspense, thrills, and fast pace of the House of Night series, give Peeps and its sequel, The Last Days, a try.

New teen reads: fiction, fantasy (and an Australian Beatle)

2010-12-03T10:15:00.013-05:00

While the holidays approach it might be good to take a break from all the stress of finding just the right present for all those uncles and aunts who haven't seen you since last Christmas ... and who are just dying to hear about your new boyfriend. Take it easy. There's still time to treat yourself! Here are some new books that will make your troubles seem not so big. Look for these using the Amazon and World Catalog search boxes on BookBag, and relax! As these stories demonstrate, it could be worse. Much worse.

Matched, by Ally Condie (Dutton) Science Fiction/Romance. In the Society, everything is perfect, including the system that makes marriage Matches between 17-year-olds, taking everything from romantic to genetic compatibility into account. And Cassia's Match to her lifelong best friend Xander does seem perfect. But when Cassia loads Xander's microcard and views its data, someone else's face flashes on the screen -- someone who isn't supposed to be in the Matching pool at all. In this powerful and descriptive novel, a good bet for fans of Kristin Cashore's Graceling, Cassia begins her struggle against everything that she's been taught. Matched is the first book in a trilogy.

Hunger, by Jackie Morse Kessler (Graphia)Fiction. When Lisabeth Lewis's half-hearted attempt at suicide is interrupted by a pale messenger who announces that Lisabeth has been chosen to be Famine, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, the anorexic teen thinks she must be hallucinating from the few pills she's already taken. But the messenger left her a set of scales, and an enormous horse that no one else can see has taken up residence in her front yard, waiting for her to travel the world on his back. Balancing an honest and emotionally intense description of eating disorders with a creative paranormal backdrop,Hunger is a riveting, metaphorical novel that's tinged with dark humor.

Blank Confession, by Pete Hautman (Simon & Schuster) Fiction. At the beginning of this fast-paced, thrilling read, 16-year-old Shayne Blank walks into the police station and confesses to a murder. Shayne, who's new in town, stood out from the moment he arrived, partly because he isn't afraid of the jerks who terrorize guys like oddball Mikey Martin. Told in alternating chapters from the perspectives of Mikey and police detective George Rawls, this suspenseful and twisting story will thrill fans of complex characters, funny, believable dialogue, and gripping, thought-provoking reads (such as Blake Nelson's Paranoid Park).

Hold Me Closer, Necromancer, by Lish McBride (Henry Holt) Fantasy. Samhain Corvus LaCroix (Sam for short) is just a college dropout and a fry cook. At least that's what he believes until he meets Douglas, a very strange man who identifies Sam as a fellow necromancer--and a potential rival. And while Sam thinks his encounter with Douglas was weird, it's nothing compared with what's to come. Suddenly, Sam is in danger, as well as everyone else who is close to him, and he'll have to solve the mystery of his identity and powers in time to rescue Seattle from a terrible evil. This fast-paced, alternately hilarious and scary book scintillates with action, secrets, great characters, and romance and is a wholly satisfying (if at times a bit gruesome) read.

The Freak Observer, by Blythe Woolston (Carolrhoda Lab) Fiction. Loa Lindgren is still trying to figure out how to deal with her little sister's recent death when her friend Esther is hit and killed by a logging truck. From then on, when she isn't waking up screaming from nightmares, Esther does her best to bury herself in her job and in physics, which she loves. As she struggles to overcome PTSD and navigates relationships with her family, a potential boyfriend, and the kids at school who see her as "the dead girl's friend," Loa's keen, often heartbreaking observations about life make for a gritty and bleak, yet also funny and beautiful, read. Searingly real characters and fascinating details that connect the story to Loa's scientific explorations add to The Freak Observer's unique feel.

Beatle Meets Destiny, by Gabrielle Williams (Marshall Cavendish) Fiction. Superstitious Melbourne, Australia teen John Lennon (nicknamed "Beatle" for obvious reasons) is heading home early on Friday the 13th when he meets Destiny McCartney. The two of them, deciding that their chance encounter must have been fated, spend the evening together...and find that there's a real spark between them. But Beatle has a girlfriend. As this twisting, multi-layered novel spins its tale, Destiny and Beatle--as well as readers--are in for all kinds of surprises. Funny, offbeat, and thoughtful, this romance from Down Under is just the thing for those who enjoy something a bit out of the ordinary.

Hidden treasure, family history, and a touch of magic

2010-11-30T08:56:00.001-05:00

Discovering the world is bigger than you think is part of being a good reader! Here is a group of novels each having its own take on how complicated life can get. Look for them using the WorldCatalog and Amazon search boxes here on BookBag, and be sure to bring along your sense of adventure.

Will Grayson, Will Grayson, by John Green and David Levithan (Dutton) Fiction. Two different guys named Will Grayson narrate this sarcastic, hilariously profound novel that is, as supposedly secondary character Tiny Cooper might say, made of awesome. One Will Grayson is the long-suffering best friend of Tiny Cooper, "the world's largest person who is really, really gay and also the world's gayest person who is really, really large" (and, by the way, "large" refers not just to Tiny's size, but also his personality). The other will grayson -- he doesn't bother to use capital letters -- is cynical and depressed, and lives for his late-night chat sessions with a guy named Isaac. In a stunning coincidence, the two Will Graysons meet...and then things really get interesting. Want to know more? Check out co-author John Green's YouTube book trailer.

The Body Finder, by Kimberly Derting (Harper) Mystery. Sixteen-year-old Violet Ambrose has inherited a talent for detecting the "echoes" of colors, sounds, smells, and even tastes that connect murder victims to their killers. It's an unsettling ability that, until recently, only led her to the dead birds left behind by her cat -- but now a serial killer is on the rampage in her small town, and Violet may be the only one who can stop him. She enlists the help of Jay Heaton, her best friend since grade school ... who, to complicate matters, is suddenly causing her heart to flutter. Combining suspense, paranormal phenomena, and romance, this novel is a great pick for fans of Wendy Corsi Staub's Lily Dale mysteries or Rachel Vincent's Soul Screamers series.

Mercury, by Hope Larson (Atheneum Books) Graphic Novel. Cross-country runner Tara lives in Nova Scotia and hopes that she and her mom will be able to rebuild the old family farmhouse, which recently burned to the ground; meanwhile, she's staying with relatives and trying to readjust to high school after two years of homeschooling. In a separate but linked story line, Tara's ancestor Josey falls for an itinerant prospector who wants her father to mine for gold on their property. Eisner Award-winning graphic novelist Hope Larson weaves the past, the present, love, hidden treasure, family history, and a touch of magic together to create this leisurely paced yet enthralling story.

The Carbon Diaries 2017, by Saci Lloyd (Holiday House) Carbon rationing in the UK--London college student Laura Brown just wants to focus on her punk band's upcoming European tour and her relationship with her boyfriend, Adi. But the whole world is in crisis due to the effects of climate change, and Laura and her friends have no choice but to deal with the political unrest, riots, and government corruption that have become commonplace. This dark yet exciting story will thrill fans of frighteningly believable near-future dystopias (such as Cory Doctorow's Little Brother) as well as those who like contemporary environmentalist fiction (such as Jennifer Cowan's Earthgirl).

Vegan Virgin Valentine, by Carolyn Mackler (Candlewick Press) Fiction. Mara Valentine lives a strictly ordered and controlled life; she makes stellar grades, participates in all the right extra-curricular activities, has received early acceptance to Yale, and is a vegan (albeit one who admits to herself, "I LUST after cheese. I DREAM about cheese."). When her niece, Vivian, a.k.a. V--who's only a year younger than Mara--temporarily moves in with the family, Mara's tidy, shipshape world gets seriously shaken up. Charged with sarcasm, angst, honesty, and hope this hilarious and somewhat racy story by the author of The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big, Round Things is a quick and upbeat read.

New books: silly, scary and funny stuff for kids

2010-11-28T13:15:00.013-05:00

Schoolwork got you down? Do the holidays have you too distracted to concentrate? Here are some new books for kids that are funny or scary, silly or just plain incomprehensible! Look for these books here on BookBag with the Amazon or World Catalog search boxes, and be prepared to laugh ... or shiver!

Bink & Gollie, by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee; illustrated by Tony Fucile (Candlewick Press) Fiction. Short, wild-haired Bink lives in a tiny cottage nestled in the roots of a big tree; tall, neat-as-a-pin Gollie lives in a sleek house in the big tree's branches. The two young neighbors are best friends despite their many differences, and this book tells three stories of their (somewhat fanciful) adventures in both pictures and words. Involving very bright socks, pancakes, a pet goldfish, and roller skates, these funny, lighthearted tales will tickle fans of Annie Barrows' Ivy and Bean books, Mo Willems' Elephant and Piggie stories, and the Clementine tales of Sara Pennypacker.

The Fabled Fifth Graders of Aesop Elementary School, by Candace Fleming (Schwartz & Wade Books) Fiction. The infamous class that no one (except the extraordinary Mr. Jupiter) wanted to teach have all graduated to fifth grade...and, once again, none of the teachers wants to take them on. Fortunately, Mr. Jupiter is up to the task, and he's got all kinds of lessons in store for the kids from The Fabled Fourth Graders of Aesop Elementary School (including one that involves singing guinea pigs). If you enjoy silly, fantastical stories with a moral--such as those in the Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle books--or wacky school stories like those in the Wayside School series, you'll have fun with The Fabled Fifth Graders of Aesop Elementary School.

The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall, by Mary Downing Hahn (Clarion Books) Ghost Story. Twelve-year-old Florence is overjoyed to be moving in with her newly discovered great-uncle and leaving Miss Medleycoate's orphanage behind. But soon after arriving at Great-Uncle Thomas' estate, Crutchfield Hall, Florence meets the ghost of one of its former residents...who is out for revenge. Set in Victorian England, The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall is a creepy, spine-tingling tale that will thrill fans of the author's Deep and Dark and Dangerous or of Betty Ren Wright's Crandall's Castle.

Framed, by Gordon Korman (Scholastic Press) Humorous Mystery. Griffin Bing, "The Man with the Plan," and his mystery-solving friends Savannah Drysdale and Ben Slovak have moved up to middle school, where the new principal, Dr. Egan, is anything but a pal. He's got his eye on Griffin, and when a valuable Super Bowl ring goes missing from its locked display case in the school, Dr. Egan accuses our hero of the theft and sends him away to JFK (jail for kids) ... Can Savannah and Ben clear Griffin's name and spring him from kid-prison? Packed with suspense, misadventures, and action, this third volume in the rip-roaring series (after Swindle and Zoobreak) is a wild, fun ride.

How to Grow Up and Rule the World, by Scott Seegert; illustrated by John Martin (Egmont USA) Humorous Fiction. Attention, all you puny, undeserving whelps! I, Vordak the Incomprehensible, deign to bestow my limitless knowledge of world domination techniques upon you! (You should know that, should you actually

one day rule the world, I will be your automatic and highly untrustworthy second-in-command...) Read this book and use my ingeniously diabolical plans, my advice on what to wear as a Supervillain, and my Inconceivably Evil Evil Name Generator as your first steps toward ultimate control of the planet. (Or, if you aren't quite evil enough, you can just laugh at my blowhard manner and many disgusting jokes ... at your own risk.)

Football stories for a long holiday weekend

2010-11-26T11:49:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving weekend seems like it's all about football games and turkey. Here's a group of stories about the game and a book about one of its greatest players, Jim Thorpe. Look for these on BookBag with the Amazon and World Catalog search boxes.

Football Champ, by Tim Green (HarperCollins) Fiction. Twelve-year-old Troy White's uncanny gift for predicting football plays is proving to be a powerful secret weapon for the Atlanta Falcons, who hired him as a consultant after he demonstrated his talent. But a seedy reporter with a vendetta suspects the Falcons of cheating and sets out to shred Troy's reputation. Meanwhile, the controversy over Troy's involvement with the pro team threatens not only his own job, but his mom's, too--she's a PR agent for the Falcons. If you like fast-paced sports stories with lots of action and surprises, you'll enjoy the Football Genius novels, of which this is the second.

Touchdown Trouble, by Fred Bowen (Peachtree) Realistic Fiction. It's the biggest game of the season and mere seconds are left on the clock when 12-year-old Sam makes a touchdown, securing victory for the Cowboys! Everything is great...until later, when the team watches a video of the game and Sam realizes that his winning touchdown was scored illegally. The Giants--his team's biggest rivals--should have won. Now what will the Cowboys do? Those who like plenty of play-by-play action mixed with a bit of drama will enjoy this entertaining read.

Jim Thorpe: Original All-American, by Joseph Bruchac (Dial Books/Walden Media) Fictionalized Biography. Jim Thorpe won Olympic gold medals for the 1912 pentathlon and decathlon, played collegiate and pro football, also played professional baseball and basketball, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in U.S. history. Focusing on Thorpe's years at Pennsylvania's Carlisle Indian School--Thorpe was a Sac and Fox, or Sauk, Indian--this novel brings his early athletic career, especially his college football days, to life. It also gives readers a clear picture of Jim Thorpe the man (not just the athlete) and movingly portrays what life was life for Native Americans at the turn of the 20th century.

Million-Dollar Throw, by Mike Lupica (Philomel Books) Fiction. Eighth-grader Nate Brodie is the star quarterback of his school's football team and is dating Abby McCall, his best friend in the world...but that's where the perfect-life stuff stops. Nate's parents are in financial trouble and might lose the family's home, and Abby is losing her eyesight due to a rare disease. Just when things seem hopeless, Nate wins the chance to throw a football through a target during a college game's halftime festivities--for a million-dollar prize. Can he keep his cool and make the pass? This quick and enjoyable read will keep you turning the pages to see what

happens.

15 Minutes, by Steve Young (HarperCollins) Fiction. Casey Little is almost always late. Figuring that a watch might help him, he digs his grandfather's old watch out of the attic...but it doesn't seem to work. It turns out that the watch is actually one of Grandpop's crazy inventions: a Go-Back, or a time machine that transports its wearer back 15 minutes into the past. Dizzy with possibilities, Casey uses the Go-Back to boost his test scores, improve his performance on the football field, look suave for the ladies, and avoid a bully. But what happens when the little changes that Casey makes to the past start affecting other people? This fast-moving and hilarious story is a great pick for football fans who want to read something a little out of the norm.

Recommended childrens' readers in Spanish

2010-11-22T10:45:00.000-05:00

Books about life, love, and friendship for teens

2010-11-16T11:00:00.000-05:00

The holidays can bring lots of new ideas about relationships, school, and family. Here are some recent books that look into life from a kaleidoscope of angles, from fantasy to poetry and points in-between. Find copies using the World Catalog and Amazon search boxes here on BookBag ...

A Match Made in High School, by Kristin Walker (Razorbill) Realistic Fiction. At the beginning of Fiona Sheehan's final year of high school, the principal announces a new requirement for graduation: every senior will participate in a mock marriage to a classmate for the entire year. Fiona is appalled when she's paired with Todd, who she sees as a dumb, jerky jock--and even worse, Todd's actual girlfriend is Amanda, a cheerleader who's had it in for Fiona since second grade. Amanda gets matched with Gabe, Fiona's long-time crush, and pranks, misunderstandings, and drama ensue. This laugh-out-loud funny story will make you think twice about stereotypes and is sure to please readers who enjoy great characters and a plot with plenty of twists and turns.

You Don't Even Know Me: Stories and Poems about Boys, by Sharon Flake (Jump at the Sun/Hyperion Books) Poetry/Short Stories. Lots of books tell stories about the trials and tribulations of being a teenage girl; the poems and stories in this companion to the girl-focused collection Who Am I Without Him? are all about guys and their lives. From 17-year-old Tow-Kaye, who's both excited and scared about marrying his pregnant girlfriend, to James, who's contemplating taking his own life after the death of his twin, to Eric, who loves his North Philly 'hood, the African-American young men you'll meet in this book are realistic characters that you'll care about and remember.

The Wandora Unit, by Jessy Randall (Ghost Road Press) It's the Duran Duran 1980s: Wanda Lowell and Dora Nussbaum are two word-obsessive girls, as well as being the two editors of Galaxy magazine, and between them there isn't an unexpressed thought about literature, love, and how it is definitely better to be weird than boring at Brighton High. Their friendship is surrounded on all sides by doubt, and not just the kind that questions the middle-class values of prom dates and getting into good colleges. Call it the price of being self-aware. Unfortunately for Dora this means watching her friendship with Wanda change until it shatters into a million pieces outward into the expanding universe. It's a clever story told in fractured fragments, with quotes from poets like Diane Wakowski and Gwendolyn Brooks acting as guideposts along the way. The poems that make up the "Galaxy" magazine at book's end are real ones, from the real Brighton High literary magazine of the 1980s, and the authors are duly acknowledged; the poems are made of equal parts teen-age anxiety and aspiration, and they're good, too.

All Unquiet Things, by Anna Jarzab (Delacorte Press) Mystery. Jaded, sarcastic Neily Monroe, a senior at the exclusive Brighton Day School, is still haunted by the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Carly, whose lifeless body he found on a bridge one year ago. But Neily is determined to get through high school and move on--almost as determined as Carly's cousin Audrey, who believes that her father was falsely convicted of the murder, is to find out who really committed the crime. As Audrey and Neily attempt to untangle a web of secrets and lies at Brighton, the dark side of their privileged world is revealed. Those who enjoy deep psychological explorations of a story's characters and smart, tense whodunits will be enthralled by All Unquiet Things.

Before I Fall, by Lauren Oliver (The Bowen Press) Fiction. Samantha Kingston, one of the most popular girls in her high school, dies in a car accident after a wild party...but instead of seeing her whole life replayed before her eyes, she wakes up to live her last day over again. And again. And again. As Sam tries to change her destiny by altering small decisions and acts in the course of that one repeated day, she begins to realize how she has affected other people--and who she really wanted to be. This compelling debut novel is full of realistic characters, believable dialogue, and heartbreaking insights, and the suspense of wondering whether Sam will finally get it right (and what will happen if she does) will keep you turning the pages.

Num8ers, by Rachel Ward (Chicken House) Thriller. British 15-year-old Jem Marsh has got everyone's number. Whenever she makes eye contact with a person, a number--the date of that person's death--pops into Jem's head, making it hard for her to get close to people. But when gawky, troubled Spider doggedly pursues friendship (and more) with her, Jem finds that she can't resist him. When the two of them go to London on a date, Jem has the horrifying realization that many of the people in line to ride the London Eye Ferris wheel share the same death date -- that very day. Like an amusement park ride, this gritty, fast-paced thriller starts slowly, but once it takes off, you won't stop reading until you reach the firework ending.

Going green, arctic survival, and a dog mystery for kids

2010-11-09T11:00:00.000-05:00

There's adventure, arctic survival at 40 degrees below zero, and even a canine mystery for kids who want to stay cool this summer and read. Look for these fiction and non-fiction titles on BookBag using the Amazon.com and World Catalog search boxes.

The Fast and the Furriest, by Andy Behrens (Alfred A. Knopf) Fiction. Twelve-year-old couch-potato Kevin Pugh is looking forward to a lazy summer of playing video games and watching TV, but his football-hero father wants him to go to sports camp. When Kevin stumbles across a broadcast of the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge while channel-surfing, he has a great idea: he'll enroll his portly beagle, Cromwell, in agility classes! But can he convince his dad that leading Cromwell through a doggie obstacle course counts as a sport? This hilarious, feel-good story has great characters and lots of family drama and is sure to be a winner with dog lovers.

The Buddy Files: The Case of the Lost Boy, by Dori Hillestad Butler; illustrated by Jeremy Tugeau (Albert Whitman) Mystery. When King, a golden retriever, finds himself at the P-O-U-N-D, he can't believe that his family would leave him there. Are the good times that King had solving mysteries with his beloved human, Kayla, gone forever? Before King can figure out a way to escape, he's adopted by a boy named Connor and his mom, who re-name him Buddy. Buddy is still determined to locate his real family, but just when he's getting settled at his new home, Connor disappears -- and Buddy intends to find him! This very funny, suspenseful, and easy-to-read story is told in the dog's voice and is the first of three books (so far) in the Buddy Files series.

Survival at 40 Below, by Debbie S. Miller; illustrated by Jon Van Zyle (Walker & Company) Nonfiction Picture Book. Talk about extreme! Winter is rough and very, very cold in Alaska's Arctic National Park, but many different types of wildlife flourish there, and this follow-up to the award-winning Arctic Lights, Arctic Nights describes the brutal conditions that they endure. From hibernating ground squirrels to bears, foxes, musk oxen, and wood frogs that literally freeze and then thaw out in the spring, each tundra animal has a different survival strategy that Survival at 40 Below explains in fascinating detail.

Mallory Goes Green! by Laurie B. Friedman; illustrated by Jennifer Kalis (Carolrhoda Books) Realistic Fiction. Mallory has a new favorite color--green! Inspired by her school's new Environmental Committee, she's excited about doing whatever she can to save the Earth. But when Mallory is chosen to represent her class at the schoolwide Green Fair, she gets a little too excited. Before long, no one wants to hear her "expert" opinions about going green, and they really don't appreciate the tickets that she's started issuing to energy-wasters. Can Mallory find a way save the planet and her friendships? Fans of characters like Junie B. Jones and Judy Moody should also enjoy the Mallory McDonald series, of which this is the 13th book.

The Fizzy Whiz Kid, by Maiya Williams (Amulet Books) Fiction. It's tough enough to be the new kid at school, but when sixth-grader Mitch Mathis and his family move to Hollywood, Mitch finds himself surrounded by sophisticated, TV- and movie-obsessed classmates. Mitch doesn't even watch TV and is clueless about show biz. So, when he learns that there's a casting call for a Fizzy
Whiz soda commercial, Mitch auditions in an attempt to fit in -- and gets the part! Suddenly he's famous. But is stardom all it's cracked up to be? Full of realistic details about the entertainment industry, The Fizzy Whiz Kid is a fun, goofy yet realistic read.

Mysteries (and other silly stories)

2010-11-02T10:25:00.000-04:00

Mysterious and spooky stories can be scary -- or funny! Here's a group of recent mysteries that are fast, entertaining, and silly at times. Use the World Catalog and Amazon search boxes here on BookBag to find copies of these unusual books ....

The Case of the Stinky Socks, by Lewis B. Montgomery; illustrated by Amy Wummer (Kane Press) Mystery. Who wants a yucky pair of stinky socks? Up-and-coming detective Jazz's brother Dylan, that's who. Dylan pitches for his high school's baseball team, and the pair of socks that he's missing aren't just stinky--they're lucky, and Dylan needs them for the big game coming up. So when Jazz's neighbor Milo sees her reading Whodunnit magazine and suggests that they practice solving mysteries together, the two of them already have a case to solve! This easy-to-read book is the 1st in a fun new series that features detectives-in-training Milo and Jazz.

Masterpiece, by Elise Broach; illustrated by Kelly Murphy (Henry Holt) Mystery. Two families live in the Pompaday household: one consists of 11-year-old James Terik, his mother, and his stepfather, and the other is a family of beetles. James longs for attention from his family, while young Marvin the beetle longs for a little space from his overprotective clan. When James receives a pen-and-ink set for his birthday, Marvin tries it out in secret--and discovers that he has artistic talent! Marvin leaves his masterful drawing as a gift for James...and then things begin to get out of hand. Before long, Marvin and James are not only friends, but partners in an attempt to foil an art heist at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. If you liked either The Borrowers or Chasing Vermeer, don't miss the deliciously suspenseful Masterpiece.

What Really Happened to Humpty? (From the Files of a Hard-Boiled Detective), by Jeanie Franz Ransom; illustrated by Stephen Axelsen (Charlesbridge) Humorous Mystery. "Humpty Dumpty was pushed." At least, that's what his kid brother, Joe Dumpty--a "hard-boiled" detective complete with trench coat--believes and aims to prove. Tracking clues and snooping around the likes of Goldilocks, Miss Muffet, and the Big Bad Wolf, gumshoe Joe is sure to catch the culprit...and make you laugh! Written in the style of old-school private-eye movies, this book may be shelved with the easy-reader picture books, but it's full of groan-worthy jokes and puns that older kids and fans of fractured fairy tales will appreciate.

Hannah's Winter, by Kierin Meehan (Kane/Miller) Mystery. Hannah would really rather be home in Australia than living with the Maekawas in Kanazawa, Japan while her mother tours the country. But just as she is getting to know and enjoy the small, old-fashioned town and the Maekawa family, Hannah is swept up in a curious and creepy mystery involving a ghost-boy and an ancient message. Fast-paced and spooky but with well-timed comic relief, this unusual mystery has supernatural elements and yet gives readers a vivid and realistic picture of modern, small-town Japan as well as the country's culture and history.

Graphic novels you might have missed

2010-10-27T10:15:00.000-04:00

Graphic novels can be great fun! Some are even based on movies and stories you may know. If you're a fan of graphic novels and looking for some new reads, here are some to check out from your local library (use the WorldCatalog search box to see if your library has them) or find a copy using the Amazon search box also here on BookBag.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, written by F. Scott Fizgerald & adapted by Nunzio DeFilippis & Christina Weir; illustrated by Kevin Cornell (Quirk Books) Classic. Perhaps you've seen the 2008 movie starring Brad Pitt as a man who ages backwards after being born a full-grown, elderly man in Baltimore in 1860. This witty and handsomely illustrated graphic novel sticks closer to the original F. Scott Fitzgerald short story than the somewhat melancholy film does, preserving its satirical humor (among other things). Literature buffs--and anyone who enjoys tales about people who fail to meet society's expectations of them--should thoroughly enjoy this version of the story that Fitzgerald himself declared to be "the funniest thing ever written."

Prince of Persia, created by Jordan Mechner; written by A.B. Sina; illustrated by LeUyen Pham & Alex Puvilland (First Second) Adventure. Based on the Prince of Persia video games and composed by the game's creator, Jordan Mechner, and Iranian author A.B. Sina, this "magnificent and complex" (Booklist) graphic novel illuminates the underlying legend of the games' world. Make no mistake, there's plenty of action, adventure, and mayhem here--but players who appreciate the substantial storylines of the games will be eager to delve deeper into the mythology laid out in the book, which should also please fans of historical fantasies rich with political intrigue, battles, and elemental magic. Both the new Prince of Persia gameThe Forgotten Sands and the movie The Sands of Time (which stars Jake Gyllenhaal) will be released this May, making April a great time to check out the book!

Aya of Yop City, by Marguerite Abouet; illustrated by Clément Oubrerie (Drawn & Quarterly) Fiction. This sequel to Aya plunges readers right back into the "good-humored soap opera" (Booklist) of studious, responsible Aya and her boy-crazy friends, all of whom live in the Ivory Coast of the late 1970s. Aya's friend Adjoua has had her baby...and he looks nothing like her rich, slacker husband, Moussa. Meanwhile, Bintou thinks that she's found the perfect man--but is he too good to be true? Once again vibrantly bringing all of Yop City's characters and their day-to-day drama to life, this 2nd of three graphic novels in the series -- Aya: The Secrets Come Out is next -- will have readers laughing, crying, and sighing as that drama unfolds. (New to the series? Be sure to start with Aya, or you'll be lost.)

Kin, by Holly Black; illustrated by Ted Naifeh (Graphix) Urban Fantasy. Goth-girl Rue Silver ("like kangaroo or like 'you'll rue the day we met, MWA-HA-HA!'") claims that she's not a worrier--but when her mom goes missing, her father is accused of murder, and she begins to see impossible creatures that no one else sees, worrying might be sensible. Rue thinks she's going crazy, but in the course of this darkly compelling graphic novel, the existence of the faerie world and the source of Rue's connection to it are revealed. Fans of Charles de Lint's books (such as Dingo) or of Neil Gaiman's highly imaginative and menacing Neverwhere will be entranced by this first volume in the Good Neighbors series--and will clamor for the second volume, Kith.

Emiko Superstar, by Mariko Tamaki; illustrated by Steve Rolston (Minx) Realistic Fiction. Being a geek never really bothered Emiko...but now her geeky friends are excited about attending a young executives' retreat over the summer, and Emi isn't interested. Then, just when it seems that her summer will be all babysitting, all the time, shy Emi is handed a flyer advertising weekend performance-art "Freak Shows," and she's both intrigued and terrified. After she finally works up the nerve to go to one of the shows, her whole life changes. Check out this slightly angsty, gently funny, and completely engaging read to see how Emi goes from geek to superstar on the road to becoming herself.

Pride of Baghdad, by Brian K. Vaughan; illustrated by Niko Henrichon (DC Comics) Fiction. As American bombs rain down on Iraq in 2003, four lions escape from the Baghdad Zoo--only to struggle for survival in the battered, unfamiliar city. Having relied for so long on their keepers, the lions ponder the benefits of their captivity and the price of their freedom as they wander in search of food and safety. Both a gripping adventure and "a thoughtful allegory about the war in Iraq" (Library Journal), this provocative, expressively illustrated, and occasionally violent graphic novel was inspired by a pride of lions' real-life flight from captivity.

Problems, problems: teen stories about coping with real life

2010-10-22T10:00:00.000-04:00

Self-published mystery and fantasy for YA readers

2010-10-16T10:49:00.001-04:00

Lots of books for readers of all ages are published by writers who use the self-publishing tools available everywhere, as well as the small publishers who use the internet to spread the word and don't depend on bookstore shelf-space to get attention. Here's just a short selection of new novels that are filled with action, adventure and fantasy available by self-publishers (and in book form, too). Look for them using the Amazon and World Catalog search boxes here on BookBag!

The Lake, by William Crawford (BookSurge Publishing) The Lake is a novel that is part science fiction, part environmental commentary. A group of people threatened by a truly curious natural disaster confront the vulnerability of their lives. After Southern California's Lake Crowley is split at its foundation by an earthquake, the water becomes an elixir -- and a truth serum. As desperate people migrate to its shores to drink from its waters, pandemonium besets Los Angeles and a group of public servants, including the California governor and American president, will be forced to intercede between human nature and Mother Nature.

Shamra Divided: Book Two of the Sharma Chronicles, by Barry Hoffman (Edge Books) In Book One of the series, Curse of the Shamra, author Barry Hoffman introduced Dara, a young Shamra girl who defies the oppressive rules of her society and leads a ragtag resistance in the hopes of defeating their conquerors. Although she is criticized for being outspoken, "different", and wild, she never gives in to the pressure to conform. Shamra Divided continues Dara's adventures, as she sets off to faraway lands to learn more about her heritage, why she was the one who was meant to lead her people to freedom, and what future challenges are in store for her that she must mentally, emotionally, and spiritually prepare for.

The Prophet of the Pentacle, by Marilyn Privratsky (Outskirts Press) In this first work of her epic fantasy trilogy, The Chronicles of Farro, Rafar the Elder, the Osarian Knight's Prophet of War, must find away to stop Lord Jarden, the ancient evil one who has suddenly and accidentally been unleashed back into the world and is now bent on destroying it. A great battle had been fought in ancient times between the ruthless Lord Jarden and the powerful sphinx Berecynthia. She defeated this evil one, but was mortally wounded before vanquishing him altogether. Five ages pass before a royal advisor investigating the mysterious and lonely Ice Isle inadvertently sets free the ancient evil one and becomes his host. Only the sacred alliance of prophets called the Osarian Knights can now save the mystical realm of Andora from turning into a desolate wasteland of burnt ash, its innocent population annihilated by Lord Jarden's perverse genocide.

Mara's Flowery Arrows, by Siam's Unnamed (CreateSpace) Does a mysterious manuscript, discovered by chance in the library of a Burmese monastery, contain the oldest thriller story of Southeast Asian literature? In the far east of the Indochina peninsula during the Ninth Century A.D., Prince Asaka fights against the intrigues of the Khmer Court. A prince of the Court, son of the King, is found assassinated: why would somebody want to accuse a poor slave unjustly of such an important crime? Our hero is also involved in the crime (as owner of the slave, as well as more directly). He manages to extract himself and to identify the true culprit, thanks to the help of two friends: one, a wise old Hindu, reminds us of the figure of the western investigator who is part Sherlock Holmes and part Perry Mason.

Fortuna by Michael Stevens (Oceanview Publishing) Jason Lind, a brilliant but boredStanford computer science major is longing for escape from his mundane existence. Jason signs up to play Fortuna, an online role-playing game set in Renaissance Florence. From the first, fateful mouse click, Jason tumbles into the vibrant, lush, and anonymous world of Fortuna. Swept up in this highly complex, highly addictive game of fame, fortune, and power, Jason quickly transitions from casual gamer to compulsive player. Soon tangled up in a steamy, virtual love triangle, Jason becomes obsessed with breaking Fortuna’s code of anonymity. But Fortuna is anything but fun and games, and when a sizeable debt incurred in the game spills over into reality, Jason is forced to leverage the legacy of his father, a high-tech legend killed in a car accident years before, to pay off the debt. What starts as a great escape may only leave Jason trapped, as the game that transported him deep into the past exposes a shocking present-day reality. In the world of Fortuna, it’s not how you play the game -- it’s if you survive.

New books for teens: Spirits, witches and quests

2010-10-09T10:34:00.008-04:00

Readers looking for something spooky to get them in the Halloween spirit can find it in these new books. Look for them using the World Catalog and Amazon search boxes on BookBag and be prepared to be scared!

Sleepless, by Cyn Balog (Delacorte Press) Paranormal Romance. Eron DeMarchelle died in 1910 and has served as a Sandman--a spirit who coaxes his charges to sleep--ever since. After completing 100 years of service, Eron will return to the world of the living, but he's got a couple of problems to solve first. Problem one: he's grown too attached to Julia, a lonely young girl who is just one of his many charges. Problem two: Eron's new apprentice, who happens to be Julia's recently deceased and extremely possessive boyfriend, seems determined to violate all the rules of being a Sandman. Sleepless is a fast-paced and suspenseful tale of star-crossed lovers that's sure to haunt your dreams.

The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May & June, by Robin Benway (Razorbill) Fiction. Sisters April, May, and June have been through a lot lately--their parents recently divorced, their dad moved from California to Texas, and the girls and their mom have moved to a new town to start over. But even these big changes are small potatoes compared to what happens next: each of the sisters suddenly develops a supernatural power. April, the oldest, can see the future; May can literally disappear; and June can read minds. Alternately narrated by each of the sisters, this hilarious book by the author of Audrey, Wait! will charm readers who like snappy dialogue, strong yet complicated family bonds, and mostly-realistic fiction with a touch of fantasy.

Wicked Girls: A Novel of the Salem Witch Trials, by Stephanie Hemphill (Balzer + Bray) Historical Fiction. This novel in verse takes a fresh look at the Salem witch trials, weaving a tense and plausible story about historical figures Ann Putnam, Mercy Lewis, and Margaret Walcott, three out of a group of teenage girls whose accusations of witchcraft doomed more than a dozen of their neighbors to hang. Narrated in turn by each of the three girls, this story unfolds slowly and carefully, but once it grabs you, it doesn't let go. Were there queen bees (like those in the movies Heathers or Mean Girls) even in Puritan society? Wicked Girls says, "oh yes, dear readers, and they were most definitely to be feared."

Hothouse, by Chris Lynch (HarperTeen) Fiction. After their fathers, both firefighters, die while battling a house fire, high school seniors Russell and DJ are treated like heroes by everyone in their town. Russell realizes that he doesn't deserve to share in his father's glory, but somehow, it helps. But when an investigation into the tragic incident casts doubt on the dead men's heroism, the community's reaction is severe. With believable characters, emotional intensity, and complex psychological drama, Hothouse is a riveting read.

The Thin Executioner, by Darren Shan (Little, Brown) Fantasy/Horror. Jebel Rum lives in a brutal society where everyone who flouts the law is beheaded and where the position of Executioner--Jebel's father's job--is akin to royalty. As the scrawniest of three brothers, Jebel isn't likely to take his father's place, so he goes on a dangerous quest to gain invincibility from a legendary fire god. In order to win such power, he'll have to sacrifice the slave who accompanies him on his journey...but they'll both have to survive it first. Balancing adventure, social commentary, and action, The Thin Executioner may not be gory enough for fans of the author's Demonata series, but fans of sharp-edged fantasy adventures will be well pleased.

How to keep young kids reading during the school year

2010-10-06T10:27:00.003-04:00

It's worth noting as the school year gets into the fall holidays that kids can lose a lot of schoolroom smarts during the next few months. Here in a recent post on Reading Rockets, children's literature expert Maria Salvadore brings you into her world as she explores the best ways to use kids' books both inside — and outside — of the classroom.

There are many activities that enhance reading and will slow or stop that slide — talking, singing, reading aloud, keeping a journal or photo album, and lots more.

One thing that our family still does is cook together. And lots of cooking can start with a story book that involves food and more.

Cook-a-doodle-doo (Sandpiper) by Janet Stevens and her sister is a very funny take-off on the traditional story of the industrious Little Red Hen. Just like his grandmother, the rooster asks for but actually gets help. Together the friends find a recipe for and make delicious strawberry shortcake. (I've tried the recipe and it is quite good!) Along the way, they also learn a few things about following the special language of cooking and recipes.

Another enjoyable story book that includes a tasty cooking activity is Honey Cookies (Francis Lincoln) by Meredith Hooper. A grandmother almost poetically describes the ingredients she and her grandchild need to make this sweet treat. (She's actually telling Ben where each originates.) A recipe for the cookies is included in this book, too (though if you try this one, add a little more butter than called for; makes them moister.)

A classic activity is planting a garden — even better when you're Growing Vegetable Soup (Voyager). Vegetables, seeds, and garden tools are all presented in Lois Ehlert's colorful illustrations that present a handsome garden. A recipe for vegetable soup is also included. (I've never tried this one, but it looks pretty standard.)

Do you and the children in your life have a book and favorite activity that can stop the reading slide? If so, take a minute to share it with us at Reading Rockets!

Adventure stories for kids: Seven wonders, giant-slayers, and a skibberee

2010-10-03T10:25:00.000-04:00

So ... what's a skibberee? Read What-the-Dickens by Gregory McGuire and you'll find out .... There's lots more adventure in these books, from a boy transported to a redwood forest from the subway, to the trials of Bob, the castle rat caught by the King's two cats, Muffin and Brutus. Be sure to look for these books here on BookBag using the World Catalog and Amazon search boxes, and get ready for some exciting reading that will keep you turning the pages!

How to Save Your Tail*: *If You are a Rat Nabbed by Cats Who Really Like Stories about Magic Spoons, Wolves with Snout-Warts, Big, Hairy Chimney Trolls -- and Cookies Too, by Mary Elizabeth Hanson (Schwartz & Wade Books) Fractured Fairy Tales. Bob the castle rat loves to read almost as much as he loves to bake, and it's a good thing--because the stories he reads end up saving his life! Distracted by a book on a bench, Bob is caught by palace cats Muffin and Brutus, who plan to make a meal out of him. Thankfully, Bob is able to stall by telling the cats stories about his ancestors (all of which bear striking resemblance to well-known fairy tales) and feeding them some of his freshly-baked cookies. But how long can he postpone being eaten by the fearful felines? Pick up this quick, funny read and find out.

The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs, by Betty G. Birney; illustrated by Matt Phelan (Atheneum Books for Young Readers) Historical Fiction. Fascinated by stories of the Seven Wonders of the World, 12-year-old Eben McAllister longs to leave the small town of Sassafras Springs, Missouri and see some of them for himself. But no one else from Sassafras seems eager to go exploring, so Eben figures he's stuck on the farm with his folks until he grows up. Then Pa makes a deal with him: if Eben can find seven true wonders right in Sassafras Springs, he gets to take a train trip out West and have an adventure after all. Set in 1923, this old-fashioned yarn shows that even places and things that seem ordinary can have extraordinarily magical stories to tell.

Redwoods, by Jason Chin (Roaring Brook Press) Picture Book. If you've ever heard or read a great story, you probably understand what people mean when they say that books transport them to completely different worlds. Well, when the boy in this story finds a book about redwoods on a subway-platform bench, it really happens! The boy begins reading amazing facts about the giant trees while riding the subway, and when he climbs the stairs that lead to the city street, he instead finds himself smack in the middle of a redwood forest. Combining thrilling adventure (in the illustrations) with fascinating facts (in the text), this book is big -- really big! -- fun.

What-the-Dickens: The Story of a Rogue Tooth Fairy, by Gregory Maguire (Candlewick Press) Fantasy. Ten-year-old Dinah, her brother Zeke, and their baby sister Rebecca Ruth are stranded in their remote home while a terrible storm rages. Only their inept older cousin Gage is there with them, but he has almost no practical survival skills. So, to pass the time and ease their fear, Gage tells the story of What-the-Dickens, a newly hatched orphan creature who doesn't realize that he is a skibberee--a tooth fairy. After meeting a number of beings who are not like him (a cat named McCavity, a tiger, a bird, even people), What-the-Dickens eventually meets Pepper, another skibberee who shows him what being a tooth fairy is all about. And as Gage spins the tale through the night, the storm rampages on...

The Giant-Slayer, by Iain Lawrence (Delacorte Press) Historical Fiction. Shy, quiet dreamer Laurie Valentine has no friends at all until she meets Dickie Espinosa. The two of them range all over their 1950s neighborhood exploring and playing--until Dickie comes down with polio and is confined to an iron lung. Laurie sneaks into the hospital to visit Dickie and begins spinning a fantastical tale that spreads over many visits, a heroic adventure in which a young boy must slay an enormous giant (with the help of all manner of interesting and unusual characters). We won't tell you what power Laurie's amazing story holds; read The Giant-Slayer and decide for yourself.

Travels of Thelonious, by Susan Schade and Jon Buller (Simon & Schuster) Animal Fantasy. Thelonious Chipmunk is the only member of his family who believes that, in ancient times, human beings ruled the Earth (most everyone else thinks that the legends about humans are just old stories--entertaining, maybe, but not true). When the tree that he lives in is swept downstream in a huge storm, Thelonious finds himself in the City of Ruins, where he joins a porcupine librarian and a helicopter-flying bear in their dangerous quest to discover the truth about Earth's past. Alternating written chapters with comic-book chapters, this first volume of the Fog Mound series is a story that both intrigues and inspires.

Strange places and strange stories: new fiction for teens

2010-10-01T10:22:00.000-04:00

New books for kids: skeletons, zombies, and pirates

2010-09-29T12:08:00.009-04:00

Here are some great new books for kids full of thills and fun! Look for them on BookBag using the Amazon and World Catalog search boxes -- and get ready for some brand new adventures!

Bones: Skeletons and How They Work, by Steve Jenkins (Scholastic Press) Nonfiction. Most people don't think about their own bones much, but if you do--or if you're curious about how human bones compare with those of other animals--you should definitely take a look at Bones. Artist and author Steve Jenkins, known for his amazingly realistic cut-paper illustrations and his many fascinating and easy-to-understand books on science, compares human bones with those of spider monkeys, elephants, snakes, sloths, and many other animals. And, in addition to showing size differences between various species' bones, Jenkins also explains why other differences have evolved.

The Zombie Chasers, by John Kloepfer; illustrated by Steve Wolfhard (Harper) Humorous Horror. Zack Clarke thinks he's unlucky when his older sister and her friends ambush him, duct-tape him to a chair, and make him the subject of a YouTube video called Hostage Makeover--but then zombies attack! Zack's big sister (along with most everyone else in Phoenix, Arizona) is transformed into a shuffling, moaning, brain-craving menace, and it's up to Zack, his geeky buddy Rice, and super-popular Madison to save the city. Fans of silly yet totally disgusting books will love this gory story and look forward to the next volume, Undead Ahead.

Emily's Fortune, by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor; illustrated by Ross Collins (Delacorte Press) Historical Fiction. Bashful young Emily Wiggins, suddenly orphaned at the age of eight, has chosen to go and live with her sweet Aunt Hilda out West. But during her stagecoach journey to her aunt's home, Emily discovers that she's inherited a fortune--and that her horrible Uncle Victor has hired Miss Catchum of Catchum Child-Catching Services to apprehend Emily and deliver her to him. Luckily, Emily meets a fellow orphan named Jackson, who helps her keep just ahead of those pursuing her. Combining action, suspense, humor, and adventure, this rootin'-tootin' Wild West yarn will keep you turning the pages.

The Ball Hogs, by Rich Wallace; illustrated by Jimmy Holder (Alfred A. Knopf) Sports Fiction. Ben has never played on a real soccer team before, but he likes everything about being a Bobcat--except for his teammate Mark, who acts like a big shot but doesn't know any more about soccer than Ben. And with Mark and Ben at odds, the Bobcats can't seem to win a game. Combining great on-the-field, play-by-play action with a realistic story about friends (and enemies), this 1st volume in the Kickers series is a fun read that ends with a list of useful tips for soccer players. Fake Out is next.

The Unsinkable Walker Bean, by Aaron Renier (First Second) Graphic Novel. Mild-mannered budding inventor Walker Bean is not the adventurous type. But after his grandfather steals a cursed skull from a pair of evil sea-witch sisters and becomes deathly ill, Walker must make a dangerous voyage to return the skull and save Grandpa. Featuring deadly peril, pirates, fantastic twists, and a dash of comic relief, this imaginatively illustrated, suspenseful swashbuckling adventure is a rip-roaring read. For more action-packed fantasy adventure that involves pirates and works in a good bit of humor, try Judith Rossell's Jack Jones and the Pirate Curse.

As Simple as It Seems, by Sarah Weeks (Laura Geringer Books) Realistic Fiction. Verbena Colter has had a rough fifth-grade year: she's had a hard time with her schoolwork and can't seem to stop being mean to her parents. Then the revelation of some disturbing family secrets makes Verbie wish that she could be somebody else. So, when a gullible boy named Pooch and his mom rent the house next door for the summer, Verbie pretends that she IS someone else...and Pooch believes her. If you like dramatic, emotional stories that end on a hopeful note, be sure not to miss As Simple as it Seems.

Reading especially for boys, from BookDads

2010-09-27T12:01:00.001-04:00

Books especially meant for boys to read are sometimes difficult to find. Here's a selection of books for different age groups, most reviewed by BookDads, a unique booksite online since 2008 featuring reviews of material for boys and their fathers. For copies of these books use the WorldCatalog and Amazon search boxes here on BookBag.

Two-Minute Drill: Mike Lupica's Comeback Kids, by Mike Lupica (Philomel Books) Ages 9-12 Two Minute Drill is an appealing YA book about the importance of sportsmanship, determination, friendship, fatherhood, and reading. Chris Conlan is the coolest kid in sixth grade- the golden-armed quarterback of the football team, and the boy all the others look up to. Scott Parry is the new kid, the boy with the huge brain, but with feet that trip over themselves daily. These two boys may seem like an odd couple, but each has a secret that draws them together as friends, and proves that the will to succeed is even more important than raw talent.

The Very Best Daddy of All, by Marion Dane Bauer: illustrated by Leslie Wu (Simon & Schuster) Ages 4-8 The Very Best Daddy of All is a children’s book about thirteen different animal daddies, and one human daddy. Each two-page spread shows a different animal daddy and single child, along with a description of what each daddy does for his children. Fish daddies build houses, wolf daddies comfort crying pups, and fox daddies take care of mamas so they can care for kits. Admirably, all of the animals in this book are factual examples of good animal fathers and include lesser-known instances such as playful prairie dog fathers and fearless frog fathers. The soft illustrations have a sleepytime fell to them, and make this a good bedtime book. The Very Best Daddy ends with a human daddy and his son, since no one but a child’s own daddy is the very best of all.

Half for You, by Meyer Azaad; Illustrated by: Nahid Haqiqat (Carolrhoda Books) Ages 4-9. This original Persian folk tale is the story of a little bird who is learning from his father. Once the father has taught his son how to fly and taught him how to find grain, he sends him into the fields to find something useful. The little bird finds a strange plant that is prickly on the outside and soft on the inside. The father sends the little bird off to visit the spinner, who tells him that he has found a cotton boll, and spins it into yarn. He then visits the weaver, the dyer, and the dressmaker, giving each of them half of what they have crafted for him, until he has a beautiful scarf to show his father.

My Daddy and Me, by Jerry Spinelli; illustrated by Seymour Chwast Ages 4-8 A Newbery medalist writes a kid's book in praise of both the fun things and the practical things about daddies.

My Parents Are Divorced, My Elbows Have Nicknames, and Other Facts About Me, by Bill Cochran; illustrated by Steve Bjorkman (HarperCollins) Ages 4-8. Ted’s parents are divorced, but that doesn’t mean he’s weird. Instead, there are a lot of other reasons that he’s weird. Like the fact that his elbows are nicknamed Clyde and Carl, or that he sometimes answers the phone and pretends to be a chicken, or that he wears a cape a lot even when it’s not Halloween. Sometimes he makes soap Mohawks with his hair in the tub and then walks around the house like that. He’s done it at his mom’s house and at his dad’s house, and they both think it’s a little weird.

When the Whistle Blows, by Fran Slayton (Philomel Books) Ages 9-12. Jimmy Cannon lives in the little railroad town of Rowlesburg, West Virginia, and is a boy of his place and time. His world is Rail’s general store, and raising mischief with his pals, and going hunting, and playing on the high school football team. He grows up surrounded by the men of the town, from his troublesome older brothers Bill and Mike, to his Uncle Clarence the biology teacher, to the machinists of the railroad yard. Yet among all these men, the one man that Jimmy can never see eye-to-eye with is his father. Jimmy’s father doesn’t hunt, says that the railroad isn’t a worthwhile career for a man, and doesn’t believe that Jimmy’s football team can ever win the county championship. More alike than they know, Jimmy and his father share a orneriness that builds a wall between them. As Jimmy says, “I know I’ll never understand that man. Even if I live to another hundred All Hallows’ Eves.”

New fiction and non-fiction for teens

2010-09-25T11:00:00.000-04:00

From Stonehenge to baseball, alchemy to fantasy, there's bound to be a book here to keep you turning the pages! Here's a wide selection of new fiction and non-fiction books for teens -- look for any of them on the World Catalog / Amazon search boxes here at BookBag ....

If Stones Could Speak, by Marc Aronson with Mike Parker Pearson (National Geographic) Nonfiction. When author Marc Aronson was in middle school, he was entranced by archaeologists and their adventures in digging up history's secrets, but he feared that "everything important [...] had already been found." However, in this clearly written and fascinating book, Aronson explains archaeologist Mike Parker Pearson's work interpreting Stonehenge and uses it as an example of how scientists are constantly looking for (and often find) information that adds to or completely changes our understanding of historical artifacts. So, what IS Stonehenge? Is it a Druid temple? A calendar? Or something else? Read the evidence presented in If Stones Could Speak and decide for yourself.

The Line, by Teri Hall (Dial Books) Science Fiction. Rachel and her mother live and work on a property that abuts the Line, an invisible barrier between the totalitarian Unified States and the no-man's land known as Away. Populated by the mysterious Others, the forbidden land has always fascinated Rachel...and when she stumbles upon a desperate message from an Other, she can't resist trying to help. This suspenseful story of a frightening possible future starts out slowly, but it builds to a cliffhanger ending that will have science fiction and thriller fans alike clamoring for the next volume in this new series.

Alchemy and Meggy Swann, by Karen Cushman (Clarion Books) Historical Fiction. After living with her indifferent mother in a small English village for 13 years, Margret ("Meggy") Swann has come to grimy, bustling London to live with her father, an alchemist whom she's never met--and who, as it turns out, doesn't want her any more than her mother did. But despite her father's rejection and a physical disability that makes people wary of her, Meggy is determined to make a better life for herself. Combining a resilient heroine, vivid depictions of Elizabethan England, and a bit of a mystery (plus loads of colorful period insults!), Alchemy and Meggy Swann is a memorable tale that history buffs will savor.

Falling In, by Frances O'Roark Dowell (Atheneum Books) Fantasy. When she is sent to the principal's office one day for daydreaming in class, oddball sixth-grader Isabelle Bean opens a supply-closet door...and falls into a completely different world! More curious than frightened, she begins exploring and meets a group of children who are fleeing from a supposedly murderous witch. Isabelle, intrigued, marches off in the exact direction that the children warned her to avoid, hoping that she will meet the witch. Suspenseful, often funny, and (like Isabelle) surprising, Falling In is a novel that even those who don't typically like fantasy might enjoy.

Roberto & Me, by Dan Gutman (Harper) Fiction. In this 10th volume of the Baseball Card Adventures series (which began with Honus & Me), Joe "Stosh" Stoshack uses a baseball card to travel back in time to 1969. He means to prevent the untimely death of baseball legend Roberto Clemente by warning him not to board a plane that's doomed to crash, but there are surprises in store for Stosh -- as well as for series fans -- on this journey. With exciting on-field action, humor, and tantalizing bits of history, this fun, fast-paced read knocks it out of the park.

Forget-Her-Nots, by Amy Brecount White (Greenwillow Books) Fiction. Laurel, a new student at Avondale boarding school, has been studying the Victorian language of flowers and handing out bouquets that have ... consequences. The flowers that she arranges for a class project seem to cause her spinster teacher to fall in love, while a classmate starts attracting boys like crazy after receiving one of Laurel's "tussie-mussies." And, as Laurel tries to harness her newfound power, she stirs up enough chaos to make for an extremely interesting prom. This light romance has a magical feel and will charm anyone with an interest in flowers' hidden meanings.

New books for kids: Reversible poems, rat-finks, and Missile Mouse

2010-09-23T10:00:00.000-04:00

There's lots of new kids books this month, and whole worlds to explore. Graphic novels, fairies, mysteries ... and even poems that you can read two ways! Look for these here on BookBag using the WorldCatalog and Amazon search boxes ....

Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse, by Marilyn Singer; illustrated by Josée Masse (Dutton Children's Books) Illustrated Poetry. "Who says it's true -- down is the only view?" Who, indeed? In this clever book, each poem can be read two ways: from the top line down and from the bottom line up. The poems, inspired by familiar folk tales and fairy tales, take on different meanings when read in reverse but still make sense. Some of them give the villain's point of view in a funny way, and others (such as the Snow White-themed poem "Mirror Mirror") are more on the dark and creepy side. Word-lovers and puzzle fans will want to make up their own "reversos" after reading Mirror Mirror.

Nikki & Deja: The Newsy News Newsletter, by Karen English; illustrated by Laura Freeman (Clarion Books) Realistic Fiction. When best friends and next-door-neighbors Nikki and Deja decide to create their own "newsy news" newsletter--one that reports all the really interesting stuff that's happening in their neighborhood and school--it seems like a great idea. But pretty soon, they run out of things to report, and their creative solution to the lack of news gets them into trouble. If you like fun, easy-to-read stories about friends and their everyday ups and downs, you'll love this 3rd book in the Nikki and Deja series, and you might also want to check out the first two books, Nikki and Deja and Birthday Blues.

Ratfink, by Marcia Thornton Jones; illustrated by C.B. Decker (Dutton Children's Books) Realistic Fiction. Logan wants to have a good fifth-grade year, but it's almost as if he has a special talent for getting into trouble. And this year, it seems that Emily, the new girl at school, is intent on getting him into even more trouble than usual. On top of that, Logan's grandfather, who has become forgetful and does some strange and embarrassing things, has moved in with his family. Logan is convinced that "fifth-graders are mean," and he doesn't want them catching Grandpa doing something bizarre. Looks like it's going to be a tough year. This hilarious and heartbreaking story about friends, enemies, and family rings true.

The Night Fairy, by Laura Amy Schlitz; illustrated by Angela Barrett (Candlewick Press) Fantasy. Tiny Flora, about the size of an acorn, is a night fairy who's still getting used to her wings. When she is attacked by a hungry bat, Flora's wings are destroyed, and she falls into the beautiful garden of a giantess. She decides to make a new home for herself in the cherry tree that grows there--and to become a day fairy to avoid bats ("I hate, hate, hate bats") in the future. But the world is much different in the daytime, and Flora soon learns that she'll have to make friends with the other garden-dwelling creatures in order to survive. This beautifully illustrated book is perfect for readers who like both the magical world of fairies and exciting outdoor adventures.

The Mysterious Howling, by Maryrose Wood; illustrated by Jon Klassen (Balzer + Bray) Fiction. Fifteen-year-old Penelope Lumley has a whopper of a first job: she's been hired to be the governess for three orphaned siblings who were, evidently, raised by wolves. Penelope isn't sure she can civilize the children in time for Lady Constance's holiday ball, but that may not turn out to be her biggest concern...for mysteries abound at Ashton Place, from the real origin of the Incorrigible children to the reason why Old Timothy the coachman is always lurking around to whether there is someone living behind the staircase wall. Readers who enjoy droll humor, melodrama, and deep, dark secrets will love this 1st book of The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series and be eager for more.

Missile Mouse: The Star Crusher, by Jake Parker (Graphix) Graphic Novel. Tough-talking, no-nonsense Missile Mouse is an agent for the Galactic Security Agency, and he's on a mission to rescue a scientist who's been kidnapped by the Rogue Imperium of Planets (or RIP). The scientist, Ulrich, has information that the RIP needs in order to build a doomsday weapon with the power to destroy the entire universe, and the RIP has an evil plan to extract it directly from Ulrich's brain...but foiling evil plans is Missile Mouse's specialty. With lots of rock-'em, sock-'em action, alien monsters, double agents, and a spectacular finish, this comic-book adventure is a thrilling read.

More than baseball: Teen sports novels about soccer, stock cars, and rodeo

2010-09-21T11:54:00.000-04:00

There are more sports for kids than baseball and football. Here are books featuring stories about soccer, stock-car racing, and even rodeo that readers will find fast and fun. Look for these on BookBag using the WorldCatalog and Amazon search boxes, and discover that competition comes in all kinds!

Bull Rider, by Suzanne Williams (Margaret K. McElderry Books) Fiction. Cam O'Mara comes from a ranching family, but unlike most of the O'Mara men, he's much happier riding a skateboard than a bucking bull. Then Cam's older brother, Ben, comes home from Iraq paralyzed and depressed, and Cam decides to carry on the family tradition of bull-riding. He finds out that he likes it--and he sets his sights on prize money that could help Ben get the rehabilitation he needs. This tough and tender small-town story of family, competition, and the wild world of the rodeo circuit is a powerful and affecting read.

Box Out, by John Coy (Scholastic Press) Fiction. High school sophomore Liam Bergstrom is thrilled to have moved up to the varsity basketball team from JV. But when he decides to take a stand against his coach, who leads mandatory prayer meetings before every game and whose racist attitude pushed the team's African-American star player to quit, Liam's position on the team isn't the only thing in jeopardy. With plenty of exciting on-court action and just as much drama off of it, Box Out is a thought-provoking sports novel about an ordinary guy who's just trying to find his own path.

Out of Reach, by V. M. Jones (Marshall Cavendish) Fiction. Thirteen-year-old Philip "Pip" McLeod hates playing soccer--mostly because of his father's obnoxious behavior on the sidelines at games. He's also just not as good at soccer as his older brother, and never good enough for his grumpy, critical dad. So when Pip tries out the rock-climbing wall at a new sports complex in town and realizes that he's a natural, he starts practicing there in secret to prepare for the regional climbing championships. Set in the author's native New Zealand, this uplifting story will have you cheering for Pip as he finds his own way to shine.

Boost, by Kathryn Mackel (Dial Books) Fiction. Thirteen-year-old Savvy Christopher is 6'2" and a talented basketball player; her big sis, Callie, is a cheerleader. When an injury ruins their dad's golf career, the family moves from their swanky New Mexico home to an aunt's sheep farm in Rhode Island, a major adjustment. Savvy is thrilled when she makes the exclusive 18-and-under basketball team The Fire; getting to play on a great travel team makes up for having to share a room with Callie, being teased about her height, and having to work on the sheep farm. But when steroids are found in Savvy's gym bag, she'll have to fight for her spot on the team. A bit of mystery, complex family relationships, and plenty of exciting on-court action make Boost a riveting read.

Throwing Like a Girl, by Weezie Kerr Mackey (Marshall Cavendish) Fiction. When her family moves from Chicago to Dallas during her sophomore year of high school, Ella Kessler falls in love with softball. Ella has never played a team sport before, but she discovers a hidden talent for the game that makes her transition to a new school easier, despite her mean-girl teammate Sally's attempts to ruin things for her. Then Ella gets matched with cute senior Nate, Sally's brother, for a super-secret project, and things heat up both on and off the field. With ample details of game play and the trials and tribulations of high-school social life, Throwing Like a Girl hits a home run.

Super Stock Rookie, by Will Weaver (Farrar, Straus and Giroux) Fiction. In this second volume of the Motor series (after Saturday Night Dirt), teen stock-car racer Trace Bonham tries out for corporate-sponsored Team Blu and makes the cut. Torn over whether or not to desert his amateur beginnings, Trace decides to sign on with Team Blu and soon learns that there's a lot more to professional racing than he'd realized--and not all of it is good. Packed with action, authentic racing details, and sharp dialogue, Super Stock Rookie is an exciting story that will thrill racing fans. The next volume in the Motor series, Checkered Flag Cheater, was published in late April.