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1. DAIRY
QUEEN: A Novel
By Catherine Gilbert Murdock
"Are you ready for a refreshing, funny, and upbeat look at a 15-year-old
girl's unforgettable summer? D.J. Schwenk can play football, milk cows,
flunk English, and still like herself. A feel-good young adult novel --
and it's about time! --Karen Briggs, Great Northern Books and Hobbies,
Oscoda, MI
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2. A BRIEF CHAPTER IN MY IMPOSSIBLE LIFE
By Dana Reinhardt
"Sixteen-year-old Simone really does seem to have a nice, normal life.
However, when her birth mother wants to squeeze in and get to know her
only daughter, she doesn't think that there's any room. A change of heart
changes her life as she gets to know more about her biological family
and more about what the meaning of being a 'family' really is. --Becca
Jones, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Lyndhurst, OH
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3. THE BOOK THIEF
By Markus Zusak
"This book is truly an original. As Death narrates this sorrowful tale,
told from the perspective of Liesel Meminger, a foster child living outside
Munich during World War II, Zusak somehow manages to make you ache and
amuse you at the same time. An amazing book that you must read. Liesel
will surely be with you for life. --Beth Reynolds, Norwich Bookstore,
Norwich, VT
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4. THE WRIGHT 3
By Blue Balliett
"The Chicago-based trio of middle school sleuths from Chasing Vermeer
have another puzzle on their hands. This case involves a challenged
art restoration project -- Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House -- and, complicating
their efforts to save the house from demolition, the children's own friendship
is strained to the breaking point. The illustrations by Brett Helquist
are interactive with the story and add to the book's appeal. --Dianne
Patrick, Snowbound Books, Marquette, MI
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5. JUST LISTEN
By Sarah Dessen
"This is the charming, thought-provoking, and thoroughly engaging tale
of Annabel Greene, a teenager caught in the middle -- between her parents
and her sisters, between people she thought were her friends, and between
finding out who she is and who other people want her to be. When she gets
to know Owen Armstrong, a loner who is obsessed with music -- and with
telling the truth -- she starts learning to deal with the issues in her
life. --Carol Schneck, Schuler Books & Music, Okemos, MI
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6. FLY BY NIGHT
By Frances Hardinge
"A spellbinding adventure of a young girl who crosses paths with spies,
smugglers, and secret societies. This is a must-read for everyone who
loves the written word. --Amanda Parker, J.W. Beecroft Books & Coffee,
Superior, WI
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7. AMAZING LEONARDO DA VINCI INVENTIONS YOU CAN BUILD YOURSELF
By Maxine Anderson
"This hands-on book will be a marvelous introduction to the complex artist
and inventor who defined the Renaissance. It includes clear directions
and accompanying illustrations showing how to build your own camera obscura,
ornithopter, and armored tank, as well as basic lessons in several art
skills. --Bev Denor, LaDeDa Books, Manitowoc, WI
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8. THE
SEA OF MONSTERS: Percy Jackson & the Olympians, Book Two
By Rick Riordan
"The sequel to last year's smash, The Lightning Thief, sees the
return of boy hero Percy Jackson, and, like Odysseus, Percy must deal
with a cyclops, shipwrecks, and villains trying to steal what's his. Enormously
satisfying and ridiculously well written. --Sarah Todd, Children's
Book World, Haverford, PA
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9. WHILE ANGELS WATCH
By Marni McGee and Tina Macnaughton
"This is a magnificent story of springtime. Every page is dappled with
the silvery dust of angel wings as the angels teach dolphins to swim,
spiders to spin, roosters to crow, and owls to fly. What a beautiful way
to teach children that they will be protected! --Diane Van Tassell,
Bay Books, San Ramon, CA
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10. WEEDFLOWER
By Cynthia Kadohata
"Cynthia Kadohata, Newbery Medal-winning author of Kira-Kira, wends her
way gracefully and lyrically through the ugly landscape of U.S. internment
of Japanese-Americans during World War II. Going beyond a simple retelling
of a shameful time in our country's history, this is a must-read for intermediate
readers and devotees of historical fiction. --Nooy Bunnell, Porter
Square Books, Cambridge, MA
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AN
EGG IS QUIET
By Dianna Aston and Sylvia Long
"This is a jewel of a picture book, combining simple yet informative text
and awe-inspiring, exquisitely detailed illustrations, which celebrate
the infinite varieties and wonders of the 'humble' egg. This has my vote
for next year's Caldecott Medal. --Barb Bassett, The Red Balloon Bookshop,
Saint Paul, MN
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BATS
AT THE BEACH
By Brian Lies
"There is something just weird enough about this book that I find it immensely
appealing. Brian Lies makes his bats cuter than they are creepy, and more
fun than funky. This is definitely a fun family read for the beach or
vacation cabin. --Lorna Ruby, Wellesley Booksmith, Wellesley, MA
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BUSY
IN THE GARDEN
By George Shannon, Sam Williams (Illus.)
"George Shannon's latest is full of sly poems with rollicking rhythm (and
terrific illustrations by Sam Williams). This one begs to be read aloud.
--Mary Gleysteen, Eagle Harbor Book Company, Bainbridge Island, WA
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DON'T
LET THE PIGEON STAY UP LATE!
By Mo Willems
"Nothing makes me happier to present at our Story Hour than another Mo
Willems Pigeon story! The range of read-aloud vocal expressions is enormous,
and the pigeon's familiar wheedling makes adults and children alike laugh
with abandon. --Caitlin Doggart, Where the Sidewalk Ends, Chatham,
MA
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FANCY
NANCY
By Jane O'Connor, Robin Preiss Glasser (Illus.)
"Hold on to your rhinestone-studded tiaras! Make way as Nancy sashays
into your life. You'd think her family would have similar personalities,
but they are just the opposite. What's a diva to do? Nancy resolves to
take them to 'school' on the art of fine living, and she accomplishes
her goal with style. --Diana Carroll, Quail Ridge Books & Music, Raleigh,
NC
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HIT
THE BALL, DUCK
By Jez Alborough
"Duck again manages to get into trouble, but with the help of his friends
working together he solves his problem. A good laugh for picture book
lovers and early readers. --Janet Bibeau, Storybook Cove, Hanover,
MA
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HOW
THE MOON REGAINED HER SHAPE
By Janet Ruth Heller, Ben Hodson (Illus.)
"This imaginative telling of a Native American tale on why the moon changes
her shape couples with the scientific explanations and illustrations in
the back of the book to teach some basic astronomy about the earth's nearest
neighbor. --Bob Spear, The Book Barn, Leavenworth, KS
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HUSH
LITTLE DIGGER
By Ellen Olson-Brown, Lee White (Illus.)
"A fun remake of the classic song 'Hush Little Baby.' Papa sings
a song to his son using all kinds of machines, such as a dump truck, asphalt
spreader, and concrete grinder. This book will spark a lot of discussion,
and, then, you can go on your own search for machines. --Julie Gaston,
Butterfly Books, De Pere, WI
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JOHN,
PAUL, GEORGE & BEN
By Lane Smith
"Such wild little boys -- who became the Fathers of their Country!
John, Paul, George & Ben will bring a smile to adults, too, as they
follow this outrageous 'history.' Young readers won't forget the personal
take on four Revolutionary leaders. --Becky Milner, Vintage Books,
Vancouver, WA
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KELLY
OF HAZEL RIDGE
By Robbyn Smith van Frankenhuyzen, Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen (Illus.)
"What makes home 'special'? Kelly spends an afternoon wandering the family
farm, thinking of the history, the animals, and what her family does to
nurture the place she calls home. This is a charming illustrated tale.
--Becky Milner, Vintage Books, Vancouver, WA
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LILLY'S
BIG DAY
By Kevin Henkes
"Lilly's trip down the aisle is so much fun, and sooo 'Lilly'! For any
would-be flower girl, this book is sure to bring a smile and a skip. --Candy
Pearson, Apple Blossom Books, Oshkosh, WI
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MY
FATHER THE DOG
By Elizabeth Bluemle, Randy Cecil (Illus.)
"A hilarious comparison of dad and a dog -- wow, what a resemblance! You
can't help chuckling when you read this one. --Janet Bibeau, Storybook
Cove, Hanover, MA
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THE
NIGHT PIRATES
By Peter Harris and Deborah Allwright
"This is the story of a night of adventure for Tom, a nice little boy,
who is about to meet a band of rough, tough, girl pirates. Be ready for
a funny surprise ending. --Ellen Davis, Dragonwings Bookstore, Waupaca,
WI
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ONE,
TWO, THREE, ME
By Jeremy Fitzkee and Nadia Budde
"I love this new rhyming book. It's one to show everyone you know -- the
perfect book, with quirky, fun art. --Lorna Ruby, Wellesley Booksmith,
Wellesley, MA
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OWEN
& MZEE: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship
By Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff, and Dr. Paula Kahumbu; photos by Peter
Greste
"Be amazed with this fascinating and heartwarming true story from Kenya
of two tsunami survivors, a baby hippo who is befriended by a 130-year-old
tortoise. Exclusive full-color photographs document the drama, and readers
of all ages will be inspired by this reminder that in the shadow of tragedy
the power of friendship shines! --Linda Trester, Butterfly Books, De
Pere, WI
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RAISING
YOU ALONE
By Warren Hanson
"This touching and heartwarming book explains that even though children
may not have both a mommy and a daddy to raise them, they are still loved
just as much, and that they will always be cared for and loved. --Julie
Kerop, The Turning Page, Old Lyme, CT
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ROASTED
PEANUTS
By Tim Egan
"Jackson and Sam are baseball buddies. However, only Sam makes the team,
while Jackson becomes a peanut seller. But it's only with Jackson's help
that Sam lives up to his reputation. --Janet Bibeau, Storybook Cove,
Hanover, MA
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RUSSELL
AND THE LOST TREASURE
By Rob Scotton
"Here comes Russell the Sheep for another whimsical adventure! Revel in
the unusual story and fanciful illustrations -- just looking at this silly
old sheep makes me laugh. Kids adore Russell! --Myra Poe, Harry W.
Schwartz Bookshop, Milwaukee, WI
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SCAREDY
SQUIRREL
By Mélanie Watt
"What's a squirrel to do when he's scared of everything? This lighthearted
story is perfect for worriers of all ages, as well as for people striking
out on their own for the first time. (The innovative format includes a
pros and cons list, a top secret exit plan, and the contents of Scaredy
Squirrel's emergency kit.) --Dana Harper, Brystone Children's Books,
Fort Worth, TX
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THE
SOUND OF COLORS: A Journey of the Imagination
By Jimmy Liao
"Jimmy Liao has written and illustrated a hopeful, empowering story about
a young girl who has lost her vision. One day, when she ventures into
the subway, she takes us on her quest to explore some difficult questions:
What do we find beneath the surface? Where is home? When does my journey
end? This story reminds us to appreciate our senses, those we depend on
and those we've forgotten to use. --Jessica Deutsch, Wild Rumpus, Minneapolis,
MN
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SUPER
FLY GUY
By Tedd Arnold
"Tedd Arnold's cartoon-like art, irreverent humor, and accessible first
reader vocabulary make this a winner, particularly for boys with a budding
sense of slapstick who need a confidence boost for their newly acquired
reading skills. --Jody Fickes Shapiro, Adventures for Kids, Ventura,
CA
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TREE-RING
CIRCUS
By Adam Rex
"A beautifully detailed, tremendously silly, cumulative story about a
tree that becomes home to three chipmunks, two sparrows, a whopping big
bee, and (most of) a circus. The illustrations are a riot and echo classic
pictures of an earlier era in a wonderful (old) new way. --Erik Hemming,
The University Book Store, Madison, WI
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THE
TORTOISE AND THE HARE RACE AGAIN
By Dan Bernstein, Andrew Glass (Illus.)
"Lively illustrations accompany this hilarious, pun-filled story of the
rematch race between the tortoise and the hare. Wry, contemporary references
are sprinkled liberally throughout this follow-up to Aesop's original
fable. Children with a sense of humor will get the message that winning
isn't everything, even for the winner. --Nancy Reinhart, Butterfly
Books, De Pere, WI
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WILL AND SQUILL
By Emma Chichester Clark
"This is an adorable picture book about friendship and jealousy, which
seem to go hand in hand sometimes. Will and Squill share lots of things,
but not the new kitten that comes into Will's life. Cute illustrations,
fun text, and a happy ending make this a great read-aloud. --Kim Soyka,
Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY
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THE WORLD'S GREATEST ELEPHANT
By Ralph Helfer, Ted Lewin (Illus.)
"I have to tell you that The Greatest Elephant in the World is
now the greatest storytime book I have read. This story of a boy and his
lifelong friendship with an elephant is full of action, heart, villains,
heroes, choices, and conviction. --Leslie Reiner, Inkwood Books, Tampa,
FL
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YELLOW
ELEPHANT: A Bright Bestiary
By Julie Larios, Julie Paschkis (Illus.)
"Color and sound create mood and imagery in this book of animal-themed
original poems." --Rondi Brower, Blackwood & Brouwer, Kinderhook, NY
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A FROG THING
By Eric Drachman, James Muscarello (Illus.)
"This is a truly enjoyable tale of Frankie the Frog, who wants to fly
and who finds a way, by accident, to do just that. The illustrations are
soft and beautiful. --Brenda Spratt, Books on First, Dixon, IL
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THE
AMAZING STORY OF ADOLPHUS TIPS
By Michael Morpurgo, Michael Foreman (Illus.)
"This is a wonderful story of a 12-year-old girl and her cat in a bucolic
English village that becomes the training ground for American soldiers
preparing for the D-Day landing. With insight into a variety of characters,
Morpurgo's story is sad and happy, with a bit of a surprise ending. Don't
miss this one. --Candace Moreno, San Marino Toy & Book Shoppe, San
Marino, CA
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ARCHER'S
QUEST
By Linda Sue Park
"Adventure, suspense, time travel, Korean history, tigers, archery, and
a very likable boy named Kevin come together in this funny and suspenseful
story. --Rondi Brower, Blackwood & Brouwer, Kinderhook, NY
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ARK
ANGEL: An Alex Rider Adventure
By Anthony Horowitz
"Anthony Horowitz has crafted more nail-biting thrills for spy fans too
young for Ian Fleming, featuring the intrepid (and sometimes reluctant)
teenage agent, Alex Rider. Ark Angel sets a recuperating Alex up
against a gang of eco-terrorists, and perhaps an even more sinister adversary.
--Rosemary Pugliese, Quail Ridge Books & Music, Raleigh, NC
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BELLA
AT MIDNIGHT
By Diane Stanley, Bagram Ibatoulline (Illus.)
"An inspiring Cinderella story reimagined. Bella, a knight's daughter,
whose mother dies at childbirth, is raised by common folks. The local
Prince becomes her best friend, and, even though he ignores her in front
of his friends, Bella comes to his rescue. A heartwarming tale of true
friendship for both children and adults. --Karen Briggs, Great Northern
Books and Hobbies, Oscoda, MI
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THE
BOOK OF EVERYTHING
By Guus Kuijer
"Nine-year-old visionary Thomas is the narrator of this remarkable novel,
the child of a father who is a religious zealot filled with fear, a fear
he translates into the physical discipline of his wife, feisty teenage
daughter, and Thomas. When Thomas becomes friends with a next-door neighbor
(reputed to be a 'witch'), he begins to chip away at the father's anger
until it can no longer imprison anyone but the father himself. This novel
will be enjoyed by those ages 15 and up. --Carol Chittenden, Eight
Cousins, Falmouth, MA
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THE
BOOK OF STORY BEGINNINGS
By Kristin Kladstrup
"In this fabulous debut, reality and fantasy are perfectly balanced, blurring
the line between what is real and what is make-believe. Oscar Martin was
14 when he magically disappeared from his Iowa farmhouse. Nearly a century
later, Lucy Martin is determined to find out what happened to him. This
is a page-turner that is sure thrill all who dare to read it. --Lauren
Lanza, Square Books, Oxford, MS
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THE
CLUE OF THE LINOLEUM LEDERHOSEN: M. T. Anderson's Thrilling Tales
By M. T. Anderson, Kurt Cyrus (Illus.)
"Oh, joy! Another absurd, inventive, hilarious, spoof mystery-adventure
from the inimitable M.T. Anderson. This one takes readers to a mountain
summer lodge, which just happens to be hosting kids from other detective
series. Echoes of Nancy Drew, Tom Swift, and other sleuths of past eras
amuse adult readers, while kids will be laughing out loud at curious characters.
--Elizabeth Bluemle, Flying Pig Children's Books, Charlotte, VT
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THE
CURSE OF THE BOLOGNA SANDWICH: Melvin Beederman, Superhero
By Greg Trine, Rhode Montijo (Illus.)
"There's a new kid superhero, plucked from an orphanage and trained to
'never say no to a cry for help.' Melvin Beederman has graduated at the
top of his class, in spite of not being able to leap tall buildings in
a single bound (it takes him a few tries to get it right) and not quite
mastering x-ray vision (the underwear thing). Trine's fast-paced, humorous
new series will capture the hearts of bright new readers. --Jody Fickes
Shapiro, Adventures for Kids, Ventura, CA
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THE
DOOR TO TIME
By Ulysses Moore
"This story about a set of twins and their friend trying to unravel the
secrets of Ulysses Moore, the previous occupant of ancient Argo Manor,
is sure to ignite the imagination of some young reader -- and perhaps
a few older readers as well. --Carrie Fitts, Horton's Books & Gifts,
Carrollton, GA
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EL
LECTOR
By William Durbin
"A 'people's history' for young readers in the vein of Howard Zinn! This
is a stirring coming-of-age story set among the cigar workers in the 1930s
Cuban-American community in Tampa, Florida. --Carol Christensen, Hamish
& Henry Booksellers, Livingston Manor, NY
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THE
FAIRIES OF NUTFOLK WOOD
By Barb Bentler Ullman
"This gentle, charming tale of Willa and her mom trying to put their lives
back together after divorce is surprising and fresh. Neighbor Hazel Wicket
shares her stories about the Nutfolk, her pies, and the ability to believe!
Realistic fiction with the kind of fantasy that makes readers want to
believe, too. --Margaret Brennan Neville, The King's English, Salt
Lake City, UT
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FLYTE:
Septimus Heap, Book Two
By Angie Sage, Mark Zug (Illus.)
"The fun and exciting second book in the series, as Septimus Heap is now
apprentice to Extra Ordinary Wizard Marcia Overstrand. Lots of new Magyk
and adventure abound. --Kelly Peroni, High Sierra Books, Portola, CA
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GEORGIE'S
MOON
By Chris Woodworth
"Seventh-grader Georgie Collins seems angry at the world. She's moved
to a new town with her mom and must yet again attend a new school and
make new friends. She must also cope with those who are opposed to the
war in Vietnam, where her father is serving. A moving and unforgettable
story. --Tish Gayle, The Blue Marble Bookstore, Fort Thomas, KY
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GRIS
GRIMLY'S WICKED NURSERY RHYMES II
By Gris Grimly
"Quirky, tongue-in-cheek sinister, and sly, this is a good book for kids
who like their books to surprise them. This is not your mother's sweet
nursery rhyme book, but one with a hip, highly visual style, which Grimly's
fans will appreciate. --Maureen Palacios, Once Upon a Time, Montrose,
CA
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HALF-MOON
INVESTIGATIONS
By Eoin Colfer
"This story of Fletcher Moon, an online graduate of a private detective
academy in Washington, D.C., is a great read for children and adults alike.
A fun adventure for the mystery lover. --Rosalind Schumann, Maria's
Bookshop, Durango, CO
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HEAT
By Mike Lupica
"Michael Arroyo's father was the first to tell him he had a great pitching
arm and to share a dream that he could make it to the Little League World
Series. But now things off the field have changed, and all Michael knows
is that the place where he feels most at home is on the mound. A wonderful
story about going after your dream. Not just for baseball fans. --Lisa
Fabiano, Hearts & Stars Bookshop, Canton, MA
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JUMPING
THE SCRATCH
By Sarah Weeks
"After getting hit in the head, Jamie's Aunt Sapphy has amnesia. While
everyone is trying to help Sapphy remember, Jamie has something he's desperate
to forget. Sarah Weeks treats the subject of abuse in this middle grade
novel with gentleness and tact. Jamie and his family and friends will
settle into your thoughts and not easily leave. --Beth Puffer, Bank
Street Bookstore, New York, NY
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THE
KING OF ATTOLIA
By Megan Whalen Turner
"Turner's The Thief is a Newbery Honor book, and this sequel continues
the story of Gen, the thief of Eddis, who is now king. Intrigue abounds,
loyalties are tested, love is in hiding, swords are flying. This story's
twists and turns will keep you reading and anxiously awaiting the next
installment. --Margaret Brennan Neville, The King's English, Salt Lake
City, UT
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PHINEAS
L. MACGUIRE ... ERUPTS!: The First Experiment, From the Highly Scientific
Notebooks of Phineas L. MacGuire
By Frances O'Roark Dowell, Preston McDaniels (Illus.)
"Finally, a hero for those third grade boys who know the true value of
a pocket protector. The narration is spot-on, the illustrations are endearing,
and the experiments in the back are truly an added bonus. --Beth Reynolds,
Norwich Bookstore, Norwich, VT
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THE
PROPHET OF YONWOOD
By Jeanne DuPrau
"This is a prequel to DuPrau's The City of Embers, and it is a
grand stand-alone! When 11-year-old Nickie and her Aunt Crystal arrive
in Yonwood to clean out her deceased grandfather's old Victorian house
and put it on the market, they find a town facing abuses of power. With
wonderful descriptive language, DuPrau has once again beguiled readers
with 'futuristic' ideas that might be all too close to home. I loved this
book. --Sue Carita, The Toadstool Bookshop, Milford, NH
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THE
REVENGE OF THE SHADOW KING
By Derek Benz and J.S. Lewis
"Four young people discover that their seemingly unexciting town of Avalon,
Minnesota, has much more going on than most people realize. Benz and Lewis,
by drawing on the threads of mythology, magic, Arthurian legend, fantasy,
and role-playing games, have created an exciting, and highly readable
adventure novel. --Dan Domike, Jackson Street Books, Seattle, WA
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SHEEP
By Valerie Hobbs
"What a sweet book this dog's autobiography is! A border collie is born
on a sheep ranch and feels a true sense of purpose and value in following
in his father's footsteps. When the ranch fails, the dog goes from one
job to the next, with some tough times in between. But we know from the
outset that all will end well, and Hobbs gives it just the right emotional
weight. --Carol Chittenden, Eight Cousins, Falmouth, MA
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SINGING HANDS
By Delia Ray
"In the South of 1948, 12-year-old Gussie Davis has several hurtles to
face: being the 'hearing' child of deaf parents, being the daughter of
a minister who is frequently away from home, and having vigilante tendencies
when she sees injustice done to a deaf, black friend. Delia Ray is a master
of characterization, bringing to life a fascinating array of people in
Gussie's life. --Virginia Duffey, Page One Bookstore, Albuquerque,
NM
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SMALL STEPS
By Louis Sachar
"Armpit, from Sachar's book Holes, is trying to turn his life around
with the help of an endearing 10-year-old neighbor. But when X-Ray shows
up with a get-rich-quick scheme and a chance to meet the teen idol of
his dreams, Armpit's life gets very complicated. --Cam Mannino, Halfway
Down the Stairs, Rochester, MI
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BURNED
By Ellen Hopkins
"Ellen Hopkins makes this novel in verse thoroughly gripping, and the
shape of the stanzas on each page magically capture the emotion of the
story. This is an intense story of a teenage girl who is raised in a religious
-- yet abusive -- family, and a story all young women should read. --Morgan
Harris, Full Circle Bookstore, Oklahoma City, OK
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KEEPER OF THE WINDS
By Jenna Solitaire
"I loved this story of a 19-year-old young woman who finds an ancient
wooden board covered with mysterious symbols. Great storyline, great writing,
great characters, an unusual coming-of-age theme, and just creepy enough.
--Meg Arsenault, Central Avenue Bookstores, Faribault, MN
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KING DORK
By Frank Portman
"If you've ever felt like you didn't quite fit in, you will relate to
high school student Tom Henderson, whose world changes when he finds his
deceased father's copy of The Catcher in the Rye. Hyperventilation-inducing
comedy is woven with solemn, poignant social commentary in this amazing
book -- a must-read! --Danny Harrison, The Secret Garden, Seattle,
WA
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NICK AND NORAH'S INFINITE PLAYLIST
By Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
"Fast-paced, witty dialogue; a hip New York setting; and about a million
music references will help make this sexy he-said/she-said rock/romance/adventure
a must-read for older teens. --Jennifer Laughran, Books Inc., San Francisco,
CA
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NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH (AND A FEW WHITE LIES)
By Justina Chen Headley
"Patty doesn't feel at home in her own skin, being half Taiwanese, half
American. When Patty is packed off to summer math camp at Stanford, we
can't help but wonder: Will she learn to accept herself for who she is?
Teen readers will love Patty's voice in this funny, poignant novel. --Mary
Jane Beaufrand, All For Kids Books & Music, Seattle, WA
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RASH
By Pete Hautman
"It is the late 21st century, when Bo Marsten is falsely accused of starting
a rash in his school, and he is quickly sent to prison. Instead of serving
time in jails, however, prisoners are now sold to multinational corporations
as cheap labor, and Bo winds up at a pizza factory in the Canadian tundra.
In this futuristic satire, National Book Award winner Pete Hautman is
at his best. --Lauren Lanza, Square Books, Oxford, MS
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SAMURAI SHORTSTOP
By Alan Gratz
"Exciting and fun -- yet utterly moving -- Samurai Shortstop will
shock you, make you laugh, and, at times, make your heart ache for the
main character as he tries to understand how the ancient teachings of
the samurai fit into a modern world of school and baseball. --Nicole
Yasinsky, Davis-Kidd Booksellers, Memphis, TN
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SCRAMBLED EGGS AT MIDNIGHT
By Brad Barkley and Heather Hepler
"For the past several years, Calliope has moved across the country with
her mom, going from one Renaissance Fair to another. In North Carolina,
she meets Eliot, whose father runs a religious weight-loss camp for teenagers.
This is a wonderful coming-of-age novel about finding your way in the
world. --Cathy Berner, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX
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SHARP NORTH
By Patrick Cave
"Futuristic action and adventure at its best! This story of futuristic
England, ruled by powerful families, is smart enough for readers of all
ages and has great messages about the environment and the consequences
of science run amok. --Morgan Harris, Full Circle Bookstore, Oklahoma
City, OK
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A SUMMER OF KINGS
By Han Nolan
"Set in the South during the turbulent early 1960s, this story of an unlikely
friendship examines all the dynamics of family and growing up. Han Nolan
caught my eye years ago, and, if you haven't discovered her richly written
books, perhaps now you will. --Jonatha Foli, Copperfield's Books, Sebastopol,
CA
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WAIT FOR ME: A Novel
By An Na
"With right-on-the-money realism, An Na tells the story of a first-generation
Korean-American teen under too much pressure to be 'the best.' Mina makes
some devastatingly wrong decisions but learns by them and ends up well.
Beautifully told! --Virginia Duffey, Page One Bookstore, Albuquerque,
NM
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