CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 17, 2012
"Utterly believable, this bittersweet story, complete with an author's note identifying the real Ivan, will inspire a new generation of advocates. (author's note) (Fiction. 8-12)"
How Ivan confronts his harrowing past yet stays true to his nature exemplifies everything youngsters need to know about courage.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 24, 2012
"In the end, Houdini realizes that writing has changed him and altered his perspective on people and life. Readers will feel the same way. And just try to get kids not to make their own lists or attempt their own novels. (Fiction. 9-12)"
A middle-schooler writes a kids' novel; an author writes an engaging, amiable read--and, presto, a tale about a boy nicknamed Houdini turns out magical.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 31, 2012
"An outstanding addition to a first-rate series. (notes, study questions, resource lists) (Graphic mythology. 8-14)"
A tempestuous mother-daughter relationship makes up the centerpiece of O'Connor's latest carefully researched and simultaneously fresh and funny Olympian portrait.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 7, 2012
"A massive explosion at the end only sets that evil scheme back a bit; stay tuned for further strange and exhilarating developments. (Fantasy. 11-13)"
A motley assortment of human experimental subjects and faerie exiles take on a New Jersey cereal company run by eldritch management for nefarious purposes.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 14, 2012
"A memorable story of kindness, courage and wonder. (Fiction. 8-14)"
After being home-schooled for years, Auggie Pullman is about to start fifth grade, but he's worried: How will he fit into middle school life when he looks so different from everyone else?
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 16, 2012
"A rich vein of wisdom runs through this highly entertaining, swashbuckling series debut. (1862 map of Virginia City, glossary) (Historical fiction. 10-14)"
Twelve-year-old P.K. "Pinky" Pinkerton was born with a poker face--he can't show or read emotion--but it's not until he lands in Nevada Territory's silver-mining country that he comes to terms with the hand he's dealt.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: June 5, 2012
"A fine, taut novel full of understanding. (author's note) (Historical fiction. 9-12)"
Once and
Then (2010, 2011) blend into Now in today's Australia as Dr. Felix Salinger, 80, relates his childhood and shows his present to his 11-year-old granddaughter, narrator Zelda.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2012
"Realistic, gritty and uplifting. (Fiction. 10-14)"
Jamie lives in a bizarre world, where a sister can die in a bombing, and the only way to bring Mum and Dad together is by auditioning for
Britain's Biggest Talent Show.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 7, 2012
"Original and winning. (Fiction. 10-14)"
A seventh-grade boy who is coping with social and economic issues moves into a new apartment building, where he makes friends with an over-imaginative home-schooled boy and his eccentric family.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 28, 2012
"Schlitz's prose is perfect in every stitch, and readers will savor each word. (Historical fantasy. 9-13)"
Two orphans, a witch and a girl who laughs at death: Each shares the lens of protagonist in Newbery winner Schlitz's fully satisfying gothic novel.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
"Be prepared for young Sasquatch fans roaring for more. (Graphic fantasy. 6-11)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
"A morally satisfying page turner. (author's note, archival photographs, maps, timeline, selected bibliography) (Historical fiction. 10-14)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 27, 2012
"Not so much a set of retellings as a creative romp through traditional and tradition-based story-scapes, compulsively readable and just as read-out-loudable. (source note) (Fantasy. 11-14)"
The author of
A Tale Dark and Grimm (2010) starts over--sending young Jack and Jill on a fresh quest for self-knowledge through trials and incidents drawn (stolen, according to the author) from a diverse array of European folk and fairy tales.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
"Terrifying, life-affirming and memorable. (author's note, bibliography) (Adventure. 10-14)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 23, 2012
"Bangers! (Fantasy. 8-12)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 23, 2012
"Fans of the Series of Unfortunate Events will be in heaven picking out tidbit references to the tridecalogy, but readers who've yet to delve into that well of sadness will have no problem enjoying this weird and witty yarn. (Mystery. 8-12)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 6, 2012
"This emotional honesty alone is a reason to buy this book; the giraffe and Einstein are the icing on McCranie's cake. (Graphic fiction. 8-11)"
It's hard not to like a main character who brings a lab coat and briefcase to elementary school.
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