Island's End

Island’s End by Padma Venkatraman. Published by Penguin Young Readers Group, 2011.

Living on a remote island off India, Uido has had visions several times. As a result of her abilities to enter the Otherworld, she is selected to be her tribe’s spiritual leader. This is a tremendous honor for her and she is excited but also nervous. Uido is disappointed by her older brother’s and her best friend’s reaction to the news. He is jealous and causes a rift in the family.

The visions are often intense and confusing. Strangers have visited the island and offer tempting and exotic gifts. Uido is trying to balance the needs of her tribe while keeping their values and lifestyle alive. She is even more conflicted when her younger brother becomes ill after visiting with the strangers. Uido needs the medicine of the strangers to help heal her brother. At the same time, she knows her brother will be drawn away from the tribe.

Uido must work with the strangers to heal her brother. When he awakens, he likes the technology he sees them using. Uido convinces him to return home with her. When they return to the island, she has a disturbing vision of a tsunami causing devastation of the island. She has to persuade her tribe to quickly evacuate to higher ground. At this critical time, her older brother again challenges her leadership ability.

The tribe’s safety and lifestyle all rest on Uido.  Recommended for grades 8 and up.

Visit Padma Venkatraman's website

The Pledge

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting. Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2011.

Charlaina (Charlie) and her sister Angelina have secrets. Angelina can heal people. Charlie can understand any language, even if she has never heard it before. The two sisters are unique and have to hide their abilities. Life in Ludania is complicated because there are rigid societal class distinctions. Class determines everything- clothes worn, jobs, behavior and even language spoken. Charlie must hide her lingual abilities because it is against the law to speak anything other than the language of her class. Infractions are punishable by death.

Ludania is under attack. Rebels are determined to overthrow the queen and put an end to her brutal laws. She is getting old and won’t live much longer unless she can find a suitable (female) heir. Then she may be able to take over another body and continue ruling. But there aren’t any female heirs because earlier conflicts resulted in the death of the ruling class family.

Charlie goes to a club with her friend Brooklyn. They meet some interesting men at the club. Xander is associated with the club and he seems to be willing to help Charlie but he may be involved in illegal activities. Another new acquaintance named Max is speaking a language Charlie has never heard spoken before. Max seems to have a lot of freedom and he keeps turning up in unexpected places.

When Charlie’s city is attacked, her parents tell her she and her sister must flee the city and avoid any soldiers. Charlie can tell by their behavior they are hiding something from her but she has to protect herself and Angelina.

The stakes are too high for Charlie to get involved with whatever Alex and Xander are doing. But some things may be out of her control.

This dystopian novel has lots of interesting themes and action and will be popular with teens in grades 8 and up.   

Visit Kimberly Derting's website

The Future of Us

The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler. Published by Penguin Group, 2011.

A new computer and AOL are about to change Josh and Emma’s lives and their futures. They have been neighbors and best friends since they were little. When they share a kiss, things get a little awkward between them.

It is 1996 and Josh’s new computer can go on the Internet (but it uses the same line as the telephone so he can’t go online for too long). Emma and Josh are surprised to see people with their names but it is 15 years in the future. What?? How is that possible? There are enough similarities for them to conclude that this is actually them. This is through some website called Facebook.

Josh seems to have a decent life ahead of him. He has a nice house, a good job, attractive wife, and they go on great family vacations. Emma, on the other hand, is definitely struggling. She doesn’t appear happy with her job or relationships. When Emma discovers changes she makes in her present life can produce good results on her life 15 years from now, she does it. But her changes impact Josh’s future too and he’s not happy. He doesn’t want anything to mess up his life.

Emma and Josh’s 1996 and 2010 selves will have to be reconciled so they can be happy, now and in the future.

 This (mostly) realistic fiction is recommended for all teens grades 8 and up.

Visit Jay Asher's blog

Visit Carolyn Mackler's website

Jersey Tomatoes Are the Best

Jersey Tomatoes Are the Best by Maria Padian. Published by Alfred A. Knopf, 2011.

Eva is a ballerina. Henry is a tennis star. The two girls have been best friends for years in spite of (or maybe because of) their wildly different goals. They are supportive of one another, in ways their families and other friends can’t.

Eva has an opportunity to go to New York for the summer with a possible internship during the following year. Eva’s mother agrees to drive Eva in every day because the family can’t afford the room and board. Eventually, an anonymous donor pays for Eva’s summer program so she doesn’t have to commute every day.

Henry goes to Florida with a well-known tennis program. Henry’s father pushes her very hard and he can be pretty aggressive if he thinks she is not being treated well. Henry has a strong physical game but when she overhears a conversation between some of her competitors, she begins to question whether she is the kind of player she should be or if she plays head games to beat her opponents.

Eva is doing some similar self-analysis, but not voluntarily. She is very committed to achieving her dream. Once she is there, though, she starts worrying about her weight and becomes overly critical of herself. She is tired all the time and gets injured easily. She thinks she is making health choices, but everyone around her is obsessed with weight and body shape.

Both young women must determine their dreams for the future, figure out what matters to them and balance it with family expectations.

This realistic fiction is recommended for grades 9 and up.

Visit Maria Padian's website

The Watch That Ends the Night: Voices from the Titanic

The Watch That Ends the Night: Voices From the Titanic by Allan Wolf. Published by Candlewick Press, 2011.

April 14, 1912. The day the Titanic sank. Multiple viewpoints create a vivid account of the disaster. There are many famous books and movies of the sinking with famous people such as John Astor and Molly Brown. This book has 24 narrators, including some unusual perspectives such as a rat, the coroner, and the iceberg.

The individual narrators each have unique voices. Captain E. J. Smith is full of pride that he has such a prestigious assignment as the culmination of his career. The violinist Jock Hume is annoyed that he is not allowed to improvise and share his music with everyone. Another narrator is telegraph operator Harold Bribe, whose increasingly frantic messages foretold the magnitude of the looming disaster. An unusual narrator is the iceberg. It is a cold, dispassionate presence inserted between many of the entries.

The Undertaker, who dealt with the bodies as they were retrieved from the water had a very overwhelming job- try to identify the body and determine cause of death. Each time he was brought a new body, I found myself hoping that it wouldn’t be one of the other narrators who I had grown to care about through the book. Statistically, I knew they were unlikely to survive. The plight of the refugees and the extremely high loss of life among the third class passengers were especially poignant.

This historical fiction with multiple narrators will appeal to a wide audience.  Recommended grades 8 and up.

Visit author Alan Wolf's website

The Girl of Fire and Thorns

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson. Published by Greenwillow Books, 2011.

Elisa is the Godstone bearer, chosen by God for a life of service. Elisa doesn’t know exactly why she has been selected by God or even what she is supposed to be doing. She is the second daughter of a King, but she has never enjoyed life at court. Elisa doesn’t know exactly why she has been selected by God or even what she is supposed to be doing. She feels inferior to her pretty, confident sister.

Elisa spends her 16^th birthday getting married to a man she has never even met. It is a practical match based on the political needs of her country. Within a few days, she and her new husband have departed for his home. Before Elisa even has time to be homesick, their group is suddenly attacked, resulting in some serious injuries and the death of one of Elisa’s closest confidantes.

Arriving at court, Elisa finds herself in a strange situation. Her engagement and marriage haven’t been announced. Her Godstone is a secret. Her new husband apparently has a girlfriend. The only good thing is she meets a scholarly priest with a wonderful collection of books. When she begins reading one of her favorite military strategy books she notices that the content is different. This inconsistency leads to a huge discovery- information has been systematically and deliberately withheld from her. Her family, tutors and friends have been lying to her for her entire life. This knowledge makes Elisa more determined to learn about the Godstone and the history of the other Godstone bearers.

Elisa’s life is about to go through another change. She is kidnapped and wakes up to find herself the center of a centuries old plot involving armies and secret wars.

This fantasy fiction is recommended for grades 9 and up. 

Visit author Rae Carson's website

Anna and the French Kiss

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. Published by Penguin Group, 2011.

Anna is eagerly anticipating her senior year in Atlanta. Her father has different plans. He is enrolling her in a boarding school in France. He believes she should have new experiences in the world, with culture and and develop more fluency in French. Anna thinks he is pretentious.

Anna loses the argument and finds herself starting her new school. She is so nervous- she doesn’t know anyone at the new school and she has never lived so far away from home. But she can’t complain too much- it is Paris after all!

Once she starts settling in, she concludes that she is completely unprepared. Her French is stilted and slow. She isn’t even sure how to get around the campus or the city. She makes some new friends including Etienne the cute guy who is also super nice, friendly and seems to like Anna. The drawback is he also has a girlfriend. The other problem- lots of complications when she goes home for Christmas vacation.

This a quick, fun read for teens looking for light-hearted teen romance with a few problems thrown in. 

This realistic romance is recommended for grades 9 and up. 

Visit author Stephanie Perkins website

Sparrow Road

Sparrow Road by Sheila O’Connor. Published by Penguin Young Readers Group, 2011.

Sparrow Road is the last place Raine wants to spend the summer. She hates leaving her grandfather but her mother accepted a new job at an artists retreat in the country. Raine knows she will be lonely (no other kids are living there) and bored (no TV or radio) and probably go crazy not being able to talk at all (except on Sundays)! What was her mother thinking?

But Sparrow Road turns out to be a pretty interesting place. Raine likes most of the artists, especially Josie. Raine discovers her imaginative, creative side. This is especially true when she learns about the unusual past of Sparrow Road- it was an orphanage for many years. Soon, she is able to not only imagine what it was like for those orphans, but she finds herself developing an unusual relationship with a boy from the past.

Raine is still puzzled by her mother’s decision to accept the summer job. Repeated attempts to ask her mother are ineffective but Raine is determined. She discovers someone she had given up on meeting- her father. The truths she learns about him, his alcoholism and the bad choices of his past continue to reverberate in Raine’s life.

This realistic fiction is recommended for grades 6 and up.   

Visit author Sheila O'Connor's website

Orchards

Orchards by Holly Thompson. Published by Delacorte Press, 2011.

Missed signs of a classmate’s mental anguish. 8^th grade girls labeled as mean. A loss that is forever.

Half-Japanese, half-Jewish American Kana is being sent to Japan after the suicide of a classmate. Although she is bilingual and has met her mother’s family on previous visits, she is unhappy about this sudden plan. She doesn’t want to live with people she barely knows while attending a nearby public school during her summer vacation. Working in the family’s mikan orange orchards will fill any of Kana’s spare time.

Her family isn’t trying to punish her. But she is cut off from her friends, computers and TV. She isn’t even supposed to have her iPod (but she does). The new school is okay but she doesn’t really fit in there and doesn’t make any new friends. Her mother’s family is constantly correcting her manners and posture.

Kana finds the work in the orchards challenging. It is hot and physically demanding but she finds it a good distraction from thinking too much. She has more in common with her family than she expected and is developing good relationships with them. She gains insights about her mother and her grandfather. She knows the high emotional cost of her mother’s decision to leave Japan and move to the United States. Kana also learns about her classmates, her family and herself. Just like her family before her, she loves the rhythm of life working amidst the mikan orchards.

This realistic fiction is recommended for grades 7 and up. 


Visit author Holly Thompson's website 

Desert Angel

Desert Angel by Charlie Price. Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2011.

Angel’s drug addict mother and her newest boyfriend Scotty get in a screaming fight one night, so Angel decides to sleep outside. In the morning, there is blood everywhere and Angel’s mother and Scotty are missing. Within a short time, Angel finds a shallow grave with her mother body and she knows she must get away before Scotty returns. He’s a vicious, evil man and she is a loose end.

Escaping from Scotty is going to be difficult. He knows a lot about hunting, tracking and survival from his illegal poaching trips. Angel returns to the trailer to get some water and look for weapons. She is shocked by the sudden appearance of Scotty behind her. She is able to trick him into believing she is dead and then she runs for her life.

Angel has no family, no neighbors, no friends, nothing. She has nowhere to go and past experience has taught her she can only rely on herself. Unexpected help gives Angel some hope, but Scotty brutally eliminates everyone. Angel will never be safe as long as Scotty is chasing her. So she decides to become the hunter. 

This action-filled book is a combination of realistic, adventure and survival fiction.  It is recommended for grades 8 and up.

Something Like Hope

Something Like Hope by Shawn Goodman. Published by Delacorte Press, 2011.

Shavonne wants to believe things can get better. She wants to believe she can get her baby back from foster care. She wants to get help.

For now, none of this seems attainable. She is locked up in a juvenile detention facility. She stole a sandwich and assaulted one of the few guards who have shown her any kindness and a transfer to an adult prison seems imminent. She blames her social worker for many problems but most of all, Shavonne blames herself.

A new guard named Cyrus sparks a little curiosity about geese, nature, and life. Mr. Delpopolo is a new counselor and he seems pretty genuine in his willingness to help Shavonne. Something about him gets through to her. He seems good at his job, doesn’t play any games but is also kind of sad and discouraged.

A disaster on a routine medical visit results in the emergence of Shavonne as an unexpected hero, but not everyone is happy about that. She has made some serious and powerful enemies. Shavonne wants to turn her life around but she doesn’t know how. Can Mr. Delpopolo and Cyrus help her?

This realistic fiction about a young woman trying to turn her life around is recommended for grades 8 and up.

Visit author Shawn Goodman's website

Dead End in Norvelt

Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos. Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2011.

Jack’s parents are furious with him but not for the same reason. His mother is distraught over the destruction of her vegetable garden (he was told to mow it down by his dad). His father is irate over Jack’s mishandling of a forbidden antique rifle. The result for Jack is that he is “grounded for life” by his parents.

A neighbor’s arthritic hands incapacitate her so Jack’s mother decides he should help out. He doesn’t want to do it- Miss Volker writes obituaries for the old-time residents and she is more than a little strange. Jack’s other big problem is with his nose. His nose doesn’t just bleed- it gushes. Stress and lying have immediate and messy results. Surgery could help, but his family can’t afford the cost and no one seems willing to barter anymore.

Obituary writing is surprisingly time consuming. Jack and Miss Volker establish a good routine for their work and Jack finds it fascinating. However, the townspeople become increasingly concerned as one death follows another. Miss Volker is one of several suspects.

Between applying hot wax to Miss Volker’s hands (helps her arthritis) and her surgery on his nose, Jack has to deal with a vindictive policeman and he’s still stuck in the middle of his parents’ feud. He’s beginning to lose hope for having a normal summer but at some point, he’s begun to enjoy himself. Now if he can stop anyone else from dying…

This realistic fiction is recommended for grades 7 and up.

Visit author Jack Gantos website

Paper Covers Rock

Paper Covers Rock by Jenny Hubbard. Published by Delacorte Press, 2011.

Alex’s life at a boarding school in North Carolina is pretty boring. No girls. Teachers (mostly male) live on campus and eat with the students. There are very few chances to interact with anyone outside of school. Consequently, the boys take any opportunity to have a break in the routine.

One afternoon Alex and a couple of friends named Glenn and Thomas get drunk and decide to go swimming. Thomas doesn’t surface after diving off a rock. After unsuccessfully trying CPR, Glenn stays with Thomas while Alex runs to get help. On the other side of the lake, Miss Dovecott, emerges, but no one can save Thomas.

Alex and Glenn aren’t sure what Miss Dovecott saw, but they know they must hide the evidence of the alcohol or face expulsion. The lie about drinking leads to other lies and many complications. Alex begins to develop feelings for Miss Dovecott. At the same time, he begins to dislike and distrust Glenn. Glenn is a jerk and he blackmails Alex into setting up Miss Dovecott to get fired.

Alex’s poetic side is encouraged by Miss Dovecott and she coaches him with his writing. As he explores famous authors and works to develop his craft, he finds himself reflecting on the truth about what happened that day at the lake.

This realistic, intense novel is recommended for grades 9 and up.

Visit author Jenny Hubbard's website

Where I Belong

Where I Belong by Gillian Cross. Published by Holiday House, 2011.

Khadija leads a difficult life in Somalia. Survival is a daily struggle- for food, water, a home, and safety in a violent part of the world with no government. Khadija’s father wants more for her and he makes the difficult decision to send her to London, telling her she needs to get a good education. This is the only way she can help her family and other people of Somalia. Khadija knows her father is right, but that doesn’t make this any less difficult. She doesn’t want to leave her family and the only life she has ever known, but she is given no choice.

After Abdi’s father sends the family to London, his father must stay behind in Somolia. Communication with his father is infrequent and eventually Abdi’s family is told that his father is dead, with no further information available. A short time later, the family is asked to take in a young Somali woman. This is how Khadija becomes part of Abdi’s family. Khadija is desperate to help her family and gets a job so she can send money home. Abdi is responsible for escorting her back and forth to work every day.

Their lives change rather dramatically after a chance encounter with the famous designer Sandy Dexter and her daughter Freya. Freya lives with her family and only sees her mother sporadically due to her busy fashion designer schedule. Every year, everything in Sandy Dexter’s life focuses on the London Fashion Week and her latest obsession is Khadija and Somali-inspired fabrics and clothes.

All of these characters and their dreams create a dangerous situation, as the opportunity for Khadija puts her family in grave danger.

This realistic fiction is recommended for grades 8 and up. 

Visit author Gillian Cross's website

Queen of the Dead

Queen of the Dead (Ghost and the Goth Series #2) by Stacey Kade. Published by Hyperion, 2011.

Ghost Alona continues to hang around on earth. Alona is evidently still tied to Will who sees lots of ghosts (not just Alona). Everyone has settled into an arrangement that allows Will to help other ghosts without being completely overwhelmed by outrageous demands. School is pretty horrible for Will and his mother still worries about him- no changes there.

Will and Alona go to Mrs. Ruiz’s house to help her move on (the house is scheduled for demolition, which will not go over well with Mrs. Ruiz). Unfortunately, this doesn’t go smoothly. For one thing, Mrs. Ruiz doesn’t want to leave and reacts rather violently and physically to Will and Alona.

Will is also rather stunned to discover another complication in the form of Mina. Mina claims to be part of something called the Order and belittles Will as a “Casper lover”. Mina’s relationship with the Order is convoluted at best. She doesn’t seem enthused about the possibility of Will working with the Order and is extremely jealous of his abilities. Will can’t figure out whether the Order are heroes or villains. Either way, Will’s excited to learn about the existence of other people who can see ghosts- he’s not alone.

Then there’s the whole love triangle. Will likes Alona. Alona seems to like Will, but there is undeniable chemistry between Will and Mina too. And Alona and Mina hate each other. Add in the ghosts and the ghost hunters and that means there’s plenty of action!

This story of ghosts, friends and romance is recommended for grades 8 and up.

Visit author Stacey Kade's website

How to Save a Life

How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr. Published by Little, Brown and Company, 2011.

Jill’s father death was traumatic. She misses him and finds her usually dependable mother changing in some bizarre ways. For one thing, her mother has a sudden desire to adopt a baby and has contacted Mandy, an unwed teen mother. Jill’s mother refused to make any of these arrangements through proper legal channels and Jill’s gut instincts tell her Mandy is hiding something.

Mandy’s arrival puts more pressure on the relationship between Jill and her mother. Jill tries to share her concerns with her friends but each person has a different viewpoint about Mandy and the situation. Mandy has even formed friendships with Jill’s friends, putting an additional strain on Jill.

A blow-up in the obstetrician’s office results in a cascade of other problems. Jill finds herself bewildered about how to help her mother when many of Jill’s worries about Mandy seem to be coming true.

One thing Jill knows- she and her mother cannot take any more heartbreak.

This realistic fiction is recommended for grades 8 and up. 

Visit author Sara Zarr's website

A Web of Air

A Web of Air by Philip Reeve. Published by Scholastic Press, 2011.

Fever Crumb returns as her usual rational self. She is working as an engineer with a traveling theater company and caring for two orphans. The company arrives in the town of Mayda and as they settle in for the new performances, Fever begins to hear unusual rumors about a man who is building a flying machine. She doesn’t really believe the rumors- where would plans for a flying machine have come from and why would anyone be working on such a thing?

After meeting Arlo, Fever begins to believe that there may be something to the rumors. Arlo is secretive and distrustful of Fever. He seems to think she may be planning to steal his machine or be a spy. They definitely don’t trust one another.

Other people are interested in Arlo’s flying machine, including a scientist, a former love interest named Thirza and an evil cartel. Arlo even communicates with a bird. Fever doesn't know why her Scriven mother is suddenly involved either.

Fever realizes that she can’t trust anyone when Arlo disappears. She wants to keep their dream of flying alive, but she is conflicted about her growing irrational feelings for Arlo.

This dystopian literature is recommended for grades 8 and up. 

Visit author Philip Reeve's website.

Dreamland Social Club

Dreamland Social Club by Tara Altebrando. Published by Penguin Group, 2011.

Jane and her brother are surprised to inherit a house on Coney Island, but they quickly move there with their father (a currently unemployed amusement ride designer) and plan to live in their new home for the next year. Coney Island is a pretty famous place (especially when Jane’s mother graduated during the 1920’s), so Jane and her family expect to meet some unusual people.

Jane and her mother used to play many pretend games when Jane was little. Jane no longer remembers many of them, but when she begins to explore some of the Coney Island amusement park rides, she realizes that many of the games were based on the rides. Jane misses her mother more and more as a result of her recollections and she can’t understand why things with her mother changed so much. Jane’s father has a proposal for a new ride that will be part of an effort to revive Coney Island. However, there are many adamant opponents to the plans and Jane doesn’t want anyone to know about her father’s role in the proposal.

Jane finds adjusting to the new school challenging and, while she knows she might not fit in (being British and in high school), she is surprised by some of the unusual people at her school. There is a legless man who rides a skateboard, a tattooed boy, and a goth dwarf. Many of these students evidently belong to the Dreamland Social Club, a group started by Jane’s mother prior to her graduation.

Jane wants so much to fit in, help her father and honor her family. At the same time, she wants to see the good things about Coney Island preserved and celebrated. She just isn’t sure how to do both.

This realistic fiction is recommended for grades 9 and up. 

Visit author Tara Altebrando's website

The Sweetness of Salt

The Sweetness of Salt by Cecilia Galante. Published by Bloomsbury, 2011.

Class Valedictorian Julia is approaching her summer with mixed feelings. She has an internship lined up at the courthouse, a pre-law scholarship for a great college and everything seems to be coming together. So why isn’t she excited?

Family arguments always ensue whenever her sister Sophie comes for a visit. Graduation day is the usual anticipated disaster and by the end of the day Sophie has fled back to her home in Vermont, but not before she dropped a few bombshells. For one thing, she is opening a bakery, giving her car to Julia and invited her to come for a visit. And if that didn’t cause enough chaos, Sophie yells about an awful family secret.

Julia has a crush on next neighbor Milo but realizes her feelings aren’t reciprocated. Timing seems perfect for a visit to Sophie. Of course, Julia’s parents don’t agree, but Julia knows they aren’t telling her the truth. Sophie has volatile relationships with her entire family, so Julia knows this is going to be a challenging visit. In fact, it is going to change her life.

This realistic fiction is recommended for grades 8 and up. 

Visit author Cecilia Galante's website

The Space Between

The Space Between by Brenna Yovanoff. Published by Penguin Group, 2011.

Daphne lives in Hell- literally. The daughter of a demon and a fallen angel, she is unsure of her place in the world. She is lonely and bored, doesn’t have much of a relationship with her mother or sisters, but can’t really leave. Her brother Obie is someone she can count on, so she doesn’t know what to do when he says he’s leaving. Daphne knows it’s dangerous, so asks Beelzebub for help but Obie is gone.

Daphne is drawn to Truman, a young man who has been suicidal since the death of his mother. Obie helped him after a hospitalization the previous year. Daphne hopes that Truman can provide some clues as to Obie’s whereabouts. Daphne is warned about new dangers and her sister is murdered. Daphne has special powers but she doesn’t know what they are or even how to use them.

Truman and Daphne find Obie’s baby Raymie (not a typical baby by any means) and they know she is the reason Obie left. Can they save Obie, protect Raymie and still have a chance at love?



Visit author Brenna Yovanoff's website

Brooklyn Burning

Brooklyn Burning by Steven Brezenoff. Published by Learner Publishing Group, 2011

Kid’s life is complicated. He is not getting along with his father at all. He questions many things in his life and is making unsafe choices for himself. When he becomes friendly with a bar owner named Fish, she tries to help him. This is where he meets Felix, a musician Kid likes a lot. Unfortunately, Felix is an addict and not a good influence.

After Kid and his father get into another huge argument, Kid is homeless so Felix takes him to an abandoned warehouse . When Felix dies, Kid sinks into a deep depression and he doesn’t deny the accusations that he started a fire in the warehouse. This has profound ramifications for Kid.

One day, he meets a young woman named Scout and discovers someone who loves music as much as he does. She has am amazing voice and Kid loves going to the basement of Fish’s bar to practice with her. She is mysterious and evasive, which only serves to increase Kid’s longing.

But the police are still coming after Kid, Fish can't help him anymore and he is worried about Scout.

This realistic fiction is recommended for students who like edgier stories.  

Visit author Steven Brezenoff's website

Payback Time

Payback Time by Carl Deuker. Published by Houghton Mifflin Books, 2011.

Daniel True dreams of a college major in journalism. Being a reporter for the school newspaper is going to help him get there. He is disappointed when the new editor changes his assignment from news to sports (he’s nicknamed Mitch after the Michelin Man due to his short, round stature). A major downside for Mitch is that he is going to be hanging out at sporting events and with athletes. He knows he will appear even shorter and fatter in comparison to all the jocks, so he decides to lose weight and start exercising.

Mitch finds himself enjoying the sports writing. He gets to work with Kimi, a talented and driven photographer. He and Kimi are even able to receive a little money and byline credit as stringers for the local newspaper. Football season is kicking off and Mitch notices a new player on the field. His name is Angel and he is very good. Mitch is puzzled that the coach doesn’t use Angel very much. In fact, Angel seems to hate publicity.

After stealing a look at Angel’s student records, the mysteries pile up- attendance, grades and other records have been removed. They can’t find any pictures of him from his previous schools. Soon, Mitch’s continuing investigation is becoming dangerous for everyone.

This realistic fiction is recommended for teens who like mysteries, sports or writing. 


Visit author Carl Deuker's website

Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick

Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick. Published by Scholastic Press, 2011.

Two stories are interwoven in this beautifully drawn novel. The story of Rose is told in pictures. Ben’s is in words.

It is 1927. Rose lives with her father, but longs for her mother, an actress living in New York. So Rose (who is deaf) undertakes a challenging journey to the city.

Ben is a young man living in rural Minnesota. After his mother died, Ben moves in with his aunt and her family. When Ben discovers some secrets of his mother’s, he decides to try to find out the truth about a mysterious man and a museum by going to New York. Ben is befriended by Jamie, who has a connection to a museum.

The connections between Rose, Ben, the museum and New York converge into a beautiful tale.

Compulsion

Compulsion by Heidi Ayarbe. Published by Harper & Collins, 2011.

Jake is convinced that his family is safe because he follows routines and makes sure that the numbers are good (prime numbers). He constantly adds and subtracts in his head (clock radio, time, date, etc.) and waits or begins his rituals all over again until the numbers work out.

Jake has a lot on his plate. His mother stays in bed most of the day and his father seems overwhelmed. He tries to help his younger sister Kasey, who is very insecure. He is an important member of the soccer team and believes that their success depends on the “magic” numbers also.

Pressure keeps building for Jake. With the most important game of the season (and the last one of his high school career) just a few days away, Jake is trying to hold everything together. His compulsions are incapacitating him. Does Kasey suffer from the same OCD issues? He can’t keep everyone safe.

Take Me to the River

Take Me to the River by Will Hobbs. Published by Harper Collins, 2011.

Dylan can’t wait to go white water rafting with his cousin Rio and Uncle Alan. He has never been to Texas and hasn’t met either of them, so he has been looking forward to this for ages. Attending rafting camp for the last two summers has given him some experience and he knows Rio and Uncle Alan are both very knowledgeable.

When his bus arrives, no one is there to meet him. He receives a message from Rio to hitchhike to their house in Terlingua. He’s uncertain about doing that, but he gets a ride and arrives in town safely. Excitement at meeting his cousin is lessened when he discovers that his uncle has gone to work in Alaska, where he will be for the next few weeks. Rio and Dylan are unwilling to forego their long-awaited adventure. Dylan knows his parents will cancel it when they find out, so he decides not to tell them.

Preparing for their ten day trip goes well. They arrange to have someone pick them up at the end of their trip, then gather their supplies and head out. There is a possibility of some bad weather, but the sky is clear and bright. What can go wrong?

Tons of things go wrong- a hurricane is coming, the river rises to dangerous levels and Dylan and Rio encounter a kidnapper and his victim. Will the boys survive their adventure?

Shelter: a Mickey Bolitar novel.

Shelter: a Mickey Bolitar novel by Harlan Coben. Published by Penguin Group, 2011.

Mickey is not happy that he has to move in with his uncle, but he doesn’t have any other options. His dad died and his mother is in rehab. So, he is moving in with his uncle and starting a new high school. He doesn’t exactly fit in anywhere and things are off to a rocky start. He is gradually developing a few friends (including a hot girl named Ashley) and feeling a tiny bit optimistic.

Then, Ashley disappears. She doesn’t respond to Mickey’s texts and no one seems to know anything about her. Contacting her family goes very badly- her parents act like they don’t even know her and the police are at the house. Further investigation by Mickey brings even more confusing information- everything he knew about her was a lie. Strange people start showing up at Mickey’s house and a bizarre comment from his neighbor has Mickey questioning everything- even his father’s death.

This action-filled mystery has fun, strong characters and will likely be a popular series.

Anna Dressed in Blood

Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake. Published by Doherty, Tor Teen, 2011.

Cas is a ghost hunter/killer. It’s kind of a family tradition- his father did the same thing until he was murdered by one of the ghosts. Cas wants to continue his father’s legacy, so he and his mother- a white witch - move from town to town in search of dangerous ghosts.

He is a bit young for this work (he’s still in high school), but he’s been training for most of his life and he knows what he’s doing.

As soon as Cas meets Anna, he realizes that she is not a typical ghost. He saw her kill people and knows she is very dangerous. Yet he also senses she feels regret about her actions and doesn’t want to murder people. She doesn’t seem to be in control- something is compelling her. Anna even warns Cas to leave her house before he gets hurt.

Cas and his friends begin to investigate the legend about Anna. It was a tragic situation- she was murdered by her mother’s boyfriend and then trapped by a spell so she can never leave her house. Feeling strangely attracted to Anna, Cas finds himself trying to protect her.

How can he help Anna but prevent her from murdering anyone else? He knows he must find a way.

Between Shades of Gray

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys. Published by Penguin Group, 2011.

Lina is Lithuanian. Her family is forced from their home by Soviet soldiers. Lina has no idea where her father was sent or even if he is alive. Lina is sent with her mother and younger brother to a work camp in Siberia. Conditions are terrible- they work numerous hours and they don’t get enough food. They aren’t even given enough wood to stay warm. When people get sick, they are sent to an isolation house, and rarely return.

Lina is a wonderful, perceptive young lady. She nicknames people based on their personalities- for example the man who repeats everything said is called The Repeater. She is determined to protect her family and others in her hut, even at great personal risk. Lina and her mother strive to make conditions around them better for everyone.

Her artistic nature is clear through her interpretations of things around her. She is a huge fan of Edvard Munch and refers to his work frequently as she draws the horrific events around her.

This is a standout in the field of historical fiction. It tells the story of some of the people who were political prisoners during the brutal reign of Joseph Stalin. It is based on the author’s own family history.

Flyaway

Flyaway by Lucy Christopher. Published by Scholastic, 2011.

Isla and her father love swans- watching them, tracking migration patterns, and observing the habitats. When Isla’s father collapses and must be rushed to the hospital, Isla and her brother begin spending more time with her grandfather. Isla initially finds her grandfather difficult and moody, but as she begins to understand him better, she learns about herself and her family.

While visiting her father at the hospital, Isla meets Harry, a cancer patient. Harry seems to understand Isla’s love of the swans, especially when they discover an injured swan at a nearby pond. The gradually developing romance between Isla and Harry mirrors the growing bond with the swan. Isla believes that if she can save the swan, maybe she can save her father and Harry at the same time.

This novel will resonate with readers who enjoy nature, but the storyline will appeal to a broad audience. The main character’s determination to show her love for her family and the swans as well as her determination to stand up for herself create a strong story.

The Running Dream

The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen. Published by Alfred A. Knopf, 2011.

Jessica lives to run. She has loads of potential and hopes to be a track star. Coming back from a meet one day, there is a tragic accident. Jessica loses her leg and one of her teammates is killed.

As Jessica slowly recovers, she struggles to come to terms with her loss. She is athletic and adapts to the crutches fairly well. But she hates the stump and the prosthesis. Jessica’s return to school is difficult. Her friends and classmates don’t know what to say to her so some of them just ignore her. However, she finds unexpected support from Rosa, a student with cerebral palsy. Jessica can confide her worries and fears in Rosa. As Rosa encourages Jessica to achieve her dream of running, Jessica decides to help Rosa with her own dreams.

Clarity

Clarity by Kim Harrington. Published by Scholastic, Inc., 2011.

Clare comes from a psychic family. Her visions make her kind of a freak in school and she can’t control them. She can’t always see what she wants to see and sometimes sees things she doesn’t want to see- like her boyfriend cheating on her.

When Clare’s brother Perry is accused of murder, Clare knows she has to investigate. She may be getting too much help, though between ex-boyfriend Justin, Stephen (from a powerful political family), and hot new guy in town Gabriel. Conflicting visions of the murdered girl provide another distraction for Clare. In fact her brother is implicated by both her visions and by the murder victim herself. Clare’s investigation seems to be putting her in danger too. On top of all that, the family’s business is suffering because what tourist wants to vacation in a town with a murderer on the loose?

This psychic murder mystery will appeal to many teens.