2015 Sequoyah Intermediate Smorgasbord
Shadow and Bone
by Bardugo, Leigh
Citation: Bardugo, Leigh. Shadow and Bone. New York: H. Holt and Co, 2012. 358 p. (Grades 8-12).
Annotation: In a land called Ravka, which has been torn into two by the Shadow Fold – an immense and dangerous abyss filled with darkness - a fragile orphan named Alina discovers a power that she never knew she possessed; the power to summon the sun.
Booktalk: Orphaned by the Border Wars, tiny and fragile Alina and her only friend Mal, were raised together in an orphanage. Now older, together they serve in the Ravkan army in a land surrounded by enemies and torn apart by the Shadow Fold, a mysterious and nearly impenetrable darkness inhabited with flesh-eating creatures. During a dangerous mission to cross the Shadow Fold, their regiment is attacked and in order to save Mal, a panic stricken Alina lets loose a power that she doesn’t know she has; the power to summon a pure light that drives away the creatures who thrive in the darkness. What is this power? How does she control it? Alina and Mal become separated by distance and rank as she is whisked away by the mysterious Darkling, the head of the Grisha, who will teach her to hone her new power. But as secrets slowly unravel, Alina discovers the Darkling's plan to enslave her in order to destroy all who oppose him, she must figure out a way to stop him and find her way back to Mal. Will she learn to wield her power and save Rafka before it's too late?
Reviews: Booklist 05/15/2012 Kirkus Reviews 04/15/2012 School Library Journal 06/01/2012 Publisher’s Weekly 06/01/2012
Awards or Honors: The New York Times’ bestseller list ABA’s Best New Voices
Author Website: http://www.leighbardugo.com/
Related Books: Graceling by Kristin Cashore Sabriel by Garth Nix Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
Like – Try – Why: Like The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien? Try Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo! Why – An unlikely hero is tasked with an epic quest to save her world.
Like The Harry Potter series by JK Rowling? Try Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo! Why – Like Harry, Alina finds herself in a world full of magic and must learn to use her very special abilities that set her apart from even the most powerful Grishas.
Like True Talents by David Lubar? Try Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo! Why – Paranormal talents abound in the Grisha training center in which Alina finds herself. Laugh With The Moon
by Burg, Shana
Citation: Burg, Shana. Laugh With the Moon. New York: Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 2012. 258 p. (Gr. 6-8).
Annotation: After suddenly losing her mother, Clare’s father moves them suddenly to Malawi, Africa, and Clare must learn to deal with grief, making new friends and finding her place on a new continent.
Booktalk: After her mother dies suddenly, Clare’s father decides to drag her to Malawi, Africa, so he can be a doctor. Clare is NOT happy about this. While dealing with uncomfortable uniforms, a school that doesn’t have textbooks, and living in the jungle, Clare has to grieve, teach English, and make friends. But the people of her new home are more than up to the challenge, and they slowly chip away at Clare’s walls, until she comes to see that maybe just about anywhere can be home, if you can find family.
Reviews: Booklist 6/2012 School Library Journal (starred) 6/2012 Publisher’s Weekly 5/2012 Kirkus Reviews 4/2012
Awards and Honors: Texas Bluebonnet Award Masterlist
Author Website: www.shanaburg.com
Other Books By Shana Burg: A Thousand Never Evers
Related Books: Same Sun Here by Silas House Liar and Spy by Rebecca Stead Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai
Dragonswood
by Carey, Janet Lee
Citation: Carey, Janet Lee. Dragonswood. New York: Dial Books, 2012. 403 p. (Grades 7-9).
Annotation: In 1192 A.D. on Wilde Island, Tess is accused of witchcraft and must flee, but when she meets a warden of Dragonswood who offers her shelter, she does not realize that he has a secret that may finally bring about peace among the races.
Booktalk: On Wilde Island (obviously in the British Isles off the coast of England) in the summer of 1192, there was no longer peace between humans, fairies, and dragons. With the recent death of King Kadmi Pendragon, agreements among them had weakened; and the hunting for witches and half-fey maidens had increased. Some believed in the ancient prophecy that peace would not come until there was a mingling of human, fairy and dragons. Meanwhile, in the small village of Harrowton, Tess, daughter of the blacksmith, was growing up aware of the strange power that fire played in her life. It began at age 7 when she was taken to watch a witch-burning, and again at age 12 when she ran into Dragonswood drawn by fiery will-o’-the- wisps, and again at age 17 when she was transfixed at the burial of her baby brother by a leaf-fire burning in the graveyard and saw a vision in the fire of a shining green man swinging a sword. A few weeks later when a group of witch hunters galloped into town, Tess was arrested and thrown into a jail cell to be tortured and given the water trial for witches. Not a lass to give up easily, Tess fiercely began to look for an escape, but her rescue came miraculously when an enormous turtle was dropped into the water by a dragon and swiftly swam her to shore. Being chased by the witch hunter, she along with two equally- accused friends, fled into the forbidden forest of Dragonswood, a refuge only for dragons and fairy folk. Alone, cold, and hungry, the girls with their identities concealed by lepers’ rags found their way to a cave for shelter. Thus began their adventures with the fey folk, dragons, and finally the king’s sons themselves. Who were these girls to experience such revelations and deliverance—witches, fairy maidens, dragon kin, heirs to the Pendragon throne?
Reviews: Booklist 1/1/2012 Horn Book Fall 11/10/2012 Kirkus Reviews 12/1/2011 School Library Journal 1/1/2012 Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books 02/01 Teacher Librarian 10/01/12
Awards and Honors: 2013 YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults 2012 Listopia Best YA Books
Author Website: www.janetleecarey.com
Other Books by Author: Dragon’s Keep Molly's Fire Stealing Death The Double Life of Zoe Flynn Wenny has Wings Dragons of Noor
Stolen into Slavery the True Story of Solomon Northup
by Fradin, Judith and Dennis
Citation: Fradin, Judith and Dennis. Stolen into Slavery the True Story of Solomon Northup. Iowa: National Geographic Society, 2012. 120p. (Gr 7-9)
Annotation: Kidnapped and forced into slavery, Solomon Northup a free man until the moment some men tricked him into leaving the state of New York, the next 12 years are series of heart break and pain.
Booktalk: Living the life of a free black man was rare, but Solomon Northup was doing just that, but when he was misled and taken out of the state of New York, a new life started. Waking up in chains and his freedom taken away, Solomon is in for a horrendous time. Go on the horrifying journey with Solomon and see that even in a time of misery one can find their way out of the pain.
Reviews: Booklist Feb. 2012 School Library Journal Apr. 2012 Horn Book Fall 2012 Kirkus Reviews Jan. 2012 Library Media Connection Reviews Aug. /Sept. 2012
Awards and Honors: Automatically yours – CATS Awards Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books April 2012 Carter G. Woodson Book Award Winner School Core – Middle School- Biography Fast Facts – January 2012 #2 and #3 Growing Minds – November/ December 2012
Other Books by Dennis and Judith Fradin: Zora!: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston Hurricane Katrina Tornado
Related Books: 12 Years a Slave by Solomon Northup 5000, Miles to Freedom: Ellen and William Craft’s Flight from Slavery by Dennis and Judith Fradin To Free a Family: The Journey of Mary Walker by Nathans Sydney
Like –Stolen into Slavery the True Story of Solomon Northup Try – Sold by Patricia McCormick Why – Slavery comes in different forms and is still happening all over the world.
One for the Murphys
by Hunt, Lynda Mullaly
Citation: Hunt, Lynda Mullaly. One for the Murphys. New York, NY: Nancy Paulsen, 2012. 224 pages (grades 5-8)
Annotation: After a terrible act of violence by her stepfather lands Carly in the hospital, she is placed in foster care with the Murphys. As Carly begins to remember the awful details of that fateful night, she is wary of the kind loving environment offered to her through the Murphys.
Booktalk: Carly Conners is a twelve year old with a lifetime of bad experiences. After a terrible act of violence at the hands of her stepfather and betrayal by her put her in the hospital, she is placed in foster care. The Murphys are unlike any family Carly has ever seen and she struggles to understand the loving family where she has been placed. Even as Carly tries to keep up her aloof, standoffish behavior, she is drawn into the Murphy family and begins to learn what it truly means to belong. Carly must come to terms with the family she wants, the family she has and the uncertain future she faces.
Reviews: Booklist 5/15/12 Kirkus starred 4/15/12 Horn Book 7/01/12 Publishers Weekly 3/12/12 VOYA 8/01/12 School Library Journal 6/1/12
Awards and Honors: Colorado Children’s Book Award Nominee 2014 Florida Sunshine State Young Reader’s Award Nominee 2013-14 Tassy Walden Award for New Voices in Literature
Author Website: http://lyndamullalyhunt.com/
Other books by this author: None
Related books-(fiction) Almost Home by Joan Bauer Summer of the Wolves by Polly Carson-Voiles Kepler’s Dream by Juliet Bell The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Patterson Insignia
By Kincaid, S. J.
Citation: Kincaid, S. J. Insignia. New York: Katherine Tegen, 2012. 480 pages
Annotation In a world where World War III is fought in space with drones, Thomas Raines, a virtual reality gaming prodigy, could be the undiscovered gem that helps the Indo-Americans finally win the war.
Booktalk Tom Raines hasn’t had an easy life. The world is embroiled in World War III, fought in outerspace by teen controlling airships like video games. Corporations control the government and options for people like Tom are limited. Abandoned by his mom, he tags along from casino to casino with his gambler father, hustling for money as a virtual reality gaming expert. When the military takes notice of his outstanding ability in the gaming world, he unexpectedly finds himself at the Pentagonal Spire, surrounded by the very teens he sees on the news. Suddenly Tom realizes even the world he dreamed of has flaws and the pressure of saving the world and winning a war might be too much for one teen to handle.
Reviews: School Library Journal (starred) 7/1/12 Horn Book 11/1/13 Kirkus 6/5/12 VOYA 12/1/12 Booklist 7/1/12
Awards and Honors: YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults 2013 Missouri Truman Book Award Nominee 2015-16 New Hampshire Isinglass Teen Book Award Nominee 2013-14 Indiana High School Book Award Nominee 2014-15
Author Website: http://sjkincaid.com/
Other books by this author Vortex Catalyst
Related books-(fiction) Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card Divergent by Veronica Roth Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling Proxy by Alex London TheTesting by Joelle Charbonneau
The Lions of Little Rock
By Levine, Kristin
Citation: Levine, Kristin. The Lions of Little Rock. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2012. 304 p. (Gr. 5-8)
Annotation: In 1958 Little Rock, shy Marlee Pope is too afraid to talk to anyone until new student Liz becomes her friend. Their friendship is threatened when Marlee and the rest of her community discover that Liz is an African-American student trying to attend a segregated school.
Booktalk: It is 1958 in Little Rock, Arkansas, and Marlee Pope is afraid. She is afraid of heights, afraid to stand up to mean girl Sally, even afraid to speak to anyone besides her family. She is especially afraid of the turmoil and threats of violence that have accompanied the battle for desegregating schools in her hometown. She wishes she could be brave like the lions at the zoo, the ones Marlee can hear roaring and growling and not being afraid to let others know how they feel. When Marlee becomes friends with outspoken, courageous new student Liz, Marlee begins to learn how to face her fears. Not until Marlee learns a startling truth about Liz does Marlee learn just how brave she must be in order to keep her first real friendship.
Reviews: Booklist 01/01/2012 School Library Journal (starred) 01/01/2012 Publishers Weekly (starred) 11/21/2011 Kirkus (starred) 11/15/2011
Awards and Honors: Kirkus Reviews New and Notable Books for Children, January 2012
Author Website: www.kristinlevine.com
Other Books by Kristin Levine: The Best Bad Luck I Ever Had
Related Books (Fiction): Kizzy Ann Stamps by Jeri Watts Belle Teal by Ann M. Martin Sources of Light by Margaret McMullan Yankee Girl by Mary Ann Rodman
Related Books (Nonfiction): Cracking the Wall: The Struggles of the Little Rock Nine by Eileen Lucas Today the World is Watching You: The Little Rock Nine and the Fight for School Integration, 1957 by Kekla Magoon Remember Little Rock: The Time, the People, the Stories by Paul Robert Walker Little Rock Girl 1957: How a Photograph Changed the Fight for Integration (Captured History) by Shelley Tougas
Second Chance Summer
By Matson, Morgan
Citation: Matson, Morgan. Second Chance Summer. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2012. 468 p. (Grades 7-12).
Annotation: Taylor Edwards must spend her summer in the family lake house in the Poconos where she must face people she has hurt in the past and the fact that her terminally ill father only has a few months to live.
Booktalk: When faced with problems, Taylor Edwards has always run away. Now her family is forcing her to spend the summer at their lake house in the Poconos, and Taylor is surrounded by problems she can no longer escape: a ruined childhood friendship with Lucy, a jilted first love with Henry, and a distant relationship with her siblings. The summer also brings with it Taylor’s most difficult problem yet: her father has stage-four pancreatic cancer and is not expected to live to see the end of the summer.
Reviews: Booklist (starred) 08/01/2012 School Library Journal (starred) 07/01/2012 Publishers Weekly (starred) 07/09/2012
Awards and Honors: A School Library Journal Best Books of the Year, 2012 An AtlanticWire Best MG/YA Book of the Year 2012 A San Francisco Book Review Best Book of 2012
Author Website: www.morganmatson.com
Other Books by Morgan Matson: Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour
Related Books: The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen Trouble by Gary D. Schmidt The Willoughby Spit Wonder by Jonathon Scott Fuqua
Cinder by Meyer, Marissa
Citation: Meyer, Marissa. Cinder. Feiwel & Friends, 2012. 387 p. (Grades 7-12)
Annotation: On the brink of intergalactic war and ravaged by a deadly plague, New Beijing’s only hope lies with a cyborg, mechanic named Cinder whose mysterious past could be the key to preventing all- out war with the Lunars.
Booktalk: “Even in the future, the story begins with Once Upon a Time.” Cinder, a cyborg mechanic with a mysterious past works in the market of New Beijing at the order of her stepmother. When her stepsister, Peony, comes down with the incurable letumosis plague; Cinder jumps into action to save her only to be drawn into the center of an intergalactic war between Earth and the Lunars. Does evil Queen Levana want to control Earth the way she controls the people of the moon? Who is Cinder and why is she so important to Earth’s fight against the Lunars? These questions and more will be answered when you check out this sci-fi retelling of the classic fairy tale Cinderella.
Reviews: Voices of Youth Advocates, December 1, 2011 (HB*) Hornbook Starred Review; June 11, 2012 Publishers Weekly; November 7, 2011 (SLJ 7-10) School Library Journal; January 1, 2012 Booklist; October 15, 2011
Awards or Honors: 2015 Intermediate Sequoyah Masterlist Beehive Young Adults' Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD in 2013) Publishers Weekly Best Children's Books (WON AWARD in 2012) Grand Canyon Reader Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD in 2014) New York State Charlotte Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD in 2014) Young Hoosier Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD in 2014)
Author Website: http://www.marissameyer.com/
Other Books by the Author: Scarlet (February 2013) Cress (February 2014)
Related Books: Legend by Marie Lu Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo Delirium by Lauren Oliver Enchanted by Althea Kontis The Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
Like-Try-Why: Like: Cinder by Marissa Meyer Try: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo Why: Both novels have strong female characters who hope to save the world with the power of their secret identities!
The False Prince
by Nielsen, Jennifer
Citation: Nielsen, Jennifer A. The False Prince. New York: Scholastic, 2012. 342p. (Grades 4-12).
Annotation: Sage is one of four orphans who are being forced to compete to be the best impersonator for the long lost Prince Jaron in order to take over the kingdom of Carthya.
Booktalk: Rumors of the deaths of the royal family in Carthya have the kingdom in chaos while neighboring kingdoms are waiting to take over. Connor, a nobleman in the court, has a secret plan to place an impersonator of the long lost younger prince on the throne. Sage, a smart and clever orphan boy, must compete with two other boys to win the chance, while almost certain death will await those who lose. This is an action packed fantasy. Everyone has secrets, even Sage, and the story keeps twisting and turning as those are revealed. Keep reading to see if Sage and Carthya will survive!
Reviews: Library Media Collection Aug/ Sept 2012 Booklist 04/01/2012 School Library Journal April 2012 Kirkus Reviews 02/15/2012 Horn Book Mar/Apr 2012 Publishers Weekly (starred) 02/12/2012 Voice of Youth Advocates Feb 2012
Awards and Honors: 2013 EB White Read-Aloud Award Honor Book Cybil Award winner for Best Middle Grade of 2012 Double Whitney Award winner for Best Middle Grade of 2012 and Best Overall Youth Book of 2012 2013 ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults #5 pick for the Indie Next Spring 2012 Kids’ List Publishers Weekly Pick, week of March 26, 2012 2012 National Parenting Publication Award – Silver 2012 New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing List 2012 New York Times Notables List 2013 YALSA list for Best Fiction for Young Adults #2 title for YALSA 2013 Teens’ Top Ten list Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best Children’s Books of 2012 List Goodreads Choice “Best of 2012″ MG Finalist One of Fuse #8′s “Magnificent Books of 2012″ Listed in ABC’s Best Books Catalog by The American Booksellers Association One of Bankstreet College of Education’s “Best Children’s Books of the Year” 2013 Nominations for student choice awards in several states
Authors website: jennielsen.com
Other Books by the Author: Elliot and the Goblin War Elliot and the Pixie Plot Elliot and the Last Underworld War The Runaway King The Shadow Throne Behind Enemy Lines
Related Books: The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
Bomb: The Race to Build and Steal the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon
By Sheinkin, Steve
Citation: Sheinkin, Steve. Bomb: The Race to Build-and Steal- The World’s Most Dangerous Weapon. Flash Point, 2012. 266 p. (Grades 5 Up)
Annotation: In 1938, after discovering what happens when a Uranium atom is split in two, a scientific race between nations involving espionage, death-defying heroics, and intellect begins for the world’s most dangerous weapon, the atomic bomb.
Booktalk: In this true story of science and espionage, the race to build the world’s most dangerous weapon begins in 1938 when scientists discovered what happens when a Uranium atom is split in two. This discovery led to an all out race between the allies of the United States and Great Britain, the Germans, and the Soviets to build the atomic bomb. From the father of the atomic bomb, Robert Oppenheimer and his secret lab in Los Alamos to a group of Norwegians scaling an icy gorge to sabotage the Germans, this moment in history was filled with death-defying heroics and suspense. You don’t want to miss this real life thriller!
Reviews: Voices of Youth Advocates, August 1, 2012 (HB) Hornbook; October 27, 2012 Publishers Weekly; August 13, 2012 (SLJ 5-Up) School Library Journal; October 1, 2012 Booklist; September 1, 2012
Awards or Honors: 2015 Intermediate Sequoyah Masterlist National Book Award Finalist Newbery Honor Sibert Medal YALSA 2013 Nonfiction Award
Author Website: http://stevesheinkin.com
Other Books by the Author: The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism & Treachery (November 2010) Lincoln’s Grave Robbers (January 2013) The Port Chicago 50 (January 2014) Two Miserable Presidents (July 2009) Which Way to the Wild West (July 2010) The Adventures of Rabbi Harvey (August 2006) Rabbi Harvey Rides Again (February 2008) Rabbi Harvey vs. the Wisdom Kid (February 2010) El Iluminado (November 2012)
Related Books: Moonbird: a Year on the Wind with the Great Survivor B95 by Phillip M. Hoose We’ve Got a Job:the 1963 Birmingham Children’s March by Cynthia Levinson Invincible Microbe: Tuberculosis and the Never-Ending Search for a Cure by Jim Murphy and Alison Blank The Impossible Rescue: The True Story of an Amazing Arctic Adventure by Martin W. Sandler Titanic: Voices from the Disaster by Deborah Hopkinson
Like-Try-Why: Like: Bomb: The Race to Build-and Steal- The World’s Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve Sheinkin Try: The Impossible Rescue: the True Story of an Amazing Arctic Adventure by Martin W. Sandler Why: Both of these nonfiction titles involve stories of thrilling heroics in dangerous situations!
Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip
by Sonnenblick, Jordan
Citation: Sonnenblick, Jordan. Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip. New York: Scholastic, 2012. 285p. (Grades 5-9)
Annotation: Peter‘s freshman year is not going as planned. An injury forces him to look for other interests than sports. Friendships, a certain girl, and his grandfather’s illness further complicate his life.
Booktalk: Have you ever had things happen in a different way than you planned? Peter is an amazing pitcher who loves the game of baseball, but he has an injury that will keep him from ever playing again. He is not able to be honest about his injury with his best friend and teammate, AJ, who is expecting Peter to play again after he recovers. Peter has learned photography from his grandfather and uses those talents in a photography class in school where he meets an amazing girl named Angelika. Peter’s grandfather begins to show signs of dementia but asks Peter to cover for him. All of Peter’s secrets begin to have consequences and he eventually has to deal with these issues. This is a good book for those interested in sports or photography and is often funny.
Reviews: Booklist starred 02/01/2012 Publishers Weekly starred 04/30/2012 School Library Journal starred 04/01/2012 Horn Book 08/01/2012 Kirkus Reviews 01/01/2012 Voice of Youth Advocates Feb. 2012
Awards or Honors: Booklist Top 10 Sports Books for Youth: 2012 YALSA 2013 Best Fiction for Young Adults
Author website: www.jordansonnenblick.com
Other Books by the Author: Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie Notes from the Midnight Driver Zen and the Art of Faking It Dodger and Me Dodger for President Dodger for Sale After Ever After
Related Books: Unstoppable by Tim Green The Batboy by Mike Lupica Pop by Gordon Korman Notes from the Midnight Driver by Jordan Sonnenblick
Raven Boys
by Stiefvater, Maggie
Citation: Stiefvater, Maggie. Raven Boys. New York: Scholastic Press. 2012. 416 p. (Gr. 7-up)
Annotation: Every year, Blue visits the local graveyard with her mother, to listen to those who will die in the coming year, but when Blue meets one of the ghosts, he and his friends will change her life forever.
Booktalk: "There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark's Eve, Blue. Either you're his true love...or you killed him." With these eerie words, 16-year-old Blue is launched into the world of the Raven Boys: students at the elite Aglionby Academy. Gansey is the boy she saw, and after assuring herself she is in no danger of falling in love with him, she is slowly drawn into his search for a mystical Welsh king, magical ley lines, and deep dark mysteries that span decades. She is also drawn into his group of friends: Ronan, the tattooed bad boy, Adam, the hard-working scholarship student, and Noah, quiet and shy. With magic, psychics, cars, treasure hunts, and the complicated inner workings of family and friends, The Raven Boys is a thrilling fantasy ride.
Reviews: Kirkus Reviews (starred) 12/2/2012 Horn Book 1/2013 School Library Journal (starred) 10/2012 Booklist (starred) 8/2012
Awards and Honors: New York Times Bestseller USA Today Bestseller ABA Bestseller Publishers Weekly Best Books of 2012 TIME Magazine Season’s Most Anticipated Reads Amazon Books Editors’ Selection: Fall Favorites 2013 YALSA Top 10 Best Fiction for YA Autumn 2012 Kids’ Indie Next List Pick Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award
Author website: www.maggiestiefvater.com
Other Books By Maggie Stiefvater: Ballad Scorpio Races Lament Dream Thieves Shiver Linger Forever
Related Books: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
Drama
by Telgemeier, Raina
Citation: Telgemeier, Raina. Drama. New York: Graphix, 2012. 233 p. (Grades 6-9).
Annotation: Callie is in 7th grade and is an enthusiastic set designer for this year’s rendition of Moon over Mississippi. While she must deal with big plans and a small budget, she also has love issues to contend with.
Booktalk: Callie is a bona fide theater geek. Her singing skills on the other hand, are less than desirable. When her middle school starts planning production for a rendition of Moon over Mississippi, she signs up for the stage crew and has big plans for a confetti shooting cannon. The drama in Drama comes not only from the stage, but behind it as well. Justin and Jesse Mendocino, two totally cute twin brothers have joined the cast and crew and now she doesn't know who she likes, or if they have crushes on someone else. Amidst the flourishing romance and friendship, after a crises threatens to put a halt on the entire production, both the actors and the set designers must rally together to save the play.
Reviews: Booklist 09/15/2012 Kirkus Reviews 08/01/2012 School Library Journal 11/01/2012 Publisher’s Weekly 06/04/2012
Awards or Honors: A Stonewall Honor Book Harvey Award Nominee NPR: 5 Great Summer Reads for Teens A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2012 A Washington Post Best Book of 2012 New York Times Editors’ Choice Booklist Editors’ Choice NPR: Graphic Novels that Flew Under the Radar New York Public Library’s 100 Titles For Reading and Sharing School Library Journal Top 10 Graphic Novels of 2012
Author Website: http://goraina.com/
Related Books: The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot Peace, Love, and Baby Ducks by Lauren Myracle Will Grayson, Will Grayson by David Levithan and John Green
Like – Try – Why: Like The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky? Try Drama by Raina Telgemeier! Why – Like Chbosky, Telgemeier addresses LGBTQ issues with similar frankness and sensitivity.
Like The Dork Diaries series by Rachel Renee Russell? Try Drama by Raina Telgemeier! Why – Like Nikki Maxwell, Callie is in middle school and navigating the murky waters of adolescent friendships and heartbreaks.
Like Dramarama by E. Lockhart? Try Drama by Raina Telgemeier! Why – Drama, drama, drama! If you’re a fan of the theater, both on stage like Sayde and Demi, or off stage like Callie, you will love Drama by Raina Telgemeier Kizzy Ann Stamps
by Watt, Jeri
Citation: Watts, Jeri Hanel. Kizzy Ann Stamps. Somerville, MA: Candlewick, 2012. 183 pages
Annotation: Nervous about attending the new integrated school, Kizzy Ann takes her former teacher’s advice and writes letters to her new white teacher. Kizzy Ann pours her heart into the letters, describing her excitement, fears and her facial scar and how her dog Shag helps her deal with it all.
Booktalk: In 1963, Kizzy Ann’s all black school is closed and she will start at the all white, now integrated, school in town. She writes a letter to her new white teacher as an assignment and is pleased and proud when the new teacher writes her back. Kizzy Ann and her new teacher exchange letters all summer, and journal entries during her first integrated school year. Kizzy Ann is frank and honest in her letters and has much to tell her new teacher--from her nerves about attending the integrated school, the anger her brother has about the treatment of black athletes at the white school to her anxiety about her facial scar. Through the tense summer and school year, Kizzy Ann deals with the change in her life by depending on her dog Shag, her letters to her new teacher and the annoying neighbor boy who, against all odds, wants to be her friend.
Reviews: School Library Journal 8/1/12 Publishers Weekly 6/18/12 Kirkus 7/1/12 Booklist 11/1/12 Library Media Connection March/April 2013
Awards and Honors: Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2013
Other books by this author None
Related books-(fiction) The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine Crow by Barbara Wright Sources of Light by Margaret McMullan The Watsons go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis
Related books (nonfiction) The Girl from the Tar Paper School by Teri Kanefield Little Rock Girl 1957 by Shelley Tougas We’ve Got a Job! The Birmingham Children’s March of 1963 by Cynthia Levinson