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Best Teen Books of 2012: In Other Worlds (page 6)

Do fantasy and science fiction--or their cousins, paranormal and dystopian fiction--float your boat? Climb aboard a few of these books.

Cover art for THE HERO'S GUIDE TO SAVING YOUR KINGDOM
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2012
Kirkus Star THE HERO'S GUIDE TO SAVING YOUR KINGDOM
by Christopher Healy
"Inventive and hilarious, with laugh-out-loud moments on every page. (Fantasy. 8 & up)"
Instead of finding Happily Ever After with their princesses, four Princes Charming (Prince Duncan insists they pluralize the noun, not adjective) must team up on a farcical quest to save their kingdoms. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE CHAOS
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 12, 2012
Kirkus Star THE CHAOS
by Nalo Hopkinson
"Rich in voice, humor and dazzling imagery, studded with edgy ideas and wildly original, this multicultural mashup--like its heroine--defies categorization. (Fantasy. 12 & up)"
Noted for her fantasy and science fiction for adults, Hopkinson jumps triumphantly to teen literature. Read full book review >
Cover art for BLACK HEART
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 3, 2012
Kirkus Star BLACK HEART
by Holly Black
"If you haven't discovered this series yet, get going; if you're already a fan, why are you even reading this review? (Urban fantasy/thriller. 14 & up)"
The conclusion to Black's brilliant and unusual Curse Workers trilogy lives up to its predecessors. Read full book review >
Cover art for RADIANT DAYS
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 2, 2012
Kirkus Star RADIANT DAYS
by Elizabeth Hand
"An impressive blend of biography and magical realism. (author's notes; select bibliography) (Fantasy. 14 & up)"
A 20th-century teen artist and 19th-century French poet Arthur Rimbaud transcend time and place in this luminous paean to the transformative power of art. Read full book review >
Cover art for ABOVE
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
ABOVE
by Leah Bobet
"While readers who long for concrete answers may be frustrated, those willing to go along with this captivating exploration of both individual and collective identity will find themselves pondering its implications long after the last page. (Fiction. 14 & up)"
In a world where "Sick's the same as Freak Above," only below is Safe. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE OBSIDIAN BLADE
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2012
Kirkus Star THE OBSIDIAN BLADE
by Pete Hautman
"Part science fiction, part adventure, part mystery, but every bit engrossing; be sure to start the hold list for the sequel. (Science fiction. 12 & up) "
Vivid imagination and deft storytelling make for refreshing speculative fiction in this time-travel tale. Read full book review >