CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2002
"Nonetheless, a worthy subject that should give kids plenty to think about. (Fiction. 10+)"
Looks may not be everything, but few high-school students would deny that physical appearance is connected to self-esteem and social standing.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 1, 2010
"This may not be great literature, but it holds strong appeal for teens who can't get enough street lit. (Fiction. YA)"
On the day Michelle Peña wins in the qualifying rounds for All-American track and earns a spot on her school's academic decathlon team, she and her best friend, Kiki, are kidnapped.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: May 17, 2011
"A fine one-two punch with the author's previous powerful work, My Mother the Cheerleader (2007). (sources) (Historical fiction. 12 & up)"
The historically freighted match between Joe Louis and Max Schmeling forms the backdrop for this compelling coming-of-age novel.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2010
"For fantasy lovers, this is an absolute must-read. (Graphic fantasy. 12 & up)"
Veteran fantasist Yolen introduces the utterly charming and sassy Aliera, a quirky tenth-grade loner who's both color-blind and an expert fencer, in this charming graphic novel.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2009
"Fully realized secondary characters, realistically raunchy dialogue and the scatological subject matter assure that this boisterous and unexpectedly sweet read will be a word-of-mouth hit. (Fiction. 14 & up)"
This viscerally funny story of one boy's attempt to impress his ladylove by finishing four laps of the dreaded butterfly stroke in a swim competition by summer's end is sure to please fans of Pete Hautman's Rash (2006) and Randy Powell's Three Clams and an Oyster (2002).
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010
"Readers will be rooting for Flora as she struggles to achieve her goals. (Fiction. 12 & up)"
Fourteen-year-old Flora struggles with her dual role as star soccer player at her rural Maine high school, dreaming of playing for the U.S. Soccer Girl's National Team, and her family's centuries-old tradition of potato farming.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 1998
"In this gripping look at family relationships Cadnum finds painful shades of gray for Bonnie to face for the first time; in her will to grasp the manner and timing of her healing is evidence that she is one of Cadnum's most complex and enigmatic characters. (Fiction. 12-14)"
For Cadnum (In a Dark Wood, p. 55, etc.), there's nothing like a little uncertainty to throw a top athlete—or a father- daughter relationship—off, headed for a permanent setback.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 1996
"The young characters here, male and female, are all athletes, but not stereotyped jocks, and Wallace limns the pleasures and limitations of small-town culture with a sure hand. (Fiction. 12-15)"
This strong debut, set in a small Pennsylvania town where local sports rule, pits a senior wrestler against both a close friend and the prospect of a dead-end, beer-and-factory-work future.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2008
"Although the author tries to muddy the waters with an undercooked subplot that involves possible past malfeasance on the part of Savvy's coach, the final revelation is heavily foreshadowed, making the most surprising thing how readily Savvy forgives. (Fiction. 12 & up)"
Against the odds, 13-year-old, 6'2" Savvy, the psychologically tough heroine of Mackel's engrossing story, makes it onto a competitive basketball team for older girls.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 21, 2012
"Katie's tale is so clearly a cautionary one, though, it may not reach the audience that most needs it. (Fiction. 14 & up)"
"If you drink some wine and there's no one around to see it, does it still count against you?"
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 13, 2009
"Asha's struggles will enlighten and inspire young women, and encourage them to value their own freedom. (glossary, map) (Fiction. YA)"
Asha would rather be burning bras, studying psychology and playing tennis like Chris Evert (she's that good).
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 26, 2010
"Rich, real and utterly engrossing. (Historical fiction. 10-14)"
This sequel to The Georges and the Jewels (2009) is Smiley at her finest—detailed, nuanced, absorbing.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2012
"This potentially inspiring tale staggers along under the weight of a worthy agenda. (afterword) (Historical fiction. 12-14)"
A general indictment of apartheid is thinly wrapped in a tale about a young Zulu marathoner who runs for his country in the Olympics.
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