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Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS



Children's and Teen: 6 - 8 years old

Cover art for EARWIG AND THE WITCH
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 1, 2012
EARWIG AND THE WITCH
by Diana Wynne Jones, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky
"Earwig, as a spunky as any Jones heroine, keeps young and old readers chuckling through sadness at an era's end. (Fantasy. 7-9)"
A cunning heroine learns magic in Jones' last, posthumous offering. Read full book review >
Cover art for PRINCESS OF THE WILD SWANS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 31, 2012
PRINCESS OF THE WILD SWANS
by Diane Zahler
"A pleasant magical outing. (Fairy tale/fantasy. 8-12)"
In her third fairy-tale novelization, Zahler (The Thirteenth Princess, 2010, and A True Princess, 2011) dips into Hans Christian Andersen's "The Wild Swans" and mixes in a bit of Celtic folklore. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE MONSTER RETURNS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 31, 2012
THE MONSTER RETURNS
by Peter McCarty, illustrated by Peter McCarty
"It might lack the mild menace of its predecessor, but it satisfies in its supply of companionship all around. (Picture book. 3-6)"
Jeremy hatches a plan to cope with his monster's unexpected return. Read full book review >
Cover art for ODDFELLOW'S ORPHANAGE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 24, 2012
ODDFELLOW'S ORPHANAGE
by Emily Winfield Martin, illustrated by Emily Winfield Martin
"An uneven effort; still, youngsters not ready for Harry Potter will find comfort here. (Fantasy. 7-10) "
An undeniably charming story about the characters, albeit one-dimensional, who form a family at Oddfellow's Orphanage. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE BOOK OF WONDERS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 17, 2012
THE BOOK OF WONDERS
by Jasmine Richards
"A sprightly, accessible series opener recommended for those ready for a change of venue from standard-issue, middle-grade fantasy. (Fantasy. 8-12)"
Dipping into the deep plot well of Middle Eastern fairy and folk tales, this buoyant debut offers a fresh plot, brisk pacing and engaging characters. Read full book review >
Cover art for FELINE CHARM
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 8, 2011
FELINE CHARM
by Kitty Wells, illustrated by Joanna Harrison
"The sweet storyline, appealing characters and just the right touch of magic make this an endearing series for new, cat-loving readers who are ready for a little bit of adventure in their vocabulary. (Fantasy. 7-10)"
Maddy Lloyd and her ceramic cats are back, this time solving a problem close to home (Shadow Magic, 2011). Read full book review >