When the font of the author’s name is larger than the title, that’s an author you should know. This fall’s releases include many of our favorite writers whose names overshadow the title on the book jacket. From romance to edgy fantasy, high school readers should have some strong competition for the spending of their time. I’m betting that print (or the digital version) wins.
BRAY, Libba. The Diviners. Little, Brown, 2012. ISBN 9780316126113. JLG Level: CH: City High School (Grades 10 & Up)
Winner of the Printz Award and consistently appearing on every YA best list, Libba Bray continues to deliver nourishment for the teenage soul in her latest title, The Diviners. Evie, a 17-year-old banished from her hometown, finds herself in more adventures when she goes to live with her curator uncle in New York City in the 1920s. From grisly murders to the occult, this narrative, historical, paranormal novel has something for your older readers. The first in a series, one can only tap her foot while waiting for the sequel.
FISHER, Catherine. Darkwater. Dial, 2012. ISBN 9780803738188. JLG Level: MM: Mystery/Adventure Middle & HS (Grades 7-11)
From the New York Times bestselling author of Incarceron comes a new fantasy that will give your readers something to think about. Sixteen-year-old Sarah sells her soul to Azrael to save her family’s power and wealth. Her 100-year sentence is coming to an end when modern-day Tom is offered a bargain by a professor named Azrael. Will Sarah be able to stop Tom from making the same choice as she did? What price would you pay to have what you wanted?
FLAKE, Sharon. Pinned. Scholastic, 2012. ISBN 9780545057189. JLG Level: CH: City High School (Grades 10 & Up)
With awards too many to mention, Sharon Flake is practically a household word, especially in the world of our teen readers. Pinned stars Autumn as a wrestler on her middle school’s girl team–a wrestler who also struggles with reading. Her co-star is Adonis, a handicapped boy who loves to read. A city romance told in alternating voices, both characters have a need that the other can fill.
LEVITHAN, David. Every Day. Knopf, 2012. ISBN 9780375971112. JLG Level: YM: Mature Young Adults (Grades 11 & up)
Never afraid to stand alone, David Levithan strikes again. “A,” his new character, wakes up every day in a different body. Not only does he not know who or where he is, he may be a girl or a boy, but he’s always 16. No friends. No family. Leaving no tracks behind, it’s a lonely life he lives, until the day he meets Rhiannon. Can their love overcome the life he can’t control?
OPPEL, Kenneth. Such Wicked Intent. S & S, 2012. ISBN9781442403185. JLG Level: Y: Young Adults (Grades 9 & up)
From Printz Honor-winning author, Kenneth Oppel, comes Book 2 of The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein. Three weeks have passed and 16-year-old Victor, Elizabeth, and Henry are still grieving over Konrad’s death. Having failed at saving him, Victor tries to bringing him back from the spirit world. As is often the case, the trio realizes the consequences of their experiments before it’s too late to stop the results.
Readers might also like This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel , Flip by Martyn Bedford, You Don’t Even Know Me: Stories and Poems About Boys by Sharon Flake and The Margrave by Catherine Fisher.
Junior Library Guild is a collection development service that helps school and public libraries acquire the best new children’s and young adult books. Season after season, year after year, Junior Library Guild book selections go on to win awards, collect starred or favorable reviews, and earn industry honors. Visit us at www.JuniorLibraryGuild.com.
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About Deborah B. Ford
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