Novels of 2006-2007 March Peggy M. Johnsen & Kris Dinnison

Alexander, Alma. World Weavers, Gift of the Un-mage. HarperCollins. March, 2007. ISBN 0060839562. Thea seems to have absolutely no magical abilities and this is especially viewed with great disappointment by her parents who are the both seventh children born and their daughter should possess great powers. When Thea is sent through time to work with the great mage, Cheveyo, she begins to learn her new magical identity. She returns to her world and enrolls in the Wandless Academy, where she learns that powerful enemies seek her out and hope to consume the world. Thea, along with other unmages successfully foil these hungry Alphiri creatures. Alexander blends present day computer virtual reality with ancient spiritual elements from other cultures to “weave” this fantasy. Grades 7 and up.

Anderson, M. T. The Po Part: the Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing Candlewick Press, 2006. ISBN-13: 978- 0-7636-2402-6 This book won the National Book Award this year, and the award was well-deserved. Set in early America, Anderson traces the bizarre life of a slave boy who is brought up by scientists as an experiment to see what a black child could accomplish if given the same experiences as a white child. But when his life is revealed to him as an experiment, and his true status as a slave is made clear, the subject of their test starts to make his own rules. This is the first in a series, and the author definitely leaves us wanting more of his hero's story.

Barrows, Annie Ivy + Bean Chronicle Books, 2006 ISBN-13: 978-0-8118-4903-6 This first volume in what looks to be a series starts with tomboy Bean trying to avoid making friends with her new next door neighbor, Ivy. But soon Bean sees Ivy Is not who she first appears to be and the two team up to play a trick on Bean's older sister, cementing their friendship. This is a good chapter book read for those kids just transitioning to novels.

Block, Francesca Lia. Dangerous Angels, The Weetzie Bat Books. HarperCollins. 2006 (revised paperback edition). ISBN 9780064406970. This is a rich young adult collection of all five Weetzie Bat Books that will appeal to 116-18-year-olds. The stories move swiftly, characters with fierce edges, plot realities in which YA readers will identify, powerful messages of the different degrees of love, AND a thread of fantasy woven through out.

Bloor, Edward London Calling Knopf, 2006 ISBN-13: 978-0-375-93635-7 This book is part historical fiction, part fantasy. A modern boy is given his grandmother's old circa 1940s radio. When he turns it on he doesn't hear a modern radio station, but the voice of a dead British boy asking for his help. The action keeps jumping back and forth between current day interpretations of history, and the actual events as experienced by the boys when they travel back to the London Blitz during WWII. The story presents some compelling questions about who writes history, how accurate it is, and who gets to decide who the heroes are.

Bruchac, Joseph. Bearwalker. HarperCollins. July, 2007. ISBN 0061123099. Once again Bruchac has brought his heritage of Native American story and history to the written page. I like his writing greatly: his characters are well developed, the plot is believable, and there is always that element of the ancient magic of the land and the animals that live on it. This is a haunting-appealing fast story for ages 10 and up. Coburn, Ann. Glint. HarperCollins. 2007. ISBN 0060847239. When Ellie’s younger brother, Danny, disappears, Ellie knows that she is the only one who can find him. At the same time, in another world, a young girl names Argent sets off on a quest to reclaim a stolen dragon hatchling. The two quests run parallel within the story; a fascinating writing technique that blends magic, anguish of loss, desperation, fear and courage. Excellent novel for grades 5-8.

Collins, Suzanne Gregor and the Marks of Secret Scholastic Press, 2006 ISBN-13: 978-0-439-79145-8 The Gregor books are one of those series that kids race through and ask for a new one every week. Gregor and his sister Boots discover an underground world inhabited by people, but also by giant bats, cockroaches and rats. Gregor and his sister are a part of the prophecies left to the Underlanders by their founder. In this story, Gregor and Boots discover that the leader of the rats, who they had saved when he was a baby, is now being controlled by evil forces. They go on another quest with their underlander friends to find out who is endangering their world.

Collins, Suzanne Gregor and the Code of Claw Scholastic Press, 2006 ISBN-13: 978-0-439-79143-4 The fifth in the Underland Series, this one finds the underlanders trying to avoid sharing one of the prophecies with Gregor because it predicts his death. But he has to ignore his own fate, decode the prophecy and save the Underland from destruction. An exciting and unique series.

Delaney, Joseph. The Last Apprentice, Curse of the Bane. Greenwillow Books. 2006. ISBN 99780060766214. This is the sequel(second in many) to the Last Apprentice series; Tom Ward continues to hone his wizard skills with the guidance of Mr. Gregory (aka the Spook) as they attempt to stop a dangerous boggart called a ripper that is terrifying the country. The story flows, we cheer for Tom and of course we are also cheering for the young witch, Alice, who we hope will be in every book and continue to assist Tom. Grades: 5-8.

Duble, Kathleen Benner. Hearts of Iron. Simon & Schuster. 2006, ISBN 9781416908500. Jesse and Lucy, two teen-agers who have been best friends since 4-years-old, live in a small mountainside community in 1820 and feel the conflict of their futures between their desire to be married and their respective families’ goals for them. Jesse’s parents expect him to continue in the family tradition of working at the forge on the mountain and Lucy’s father expects her to marry someone off the mountain and find a better, more sophisticated life somewhere else. This story is based on the historical accuracy of the building of the blast furnace on Mount Riga in 1810. Workers came from Latvia, Sweden, Switzerland, and Lithuania to work the iron forges from 1810-1850; this iron community was famous for the navy coming to buy their iron products. The anchor of the USS Constitution was forged there. Believable story and accurate account of this time in history, both about economics and the choices that young adults were making. Ages: 12-15

Ferris, Jean. Much Ado About Grubstake. Harcourt, Inc. 2006. ISBN 9780152057060. Grubstake is a grubby down-on-its luck mining town filled with grubby done-on-their-luck miners. So when a decidedly nongrubby city slicker show up and offers to buy the tapped-out-mines, the miners are sorely tempted; but not Arley, the brash sixteen-year-old girl who runs the boardinghouse. She smells a rat. This is a lighthearted, endearingly goofy story, packed with quirky, lovable characters and piercing insights. Ages: 10 and up.

Gates, Susan. Beyond the Billboard. Harcourt, Inc. June, 2007. ISBN 9780152059835. Almost nobody knows that thirteen-year-old Firebird Tucker and her family exist. Their primitive ramshackle house is completely hidden, thanks to the massive billboard shielding it from prying eyes. Firebird is not allowed to leave their wilderness swamp, not even to go to school. And she must never, ever talk to strangers. Suddenly, strangers are everywhere. This is a wonderfully striking coming-of-age novel, set in an isolated world, just on the other side of a major freeway and city in Florida. Middle school girls.

Greenburg, Dan. Secrets of Dripping Fang: Book Seven, Please Don’t Eat the Children. April, 2007. ISBN 9780152060473. Book Eight, When Bad Snakes Attack Good Children. Harcourt. May, 2007. ISBN 9780152060565. Sequels continue for the twins, Cheyenne and Wally Shluffmuffin. Book seven finds the twins discovering about what the ant army is up to, all the while trying to avoid getting cooked for dinner. In book eight, if the twins can’t reach the FBI in time, the people captured by the ant army are going to die. Ages: 8- 12.

Harper, Charise Mericle. Just Grace. Houghton Mifflin. April, 2007. ISBN 9780618646425. This is the first book about this charming, curious, creative, seven-year-old; book number 2 will be out in fall 2007. This is wonderful read for 7-10 year-old girls. This is a funny first chapter book for anyone who lines mystery and has ever gotten into a little bit of trouble. I can hardly wait until my granddaughters turn six so I can share this delightful new “friend” with them. Ages 7-10

Harper, Suzanne. The Secret Life of Sparrow Delancey. Greenwillow Books. July, 2007. ISBN 9780061131585. No one knows it, but Sparrow Delancey is the most talented psychic in a family of skilled mediums, in a town nicknamed Spookyville. She keeps all of this secret from her peers, even from her mother, grandmother, and six sisters. A charismatic, but irritating, teenage ghost has decided that Sparrow is the only one who can help him with his unfinished business. This novel is smartly written, has a touch of romance, resounds with young adult issues and language (tenth graders), and has the reader wanting more as the last page is reached. Ages: 12 and up.

Helgerson, Joseph. Hors & Wrinkles. Houghton Mifflin. 2006. ISBN 9780618616794. The stretch of the Mississippi where Claire lives is under a spell: river trolls, rock, trolls, blue wing fairies and more. Claire’s cousin, Duke, takes a swim and sprouts a horn, a long, pointy, handsome thing. The is a wonderful tale of twisty and unpredictable turns (just like a river) and wonderful, delightful characters that are prickly, loving, evil, and mischievous. This funny fantasy will delight ages 9-11 readers.

Hofkin, Sabrina. Magnolia. Manzanita Falls Publishers. 2005. ISBN 0976391600. This “first novel” by Hofkin is included as it will appeal to any young student pilot who is working toward a private pilot certificate. Hofkin is obviously writing from her own experience and from her love of biology, especially the preservation of local habitat and fauna. Sixteen-year-old Magnolia Holden has not only the passion for attaining her private pilot license, but for saving the bear habitat next to her family’s vineyard. A sequel to this first novel is soon to follow. I would buy directly from the author’s publishing company (40% discount). www.manzanitafallspublishers.com Young Adult

Jennings, Richard W. Stink City. Houghton Mifflin, 2006. ISBN 13: 9780618552481. This is definitely a funny, fast-paced novel for middle schoolers. Cade Carlsen’s family successfully manufacture the most effective bait to catch catfish; unfortunately, it has the foulest of odors ever know and Cade is determined to save the dath of countless catfish which he believes feel pain. Leigh Ann, his best friend and neighbor, attempts to keep Cade out of trouble, but a series of wild misadventures make this zany story of activism hilariously funny. Ages: 10-13. Kelly, Tom. Finn’s Going. HarperCollins. May, 2007. ISBN 9780061214547. Danny and Finn are identical twins. One of them is the narrator of this book: one of them has run away and one of them is dead. This is a powerful story of how a twin copes with the death of his identical brother. Also, the language is the perfect, true voice of a boy FOR boys. The entire story quickly takes place within four-five days, but unfolds in beautifully powerful emotional learnings that seem to expand in time. Even though this is about a ten-year-olds’ acceptance of death, and more importantly the decision to accept LIFE, this read would be most appropriate for grades six through ninth (middle school readers and beyond). This would be a powerful addition to a death and dying literature study.

Kent, Deborah. Saddles, Stars, & Stripes On the Edge of Revolution. Kingfisher Pub. 2006. ISBN 9780753460009. This is part of a series that covers US history from the Civil War to the California goldfields. Each story’s heroine comes from a different time and culture, but all share a great love of hourses and a unique brand of courage. This takes place in Pennsylvania, 1774, in which fourteen-year-old Eliza Carter works for her father’s company, which transports cargo in Conestoga wagons pulled by the special Connestoga horses. Her twin brother joins rebel farmers who plan to rise up against the British, and Eliza’s whole world changes. This story presents the believable and painful family ties and struggles in deciding which side each family member will take during this terrible but exciting time in history. Ages: 9-13. (Girls)

Kent, Rose. Kimchi & Calamari. HarperCollins, April 2007. ISBN 0060837691. On his fourteenth birthday, Joseph Calderaro receives as one of his presents from his parents, a gold chain with a tiny gold goat horn … a corno, a good-luck Italian luck charm. Also on his birthday, his social studies eighth-grader teacher assigned at 1500 word essay: Tracing Your Past: A Heritage Essay. These two events establish the wonderfully sensitive story that follows; Joseph was adopted from Korea as an infant by his parents. This novel speaks eloquently to readers who are adopted, have mixed-race heritage, or feel caught between the cuture of their parents and the country where they live now. Hilarious and poignant. Ages: 9-14.

King, Donna. Kickoff. Houghton Mifflin. April, 2007. ISBN 9780753460825. A great read for middle school female readers who are especially fond of soccer. Tyra Fraser’s move from sunny Florida to gloomy England means a new school, no friends, a younger sister with major behavioral problems, and the opportunity to play on a girl’s soccer team that hasn’t won a game in years! The story moves quickly with real-life social situations that all tweens experience. Ages: 12-14.

King, Donna. Double Twist.. Houghton Mifflin. 2007. ISBN 9780753460238. This time King takes us to the ice sport of ice dancing. Twelve-year-old Laura Lee and her partner, Patrick, seem to definitely be on their way to the Junior Grand Prix competition, but Patrick falls and breaks his leg during a training session. Laura must fine a replacement for him if she wants to be able to attend the competition. She convinces a “cool boy” at the rink to step in with only six weeks to train. The ability to train and win a medal seems a little far-fetched for this story, but the actual knowledge of ice-dancing and the needed training is quite authentic. Light read. Ages:8-12.

Kladstrup, Kristin. Book of Story Beginnings. Candlewick Press, 2006 ISBN-13: 978-0-7636-2609-9 A boy finds a book that contains story beginnings, and when he adds one of his own, the story comes true and he disappears. Two generations later, his great niece is living in the house, finds the book, and when she adds her story beginning, the boy reappears, but the girl's father goes missing. This is a wonderful fantasy quest that shows the power of stories, the strength of family, and the importance of doing what's right. Kluger,Jeffrey. Nacky Patcher and the Curse of the Dry-Land Boats. Philomel Books. June, 2007. ISBN 9780399240643. An entire ship, large as life, broken into thousands of pieces is discovered by Nacky Patcher and Teedie Flinn in the water of Yole Lake. If they can rebuild this ship, perhaps the curse that has burdened the poor folks of Yole for generations can be lifted. This can only be accomplished by something the folks of Yole have done in a long while – work together as a team. The book is a difficult read in the beginning, but begins to pick up as delightful characters and past events fill the story to its conclusion. A great read for mature middle-schoolers and up.

La Fevers, R.L. Theodosia Throckmorton. Houghton Mifflin. April, 2007. ISBN 9780618756384. Theodosia Throckmorton, whose father is the head curator at the Museum of Legends and Antiquities in London, and her mother, a famous Egyptian archeologist, has her hands full using old, nearly forgotten Egyptian magic to remove curses from the many artifacts brought to the museum. La Fevers cleverly has set this fantasy in the days before WW I, using the malevolent artifact, The Heart of Egypt, brought back by Theo’s mother as the reason for the rising chaos that will involve Europe in the terrible world war. Clever blending of clear, child reason, magic, trust, courage, and resourcefulness make this a delightful and believable read. Age: 9-12

Le Guin, Ursula K. Voices. Harcourt. 2006. ISBN 9780152056780. This is the companion novel to Gifts, and is equally intriguing and challenges the ideas of the rights of all to literacy: reading and writing. Ansul lives in the Oracle House, which is a refuge not only to the last few undestroyed books, but where she finds family and learning, ritual and memory. With the assistance and courage of a poet and his wife, Ansul finds the strength to rebel against their oppressors who have taken their freedom away. This coming-of-age novel also provides insight to intolerance and means to understand not only the oppressed but the oppressors. Powerful story, as we should expect from Le Guin. They MUST by a third in the series… at least! Ages: 12 and up.

Lichtman, Wendy. Do the Math: Secrets, Lies, and Algebra. Harper. July, 2007. ISBN 9780061229558. Tess, an eight grader, uses algebra to help her solve two mysteries that she is right smack in the middle of. Lichtman has cleverly used algebraic concepts for each chapter as Tess expresses her detective abilities in math terms. Quite well written and definitely appropriate the middle school reader, especially girls who love math. Ages 12-14.

Lowry, Lois. Gooney the Fabulous. Houghton Mifflin. April, 2007. ISBN 9780618766918. Once again Lowry keenly displays her understanding of how second-graders think and behave through her delightful character, Gooney Bird Greene. This is the third book that features this delightful and amusing young girl. Messages are strong that we all have stories within us, caring for each other is important, AND tips of how to tell these stories is artfully provided by Lowry. Ages: 6-10.

Lowry, Lois Gossamer Houghton Mifflin, 2006 ISBN-13: 978-0-618-68550-9 Gossamer is one of the creatures that bring dreams to us all while we sleep. But when she is assigned to hurting boy in foster care, she has trouble keeping the night mares at bay. This story is sweet, and feels like it would be for younger children, but there are some disturbing aspects to the boy's story and the visits of the night mares that give it a dark edge that older kids respond to.

McCall Smith, Alexander. Max and Maddy and the Chocolate Money Mystery, Max & Maddy and the Bursting Balloons Mystery. Bloomsbury Children’s Books. March, 2007. These quick first chapter books should be loved by those second-fourth grade readers who like a good myster. Max and Maddy Twist have a flair for solving crimes. You might even say it’s in their blood. That’s because their parents once ran a thriving detective agendy, until the notorious Professor Claude Sardine shut them down. Now Max and Maddy are ready to pick up where their parents left off. Look into his other series: Harriet Bean and … (3 novels). Grades: 2nd-4th.

McAllister, Angela. Digory & the Lost King. Bloomsbury Children’s Books. June, 2007. ISBN 9781599900896 (pb). King Widget has vanished, just like his long-lost twin brother, King Wortle, ten years ago. Once more, Dogry must give up the simple life at Widget Castle and set off on a quest to solve the mystery. His terror turns to triumph in a merry twist of fate brought about by a baby dragon, a bit of mud-slinging, and a short stay in the dungeon Warlock’s Haunt. Digory & the Dragon Slayer is the first of the two books. Ages: 6-10 Chapter Book

McCall Smith, Alexander. Akimbo and the Lions. Akimbo and the Elephants. Akimbo and the Snakes. Akimbo and The Crocodile Man. Bloomsbury Children’s Books. March, 2007. Imagine living in the heart of Africa, where the sun rises each morning over blue mountains and wild animals still roam freely. Akimbo lives at the edge of a great game park, where is father is the head game warden. Each book takes the reader on a fairly realistic adventure that would be found on such a game reserve, with of course, Akimbo, a vital role in solving the mystery or problem. Also, at the end of each short novel there is a Did You Know? section that covers facts about the particular animal featured. These novels reveal McCall Smith’s love for Africa and his championing of the importance of wild animals amid threats to their survival. Grades: 2-4. Chapter Book

McKay, Hilary. Caddy Ever After Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2006 ISBN-13: 978-1-41690-930-9 This is the fourth book about the Cassons, an eccentric family of artists and misfits who care deeply and hilariously about one another despite themselves. In this volume, Caddy is trying to decide who to marry, and her younger sister Rose is doing everything in her power to make sure it's Darling Michael. Hilary McKay has created an unforgettable family with this series of books, each of which could stand alone, but which are much better when read together. (Saffy's Angel, Indigo's Star, Permanent Rose)

MacDonald, Alan. Trolls, Go Home! Bloosbury Children’s Books. May, 2007. ISBN 9781599900780 (pb). Trolls like: things that are smelly, roaring as loudly as possible, stomping their hairy feet, goats (especially in pies). So when the Troll family moves into the quiet suburb of Biddesden, it’s likely that things are going to get ugly (and possibly hairy and smelly) very soon. Even worse, the Trolls have moved in next door to the Priddle family. BIG mistake, and sparks will fly. Ages: 6-10. Chapter Book

Mason, Prue. Camel Rider. Charlesbridge. 2007. ISBN 9781580892145. This Australian author has written a wonderful realistic fiction that tells the unfortunate insensitivity of expatriates living in the Middle East. Abudai is a fictional city, although it’s typical of any one of the many oil-rich states in the Arabian Gulf. Before discovery of oil, these people lived in tribal groups ruled by sheikhs; they were fishermen, traders, merchants, pearl divers, date palm farmers, and goat-herders. The Bedu, the nomadic people, also lived in small extended gamily groups. Now, since the 1960’s, these people’s lives have changed drastically. Most expatriates are from India, Pakistan, and other Arabic countries; westerners make up only a small minority. This is the story of one western boy, Adam, who meets Walid, an abused camel boy, as war breaks out, and how the two must bridge wide gulfs between their cultures and languages in order to survive. The story is well crafted, realistic, and the use of authentic Arabic words brings credibility to both cultures. Grades: 5-9th. Meyer, Carolyn. Duchessina, A Novel of Catherine De’Medici. Harcourt, Inc. June 2007. ISBN 9780152055882. Catherine De’Medici is the richest and most envied girl in all of Italy. Yet her life was nothing but one misery after another, usually the pawn of the men in power during her life. Meyer’s writes her fifth book in the Young Royals series, this one follows Catherine’s life from birth through her marriage to Henri II of France. It was not until she became the Queen mother, that she gained incredible power, fueled by her all consuming blind devotion to her three sons as they ruled France that historian have pictured her: Madame Serpent, cruel and manipulative. Meyer’s provides a fictional account of what it must have been like for the young Caterina as a child and young girl. These lives of powerful women of this history series is well researched and is a credible contribution to teen historical fiction. Marie Dancing, Loving Will Shakespeare, White Lilacs, Mary, Bloody Mary. YA.

Miller, Kirsten Kiki Strike : inside the shadow city Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2006 ISBN-13: 978-1-58234- 960-2 Kiki Strike recruits a band of talented teen girls to solve a mystery in New York's underground city (which actually exists, apparently). This is one of the first books recently that takes the popular adventure/spy genre and gives it to the girls instead of making them sidekicks. But there is something weightier here, too, about trust, friendship, and integrity.

Nimmo, Jenny Charlie Bone and the Hidden King Orchard Books, 2006 ISBN-13: 978-0-439-54530-3 The Charlie Bone series is a unique, interesting read for kids who like the fantasy genre, but like it to be grounded in reality. Charlie goes to a school for gifted children, however, he, along with eleven other kids, are gifted in strange and mysterious ways. They are children of the Red King Some of the children are good, and some have drifted to the dark side. In this installment, Charlie must find the Red King's hiding spot to restore balance to the good and evil.

Patron, Susan. Higher Power of Lucky Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2006 ISBN-13: 978-1-41690-194-5 This year's Newbery winner is a short but powerful tale of courage, home, and family. After her mother dies, Lucky thinks her guardian is going to leave her to return to France, she sets off on her own and finds a way to heal. There are some great characters and a wonderful down-on-its-luck town for a setting, Lucky will steal your heart.

Pattou, Edith. East. Magic Carpet Books/Harcourt, Inc. 2005. ISBN 0152045635. This novel is based on the Norwegian fairy tale, “East of the Sun and West of the Moon.” Rose travels on the back of an enormous white bear toa distant and empty castle, where she is nightly joined by a mysterious stranger. In discovering his identity, she loses her heart, and finds her purpose; she realizes her journey is just beginning. The author has used several voices to tell this marvelous tale. A great read. Young adult

Paver, Michelle. Chronicles of Ancient Darkness, Soul Eater. HarperCollins. February, 2007. This is the third installment in this series and is as haunting and exciting as Wolf Brother and Spirit Walker. Torak’s beloved pack-brother is captured by the Soul-Eaters. With wonderful detail and page-turning action and suspense, we enter the unforgiving landscape of the Far North as Torak and Renn battle the most evil and powerful of mages. This series is simply outstanding; providing mysticism, friendship, courage, trust, and coming of age themes to ALL readers. Ages: 10 and up.

Pennypacker, Sara Clementine Hyperion Books for Children, 2006 ISBN-13: 978-0-7868-3882-0 This is one of the funniest books to come along in a long time. Clementine is an unforgettable, independent third grader with a nose for trouble. Whether it’s cutting off her friend’s hair, or not-so-good encounters with the principal, Clementine tells readers about it with humor and a unique point of view. Great read-aloud.

Pennypacker, Sara. The Talented Clementine. Hyperion Books for Children, 2007. ISBN-13: 9780786838707 More hilarity, but this time there is a talent show, and Clementine is only lacking one thing: talent. It doesn’t help that Margaret has so many talents that she has to list them alphabetically. Clementine surprises everyone with what she finally comes up with.

Pinkwater, Daniel. The Neddiad. Houghton Mifflin. April, 2007. ISBN 9780618594443. Pinkwater’s ability to tell a great story and the use of the English language is just plain great! His quirky personality and humor shines through his ten-year-old protagonist, Neddie Wentworthstein. Magic, the sacred Turtle that holds up the Earth, actual Hollywood personalities, a shaman, a ghost, three good friends, and the evil antagonist, Sholmos Bunyip, make this tale absolutely a must read event! Dare you to put it down once you start! This should be a great read aloud, also. Ages: 10-14.

Porter, Tracey. Billy Creekmore. Joanna Cotler, HarperCollins. June, 2007. ISBN 006077570X. Inspired by family stories and geography, Tracey Porter has written a historical fiction novel that follows a young, motherless child who lives during the early 1900’s in West Virginia. As he grows into young adulthood, we experience with him his life as a coal miner, a circus star, a con artist, a seer, a hero, and above all, a grand storyteller. Readers will feel the hard life of these times and what it meant to be an orphan who is struggling to find one’s own place in the world and always looking for love and belonging to a “family.” Ages: 12-14.

Rinaldi, Ann. Come Juneteenth. Harcourt. May, 2007. ISBN 9780152059477. Rinaldi, an award-winning author, has done it again! This tells the human impact of Texas keeping the secret of the Emancipation Proclamation for two years, before freeing the slaves in Texas. Luli and her “almost” sister, Sis Goose, a mulatto slave, have been raised as siblings. Luli must hide the truth from her best friend that she is really a freed slave. When Sis Goose learns that the people she has loved and trusted have deliberately withheld her freedom, the revelation threatens to tear the family apart. The freeing of the Texas slaves brought the creation of Juneteenth, which is still celebrated today. Rinaldi crafts a compelling story of one family’s awakening to the true meaning of freedom. Middle and YA readers.

Riordan, Rick The Sea of Monsters. Miramax Books/Hyperion Books for Children, 2006 ISBN-13: 978-0- 7868-5686-2 This is the sequel to The Lightning Thief, which told the story of Percy Jackson finding out he was actually the son of a mortal woman and a Greek God. In Sea of Monsters, Percy and his friends set out to help rescue Grover and find the golden fleece. This series takes the stories of Olympus, sets them in modern day, and manages to give the stories weight and make them relevant at the same time. The next installment, The Titan's Curse, comes out in May

Rorby, Ginny. Hurt Go Happy. Starscape, Tom Doherty Associates. 2006. ISBN 9780765314420. Thirteen-year-old Joey Willis, deaf since the age of six, has never been allowed to learn sign language by her mother. This all changes as she meets Dr. Charles Mansell and his baby chimpanzee, Sukari, who use ASL to communicate together. Spending time with these two new friends allows Joey to learn how to make friends and stand up to her mother. This was inspired by the true story of Lucy Temerlin, a chimpanzee raised as a human child and the culmination of ten years of research by the author. This is a powerful story of personal courage, information about ASL, the treatment and use of chimpanzees for research by companies and the USA government. Powerful truth and don’t forget your tissues for an emotional ride. Ages: 12-14. Rosso, Marisabina. A Portrait of Pia. Harcourt, Inc. June 2007. ISBN 9780152055776. Russo writes with honesty and sensitivity about Pia, an almost thirteen year-old seventh-grader, struggling to learn how to accept her brother’s schizophrenia, her mother’s need to find a boyfriend that will become a husband, her own artistic ability, AND the consequences of secretly writing her estranged Italian father. The story moves quickly and provides the realistic learning that many young people experience as they travel the road of forgiveness, not only for an imperfect family, but for themselves. Middle School Readers.

Russon, Penni. Breathe. Greenwillow Books, Harper Collins. February, 2007. ISBN 9780060793937. This is the companion to Undine and continues the struggles that Undine experiences as she grapples with the decision to use or not use her newly discovered magic. This seems to be a coming-of–age novel that explores to whom you must be true: yourself or those whom you love. This is definitely a young adult novel that will appeal to both genders. I would assume that another companion book follows this one.

Sage, Angie. Septimus Heap: Book Three, Physik. HarperCollins. March, 2007. ISBN 0060577371. Once again Septiums Heap grows in his knowledge of magic (Magyk) as he meets opposing forces of evil and challenges of his teachers. This time the ghost of a dredful Queen who lived five hundred years earlier is accidentally released and her diabolical plan to herself everlasting life send Septimus Heap back in time, where he learns the lost arts of Alchemie and Physik. I like this series for its magic, strength of friendship and family, and for the humor that accompanies the suspense. Ages: 10 and up.

Sayers, Meghan Nuttall. Anahita’s Woven Riddle. Harry N. Abrams. Inc. 2006. ISBN 978-810954816. Anahita, a nomadic weaver living in Iran in the 19th century, learns that her father plans to arrange her marriage to the leader of their tribe, a man she finds repulsive, She convinces her farther that whomever guesses the meaning of a riddle woven into her wedding carpet, she will marry. This novel “weaves” rich details of Persian culture, Sufi poetry, romance and adventure. Young Adult.

Skelton, Matthew Endymion Spring Delacorte Press, 2006. ISBN-13: 978-0-385-90397-4 This story, told in two time periods, concerns the making and the fate of a very special book. The book's words appear only to certain people, but the secrets the book holds are wanted by many. There is some rich history here around the invention and use of the first printing press, and a compelling contemporary story about a boy whose family is in crisis. Skelton also threw in the right mix of fantasy and suspense to keep the reader riveted. Some great messages here about the power books can hold.

Smith, Roland. Peak. Harcourt. May, 2007. ISBN 9780152024178. Fourteen-year-old Peak Marcello, a climbing addict who lives in New York City, knows he’s in trouble when a SWAT team and helicopter interrupt his late-night climb up the side of the Woolworth Building. He is left with two options: wither away in Juvenile Detention or go live with his long-lost father, who runs a climbing company in Thailand. His father’s “rescue” seems obvious, but Peak’s father has his own motive which involves his orchestrating Peak to become the youngest person to summit Everest. Smith once again draws us into a wonderfully realistic fiction story that takes us with Peak as he discovers the truth about his own motives, his relationships with his mother, father, and step-father. Peak’s unique fortitude, courage, and alliance with a fellow climber tell the real journey as he travels up Everest. Smith provides accurate climbing data for Everest. I recommend this as a powerful read for middle-school and YA readers.

Soto, Gary. Mercy on These Teenage Chimps. Harcourt, Inc. 2007. ISBN 9780152060220. Soto has nailed the “voice” of middle school teenagers. Grab this book up boys, because it’s you! As Soto says through the voices of Ronnie and Joey as they turned thirteen: “One day you’re just a kid, and the next day you wake up all gangly, long armed, and big eared.” This novel will make you laugh and cry! Ages: 13 and up. Spain, Susan Rosson. The Deep Cut. Marshall Cavendish. 2006. ISBN 9780761453161. Spain has written a novel based on a family story that came out of the Civil War experience. The historical accuracy of place, time, family history, vocabulary, and Civil War battles is very accurate; this novel would be a fine addition to a reading list for both fifth and eight grade history classes. The point of view is definitely that of the South and speaks eloquently about truth, loyalty, and the life of a young boy who is too young to fight and lacking in self-worth, due to his being mildly retarded. The author note following the story provides photos and connections to family history. Ages: 11-14.

Stahler, David Jr. The TruesightTrilogy, The Seer. HarperCollins. April, 2007. ISBN 0060522887. Everything I have read by Stahler, I like a lot! This is the second installment of his Truesight trilogy. The Seer continues the Orwellian tale of a colony that embraces blindness; Jacob Manford is a thirteen-year- old who is stricken with sight and must leave the only home he’s ever known because his sudden ability to see threatens his family’s way of life. In the second installment, Jacob begins to discover that vision is only the first of many unexpected abilities that he possesses. These powers will develop as he moves through a course of treacherous journeys that will eventually lead him to the truth before those he loves are lost forever. This second book introduces Jacob to a strong adult figure, Xander, who knows about the “company” that controls the planet (really just a moon) whom befriends and helps Jacob in his journey of self- discovery. Jacob finds Delaney, the blind young woman who ran away from Harmony before he did, and attempts to rescue her from the “company’s manipulation of her talents. I definitely am looking forward to the third book. Ages: 12 and up.

Stauffacher, Sue Donutheart Knopf, 2006. ISBN-13: 978-0-375-93275-5 Franklin Delano Donuthead, the high-anxiety hero of Stauffacher's previous novel, Donuthead, is in middle school now. He's still obsesses over cleanliness and safety, and the tough-skinned Sarah is still his best friend. The main conflict of this book is whether or not Donuthead will have the courage to rescue Sarah from her messed up family. Stauffacher has a gift for taking tough situations and making them humorous but still tough. Read her novel, Harry Sue, as well

St. John, Lauren. The White Giraffe. Dial Books. 2007. ISBN 9780803732117. After a fire kills her parents, eleven-year-old Martine must leave England to live with her grandmother on a wildlife game reserve in South Africa, where she befriends a mythical white giraffe. Martine will use all of her courage and smarts, and an emerging gift for healing, in a daring adventure to save the white giraffe. The book reads a little unevenly, but the problems of Africa’s poachers is well presented. The magical abilities that are unfolded for Martine are sometimes difficult to believe. This is St. John’s first novel for young people; she grew up in Zimbabwe, on a farm that was part game reserve, so her setting and knowledge for this novel is quite authentic. Grades: 4-7.

Stewart, Trenton Lee. The Mysterious Benedict Society. Little, Brown & Co. March, 2007. ISBN 9780316057776. This is definitely one of my favorites read for this year. “Are you a gifted child looking for SPECIAL opportunities?” When this peculiar ad appears in the newspaper, dozens of children enroll to take a series of mysterious, mind-bending tests. In the end just four very special children succeed. Their challenge: to go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and resourceful children could complete. These four heroes face physical and mental trials beyond their wildest imaginations and have to turn to each other for support and this special friendship will be needed in order to the rest of the world. This is an absolutely a delightful read and I hope it becomes a series. Grades: 4-8.

Thompson, Kate. The New Policeman. Greenwillow Books, HarperCollins. 2007. ISBN 9780061174278. This is a haunting, sensitive, and mystical novel that allows us to believe in the magical fairy world of Ireland. There is never enough of time in Kinvara, or anywhere else in Ireland. Fifteen-year-old J.J. Liddy sets out to find time for his mother’s birthday. Liddys have been musicians for generations, and J.J. continues this tradition with his brilliant fiddle playing. As he sets out in search of time, he discovers truly remarkable things about music, about Tir na n’Org, about his family, and about magic. The read, too, will discover where time goes. Ages: 12 and up.

Tomilinson, Theresa. The Moon Riders. HarperCollins. 2006. ISBN 0060847360. I would recommend this book for YA as it would be a good read along side Marion Zimmer Bradley’s Firebrand, which is the story of the Trojan War as re-imagined by the point of view of Kassandra, the beautiful and tormented royal princess of Troy. Within this novel, the story of the war is told through the point of view of the warrior riders, who worshipped the moon (and Mother Earth), and also interact with Kassandra and the terrible last days of the siege of Troy. This is the first of two novels that will continue to look at the ancient world of Troy and the mythical Amazon women of this time. I will buy this to have as a companion book for Bradley’s novels. Grades: 10 and up.

Wice, Yesabeau S. Flora Segunda. Harcourt, Inc. 2007. ISBN 97801520543335. Flora Fyrdraaca should know better than to take shortcuts in her family home, Crackpot Hall. Ever since her mother banished the “magickal” Butler years earlier, Crackpot’s rooms move about at random. This is an easy read that will interest both boys and girls that enjoy reading about young people learning how to handle their own magic in their believable world of fantasy. Friendship, plot twists, loyalty, and courage will delight the reader. Ages: 12 and up.

Yang, Gene Luen. American Born Chinese. Roaring Brook Press, 2006. ISBN-13: 9781596431522 In this graphic novel, nominated for the National Book Award this year, the author tells three seemingly disparate stories. However, in the end he brings together in a wonderfully seamless and powerful way. Humorous, poignant, and full of meaty ideas. Illustrated by Lark Pien.

Zusak, Markus The Book Thief. Knopf, Distributed by Random House, 2006 ISBN-13: 978-0-375-83100-3 This is an amazing book, unlike any other novel set during World War II. The story is narrated by Death, who is hard and work and feeling very overworked by the sheer volume of work WWII has put upon him. But this is no tongue in cheek narration. Death has become fascinated by the story of a little girl who keeps eluding him, and so he follows her progress through the war, and through her troubled life, with compelling detail. A Powerful read for older kids and adults alike.