CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 22, 2011
"Riveting. (Nonfiction. 10-14)"
A terrible explosion devastated Halifax, Nova Scotia, and a neighboring town in 1917, causing local residents and others miles away to act heroically in response to an unprecedented catastrophe.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 15, 2011
"Multilayered, compassionate and thought-provoking, a timely read on the sesquicentennial of America's Civil War. (Historical fantasy. 12 & up)"
It's 1960, but on the decayed Fairchild sugar plantation in rural Louisiana, vestiges of a grimmer past remain--the old cottage, overgrown garden maze, relations between white and black races.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 10, 2011
"This is history at its best, an original and appealing way to mark the centennial of this familiar disaster. (author's note, source notes, bibliography) (Nonfiction.10-14)"
A memorial edition of an imagined magazine covers the construction and fateful voyage of the R.M.S.
Titanic, Queen of the Ocean, which sank in April 1912.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 8, 2011
"Love conquers all in this big-hearted and heartbreaking story of Martha, Tug and their errant father who, in time, stops acting like a wild gibbon and finds his way home. (Fiction. 9-12)"
British author Mason has conjured a rarity indeed--a tremendously charming, unflinching account of a parent's downward spiral.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2011
"Pure genius. (Picture book. 2-7)"
Judge's latest may be virtually wordless, but it packs a powerful visual punch that will stick with readers long after the final page is turned.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 13, 2011
"Sheer delight. (final art not seen) (Animal fantasy. 8-12)"
Problem novels, ghost stories, historical fiction--is there anything Newbery Medalist Peck cannot do? Apparently not.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 11, 2011
"Three true tales of adventure as grand and admirable in the telling as they were in the doing. (Graphic nonfiction. 10-13)"
With uncommon perception and a flair for visual drama, Phelan tracks three intrepid souls' solo journeys around the world.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 4, 2011
"An irresistible read: This book sings. (Fantasy. 8-12)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 3, 2011
"A marvelous, mystical romp that doesn't ignore reality. A hint of a possible sequel whets readers' appetite for more: Yes, please! (author's note) (Fantasy. 12 & up)"
Thirteen-year-old Sacha lives in New York City's Lower East Side at the turn of the 20th century. Or does he?
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 3, 2011
"Just another superb outing from a fixed star twinkling in the children's-literature firmament. (Picture book. 3-6)"
In Pinkney's sumptuous elaboration of the familiar lullaby a chipmunk's nighttime odyssey takes on the same epic scope as his Caldecott winning
The Lion and the Mouse (2009).
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
"A favorite ancient fable beautifully presented in the tradition of the finest picture books, this does not replace Jerry Pinkney's transcendent, Caldecott-winning The Lion & the Mouse but proudly takes its place beside it. (Picture book. 3 & up)"
A wee African grass mouse "receives top billing" (according to a concluding note) in this visually stunning retelling of Aesop's fable set amid the Aha Hills of Africa.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
"As in his earlier Redwoods, the child reader shares her reading, passing on the book to others. Real-life readers will be eager to do the same. (Informational picture book. 5-9)"
A book on coral reefs transforms the New York Public Library into a reef for its reader as she eagerly learns about those who make and dwell in those unique ecosystems, "cities of the sea."
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
"Fresh and vintage at the same time; an accompanying CD would have made it perfect. (Picture book. 3-7)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
"Readers with great expectations will find them fully satisfied by this tongue-in-cheek romp through a historic public House that is the very opposite of Bleak. (Animal fantasy. 10-12)"
"He was the best of toms. He was the worst of toms." And for all his harsh early life and unnatural dietary preferences, ragged London alley cat Skilley gets to look at a queen, too.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 27, 2011
"This intimate narrative makes the stories accessible to young readers and powerfully conveys how personal this history feels for many African-Americans. (Nonfiction. 10 & up)"
In an undertaking even more ambitious than the multiple-award-winning We Are the Ship (2008), Nelson tells the story of African-Americans and their often central place in American history.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 19, 2011
"This outstanding, emotionally resonant effort will appeal to middle-grade readers. (Fiction. 8-12)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 15, 2011
"Delicate and durable, visually sophisticated yet friendly: simply exquisite. (Picture book. 3-7)"
Breathtakingly beautiful meta-illustrations will draw many eyes to this tale of a curious chicken who spills some paint.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 15, 2011
"A big, serious work of historical investigation and imagination; the tale has never before been told this well. (Historical fiction. 9-14) "
It was a secret everybody knew at Monticello: Thomas Jefferson was the father of Beverly, Harriet, Madison and Eston Hemings, and their mother was Sally Hemings, a slave owned by Jefferson.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 13, 2011
"Characteristically provocative gothic comedy, with sublime undertones. (Autobiographical fiction. 11-13)"
An exhilarating summer marked by death, gore and fire sparks deep thoughts in a small-town lad not uncoincidentally named "Jack Gantos."
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 13, 2011
"Visually stunning, completely compelling, Wonderstruck demonstrates a mastery and maturity that proves that, yes, lightning can strike twice. (Historical fiction. 9 & up)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 6, 2011
"Heroic deeds, narrow escapes, dastardly villains, amazing coincidences and a family rich in love and hope are all part of an intricate and endlessly entertaining adventure. Terrific! (Historical fiction. 10-14) "
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2011
"Sometimes snail mail is just better. Here's proof. (Picture book. 5-7)"
Bestrewing lined sheets with crayon drawings, Polaroids, smudges, a ketchup packet (not a real one) and other signs of affection, a mouseling writes a newsy love note to her Grandmouse.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2011
"Aesthetically superb; this will fascinate comics readers and budding artists while creating new Say fans. (author's note) (Graphic memoir. 10 & up)"
Exquisite drawings, paintings, comics and photographs balance each other perfectly as they illustrate Say's childhood path to becoming an artist.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2011
"A tricky, magical delight. (author's note) (Fiction. 8-12)"
Treading water in her last term of elementary school, Julie figures she's learned all there is to learn, when two Mongolian brothers in fur-lined coats (it's summer) arrive: Chingis and Nergui.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 2, 2011
"An enticing read that is certain to keep both the hero and audience guessing at every carefully plotted reveal. (Fantasy. 9-12)"
A truly splendid amalgamation of mystery, magic and creeping horror will spellbind the middle-grade set.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2011
"This captivating interpretation creates a remarkable partner for Noah, who uses her special talent in a memorable way. (Picture book. 3-7)"
The animals march along two by two in most Noah's Ark stories, but Noah's partner is often missing altogether. In this unusual interpretation of one of the most popular Bible stories, it's Noah's wife who is the star as she sings the arkful of animals to sleep.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2011
" "
In her first outing for children, Saller (
The Subversive Copy Editor, 2009) provides a poignant look at boyhood before and during the long years of World War II.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2011
"Amazing. (Picture book. 4-8)"
Young's latest attempts to be many things--a foray into a child's imagination, a touching tale of siblings and a stage for the author's elaborate paper sculptures--and it succeeds masterfully in doing all three.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: July 19, 2011
"Neither a story with a plot nor a full-blown memoir, this brief look at a town suspended in time resonates with happiness and could spark some children to reflect on their own idyllic summers in a new way. (map, author's note) (Picture book/memoir. 7-10)"
Intriguing pictures full of small details bring alive the sights, smells, sounds, tastes and textures of a small Sardinian town in the 1950s.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: June 14, 2011
"A winning recipe blending crispy verse and fresh photography: Go team! (Picture book. 3-7)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 9, 2011
"The story recalls Lloyd Alexander at his wry, humane best; readers will be happy for every moment they spend at castle Hladka Hvorka. (Fantasy. 10-14)"
Noted Native American storyteller and author Bruchac turns to the Slovakian side of his family heritage to produce an entirely fresh and funny fantasy.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2011
"Inventive, animated and irresistible. (Picture book. 3-6)"
Harry and Horsie return to battle a giant, cookie-eating robot in this winning tale that will satisfy sweet tooth and thrill-seeker alike.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: May 24, 2011
"Not all young readers will have experienced a blackout, but this engaging snapshot could easily have them wishing for one. (Picture book. 5-8)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 24, 2011
"If ever a new series deserved to go viral, this one does. (Graphic novel. 7-9)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 10, 2011
"Both tender and insightful, this well-crafted, fast-paced tale should have wide teen appeal. (notes on form) (Poetry. 10-16)"
From the award-winning Frost comes a wildly imaginative, thought-provoking novel in verse that centers on the unlikely friendship that arises between two teenage girls as a result of an accidental kidnapping.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2011
"Look for more twists than a pretzel factory and a possible sequel. (Superhero fantasy. 11-14)"
The author who made a splash with The Big Splash (2008) takes the "costumed superheroes" genre out for a joyride, and anyone who comes along will never read comics the same way again.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2011
"Both solid introduction and exhortation, this book will thrill budding artists. (glossary, author's note, bibliography, lists of museums and paintings) (Picture book/biography. 5-9)"
A simple picture-book biography of Diego Rivera concentrates on his artistic career and encourages children to imagine themselves painting their own world.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2011
"A lush and intelligent opener for a topical eco-fantasy series. (Fantasy. 9-13)"
Nature and science in a vivid Cape Cod setting create layers of meaning as 13-year-old Cara and her brothers confront the puzzle of their mother's disappearance.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2011
"Stunning. (Picture book/poetry. 8 & up)"
The Myers team shares their heartfelt and stirring vision of an America flawed but filled with promises and dreams.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2011
"Together words and pictures create an utterly engaging picture-book experience—eye-catching, thought-provoking and just plain fun. (Picture book. 4-7)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 19, 2011
"With universal themes of life and death, friendship and respect for the natural world, this is still quite particular, a powerfully memorable story of a boy's grief and determination to keep a promise. (Fiction. 9-13)"
Striving to protect the osprey nesting on his family's farm in Scotland, 11-year-old Callum McGregor watches the bird throughout summer, uses a computer to follow her migration to Africa and sets in motion a remarkable chain of events.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: April 11, 2011
"An irresistible invitation to test those wings and fly. (Picture book. 4-8)"
To fly or not to fly is the question for a little bird weighing the pros and cons of launching into the unknown.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: April 11, 2011
"Overall, it lives up to the standards set by others in this stellar series. (maps, resources, glossary, author's note, index) (Nonfiction. 10-14)"
This latest addition to an always-intriguing series describes the work of Fernando Rosas, John Reynolds and Lucy Keith studying manatees in different parts of the world.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: April 5, 2011
"Quotes from Jane augment this inspiring book, encouraging young people to join her as dutiful watchers of the world. (author's note) (Picture book/biography. 2-10)"
Economical art and language produce a fully fleshed-out biography of Jane Goodall, tracing her early years as a watcher of English fauna to her adult work as scholar of animal behavior in Africa.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: April 5, 2011
"Backmatter includes a pithy biography, additional photographs and a letter and drawing from Jane herself—children will thrill at the connection. (Picture book/biography. 2-10)"
Little Jane Goodall and Jubilee (her toy chimpanzee) ramble outside their English country home observing everyday animal miracles and dreaming of a life in Africa, "living with, / and helping, / all animals."
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CHILDREN'S
Released: April 5, 2011
"By the end of this tale, replete with allusions to Our Town, Doug realizes he's pretty happy in Marysville, where holding hands with the green-eyed girl—and a first kiss—rival whatever might be happening on the moon. (Historical fiction. 10-14)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 29, 2011
"A visual and thematic stunner. (author's note, bibliography) (Picture book. 4-11)"
More than a heartwarming portrait of Chile's most revered poet, this splendid tribute to Pablo Neruda animates his global appeal with a visceral immediacy capable of seducing readers of any age.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: March 16, 2011
"Children and parents keen to explore technological interactivity will delight in recalling the infinite possibilities of the picture book. (Picture book. 3-8)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 8, 2011
"Gorey kids. (Picture book/poetry. 8 & up)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 8, 2011
"New format, new look, same "Aw, shucks" story, art and characters. (Picture book. 2-5)"
Graphic novelist Runton trades off page count for picture-book-bright hues and tones in his first all-color Owly story.
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