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Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

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New & Notable Books for Children & Teens: January, 2013

Cover art for TIME-OUT FOR SOPHIE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 24, 2013
Kirkus Star TIME-OUT FOR SOPHIE
by Rosemary Wells, illustrated by Rosemary Wells
"Readers will clamor for more of the irrepressible Sophie, while parents will secretly smile--sheer delight. (Picture book. 2-5)"
Little Sophie gleefully makes mischief until Granny cleverly responds in this soon-to-be favorite about the joys of raising (and being) a toddler. Read full book review >
Cover art for COURAGE HAS NO COLOR
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 22, 2013
Kirkus Star COURAGE HAS NO COLOR: THE TRUE STORY OF THE TRIPLE NICKLES: AMERICA'S FIRST BLACK PARATROOPERS
by Tanya Lee Stone
"An exceptionally well-researched, lovingly crafted and important tribute to unsung American heroes. (photographs, chronology, sources note, bibliography) (Nonfiction. 10 & up)"
The fascinating untold story of the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, America's first black paratroopers. Read full book review >
Cover art for YOU NEVER HEARD OF WILLIE MAYS?!
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 22, 2013
Kirkus Star YOU NEVER HEARD OF WILLIE MAYS?!
by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Terry Widener
"Say hey! An all-star gem to share with grandparents, parents, children, baseball fans and anyone else. (author's note, career highlights, glossary of baseball terms, online resources) (Picture book/biography. 4-8)"
The greatest baseball player of all time?! Read full book review >
Cover art for HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BUNNY!
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 15, 2013
Kirkus Star HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BUNNY!
by Elizabeth Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Stephanie Graegin
"Happy birthday to a splendid book for new birthday boys and girls. (Picture book. 1-4)"
Scanlon delivers a sweet, rhyming text to tell the story of a little bunny's birthday in Graegin's debut picture book. Read full book review >
Cover art for USES FOR BOYS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 15, 2013
Kirkus Star USES FOR BOYS
by Erica Lorraine Scheidt
"Haunting, frank and un-put-downable. (Fiction. 14-17)"
A teen girl grapples movingly with maternal abandonment, sexuality and identity. Read full book review >
Cover art for GINGERSNAP
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 8, 2013
Kirkus Star GINGERSNAP
by Patricia Reilly Giff
"While the outcome is foreseeable, Jayna's journey is a memorable one. (Historical fiction. 9-12)"
Giff is one of few writers who can entwine an odd lot of characters, set them in Brooklyn during World War II, flavor the story with soup recipes, add a ghost and infuse the plot with a longing for family--and make it all believable. Read full book review >