CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
"In this chilling debut, Mullin seamlessly weaves meticulous details about science, geography, agriculture and slaughter into his prose, creating a fully immersive and internally consistent world scarily close to reality. (author's note) (Speculative fiction. 14 & up)"
"The pre-Friday world of school, cell phones, and refrigerators dissolved into this post-Friday world of ash, darkness, and hunger."
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CHILDREN'S
Released: March 13, 2012
"No simple coming-out story, this many-layered effort is gritty, warm and ultimately hopeful. (Fiction. 14 & up)"
Compassionate, thoughtful and expressive, this New Zealand import traces a Maori teen's journey through friendships, family, work and the realization that he is gay.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
"A strong new voice. (Fiction. 12 & up)"
This engrossing story of a good girl's fascination with her wild new friend strikes chords that will resonate with many teens.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
"Not so much a coming out as a coming up, Anna's quiet, rich story will work its way into readers' hearts. (Fiction. 14 & up)"
"I want to file it in a folder labeled FAITH and close the drawer, no more questions. No more doubt."
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CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
"A good bet for readers mostly interested in the romance. (Fantasy. 12 & up)"
Fasten your seatbelts, lower your expectations, then sit back and enjoy the modest pleasures of this mostly smooth sequel.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2012
"Refreshing and moving: avoids easy answers and saviors from the outside. (historical note) (Fiction. 13-15)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2012
"Devastating and heartbreaking, this will be a disappointment for readers looking for a conventional happy ending. But those willing to take the risk will--like Bitterblue--achieve something even more precious: a hopeful beginning. (Fantasy. 14 & up)"
Building on the plots and themes of the award-winning
Graceling (2008) and its companion
Fire (2009), this rich and poignant fantasy grapples with the messy aftermath of destroying an evil overlord.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2012
"Allie's a smart, strong and compelling heroine, and readers will gladly join her for this adrenaline-rich ride. (Paranormal/dystopian romance. 14 & up)"
Meet 17-year-old Allie Sekemoto, a reluctant vampire struggling to hold on to her humanity and stave off the demon that lies in wait, thinly veiled beneath the surface of her undead skin.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2012
"Like cotton candy, this is fun even if it isn't filling. (Paranormal chick lit. 14 & up)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2012
"Surprising, vivid and cohesive--the work of a pro. (Steampunk. 13 & up)"
A steampunk adventure in which an omniscient narrator delves into multiple heads and a quartet of friends take lurid risks to save their fifth counterpart.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2012
"Ideal for reluctant readers and gentler-minded fans of paranormal fiction. (Paranormal/short stories. 12 & up)"
This uneven anthology proves less edgy than billed, but fans of paranormal romance will find much to like and several promising new authors to follow.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2012
"An engaging pair of tales that communicate a thoughtful message with a light touch. (Fiction. 12-16) "
Husband-and-wife team Stephanie Perry Moore (
Get What You Give, 2010) and Derrick Moore (
It's Possible!, 2008) deliver a pair of intersecting but distinct stories from the points of view of a cheerleader and a quarterback at a predominantly African-American Atlanta high school.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: June 6, 2012
"This book's friendly tone and common-sense advice suit both brand-new sitters and those who are looking to improve their skills. (resources, index) (Nonfiction. 12 & up)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2012
"A probing, captivating story. (Romance. 12 & up)"
This intense and intriguing debut delves into the psychological difficulties of two teens who fall in love.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 7, 2012
"This commingling of comedy, brutality and fantasy evokes a rich alternate universe with a spitfire young woman as its brightest star. (Fantasy. 14 & up)"
A teenage assassin, a rebel princess, menacing gargoyles, supernatural portals and a glass castle prove to be as thrilling as they sound.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 7, 2012
"Exciting stuff, yet again. (Fantasy suspense. 12 & up)"
This prequel to the popular Nightshade trilogy takes readers to Scotland in 1404, where the Searchers and Keepers conflict begins.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 14, 2012
"Nothing new here, but readers more interested in plot than depth will find it an appealing segue from summer into school. (Action. 10-14)"
Teens with mysterious abilities and the possibly sinister people who seek to control them are the ingredients for this end-of-summer thriller.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 21, 2012
"It's the twins' culturally barren, dreary yet violent world--a realm of broken dreams--that resonates most in this haunting, moody, character-driven thriller. (Paranormal thriller. 12 & up)"
Alice and Rachel are even closer than most identical twins, having shared a single amniotic sac in utero and a psychic bond ever since.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 28, 2012
"An awe-inspiring, thought-provoking reminder that love reaches beyond physical appearances or gender. (Fiction. 14 & up)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 28, 2012
"This first in a planned trilogy isn't for the faint of heart, but readers with strong stomachs will find themselves swept up. (Paranormal thriller. 14 & up)"
Brooklyn is the perfect setting for this dark, gritty thriller with heavy religious overtones and breathtaking violence.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
"This is bound to have huge appeal to kids whose lives are being mirrored, and it may prompt luckier readers to take some positive action. (Fiction. 14 & up)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
"A well-rounded collection of stories with something for everyone, sure to inspire readers to research the full history of their favorites. (editor's note, contributors) (Graphic historical fiction. 10 & up) "
Editor Dembicki's (
Trickster, 2010) latest collection is an anthology of illustrated stories and vignettes from Washington D.C.'s colorful past.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
"This is one emotional thrill ride, filled with passion and suspense, ending with a cliffhanger that will leave readers panting for the next book. (Paranormal romance. 14 & up)"
Shirvington strikes again with the second in the Embrace series, picking up only a month after
Embrace (2012) left off.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 4, 2012
"Lacking vampires, werewolves and a compelling mystery, this will be of most interest to persistent readers of teen sagas set in the Pacific Northwest. (Paranormal mystery. 12 & up)"
The bestselling author of the Inspector Lynley crime novels turns to teens with this paranormal-series opener.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 4, 2012
"A solid continuation with an ending that promises further growth in characters and overarching storylines. (Paranormal suspense. 10-16) "
A Battle of the Bands brings a magical music menace to Nightshade, and Jessica and her friends must stop it.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 4, 2012
"A teen thriller/romance without werewolves, wizards or vampires--utterly refreshing. (Science fiction. 13 & up)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 11, 2012
"Though awkward, this adaptation still makes for a hopeful and inspiring story. (Memoir. 12 & up)"
This story, an adaptation for young people of the adult memoir
The Other Wes Moore (2008), explores the lives of two young African-American men who share the same name and grew up impoverished on the same inner-city streets but wound up taking completely different paths.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 11, 2012
"Toning down the edgy side for a young market, Krovatin stills provides moments of gross-out gore in this reluctant-reader pleaser. (Adventure. 10-12)"
SAT words and occult trappings characterize this middle-grade zombie adventure from teen author Krovatin (
Venomous, 2008).
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 11, 2012
"A realistic, poignant portrait of one teen who overcomes nearly unbearable feelings of grief and guilt. (Fiction. 12 & up)"
A young teen reveals through journal entries how he and his family piece their lives back together after a tragedy in this dark but humorous story.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 18, 2012
"Required reading if you own the first title. (Thriller. 12 & up)"
In this sequel to
All These Things I've Done (2011), 17-year-old Anya Balanchine, heir apparent to the illegal chocolate trade in 2083 New York City, attempts to leave her criminal past behind with mixed results.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 18, 2012
"A thought-provoking first installment in a series that unflinchingly takes on ethically challenging topics. (Dystopia. 13 & up)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 24, 2012
"A heartfelt and visually appealing window into Regine's last year. (Nonfiction. 12 & up)"
"My ultimate dream for this blog is that it will be published as a book after my death," wrote Norwegian teenager Stokke, who blogged about her experience living with leukemia.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 25, 2012
"An amusing blend of whimsy and humor with serious drama and blood. (Fantasy. 14 & up)"
Teenage grim reaper Lex and the rest of the underworldly inclined residents of a magical upstate–New York town return for this entertaining follow-up to
Croak (2012).
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 25, 2012
"Great geeky fun. (Fantasy. 13 & up)"
A shy role-playing-game aficionado finds slaying monsters easier than kissing a girl in this appealing adventure by the author of
It's Kind of a Funny Story (2006).
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
"At the end, though, it doesn't stand out from the throng of like dystopias. Only for those who will read nothing else. (Dystopian adventure. 14 & up) "
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
"Beautifully drawn and quietly evocative. (glossary, timeline, author biography, translations of Chinese characters, maps) (Graphic memoir. 9-12)"
A striking glimpse into Chinese girlhood during the 1970s and '80s.Beginning with a breathtaking dream of riding a golden crane over the city of Wuhan, China, Liu Na, recounts her subsequent waking only to discover that Chairman Mao has passed away.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
"For those with dark hearts looking for the edgier side of paranormal fiction, this will be something to stay up with at night. (Anthology/paranormal. 14 & up)"
The paranormal trio of Gratton, Stiefvater and Yovanoff here translate their collective writings from their blog,
Merry Sisters of Fate, into a collection of stories that feature Nordic mythology, murderers and secrets.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 2, 2012
"For computer-savvy kids who like to think. (Science fiction. 13 & up)"
The near future's oppressive copyright laws criminalize creativity in the name of protecting it.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 2, 2012
"A touching story. (Fiction. 12 & up)"
Samantha feels so guilty after her kiss actually kills a boy that she ends her champion swimming career.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 2, 2012
"An auspicious, thought-provoking series opener. (Science fiction/romance. 12 & up)"
The husband-wife team behind the Animorphs series returns with the first installment of an entertaining saga that pits smart teens against high-tech evildoers and bionic skullduggery.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 4, 2012
"With characters this nuanced, many teens won't mind all the issues flying fast and furious. (Fiction. 14 & up)"
Readers of this teen novel will appreciate its realistic and witty dialogue as they navigate its tightly packed plot.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 8, 2012
"A violent, desperate adventure in a chaotic, post-disaster world. (author's note) (Adventure. 14 & up)"
Almost a year after the Yellowstone eruption in
Ashfall (2011), Alex and Darla are drawn back to dangerous Illinois, which has only grown worse.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 9, 2012
"A gripping Romeo-and-Juliet exploration of deception, espionage, revolution, the greater good and love conquering all--with the aid of magical green lights and a peculiar little locket. (Urban fantasy/science fiction. 14 & up)"
Marriage is a lesson in self-discovery, particularly if your fiancé is the golden son of a rival political family you've been bred to hate.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 9, 2012
"An uncommon (to say the least) coming-of-age, retraced with well-deserved pride but not self-aggrandizement, and as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. (endnotes, bibliography [not seen]) (Memoir. 14-18)"
Selecting high and low points from his experiences as a child, college student, teacher, refugee-camp worker, amateur boxer, Rhodes scholar, Navy SEAL and worker with disabled vets, Greitens both charts his philosophical evolution and challenges young readers to think about "a better way to walk in the world."
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 16, 2012
"If there's little doubt about the end of the trip, readers will be happy they've gone along for the ride. (Fiction. 14 & up)"
Angry, just-turned-16-year-old Alex, a white boy, and equally angry but very old Lester, a black man, are unlikely road-trip buddies in this novel that transcends its conventions.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 25, 2012
"Nevertheless, a vividly depicted and gripping tragedy. (Thriller. 12 & up)"
In this fast-paced, suspenseful thriller, two high-school seniors and a classroom full of first-graders are held hostage at gunpoint by a distraught, emotionally disturbed parent.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 30, 2012
"Those reading the book for the mystery will have given up long before it grinds to its tepid, 400-plus–page conclusion. (Historical mystery. 14 & up)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 31, 2012
"Some gems for readers willing to get out the sieve. (Nonfiction. 12 & up)"
Plodding through this mostly disposable collection of blog posts is claustrophobically tiring, like watching someone else reflected in a hall of mirrors.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 11, 2012
"For readers who find George R.R. Martin's epic too much, here's considerably less. Sequels are certain. (Fantasy. 13-17)"
Lips meet, hearts blaze, blood gushes and kingdoms clash in this thoroughly predictable Song of Ice and Fire wannabe.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 18, 2012
"Be prepared--the darkest minds do indeed "hide behind the most unlikely faces." (Dystopian thriller. 14 & up)"
Imagine a not-too-distant future in which 98 percent of America's 10- to 17-year-olds have fallen victim to disease, and the remaining 2 percent are imprisoned in "rehabilitation camps," thanks to a paranoid government that fears the powers they possess.
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