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Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS



Children's and Teen: Middle School

Cover art for THE SWEET DEAD LIFE
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013
THE SWEET DEAD LIFE
by Joy Preble
"Hallelujah! A paranormal tale of angels that's not a romance, making it a novel that breaks the mold. (Paranormal fiction. 13 & up)"
For 13-year-old Jenna Samuels, things have been going really badly: She's pretty sure she's dying, her father has mysteriously abandoned the family, her mother is nearly catatonic with depression, and then her brother dies and becomes an "A-word." Read full book review >
Cover art for I DREAMT...A BOOK ABOUT HOPE
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013
I DREAMT...A BOOK ABOUT HOPE
by Gabriela Olmos, translated by Elisa Amato
"Bibliotherapy is a tricky business, as is the desire to shield young children from images that may cause nightmares. This is sure to arouse passion in both camps. (editor's note) (Picture book. 7-12)"
Created to benefit the International Board on Books for Young People's Fund for Children in Crisis program, this picture book presents provocative images and ideas regarding the violence many young people encounter. Read full book review >
Cover art for AMAZONIA
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013
AMAZONIA: INDIGENOUS TALES FROM BRAZIL
retold by Daniel Munduruku, illustrated by Nikolai Popov, translated by Jane Springer
"As the reteller states in his preface, "Myths allow us to recognize our proper role in the web of life," but this anthology will require an intermediary who can creatively make the connections between the text and its readers. (Folk tales. 9-12)"
Twelve folk tales from various Amazonian cultures are retold, but their audience is unclear. Read full book review >
Cover art for BLACK FLAME
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013
BLACK FLAME
by Gerelchimeg Blackcrane, translated by Anna Holmwood
"A heartfelt story for dog lovers in a setting rarely seen in the West. (Fiction. 10-14)"
A dog's-eye view of life in Tibet and Mongolia. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE SERVANT
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013
THE SERVANT
by Fatima Sharafeddine
"Fans of literary and historical fiction will be drawn to this rich portrayal of the challenges faced and opportunities forged by brave young women in patriarchal, war-torn Lebanon. (Historical fiction. 12 & up)"
First published in Arabic in 2010, this is the compelling story of a determined young woman coming of age during the Lebanese civil war in 1987. Read full book review >
Cover art for SWANS & KLONS
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 14, 2013
SWANS & KLONS
by Nora Olsen
"Although aimed at LGBT readers and despite its unevenness, philosophical dystopia fans of all orientations will find much to appreciate in this story that tackles big ideas. (Dystopian adventure. 13-17)"
In an idyllic all-female future, Rubric and Salmon Jo's luxurious life is disrupted by their Utopia's dark side. Read full book review >