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2011 Best Books for Teens: The Complete List (page 2)

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Cover art for THE FITZOSBORNES IN EXILE
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 5, 2011
Kirkus Star THE FITZOSBORNES IN EXILE
by Michelle Cooper
"Multilayered and engrossing, Cooper's tale alternates between frothy fun and heartbreaking seriousness with utter mastery. (author's note) (Historical fiction. YA)"
Having narrowly escaped the Nazi bombing of their miniscule island kingdom, the young impoverished royal family of Montmaray is living in exile in England with their very wealthy aunt (A Brief History of Montmaray, 2008). Read full book review >
Cover art for OUT OF SHADOWS
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 15, 2011
Kirkus Star OUT OF SHADOWS
by Jason Wallace
"In its portrayal of race relations in a wounded country as well as of the ugly power dynamics of a community of adolescent boys, this novel excels, bringing readers up to the grim, uncertain present with mastery. (Historical fiction. 14 & up)"
A boarding-school story set in the aftermath of the Rhodesian Civil War examines evil from all sides and provides no easy answers. Read full book review >
Cover art for THIS THING CALLED THE FUTURE
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2011
THIS THING CALLED THE FUTURE
by J.L. Powers
"A compassionate and moving window on a harsh world. (glossary of Zulu words) (Fiction. 12 & up)"
Set in an impoverished South African shantytown where post-Apartheid freedom is overshadowed by rampant AIDS and intractable poverty, this novel takes a loving, clear-eyed look at the clash of old and new through the experience of one appealing teenager. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE GIRL WHO CIRCUMNAVIGATED FAIRYLAND IN A SHIP OF HER OWN MAKING
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2011
Kirkus Star THE GIRL WHO CIRCUMNAVIGATED FAIRYLAND IN A SHIP OF HER OWN MAKING
by Catherynne M. Valente, illustrated by Ana Juan
"Complex, rich and memorable. (Fantasy. 10-14)"
In this modern fairytale, an insouciant, "somewhat heartless" 12-year-old girl from Omaha visits Fairyland and accepts a quest to rescue its inhabitants from the rule-mad Marquess. Read full book review >
Cover art for TIGHTER
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 10, 2011
Kirkus Star TIGHTER
by Adele Griffin
"A contemporary reboot that does the original proud. (Fiction. 12 & up)"
Drug addiction and tainted love mess with the mind of a befuddled au pair in this creepy update of Henry James' The Turn of the Screw. Read full book review >
Cover art for DREAMLAND SOCIAL CLUB
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 12, 2011
Kirkus Star DREAMLAND SOCIAL CLUB
by Tara Altebrando
"The result is a memorable tale of personal growth and acceptance that will make teens eager to join a Dreamland Social Club of their own. (author's note) (Fiction. 14 & up)"
In this evocative homage to Coney Island, the "Playground of the World," a 16-year-old girl searches for clues about the mother she barely remembers. Read full book review >