CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 8, 2011
Intelligent, richly detailed fantasy featuring two young cousins battered by losses, personal passions and larger events.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 4, 2011
"Although Janie's narration loses some of its charm and humor as the adventure escalates, its blend of history, culture and the anxiety of the time with magical "science" will keep readers just as spellbound as the characters. (art not seen) (Historical fantasy. 10-14)"
Following the paths of Neil Gaiman, Julia Alvarez and Carl Hiaasen, bestselling author Meloy (
Both Ways Is the Only Way I Want It, 2009, etc.) takes a successful plunge into middle-grade fiction.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 30, 2011
"A satisfying blend of fantasy, adventure story, eco-fable and political satire with broad appeal; especially recommended for preteen boys. (Fantasy. 10 & up)"
Fans of Meloy's indie-rock band, The Decemberists, will recognize themes running through his engaging debut celebrating the struggle of ordinary folk (including plants and animals) to throw off tyranny and shape their destinies.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: April 5, 2011
"Enjoyable mayhem ensues. (Historical fantasy. 10 & up)"
Romance, humor and magic mark this brisk debut novel, the first of a trilogy set in an alternative Regency England.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2004
"Goodhearted, resourceful Peer's courage, loyalty to his friends, and generosity will win reader's hearts and will ensure the appeal to readers of Emily Rodda's Rowan of Rin series and the Lemony Snickets. (Fiction. 9-12)"
As his father's funeral pyre burns, Peer Ulfsson, to his horror, meets a step-uncle whom his father has never mentioned.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2003
"Tom's struggle to remain true to himself should resonate powerfully with other alienated adolescents. (Fantasy. 10-15)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
"A haunting, chilling (but never gory or graphic) tale with a fantastic girl at its center. (Fantasy. 10 & up)"
Bow's debut novel takes the stuff of Disney (spunky orphaned heroine and talking animal sidekick) and uses it to tell a surprisingly dark fantasy.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2008
"A sort of combination of witch-trial–era Salem and The Giver, this book offers a treat with nearly every page turn. (Fantasy. 10-14)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2008
"Beautifully written, fully realized, fast-paced—this blurs the line between fantasy and history and has winner written all over it. (Fantasy. 10-14)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2008
"All in all a sturdy start, illustrated with Caparo's realistic portraits at the chapter heads and reminiscent of Angie Sage's Septimus Heap tales (Queste, 2008, etc.) in style and setting. (map; glossary, runes and biscuit recipe not seen) (Fantasy. 10-13)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2009
"A fine fantasy debut (first published in Australia in 2001). (author's note) (Fantasy. 10 & up)"
Twelve-year-old Australian Hannah has been sent to spend the winter with Japanese family friends in Kanazawa so she can improve her ability to speak the language.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2008
"A film is already in development, and if it lives up to this marvel-laden debut, it'll be well worth seeing. (Fantasy. 10-13)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2008
"Nurk's adventure, and the tone in which it's related, will remind readers of Stuart Little's quest. (Fantasy. 10-12)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2010
"Initially perplexing and surreal, the narrative's juxtaposition of fantasy and reality eventually blends beautifully in the convincing conclusion. (Fiction. 10 & up)"
In this debut novel, two seemingly unrelated stories merge into a poignant journey from anger to acceptance.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2002
"Not for the faint-hearted—who are mostly adults anyway—but for stouthearted kids who love a brush with the sinister: Coraline is spot on. (Fiction. 9-12)"
A magnificently creepy fantasy pits a bright, bored little girl against a soul-eating horror that inhabits the reality right next door.
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