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Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS



New and Notable Books for Teens for September

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Cover art for THE GRAY WOLF THRONE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 30, 2011
Kirkus Star THE GRAY WOLF THRONE
by Cinda Williams Chima
"Indispensible for those already committed to the series; those who aren't should go back to the beginning and start. (Fantasy. 12 & up) "
Secrets are revealed, oaths sworn, alliances forged and hearts broken in the third volume of this epic fantasy tetralogy. Read full book review >
Cover art for GUANTANAMO BOY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2011
GUANTANAMO BOY
by Anna Perera
"Nonetheless, this gripping look at a poorly defined war's unintended consequences uniquely challenges readers to reexamine common beliefs and ask searching questions about means and ends. (author's note, timeline, discussion guide) (Fiction. 13 & up)"
This debut, published in 2009 in the UK, chronicles in devastating detail the kidnapping, incarceration and torture of an ordinary teenager six months after 9/11. Read full book review >
Cover art for NOTES FROM AN ACCIDENTAL BAND GEEK
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2011
NOTES FROM AN ACCIDENTAL BAND GEEK
by Erin Dionne
"Marching-band kids everywhere will enjoy this believable celebration of a life-changing, musical rite of passage. (Fiction. 11 & up)"
Can a serious French horn player ever find happiness in marching band? Read full book review >
Cover art for THE NAME OF THE STAR
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2011
THE NAME OF THE STAR
by Maureen Johnson
"Nice touches about friendship, kissing, research and the way a boy's curls might touch his collar fully integrate with a clear-eyed look at a pitiless killer. (Supernatural thriller. 12-18)"
A clever, scary, little-bit-sexy beginning to a series that takes Louisiana teen Rory to London. Read full book review >
Cover art for BURNOUT
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 13, 2011
Kirkus Star BURNOUT
by Adrienne Maria Vrettos
"Stark, compelling, perceptive: a winner. (Fiction. 12 & up)"
A high-school junior falls in with a reckless companion who leads her into a dangerous lifestyle in this gritty, suspenseful character study. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE ISLE OF BLOOD
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 13, 2011
Kirkus Star THE ISLE OF BLOOD
by Rick Yancey
"He deftly blurs lines between science and the supernatural, and what results is a long, dark-night-of-the-soul journey for both Will Henry and Pellinore that is certain to turn the hearts and the stomachs of every reader who dares open its pages. (Horror. 14 & up)
"
When an obscure, slimy, flesh-colored pouch is delivered to Pellinore Warthrop's door and renders the deliverer into a bloody, pulpy zombie-like mess, the Monstrumologist has but one course of action open to him. Read full book review >