2012 Texas Lone Star Annotated Reading List

Notes from an Accidental Band Geek by Erin Dionne

 Genre: Realistic Fiction

Elsie has one passion in life-her French horn-and her dream is to play in the Boston Symphony Orchestra, like her father and grandfather before her. The key to achieving that dream is getting accepted into Shining Birches, a prestigious summer music camp that requires potential players to participate in a musical ensemble, which is why Elsie joins her school marching band. Although band is beneath her musical taste, she will do anything to show her father that she can make it into Shining Birches. But from the first moment, the goofy, high-energy, and high-intensity band is nothing like Elsie expected.

 If you liked this, you may like these: o Ten Miles Past Normal by Frances O’Roark Dowell o Prom & Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg o What a Song Can Do: 12 Riffs on the Power of Music edited by Jennifer Armstrong

Hidden by Helen Frost

 Genre: Realistic Fiction/Verse Fiction

The lives of Wren Abbott and Darra Monson are radically altered the day that Darra's father steals a vehicle, not knowing eight-year-old Wren is in the backseat. For two days Wren hides in the Monson's garage with everyone frantically trying to find her. Darra tries to help her by leaving food and planning a possible escape. Eventually Wren does escape. Darra's father is sent to prison, and that radically changes his daughter's life. Years later Wren and Darra meet at a summer camp. They are able to reveal hidden aspects of the story and heal emotionally from the horrible experience. This amazing story is portrayed beautifully through poetry.

 If you liked this, you may like these: o Girl, Stolen by April Henry 2012 Texas Lone Star Annotated Reading List

o Diamond Willow by Helen Frost o Addie on the Inside by James Howe Belly Up by Stuart Gibbs  Genre: Mystery

Twelve-year-old Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt Fitzroy believes that Henry, the hippopotamus at the brand-new FunJungle, has been murdered. The zoo's top brass claim the hippo went belly up the natural way, but Teddy and his feisty friend Summer McCraken have other ideas. Could the culprit be FunJungle's animal-hating head of operations? Or is it FunJungle's owner, Summer's dad, a man who is much more concerned about money than animal welfare? The deeper Teddy and Summer dig, the more danger they're in because when it comes to hippo homicide, the truth can't be caged!

 If you liked this, you may like these: o Scat by Carl Hiaasen o Zoobreak by Gordon Korman o The Gollywhopper Games by Jody Feldman

A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz

 Genre: Fairy Tale/Fantasy/Horror

Instead of the oft-tried technique of expanding a single Grimms' fairy tale into a novel, Gidwitz takes several tales and weaves them together into one darkly humorous chapter book starring Hansel and Gretel. The brother and sister are two of the unluckiest children ever, as they fall into the clutches of a succession of terrible grown- ups, from their father who cuts off their heads to the baker woman who wants to eat them, and even the devil himself. As readers follow the siblings through a forest brimming with menacing foes, they learn the true story behind (and beyond) the bread crumbs, edible houses, and outwitted witches. Fairy tales have never been more mocking or rebellious as Hansel and Gretel learn to take charge of their destinies and become the clever architects of their own happily ever after.

 If you liked this, you may like these: o The Grimm Legacy by Polly Shulman 2012 Texas Lone Star Annotated Reading List

o The Fairy-Tale Detectives and others in the Sisters Grimm series by Michael Buckley o Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

 Genre: Science Fiction/Historical Fiction

Along with everyone else in her extended London household, 16-year- old Gwyneth believed that her cousin Charlotte was destined to be the family's next time-traveler. Unlike Charlotte, Gwyneth has no training in how to behave in other time periods, nor any background in the secret society of Guardians that protects the travelers-all vexingly inconvenient when Gwyneth starts popping back in time. What she does have is a mystery about why her mother lied about her birth date and a rocky partnership with fellow time-traveler Gideon. Gwyneth and Gideon are to fulfill the great quest of the Guardians and unlock a mysterious power, but the journeys prove perilous as they jaunt through 300 years of family secrets.

 If you liked this, you may like these: o Entwined by Heather Dixon o The False Princess by Eilis O’Neal o Prisoners in the Place: How Princess Victoria became Queen with the Help of her Maid, a Reporter, and a Scoundrel by Michaela MacColl

Take Me to the River by Will Hobbs

 Genre: Adventure

Dylan expected to raft the Rio Grande with his cousin Rio and uncle, but when he gets to town, he finds out his uncle has flown to Alaska for work. Rio convinces Dylan that they can make the ten day rafting trip and they are ready for adventure. Unfortunately for them, they get more than they expected when they must face a tropical storm and a member of the Mexican drug cartel on the run.

2012 Texas Lone Star Annotated Reading List

 If you liked this, you may like these: o Storm Runners by Roland Smith o Crossing the Wire by Will Hobbs o Illegal by Bettina Restrepo Death Cloud by Andy Lane

 Genre: Mystery/Historical Fiction

A teenage Sherlock Holmes is about to journey home for the summer holiday, but due to his father's impending departure to India, he must go and stay with relatives he has never met. When a mysterious death occurs involving an unidentified cloud that leaves the victim's body covered in red welts, Sherlock, his new friend Matty, and his tutor, American lawman Amyus Crowe, team up to discover the cause. The villain is appropriately monstrous, the action propels the plot forward, and the characters are likeable while imperfect. We even get a glimpse of what will become the darker side of Holmes.

 If you liked this, you may like these: o Eye of the Crow and others in the Boy Sherlock Holmes series by Shane Peacock o The Case of the Missing Marquess and other Enola Holmes mysteries by Nancy Springer o The 100-Year-Old Secret and others in the Sherlock Files series by Tracy Barrett

Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry

 Genre: Horror

In the zombie-infested, post-apocalyptic America where Benny Imura lives, every teenager must find a job by the time they turn fifteen or get their food rations cut in half. Benny doesn't want to apprentice as a zombie hunter with his boring older brother Tom, but he has no choice. He expects a tedious job whacking zoms for cash, but what he gets is a job that will teach him what it means to be human. Acclaimed horror author Jonathan Maberry makes his young adult debut with this detail-rich depiction of a post- apocalyptic world where humanity has fallen, the dead have risen, and danger is always imminent. Remember: “Zombies were people too." 2012 Texas Lone Star Annotated Reading List

 If you liked this, you may like these:

o The Enemy by Charlie Higson

o The Eleventh Plague by Jeff Hirsch

o Enclave by Ann Aguirre

Wish by Joseph Monniger

A victim of cystic fibrosis, 11-year-old Tommy is fascinated with sharks. When a wish foundation sends him on a trip to California to go swim with the sharks, his 15-year-old sister, Bee, and his single mom join him. While on the boat, a combination of seasickness and the dangerously rough sea keeps Tommy’s wish from coming true. Bee, makes a pivotal decision: Tommy's daily struggle for life must not be all that he experiences. While their mother is out all-night, the two set off to meet a local hero of sorts-a young surfer who lived to tell about a shark attack. Tommy, Bee, the surfer, and his younger brother form an instant bond. They hang out, do the California dreamin' thing, and give Tommy a surfing adventure he'll never forget.

 If you liked this, you may like these:

o Hippie Chick by Joseph Monninger

o Rules by Cynthia Lord

o Shark Life: True Stories about Sharks & the Sea by Karen Wojtyla and Peter Benchley

A Monster Calls: A Novel by Patrick Ness

 Genre: Horror/Realistic Fiction 2012 Texas Lone Star Annotated Reading List

An unflinching, darkly funny, and deeply moving story of a boy, his seriously ill mother, and an unexpected monstrous visitor. At seven minutes past midnight, thirteen-year-old Conor wakes to find a monster outside his bedroom window. But it isn't the monster Conor's been expecting-- he's been expecting the one from his nightmare, the nightmare he's had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments. The monster in his backyard is different. It's ancient. And wild. And it wants something from Conor. Something terrible and dangerous. It wants the truth.

 If you liked this, you may like these: o Drums, Girls, & Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick o Notes from the Dog by Gary Paulsen o Ways to Live Forever by Sally Nicholls This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel  Genre: Science Fiction/Historical Fiction

Growing up, twin brothers Victor and Konrad fill their lives with imaginary adventures...until the day they stumble upon The Dark Library, where they discover secret books of alchemy and ancient remedies. When Konrad falls gravely ill, Victor is drawn back to The Dark Library and uncovers an ancient formula, beginning a treacherous search for the ingredients to create the forbidden Elixir of Life. Their success depends on how far they are willing to push the boundaries of nature, science...and love.

 If you liked this, you may like these: o Vampire Rising and others in the Alex Van Helsing series by Jason Henderson o Birth of a Killer by Darren Shan o The Hunchback Assignments trilogy by Arthur G. Slade

Paintings from the Cave: Three Novellas by Gary Paulsen

These novellas portray an unflinching look at children who have endured neglectful and abusive homes and are surviving on their own. The atmospheric first tale, "Man of the Iron Heads," is narrated by Jake, a boy of about 11, who hides from the local gang until he finds the courage to outsmart its violent leader. "Jo-Jo the Dog- Faced Girl" presents a lonely girl with three adopted dogs who finds acceptance in befriending a girl with leukemia. Finally, "Erik's Rules" celebrates the power of art 2012 Texas Lone Star Annotated Reading List

and is told by Jamie, the younger of two homeless brothers, whose unstable existence changes after a chance encounter with a friendly volunteer at the animal shelter. By incorporating the solace found in dogs, art, libraries, and new friends into these tales of heartache and redemption, Paulsen provides his readers with hope of a better life.

 If you liked this, you may like these: o A Good Long Way by Rene Saldana o Miracle’s Boys by Jacqueline Woodson o Chess Rumble by G. Neri Divergent by Veronica Roth

 Genre: Science Fiction/Dystopian

In the future, you are born into one of five factions, each of which has its strength and focus: Abnegation (service), Candor (truth), Erudite (intellect), Amity (friendship), or Dauntless (fearlessness). But on your sixteenth birthday, you can choose a new faction if you are so compelled, and that’s what happens to Tris, who shocks everyone by exchanging the drab gray robes of Abnegation for the piercing and tattoo stylings of Dauntless. What follows is a contest, where only the top 10 initiates are accepted into the final group. This framework of elimination provides the book with a built-in tension, as Tris and her new friends—and new enemies—go through a series of emotional and physical challenges akin to joining the marines. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death.

 If you liked this, you may like these: o Delirium by Lauren Oliver o Matched by Ally Condie o Candor by Pam Bachorz

The Fourth Stall by Chris Rylander

Mac is a fixer, a problem solver. He runs a thriving business helping kids with everything from test answers to bullying. With his best friend and fellow Cubs fanatic, Vince, he makes a tidy profit greasing the skids for his classmates. Working out of a stall in an unused restroom, the buddies have amassed enough cash to buy tickets to a World Series game should the Cubs 2012 Texas Lone Star Annotated Reading List

finally make it. But a seemingly simple job protecting a third grader from bullies brings a confrontation with Staples, a thugish dropout who Mac thought was only a legend. Staples is expanding his gambling ring into Mac's territory, threatening his business, and Mac will need all of his considerable talents to deal with the older and far more ruthless villain and his assortment of nasty henchmen.

 If you liked this, you may like these: o Griff Carver, Hallway Patrol by Jim Krieg o Scrawl by Mark Shulman o Warp Speed by Lisa Yee

Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt

It's the summer of 1968 and Doug Swieteck has just moved to “stupid, boring” Marysville, New York. His father is an abusive drunk, his older brother seems to be a juvenile delinquent, and his mother is just trying to hold the family together. Before the summer ends, Doug has a friend, an obsession, and a job. Over the course of the school year, Doug begins to change from a wary, closed boy into an open, engaged young man, despite the challenges he faces. He finds a teacher who understands him, begins to spend time in the local library drawing, and, in the book's most unlikely twist, winds up on a Broadway stage.

 If you liked this, you may like these: o The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt o Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos o Countdown by Deborah Wiles

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

 Genre: Historical Fiction

Lina is just like any other fifteen-year-old Lithuanian girl in 1941. She paints, she draws, she gets crushes on boys. Until one night when Soviet officers barge into her home, tearing her family from the comfortable life they've known. Separated from her father, forced onto a crowded and dirty train car, Lina, her mother, and her young brother slowly make their way north, crossing the Arctic Circle, to a work camp in the coldest reaches of Siberia. Here they are forced, under Stalin's orders, to dig for beets and fight for their lives under the cruelest 2012 Texas Lone Star Annotated Reading List

of conditions. Lina finds solace in her art, meticulously-and at great risk-documenting events by drawing, hoping these messages will make their way to her father's prison camp to let him know they are still alive. It is a long and harrowing journey, spanning years and covering 6,500 miles, but it is through incredible strength, love, and hope that Lina ultimately survives.

 If you liked this, you may like these: o Once by Morris Gietzman o Annexed by Sharon Dogar o The Impossible Journey by Gloria Whelan The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens  Genre: Fantasy

Kate, Michael, and Emma have been in one orphanage after another for the last ten years, passed along like lost baggage. Yet these unwanted children are more remarkable than they could possibly imagine. Ripped from their parents as babies, they are being protected from a horrible evil of devastating power, an evil they know nothing about. Until now. Before long, Kate, Michael, and Emma are on a journey to dangerous and secret corners of the world...a journey of allies and enemies, of magic and mayhem. And-if an ancient prophesy is correct-what they do can change history, and it is up to them to set things right.

 If you liked this, you may like these: o Wildwood by Colin Meroy o A World Without Heroes by Brandon Mull o Horton Halfpott, or The Fiendish Mystery of Smugwick Manor, or The Loosening of M’Lady Luggertuck’s Corset by Tom Angleberger

The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen

Jessica Carlisle is on track to become a world class runner, until a devastating bus accident takes the life of a fellow runner and crushes one of Jessica's legs to where it cannot be saved. Jessica's dreams become a reoccurring nightmare where she attempts to run but is no longer able to. Jessica has to come to terms with the reality of being an amputee. Her loving family and friends support her recovery efforts. Her disability causes her to see life differently, especially when she notices Rosa, the special needs girl with cerebral palsy who, to Jessica's good fortune, just happens to be a mathematical genius and a great source of encouragement. 2012 Texas Lone Star Annotated Reading List

Her teammates and the entire community rally behind Jessica by initiating fundraisers to purchase a new, state-of-the-art, running leg.

 If you liked this, you may like these: o Sean Griswold’s Head by Lindsey Leavitt o Shark Girl by Kelly Bingham o Jersey Tomatoes are the Best by Maria Padian

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

 Genre: Fantasy

Evie, 16, works for the IPCA, an organization charged with keeping paranormal beings under control. Evie is the only human who can see through any glamour, and she's an expert at "bag and tag"-stun the target, slap on a tracking bracelet, and send it on for processing. It's a dull, regimented, and sequestered life from Evie's point of view, and she longs for normal things like a school locker and a driver's license. When Lend, a shape- shifter, breaks into the IPCA looking for information about murdered paranormals, the two uncover the truth behind the murders and Evie's own supernatural origins. An inspired villain strengthens a cast of engaging characters and emphasizes the ambiguity of good and evil.

 If you liked this, you may like these: o Firelight by Sophie Jordan o Unearthly by Cynthia Hand o Dead Beautiful by Yvonne Woon

Blood Red Road by Moira Young

 Genre: Science Fiction 2012 Texas Lone Star Annotated Reading List

When 18-year-old Saba's father is killed and her twin brother, Lugh, is kidnapped, she sets out to rescue him, along with their younger sister, Emmi, and Saba's intelligent raven, Nero. Their travels across the desert wasteland where an unlikely pair of scavengers captures them and force Saba to fight other slave girls in a cagelike coliseum. Her physical strength and ferocious spirit earn her the sobriquet "The Angel of Death." When she escapes with the help of a group of women warriors, she and her new allies (including a handsome and infuriating male warrior named Jack) try to prevent Lugh from being sacrificed.

 If you liked this, you may like these: o The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins o Epitaph Road by David Patneaude o Dry Souls by Denise Getson