CHILDREN'S
Released: July 10, 2012
"Who knew the biography of a germ could be so fascinating? (acknowledgments, picture credits, index [not seen]) (Nonfiction. 9-14)"
Murphy and Blank chronicle the story of the tuberculosis microorganism, the greatest serial killer of all time.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: July 3, 2012
"Laugh-out-loud funny, heart-wrenchingly sad and fist-pump-in-the-air triumphant, this sparkling gem proves that vampires, zombies and even teenagers…at heart, we're all on Team Human. (Fantasy. 12 & up.)"
Both lovers and loathers of teen vampire romance will revel in this hilarious satirical take on the genre.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: July 3, 2012
"Working with the darker threads of Barrie's bittersweet classic, Anderson weaves an enchanting tale. (Fantasy. 14 & up)"
It's no paradise--white-sand beaches and spectacular sunsets come with mud, mosquitoes and croc-infested swamps--but guided by fragile, insect-size faerie Tink, readers are drawn into this richly re-imagined Neverland anyway.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: July 10, 2012
"Dragon books are common enough, but this one is head and talons above the rest. (cast of characters, glossary) (Fantasy. 12 & up)"
In Hartman's splendid prose debut, humans and dragons--who can take human form but not human feeling--have lived in uneasy peace for 40 years.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: July 19, 2012
"Infused with an urgent hope, this glimmering love story exhilarates and refreshes. (Magical realism. 12 & up)"
Her name--Frenenqer--means "restraint" in "some language or other," and she is the only child--creation, really--of a man for whom affection is unspeakable:
Pfft.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: July 17, 2012
"Simply lovely. (Fiction. 12 & up)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 3, 2012
"A solid addition to what is turning into a swell series. (Historical mystery. 12 & up)"
Teen detective Iris Anderson struggles to solve parallel mysteries while coming to terms with her Jewish identity in World War II–era New York City in this engrossing follow-up to
The Girl is Murder (2011).
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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: June 19, 2012
"This smart, stylish series opener raises the bar for paranormal fiction, leaving readers impatient for the next installment. (author's note) (Urban fantasy. 12 & up)"
Crime noir meets paranormal romance in this addictive thriller about two London teens in whom the fae awakens, conferring abilities at once exhilarating and harshly stigmatized.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: June 19, 2012
"Among the most historically and culturally significant battles ever fought, Marathon gets righteous due--and so does its greatest hero. (Graphic historical fiction. 12-15)"
Retold in expressionistic blurs of action, this account of the battle of Marathon chronicles at once a glorious win for the underdogs and an awe-inspiring personal achievement.
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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: July 17, 2012
"Meticulously researched and told with inspiring prose and stirring images, this is a gripping, triumphant story of science and survival. (photographs, source notes, bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 10 & up)"
As he did in The Race to Save the Lord God Bird (2004), Hoose explores the tragedy of extinction through a single bird species, but there is hope for survival in this story, and that hope is pinned on understanding the remarkable longevity of a single bird.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 7, 2012
"Though hamstrung by a depressingly chick-lit-y cover, this total-immersion emotional experience is one readers will both recognize and thoroughly enjoy. (Fiction. 12 & up)"
A girl in love with the theater tells the story of her first great love in the form of a script.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 28, 2012
"This one goes to the head of the class. (Fantasy. 12 & up)"
To the recent crop of strong debuts in an overcrowded literary arena add this series opener, a tale of demonic possession and a centuries-old family trade in exorcism.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 28, 2012
"A well-written, compelling trip to a past not often portrayed in children's literature. (Historical fiction. 8-12)"
The Black Panthers seem to have the answers for Maxie and her friends, so when a traitor to the group is suspected, she is determined to find who is leaking information to the Chicago police.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 28, 2012
"A wonderfully crafted and deeply satisfying novel, full of detail that provides texture and meaning. (Fiction. 14 & up)"
Scotty's world is turned upside down when an accident leaves her brother severely injured, an acquaintance dead and Scotty feeling responsible.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 21, 2012
"A standout sequel and engrossing ghost story. (Horror. 14 & up)"
He failed to save his twin brother through alchemy, but young Victor Frankenstein eagerly delves back into the sinister sciences in this sequel to 2011's
This Dark Endeavor.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 7, 2012
"Pulse-pounding thrills leavened with laughter. (Paranormal thriller. 12 & up)"
A satisfying conclusion to ghostly Anna's terrifying story comes with more heart-thumping suspense and clever quips as Cas tries to save her from an undeserved, dreadful fate.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 14, 2012
"Far more than a summer romance, this is a tribute to those left behind. (Fiction. 11-15)"
Daniel (E.) Anderson looks back on the summer he fell in love and finally came to terms with his soldier brother's death.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 4, 2012
"More! More! (Science fiction. 12 & up)"
In this exciting first sequel to outstanding series opener
Planesrunner (2011), 14-year-old science whiz Everett Singh continues to outthink his enemies while navigating the multiverse searching for his dad, lost in a parallel universe.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 11, 2012
"Proper fantasy, balanced between epic and personal; this promises to be an engrossing series, with intimations of bigger things ahead. (Historical fantasy. 13 & up)"
In an alternate ancient British Isles, an intrepid heroine may save the kingdom from its wicked ruler.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 11, 2012
"From the gripping first line, a fast-paced, thought-provoking and stirring story of sacrifice. (Fantasy. 12 & up)"
When a summoning goes awry, Liyana must try to save her people and learn how to live for herself, in this sweeping adventure.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 11, 2012
"Fearlessly foul, this consistently comical series should be required reading for all teenage boys and anyone else with a strong stomach and highly sensitive funny bone. (Fiction. 14 & up)"
It's nice guy Sean's turn to shine in this hilarious follow-up to
Swim the Fly (2009) and
Beat the Band (2010).
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 18, 2012
"Deeply moving and fast-paced, this life-affirming effort is a worthy addition to the bookshelves of sturdy readers. (Fiction. 12 & up)"
Key (
Alabama Moon, 2006, etc.) has crafted another powerful, riveting coming-of-age tale that doesn't stint on violence to advance the action.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 4, 2012
"An astonishing, wrenching achievement. (author's note) (Fiction. 14 & up)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 11, 2012
"This book won't make readers proud to be Jewish. It will make them proud to be a pool player in a porkpie hat, a tattooed punk or anyone who survives all the way to 13. Everyone should read it the moment he becomes a man. (Fiction. 13-17) "
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 11, 2012
"Bracing, powerful, resonant. (Fantasy. 12 & up)"
In this spellbinding, intricately layered novel, the Printz Honor winner (
Tender Morsels, 2008) puts her unique spin on selkies--haunting, mysterious, seal-human shape-shifters in a world of hardscrabble fishing villages, lonely islands and cold, restless seas.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 11, 2012
"Girl with the Dragon Tattoo for preteens and teens, a surefire hit. (Thriller. 12-16)"
Teenage hackers Noa and Peter band together for vengeance and discover an inconceivable conspiracy.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 18, 2012
"Soars higher than the arashitora Kristoff writes about; superb. (Steampunk. 12 & up)"
Debut author Kristoff's steampunk adventure whisks readers to a Japanese dystopia where some mythological beings still exist, a few people have fantastical gifts, and all people live under tyranny.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 4, 2012
"Readers will be captivated. (Steampunk. 12 & up)"
Two teens race against time to thwart the forces of evil in this prequel to
The Boneshaker (2010).
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 18, 2012
"Not for the faint of heart due to both subject and length, but the intricate plot and magnificently imagined details of character, dialogue and setting take hold and don't let go. Not to be missed. (Historical/paranormal thriller. 14 & up)"
1920s New York thrums with giddy life in this gripping first in a new trilogy from Printz winner Bray.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
"Brava! (Graphic fiction. 10-14)"
From award winner Telgemeier (
Smile, 2010), a pitch-perfect graphic novel portrayal of a middle school musical, adroitly capturing the drama both on and offstage.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 23, 2012
"Quite possibly the best teen novel featuring a girl questioning her sexuality written in years. (Fiction. 14 & up)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 18, 2012
"The magic is entirely pragmatic; the impossible, extraordinarily true. (Fantasy. 13 & up)"
An ancient Welsh king may be buried in the Virginia countryside; three privileged boys hope to disinter him.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 16, 2012
"Aside from the too-anxious-to-eat valorization, fresh as a daisy and sharp as a tack. (Fiction. 12-17)"
Biting wit makes this quest for suburban normalcy in the face of depression and anxiety both laugh-out-loud funny and immensely intelligent.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 2, 2012
"Heartless September sprouts a heart during this remarkable, awesome journey. (Fantasy. 10-14)"
In this sequel to
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making (2011), heroine September embarks on another quest, this time to Fairyland-Below, where her shadow rules as queen.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
"True to this series' winning formula, an enjoyable mix of terror, comedy and romance. (Graphic paranormal romance. 12-14)"
When a weird midnight rite in a museum brings a hunky Incan mummy back to life, teenage Staci has a decision to make.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 2, 2012
"Brilliant and remarkably unsettling. (Horror/fantasy. 16 & up)"
The menacing, post-apocalyptic world of Marbury is again richly imagined in this stunning sequel to
The Marbury Lens (2010).
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 2, 2012
"A ripsnorting series opener; may the sequels arrive soon. (Fantasy. 13 & up)"
A kick-ass pirate heroine gets into and out of (mostly into) trouble in this invigorating fantasy.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
"An uplifting story that convincingly celebrates the power of perseverance. (Fiction. 14 & up)"
Two unlikely teens find a connection despite the reluctance of one and the vastly different life obstacles they confront.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 23, 2012
"A solid and captivating look at these remarkable pioneers of modern fiction. (notes and a comprehensive bibliography) (Biography. 12-16)"
The wild freedom of the imagination and the heart, and the tragedy of lives ended just as success is within view--such a powerful story is that of the Brontë children.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 16, 2012
"Though the portrayal of Rob's deteriorating mental state is raw and often uncomfortable, in the end, the honest, uncensored storytelling makes this a tale that will stay with readers long after the final page is turned. (Fiction. 14 & up)"
A dark and dangerous thrill ride pushes teen readers to the brink of their comfort zones when it comes to issues of love, lust, politics, family and war.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 9, 2012
"Absorbing, compelling and unforgettable. (author's note) (Historical fiction. 12 & up)"
War has been declared, and the young, royal, exiled FitzOsbornes are immediately in the thick of things as Cooper's Montmaray Journals trilogy comes to its conclusion.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
"Readers will learn much about the war in Afghanistan even as they cheer on this feisty protagonist. (author's note) (Fiction. 11 & up)"
In a follow-up that turns the Breadwinner Trilogy into a quartet, 15-year-old Parvana is imprisoned and interrogated as a suspected terrorist in Afghanistan.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 6, 2012
"A rare, rewarding, sumptuous exploration of artistic passion. (author's note) (Historical fantasy. 12 & up)"
Giulia is bright, curious and a gifted artist, born to a noble father and his humble mistress in 15th-century Renaissance Italy. Now her fate rests with her father's widow, who's sending Giulia to a Padua convent.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 23, 2012
"Simply brilliant. (Fantasy. 12 & up)"
Torture and treasure, treason and trust, and the triumph of true love: All come to fruition in the stirring conclusion to this epic fantasy series.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 25, 2012
"Unexpected, drily funny and full of the pathos and wonder of life: Don't miss it. (Historical fiction. 12 & up)"
Pratchett leaves Discworld to bring us something that is quite nearly--but not exactly--actual historical fiction.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 11, 2012
"The exactly right conclusion eschews easy resolution, though there's plenty of hope as they flounder into the future. (Fiction. 14 & up)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 13, 2012
"With reveals seeming to arrive on almost every page, prepare to stay up all night. (author's note referencing poems and paintings) (Science fiction/romance. 13 & up)"
While staying true to the science fiction and romance at the core of Matched (2010) and Crossed (2011), the trilogy's breathless finale blossoms into a medical thriller too, adding breadth and resonance.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: March 20, 2012
"Infused with nostalgia and affection, this celebration of the deliberately constructed self will hold readers in its spell from beginning to end. (Historical fiction. 13 & up)"
Fourteen-year-old Portia joins a circus freak show looking for the father who abandoned her, but she finds much more.
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