The breakdown of this year’s list reflects the
realities of the publishing world—YA continues to dominate in terms of
output and sheer heft, but there was a noticeable uptick in the numbers
of fine middle grade novels. There were several terrific picture books
with engaging characters and dynamic art. Several novels were set in
well-delineated fantastical worlds, yet quite a few focused on young
people grappling with war and political upheaval in the real world, in
real time. Humorous titles flourished, such as Polly Horvath’s One Year in Coal Harbor, Adam Gidwitz’s In a Glass Grimmly, and Lemony Snicket’s Who Could That Be at This Hour? It
was a stellar year for nonfiction; we found books that were well
researched, beautifully designed, and thoughtfully presented, from
exciting explorations of space, natural history, and anthropology, to a
riveting account of the 1963 Birmingham Children’s March and a
magnificently illustrated version of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a
Dream” speech. These books are perfect for sparking children’s interest
and imagination and to supplement many aspects of the curriculum.
The month in which the full review appeared follows each annotation;
SLJ subscribers can also find the reviews and more in
BookVerdict.com/
SLJ.—TJ
Picture Books
BANKS, Kate. The Bear in the Book. illus. by Greg Hallensleben. Farrar/Frances Foster. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-374-30591-8.
PreS–A gentle, rhythmic text and
lush soft-focus paintings bring to life a little boy’s nighttime ritual
and a tale of a bear’s preparation for winter. This story within a story
celebrates the act of reading and the tenderness of a parent’s embrace.
A warm and fuzzy selection that’s destined to become a bedtime
favorite. (Oct.)
BARNETT, Mac. Extra Yarn. illus. by Jon Klassen. HarperCollins/Balzer & Bray. Tr $16.99 ISBN 978-0-06-195338-5. LC 2010015945.
K-Gr 3–When Annabelle discovers a
box containing a never-ending supply of wool, she knits sweaters for
everyone and everything in town, enveloping her bleak surroundings in
cozy colors, until an evil archduke threatens to unravel her efforts.
Featuring a serenely imperturbable heroine, this perfectly crafted yarn
is expertly embellished with homespun whimsy. (Dec., 2011)
BINGHAM, Kelly. Z Is for Moose. illus. by Paul O. Zelinsky. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-079984-7; PLB $17.89. ISBN 978-0-06-079985-4.
PreS-Gr 2–Zebra’s alphabetic
revue is disrupted by overeager Moose, who repeatedly insinuates himself
into the lineup. He is devastated when Mouse is chosen for his big
moment, and misbehaves until Zebra finally finds him another spot. An
uproarious A-to-Z adventure, told with snappy dialogue balloons and
madcap mixed-media cartoons. (Mar.)
BUITRAGO, Jairo. Jimmy the Greatest! illus. by Rafael Yockteng. Groundwood. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-1-55498-178-6; ebook $18.95. ISBN 978-1-55498-206-6.
Gr 1-3–In an isolated seaside
village, a youngster finds direction and inspiration from a caring adult
who shares his love of boxing and a carton of books and clippings about
Muhammad Ali , which the boy devours and takes to heart. The energetic
digital cartoon art packs a punch of its own, balancing humor, grace,
and na ï ve charm. (June)
COLE, Henry. Unspoken: A Story from the Underground Railroad. illus. by author. Scholastic. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-39997-5. LC 2011043583.
Gr 3-8–Silence, fear, and hope
pervade this compelling wordless story about a Southern farm girl who
discovers an escaped slave among the cornstalks in the barn. Cole’s
striking pencil drawings on cream backgrounds draw readers in, leaving
questions in their minds that stimulate repeated visits to these pages.
(Nov.)
FLEMING, Candace. Oh, No! illus.
by Eric Rohmann. Random/Schwartz & Wade Bks. Tr $17.99. ISBN
978-0-375-84271-9; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-94557-1. LC 2009045564.
PreS-Gr 2 –When Frog falls into a
deep hole and can’t get out–and is soon followed by a series of hapless
critters–Tiger prepares to pounce, but a jumbo-size rescuer rumbles up
just in time to save the day. Toe-tapping rhythms, chant-along refrains,
sing-it-out sound effects, and elegant antic-filled artwork make for a
boisterous read-aloud treat. (Aug.)
FYLEMAN , Rose. Mice. illus. by Lois Ehlert. S & S/Beach Lane. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-5684-6; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-5686-0.
PreS-Gr 1–The mischievous subjects of the classic poem
scamper, caper, and cavort through the night in this refreshing
reinterpretation. Comprised of bits of vibrantly colored-paper cutouts
and string on a pitch black background, these mice are strikingly
original and endearing. The revelation of the narrator adds a totally
unexpected twist. (Dec.)
HARTNETT, Sonya. Sadie and Ratz. illus. by Ann James. Candlewick. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5315-6; ebook $14.99 ISBN 978-0-7636-5990-5.
Gr 2-4–Hannah’s hands–named Sadie and Ratz–behave like
rampaging beasts, particularly when her annoying four-year-old brother
is nearby, but when mysterious mishaps occur and Baby Boy blames the
destructive duo, Hannah resolves to prove their innocence. Expressive
charcoal artwork enlivens this beginning-chapter-book look at sibling
discord and imaginative play. (Apr.)
HENKES, Kevin. Penny and Her Doll. illus. by author. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-06-208199-5; PLB $14.89. ISBN 978-0-06-208200-8. LC 2011030043.
PreS-Gr 1–Penny absolutely adores
the doll that Gram has just sent her, so she must pick the perfect name
for her new playmate. Pairing inviting text with buoyant spring-hued
artwork, this easy reader stars a charmingly childlike mouse whose
emotions and actions ring true. (Oct.)
HILLS, Tad. Rocket Writes a Story. illus. by author. Random/Schwartz and Wade. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-87086-6; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-97086-3.
PreS-Gr 2–A book-loving pup is determined to author his
first work, collecting interesting words, searching for inspiration,
and finally settling on a topic that brings him success…and a new
friend. Packed-with-personality paintings and an entertaining text
communicate the creativity, perseverance, and sense of satisfaction that
define the writing process. (July)
KLASSEN, Jon. This Is Not My Hat. illus. by author. Candlewick. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5599-0.
PreS-Gr 1–The absurdity begins
with a fish wearing a hat, not his hat, but one that he pilfered from a
big, sleeping fish. The thief acknowledges his wrongdoing, but is
convinced that he’ll evade the consequences and rationalizes his bad
behavior. The brilliantly spare digital artwork conveys a parallel
narrative with tiny telling details revealing that crime does not pay.
(Sept.)
LOGUE , Mary. Sleep Like a Tiger. illus. by Pamela Zagarenski. Houghton Harcourt. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-64102-7.
PreS-Gr 1–A little girl’s parents
relate the sleeping habits of various animals, from tiny snails to
majestic tigers, in order to lull their reluctant youngster to sleep.
The calming, rhythmic language and the detailed, textured mixed-media
paintings on wood create a soothing, gentle story sure to inspire sweet
dreams. (Dec.)
WILLEMS, Mo. Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs: As Retold by Mo Willems. illus. by author. HarperCollins/Balzer & Bray. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-210418-2.
PreS-Gr 3–This recasting of the traditional tale features a trio of
hungry-for-human villains, a comically clueless heroine, giant bowls of
ready-to-eat pudding (an essential ingredient for “delicious
chocolate-filled-little-girl bonbons”), and loads of over-the-top humor.
A ferociously funny romp, told with exuberant language and masterfully
mirthful artwork. (Aug.)
WOODSON, Jacqueline. Each Kindness. illus. by E. B. Lewis. Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Bks. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-24652-4.
Gr 2-5–A child learns a painful
lesson when she and her classmates purposefully exclude a new girl and
ignore her overtures of friendship. Rich, impressionistic watercolor
paintings and lyrical, understated text create a moving, bittersweet
story that offers food for thought for youngsters still learning to
navigate their social circles. (Sept.)
Fiction
ANDERSON, Jodi Lynn. Tiger Lily. HarperCollins/HarperTeen. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-200325-6; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-211461-7.
Gr 8-11–Anderson gives voice to
the other woman in Peter Pan’s tale. Tiger Lily, the adopted daughter of
a Sky Eater shaman, is misunderstood and feared by her people. When she
rescues a white man from a shipwreck, her life, and the lives of the
villagers, is forever changed. A reimagining of Neverland, the novel
grapples with a gamut of themes, from colonization and betrayal to first
love and sacrifice. (July)
APPLEGATE, Katherine.The One and Only Ivan. illus. by Patricia Castelao. HarperCollins/Harper. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-199225-4; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-210198-3.
Gr 3-7–A gorilla ekes out a dull,
predictable existence as a roadside attraction until a baby elephant
forces him to see his life as a prison and to envision a way out. A
poignant, quietly powerful tale that sheds light on animal cruelty.
(Jan.)
BRAY, Libba. The Diviners. Little, Brown. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-0-316-12611-3; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-316-21464-3.
Gr 10 Up–This epic series opener
combines the mystery of the occult with the glamour of the 1920s. When
spirited flapper Evie O’Neill moves to New York City, she meets other
people who also have supernatural abilities. The teen becomes involved
in helping her uncle solve a number of gruesome murders, which involve a
dangerous cult and an evil spirit set on destruction. A gripping and
dazzling read. (Sept.)
COATS, J. Anderson. The Wicked and the Just. Houghton Harcourt. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-68837-4; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-68883-1.
Gr 6-9–In 13th-century Wales, a
spoiled English girl is forced to live with people she considers below
her status, particularly Gwinny, whose proud family is now living in
poverty. The hatred between the English and the Welsh is palpable in
this multilayered story about two very different teens learning about
compassion. (May)
DANFORTH, Emily M.The Miseducation of Cameron Post. HarperCollins/Balzer & Bray. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-202056-7; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-210196-9.
Gr 10 Up–In this stunning
coming-of-age debut, Montana teen Cameron Post must come to terms with
her sexuality in the wake of her parents’ deaths. Her brief romance with
her female best friend causes her staunchly religious aunt to send her
to a Christian outreach center to be “cured” of her homosexuality.
Instead, she discovers the strength to choose her own life. (Mar.)
ELLIS, Deborah. My Name Is Parvana. (Breadwinner Series). Groundwood. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-55498-297-4; ebook $14.95. ISBN 978-1-55498-299-8.
Gr 6-10–Found in a bombed-out
Afghan school, 15-year-old Parvana is being held as a suspected
terrorist but refuses to speak to or even acknowledge her American
interrogators. To keep up her spirits and maintain her resolve, she
recalls all that she and her family members have endured during the war.
A compelling and honest look at the physical and emotional toll such a
conflict has on civilians. (June)
FARISH, Terry. The Good Braider. Amazon. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6267-5; ebook $7.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6268-2.
Gr 9 Up–Viola and her family
journey through war-torn Sudan, impoverished Cairo, and finally strange
and alien Portland, Maine, trying to escape the horrors witnessed and
experienced back home. As she crosses borders, the teen must learn to
straddle two cultures, holding on to her Sudanese traditions while
embracing the possibility of a new start. With its vivid imagery and
honest portrayal of the refugees’ struggles, this stirring novel in
verse will haunt readers. (Sept.)
GIDWITZ, Adam. In a Glass Grimmly. Dutton. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-525-42581-6.
Gr 3 Up–Mistreated and
misunderstood, cousins Jack and Jill run away from home and embark on a
do-or-die quest to find a magic mirror and earn their true hearts’
desires. Once again embellishing upon a fairy-tale tapestry, Gidwitz’s
hilarious and hair-raising companion to A Tale Dark & Grimm (Dutton, 2010) features a mélange of malicious villains, gruesome details, and fun-to-root-for heroes. (Oct.)
GREEN, John. The Fault in Our Stars. Dutton. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-525-47881-2.
Gr 9 Up–Given a brief reprieve
from a terminal diagnosis, Hazel, a stalwart teen, has been encouraged
by her parents to embrace her life. When she meets Gus at a Cancer Kid
Support Group, they embark on a poignant, whirlwind romance. Readers
come to know and love these bright, vibrant characters through their
crackling dialogue, gallows humor, and tenuous hopes and dreams. (Feb.)
HARTMAN, Rachel. Seraphina.
Random. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86656-2; PLB $20.99. ISBN
978-0-375-96656-9; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89658-3. LC 2011003015.
Gr 7 Up–In the kingdom of Goredd,
humans and dragons have forged a fragile alliance, with the
super-rational creatures assuming human form to serve as ambassadors and
teachers. Seraphina, a gifted court musician, must hide the truth about
her mixed heritage and call upon all of her abilities to investigate a
royal murder that threatens to undermine a generation of peaceful
accord. Brilliantly realized high fantasy at its fire-breathing best!
(Aug.)
HORVATH, Polly. One Year in Coal Harbor.
Random/Schwartz & Wade Bks. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86970-9; PLB
$19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96970-6; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98536-2.
Gr 5-7–Wise, witty, and loaded with pizzazz, Primrose Squarp of Everything on a Waffle returns
with an update about life in her small Canadian town. She is back with
her mother and father, who had been presumed lost at sea, but her
attachment to her foster parents is as keen as ever. Lonely no more, she
has a best friend at last, and high drama has arrived with loggers and a
plan to clear-cut trees on Mendolay Mountain. Quirky, funny, and
unforgettable. (Aug.)
KINDL, Patrice. Keeping the Castle. Viking. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-670-01438-5.
Gr 7 Up–Young and beautiful
Althea Crawley adroitly navigates the social terrain of Regency England
in order to procure a wealthy husband and save her family home from
ruin. A perceptive and determined heroine, witty banter worthy of Jane
Austen, and a Gothic castle setting make this historical romance at its
finest. (June)
KING, A. S. Ask the Passengers. Little, Brown. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-316-19468-6; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-316-21453-7.
Gr 10 Up–Astrid has so much love
to give, and she pushes it toward the passengers in the airplanes flying
overhead. It’s an exercise far easier to accomplish than sharing her
feelings with her emotionally absent mother, stoned father, and closeted
best friends. Coworker Dee offers the love that Astrid is seeking, but
is pressuring the teen to define herself before she’s ready. King’s
latest is an honest portrayal of how love connects people in
tiny—and–astronomical ways. (Oct.)
LAFEVERS, R. L. Grave Mercy. Houghton Harcourt. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-62834-9; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-82241-9.
Gr 9 Up–Under the tutelage of the
nuns of St. Mortain, former outcast Ismae Rienne, 17, becomes a skilled
assassin. Her abilities, loyalty, and heart are tested when she
receives a mission to infiltrate the Breton high court. The more deeply
she becomes immersed in the intrigue, the more she doubts whom she can
trust. This page-turner has it all: action, suspense, and, of course,
romance. (Apr.)
LEVITHAN, David. Every Day. Knopf. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-307-93188-7; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-97111-2; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-307-97563-8.
Gr 9 Up–Each morning, A inhabits a
different body and has learned not to get too involved in or possessive
of the host’s life. All that changes when the 16-year-old wakes up as a
blowhard teen and falls for the boy’s sweet, but much-maligned
girlfriend. A tender and surreal exploration of identity, personal
responsibility, and love. (Sept.)
LOWRY, Lois.
Son. Houghton Harcourt. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-547-88720-3; ebook $17.99. ISBN 978-0-547-92851-7.
Gr 6 Up–Claire has been the
assigned the role of Birthmother by her seemingly utopian community. But
unlike the other Vessels, she grows attached to her son and will stop
at nothing to be reunited with him when he’s taken from her. This
long-awaited conclusion to “The Giver” quartet traverses different
worlds and dangers and seamlessly ties together the lives of Kira,
Jonas, Gabriel, and Claire. A story of love, endurance, and sacrifice.
(Sept.)
MCCALL, Guadalupe Garcia. Summer of the Mariposas. Lee & Low/Tu. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-1-60060-900-8.
Gr 7-9–A Mexican-American retelling of Homer’s Odyssey,
this novel focuses on the bonds among five sisters who resolve to
return a man’s corpse to his hometown. Odilia the eldest, is guided by
Malintzin–the mythical mother of Mexico–across the Texas border where
the girls encounter legendary creatures, witches, and the stark truth of
their father’s abandonment. Sprinkled with Spanish words and Aztec
traditions, this lyrical tale of magical realism and adventure will
resonate with readers. (Nov.)
MCCORMICK, Patricia. Never Fall Down.
HarperCollins/Balzer & Bray. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-173093-1;
ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-211442-6; PLB $18.89. ISBN 978-0-06-173094-8.
Gr 8 Up–In Cambodia in 1975, an
11-year-old ‘s life takes a nightmarish turn when Khmer Rouge soldiers
march the people to the countryside, where they are made to grow rice.
Soon separated from his family, Arn manages to stay alive amid
brainwashing, starvation, and wholesale killing by suppressing his
emotions and learning to play an instrument. This unforgettable and
devastating survival story is based on the experiences of human-rights
activist Arn Chorn-Pond. (May)
MARTÍNEZ, Andrés Vera & Na Liu.
Little White Duck.
illus. by Andrés Vera Martínez. Lerner/Graphic Universe. RTE $29.27
ISBN 978-0-7613-6587-7; pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-8115-0; ebook $21.95
ISBN 978-0-7613-7963-8.
Gr 4 Up–This captivating graphic
memoir includes several vignettes about Liu and her little sister
growing up in Wuhan, China, following the death of Chairman Mao in 1976.
Child-focused episodes and engaging, varied artwork incorporate
traditional symbols and cultural details with the realities of modern
urbanized life. A perfect blend of pictures and narrative. (Sept.)
MATSON, Morgan. Second Chance Summer. S & S. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-9067-3; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4391-5752-7.
Gr 8 Up–After Taylor Edwards, 17,
learns that her father has terminal cancer, she and her family head to
their lake house in the Poconos for a final summer together. Once there,
Taylor grows closer to her siblings, rekindles relationships with an
ex-friend and her first love, and prepares for the day she’ll have to
say goodbye to her staunchest champion. A moving novel with heart and
depth. (May)
NELSON, Vaunda Micheaux. No Crystal Stair: A Novel in Documents, Based on the Life and Work of Lewis Michaux, Harlem Bookseller. illus. by R. Gregory Christie. Carolrhoda Lab. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-6169-5; ebook $12.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-8727-5.
Gr 7 Up–Michaux was street smart
and book-learned and nobody could dissuade him when he decided to open a
bookshop in Harlem in the 1930s. Nelson chronicles the life of her
legendary great-uncle through the voices of characters both real and
imagined, while the illustrations and photos complete the portrait of
this unfettered, feisty icon of African American intellectual life.
(Feb.)
O’CONNOR, Barbara. On the Road to Mr. Mineo’s. Farrar/Frances Foster. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-374-38002-1; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-374-35656-9.
Gr 3-6–Mr. Mineo’s one-legged
pigeon flits about a small, Southern town, landing on a garage roof,
rafters, and a kid’s head instead of returning home. This rapscallion
brings consternation to its owner and adventure and purpose to young
Stella, who longs for a pet. How the elusive bird evades capture over a
week’s time makes for a suspenseful, tenderhearted tale. (Nov.)
OLIVER, Lauren. The Spindlers. illus. by Iacopo Bruno. HarperCollins/Harper. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-197808-1; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-219025-3.
Gr 4-6–Liza’s little brother has
always been slightly annoying, but when she wakes up one morning to find
him a sulky, soulless shell, the spunky heroine bravely sets off to
rescue him. She encounters a host of characters, including a lovably
flamboyant talking rat and the evil Queen of the Spindlers, spiderlike
creatures that strike fear in all underground dwellers. This
pitch-perfect middle-grade fantasy will strike a chord in adventurers’
hearts. (Sept.)
PALACIO, R. J. Wonder. Knopf. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86902-0; PLB $18.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96902-7; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89988-1.
Gr 4-7–It’s always hard being the
new kid, but 10-year-old Auggie has severe facial deformities that make
his transition from homeschooling to a fifth-grade classroom
particularly trying. Palacio tells the boy’s story from a number of
perspectives (including his sister’s and friends’), and readers will
root for him as he experiences cruelty and kindness and makes friends.
(Feb.)
ROSSI, Veronica. Under the Never Sky. HarperCollins/Harper. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-207203-0; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-207205-4.
Gr 7 Up–Aria has lived inside the domed-city of Reverie with her geneticist mother all of her life–until
she’s cast out by its security chief for daring to speak against his
unstable son. Perry is the Outsider who saves her in a world filled with
energy storms, tribes of roving cannibals, and starvation. Despite
their differences, the teens learn to rely on each other, and fall in
love. Rossi’s debut crackles with powerful dialogue, fast-paced
intrigue, and gasp-inducing drama. (Mar.)
SÁENZ, Benjamin Alire. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. S & S. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0892-0; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0894-4.
Gr 9 Up–Ari is a solemn, angry
Mexican American teen. A loner by choice, he remains enshrouded in his
family’s tragic past and silent ways until Dante offers to teach him how
to swim. The boys become fast friends, bonding on an intellectual and
emotional level. This is a gorgeously written, deeply satisfying
coming-of-age novel about identity, soulful secrets, and opening oneself
to the possibility of love. (Feb.)
SCHLITZ, Laura Amy. Splendors and Glooms. Candlewick. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5380-4; ebook $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6246-2.
Gr 4-8–Orphans Lizzie Rose and
Parsefall befriend lonely, wealthy Clara after they perform with the
conniving master puppeteer Gaspare Grisini at her 12th birthday party.
When Clara disappears soon after, Lizzie and Parsefall must outwit the
evil Grisini, face a witch, and come to understand the dark powers of
the magical fire opal in order to save their friend and themselves. A
rich, evocative Victorian fantasy. (Aug.)
SNICKET, Lemony. Who Could That Be at This Hour? Bk. 1. illus. by Seth. (All the Wrong Questions Series). Little, Brown. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-316-12308-2.
Gr 4-7–Young
Lemony Snicket’s mysterious apprenticeship to a secret organization will
hook readers, who will appreciate the 13-year-old’s obvious superiority
over his clueless mentor and be searching for hints to the overarching
mystery within the text and Seth’s fitting illustrations. A playful
noir-esque tone aligns perfectly with the colorful cast of characters
that populates the waning, sea-less town of Stain’d by the Sea. (Dec.)
STEAD, Rebecca. Liar & Spy.
Random/Wendy Lamb. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-385-73743-2; PLB $18.99. ISBN
978-0-385-90665-4; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89953-9.
Gr 5-8–Bullied at school, reeling
from changes in his family, and adjusting to a new apartment,
seventh-grader Georges hopes that he’s found a kindred spirit in Safer, a
12-year-old loner who wants his help spying on a suspicious neighbor.
Then their efforts become increasingly daring, and Georges feels pushed
to the boundaries of friendship. Filled with memorable characters,
authentic humor and heartache, and thought-provoking dilemmas. (Sept.)
STIEFVATER, Maggie.
The Raven Boys. Bk. 1. Scholastic. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-42492-9; ebook $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-46979-1.
Gr 8 Up–Blue Sargent is the only
one in her household of women without psychic abilities. However, when
she becomes involved in a quest with four students from Aglionby Academy
to locate a ley line in her rural Virginia community and awaken a
legendary “sleeping” Welsh king, she learns about her unique talents.
Stiefvater spins an engrossing tale of suspense, mystery, magic, and
romance. (Oct.)
WEIN, Elizabeth. Code Name Verity. Hyperion/Disney. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-5219-4; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-5325-2.
Gr 9 Up–Scots-born Julie
Beaufort-Stuart, aka Verity, is being held captive in France and
interrogated by the Gestapo. Her only chance of survival is to record
her story, come clean about her mission, and give up classified codes.
All the while, her best friend Maddie, the pilot who flew her behind
enemy lines, risks everything to try to save her. A taut espionage
thriller and a heartrending tale of friendship. (July)
Nonfiction
ASIM, Jabari.Fifty Cents and a Dream: Young Booker T. Washington. illus. by Bryan Collier. Little, Brown. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-316-08657-8.
Gr 2-4–Born into slavery, toiling
in a West Virginia coal mine after emancipation, always scrimping and
saving, and steadfastly passionate about learning, 16-year-old
Washington walked 500 miles to pursue an education. A poetic narrative
and luminous collage artwork tell the story of this inspiring American.
(Oct.)
BISHOP, Nic. Nic Bishop Snakes. photos by author. Scholastic. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-20638-9.
Gr 3-5–These “strange, secretive, and surprising”
predators are introduced via stunning up-close photos that showcase
their physical characteristics and behaviors and their breathtaking
beauty. Accessible and engaging, the text enhances the crystalline
images with a plethora of awesome facts. (Oct.)
CHIN, Jason. Island: A Story of the Galápagos. illus. by author. Roaring Brook/Neal Porter. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-716-6.
Gr 3-6–Harking back to its lava-spewing birth
six-million years ago, Chin recounts the “life” of a volcanic island,
chronicling the arrival of plants and animals, eons of gradual climate
change, the evolution of endemic species, and its eventual sinking below
the waves. Realistic, color-drenched artwork and an absorbing text
imbue this island’s natural history with clarity and drama. (Aug.)
CLOSE, Chuck. Chuck Close: Face Book. illus. by author. Abrams. RTE $18.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0163-4.
Gr 4-8–The heart of this inventive autobiography is a
series of 14 self-portraits by Close (who has a condition that makes it
difficult for him to remember faces), in various mediums and styles.
Pages are divided into thirds that can be manipulated in any number of
ways. Questions posed by fifth graders about the artist, his work, and
his methods, and Close’s candid responses (“Art really saved my life”),
conclude this stunning volume. (June)
DECRISTOFANO, Carolyn Cinami. A Black Hole Is NOT a Hole. illus. by Michael Carroll. Charlesbridge. RTE $18.95. ISBN 978-1-57091-783-7; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-60734-073-7.
Gr 5-7–Trillions upon trillions of miles beyond our
solar system lie zones with a gravitational pull so strong that nothing
can escape them, including light. In short chapters, supported by lucid
definitions, sure analogies, and heaps of helpful illustrations, the
author explains a complex phenomenon that has confounded many a student.
(Apr.)
DEEM, James M. Faces from the Past: Forgotten People of North America. Houghton Harcourt. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-0-547-37024-8.
Gr 5 Up–From 10,500-year-old mummified remains found in
Nevada’s Spirit Cave to buried Chinese miners in Wyoming (1881), Deem
considers the fates of often-unknown individuals and the information
that their remains has yielded about them and the times in which they
lived. Instructive black-and-white photos document the painstaking work
of forensic specialists, and the repatriation efforts to honor these
men, women, and children. (Dec.)
FERN, Tracey. Barnum’s Bones: How Barnum Brown Discovered the Most Famous Dinosaur in the World. illus. by Boris Kulikov. Farrar/Margaret Ferguson. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-374-30516-1.
Gr 3-5–They said he was able to sniff out fossils, but
it took years of traipsing around the Montana badlands before this
adventurous bone collector associated with the American Museum of
Natural History unearthed his greatest find–a new species called Tyrannosaurus rex. Pen-and-watercolor artwork filled with unusual perspectives and fanciful vignettes adds humor to the mix. (June)
FREEDMAN, Russell. Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: The Story Behind an American Friendship. Clarion. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-0-547-38562-4.
Gr 5-10–In alternating chapters,
readers meet these national heroes in their youth, travel with them as
they mature into potent political figures, and witness their eventual,
long-anticipated encounter at the White House. In lucid prose
accompanied by archival photos, Freedman shines a light on some of the
complex issues facing our nation during the 19th century and two of the
men who embodied them. (May)
HOOSE, Phillip. Moonbird: A Year on the Wind with the Great Survivor B95. Farrar. Tr $21.99. ISBN 978-0-374-30468-3.
Gr 6 Up–Hoose chronicles the travels of one particularly stalwart rufa red
knot, the efforts of scientists to map and protect stopover sites along
his circuitous route from the Canadian Arctic and Tierra del Fuego, and
the commitment of average citizens trying to ensure the survival of
shorebirds. Captivating photographs and maps help to introduce young
people to this fearless flyer’s sweeping and dynamic story. (Oct.)
JENKINS, Steve. The Beetle Book. illus. by author. Houghton Harcourt. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-68084-2.
Gr 4-7–“Line up every kind of plant and animal on
Earth…and one of every four will be a beetle.” Depicting a sampling of
astonishingly diverse species of Coleoptera with both realism and
artistry, Jenkins’s exquisitely illustrated, vividly written,
fact-filled overview will mesmerize budding naturalists. (Apr.)
KALMAN, Maira. Looking at Lincoln. illus. by author. Penguin/ Nancy Paulsen Bks. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-399-24039-3.
Gr 2-5–He loved his family, his
dog Fido, vanilla cake, truth and justice, and his country. But he
despised slavery, and when he was able to do something about it, he did.
A poignant text and bold paintings awash in bright pinks, greens, and
blues, illuminate the life of America’s beloved 16th president. (Jan.)
KING, Martin Luther, Jr. I Have a Dream. illus. by Kadir Nelson. w/CD. Random/Schwartz & Wade. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-0-375-85887-1; PLB $21.99. ISBN 978-0-375-95887-8; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98772-4.
Gr 2 Up–An excerpt from this iconic speech is
gloriously illustrated with regally composed oil paintings. Still
eloquent and relevant, Dr. King’s words are interpreted through
close-ups of the speaker, expansive overviews of the 1963 gathering
before the Lincoln Monument, and affecting portrayals of handholding
harmony. (Nov.)
LEVINSON, Cynthia. We’ve Got a Job: The 1963 Birmingham Children’s March. Peachtree. Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-1-56145-627-7.
Gr 7 Up–A dramatic account of the thousands of children
and teens who marched down the streets and into the jails of racially
charged Birmingham, Alabama, in May 1963. Focusing on four of the
protestors, the in-depth interviews, extensive source notes, and
powerful photos tell the inspirational story of young citizens willing
to sacrifice their freedom for their basic rights. (May)
NELSON , S. D., retel. Buffalo Bird Girl: A Hidatsa Story. illus. by reteller. Abrams. RTE $19.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0355-3.
Gr 3-6–This graceful retelling is based on stories a
Native American woman told about her 1830s childhood in Like-a-Fishhook
Village, a farming community overlooking the Missouri River. Luminous
paintings, delicate drawings, and archival photographs embellish the
accessible narrative. (Nov.)
NIVOLA, Claire A. Life in the Ocean: The Story of Oceanographer Sylvia Earle. illus. by author. Farrar/Frances Foster Bks. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-374-38068-7.
Gr 1-5–By age 12, Earle, already a
naturalist, “lost her heart to the ocean.” In fluid prose, Nivola
immerses readers into the watery world in which the marine biologist and
spokesperson spent much of her long and illustrious career. Artwork
bathed in blue tones offers a peek at this vast biome, brimming with
colorful life-forms large and small. (Feb.)
RUSCH, Elizabeth. The Mighty Mars Rovers: The Incredible Adventures of Spirit and Opportunity. (Scientists in the Field Series). Houghton Harcourt. RTE $18.99. ISBN 978-0-547-47881-4.
Gr 7-9–When two small robots successfully landed on
Mars in 2003, NASA personnel celebrated–and then hoped–that they would
be able to retrieve at least three months of data and images from the
machines. Enduring dust storms, mechanical failures, deep craters,
frigid temperatures, the intrepid duo has, to date, supplied scientists
nine-plus years of information. A thrilling story, profusely
illustrated. (July)
SANDLER, Martin W. The Impossible Rescue: The True Story of an Amazing Arctic Adventure. Candlewick. RTE $22.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5080-3.
Gr 5 Up–In an 1897
mission, plagued by blizzards and the pressure of time, the Overland
Relief Expedition set out on a harrowing, thousand-mile-plus trek for
Point Barrow, in northern Alaska, to save some 300 crew and eight
icebound whaling ships. Supported by lengthy, primary-source quotations
and a wealth of archival photographs, this “celebration of the human
spirit” places readers at the center of an extraordinary undertaking.
(Sept.)
SHEINKIN, Steve. Bomb: The Race to Build–and Steal–the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon. Roaring Brook/Neal Porter. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-487-5; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-861-3.
Gr 5 Up–The scientists were recruited; the site was
selected; and as World War II was gaining momentum, the United States
embarked on the development of what was euphemistically called “the
gadget.” Chock-full of extensive quotes–from spies for the allies and
the enemies alike–this thrilling, suspenseful narrative is filled with
historical detail and unrelenting intrigue. (Oct.)
TOUGAS, Shelley. Little Rock Girl 1957: How a Photograph Changed the Fight for Integration. (Captured History Series). Compass Point. PLB $33.99. ISBN 978-0-7565-4440-9; pap. $8.95. ISBN 978-0-7565-4512-3.
Gr 5-9–The role
of the media as an impetus to social action is as timely a topic today
as it was 55 years ago when a photograph of a scene outside an Arkansas
school shocked the world. Striking black-and-white images document this
defining event, while quotes by those present bring the tumultuous era
and fight for integration into sharp focus. (Jan.)
WALKER, Sally M. & Douglas W. Owsley. Their Skeletons Speak: Kennewick Man and the Paleoamerican World. Carolrhoda. RTE $22.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-7457-2; ebook $17.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-0001-6.
Gr 8 Up–A
startling discovery in 1996 of ancient remains provided scientists with
clues about Paleoamerican culture. Engrossing color photos and a
fascinating, layered text take readers onsite and into laboratories as
archaeologists, anthropologists, and geologists sift through evidence,
construct theories, and reexamine them in the light of new information.
(Oct.)
Art
and geometry come together with these merry monster bookmarks. All you
need is some sturdy paper, scissors, glue, and your students’
imaginations. Find easy, step-by-step instructions for this and other
unique and fun paper crafts at scholastic.com/kidscissors.
What
makes students feel brave, or curious, or wise? Give them prompts like
“I feel curious when . . .” and prepare to be amazed at what they
write—and later share with their classmates. To start, download our free
templates. After kids have written on them, help put them together with
just a few folds and some cellophane tape. 
