Grades 5 & Up: December 2012

 LAKE, Nick. In Darkness. 352p. Bloomsbury. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-59990-743-7; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-59990-820-5. LC 2011022350.
Gr 9 Up–Trapped in the rubble of Haiti’s massive 2010 earthquake, teenage Shorty desperately waits for rescue. While in darkness, events of his traumatic, violent life replay in his head. He is haunted by his father’s brutal murder, his twin sister’s disappearance, and the armed gang activity that has been his means of survival in Site Soléy (Cite Soleil), a very real and dangerous slum. As he faces death and struggles to understand the external forces that have shaped him, Shorty gradually feels the uplifting spiritual presence of revered slave liberator Toussaint L’Ouverture and draws strength and hope from the man’s extraordinary life, determination, and idealism. The pervasive Haitian voodoo belief in spirit transfer empowers Shorty and connects him with Touissant across time. In alternating chapters of “Now” and “Then,” Shorty’s and Toussaint’s stories unfold. The relentless oppression, poverty, violence, and instability of the country is vividly conveyed through Shorty’s stark, graphic narrative. Toussaint’s story provides historical background for the socioeconomic and political conflicts that continue today. As the author notes, he portrays the essential spirit and history of Touissant with some omissions and simplifications. For example, Touissant learned to read as a boy, and not late in life, but this factual inaccuracy does not diminish the account of his charisma and significance. The entangled actions of gangs and government, the complicated relationship between Haitians and foreign-aid organizations, and the rich mix of Creole and French patois provide insight and authenticity. A striking cast of characters, compelling tension as Shorty confronts his own death, and the reality and immediacy of Haiti’s precarious existence will captivate secondary readers.–Gerry Larson, formerly at Durham School of the Arts, NC

 LANGE, Erin Jade. Butter. 296p. Bloomsbury. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59990-780-2. LC 2011045509.
Gr 9 Up–Butter is a smart, funny high school junior who happens to weigh 423 pounds. His eating issues stem from multiple sources, but one day when the pressure becomes too much, he opens a website called Butterslastmeal.com. Here he invites his classmates to watch as he consumes his last meal on New Year’s Eve, literally eating himself to death. The overwhelming reaction to his posting astonishes him, and he becomes an instant member of the in crowd. But even finding the friendship he craves doesn’t help ease his internal pain. His mom still supplies him with high-calorie “comfort” foods; his dad still looks at him in disgust, and Anna, the most beautiful girl at school, won’t give him a second glance. Playing his saxophone and spending time as his online alter ego, JP, a tall, athletic hunk who chats for hours online with Anna, provide the only real comforts in his life. Flashbacks show the relentless cruelty of other students that Butter has endured for years, and the story heads toward a frightening climax as he discovers that his newfound friends are just as cruel in their own way as those who abused him in the past. The ending avoids a quick solution, leaving Butter realistically examining his options for the future. Myriad realistic characters feel responsible for his actions–the music teacher who tries repeatedly to reach him; his friend Tucker, who also battles extreme weight, and even Anna, who rejects him in public. The first-person narration allows readers to feel Butter’s pain along with the eventual insight into his problems. Using current, hot-button topics–cyberbullying, obesity, and teen suicide–the author weaves a compelling tale sure to draw teens in.–Diana Pierce, Leander High School, TX

 MARSH, Katherine. Jepp, Who Defied the Stars. 376p. Hyperion/Disney. 2012. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-3500-5; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-6999-4.
Gr 7 Up–Is our fate predetermined, or do we make our own fortune (or misfortune) through our actions and decisions? Marsh ponders this age-old question through the eyes of an extraordinary hero. When Jepp, a fatherless dwarf, joins the court of the Spanish Infanta, he’s not prepared for the daily humiliations that become his life. He also doesn’t expect to fall in love with a fellow performer, melancholy but lovely Lia. When she is raped, Jepp attempts to help her and her unborn child escape–with tragic results. As punishment for his insubordination, Jepp becomes dinnertime entertainment for the eccentric Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe. Inspired by friendship with Brahe’s daughter, Magdalene, Jepp reveals his educated mind and is welcomed into the astronomer’s close-knit circle of scholars. He even finds true love. But before Jepp can embrace this promising new future, he must embark on a journey of self-discovery to resolve his past. Marsh crafts a beautifully poignant coming-of-age tale of struggle, tragedy, and, finally, of triumph. Jepp’s indomitable spirit is truly inspiring, and it is this rare quality that makes his character so memorable. The universal moral of self-acceptance is communicated skillfully. This shining gem is a must-have.–Alissa J. Bach, Oxford Public Library, MI

 MARTIN, C. K. Kelly. Yesterday. 355p. Random. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86650-0; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96650-7; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89644-6. LC 2011023994.
Gr 10 Up–United North America, 2063. Biological weapons and global climate change have left humanity on the brink of destruction. To protect his family, Freya’s powerful and politically connected father sends his daughter and his wife back in time to 1985. Upon arriving, Freya does not remember anything about her previous life. Though she feels disconnected, she has no idea she is from the future and mostly believes the lies that shape her new life. But when she sees a familiar boy on a class field trip, she cannot shake the feeling that she knows him from somewhere. Desperate for answers, she follows Garren and questions him, and they discover that their lives and families are eerily similar. When they investigate further, they are forced to run from people who will stop at nothing to erase their memories of 2063–and of each other–forever. Sci-fi thrillers are hot right now, and Yesterday does not disappoint. Featuring a psychic teen running for her life, the novel will appeal to readers who enjoyed Rachel Ward’s “Numbers” trilogy (Scholastic). The oppression of 2063 is frighteningly believable; Martin does a good job explaining how the world got so horrific in such a short time. Slow-building suspense and heart-pounding action help keep readers engaged. While the story starts a little slow and unanswered questions abound, patient readers will be rewarded and will clamor for a sequel.–Leigh Collazo, Ed Willkie Middle School, Fort Worth, TX

 RIVERS, Karen. The Encyclopedia of Me. 248p. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-31028-4; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-46951-7. LC 2011046292.
Gr 5-8–Diminutive, biracial, freckled Isadora “Tink” Aaron-Martin is grounded for most of the summer after an incident with her best friend. She decides to write an encyclopedia, and in spite of the artificiality of the alphabetical format, Rivers has created a warm, funny, fast-paced story about an endearing middle schooler who keeps her cool and sense of humor when events spin out of control. Tink explains her role as the “Peacemaker” in a dysfunctional family whose lives tiptoe around the moods and rages of Tink’s autistic older brother, Seb. As the summer progresses she finds friendship and a tender and diffident love interest in the boy next door, is humiliated in a disastrous photo shoot for a magazine article about families living with autistic children, and becomes good at skateboarding, an activity that replaces the detested ballet classes she has been taking at her mother’s behest. When Seb becomes violent, leaving his twin brother badly hurt, Tink finally decides she has had enough of her peacemaking role. “Z” finds her in the arms of her boyfriend at the Zetroc Prom. Rivers delivers an appealingly heroine in Tink. She is original and authentic, and her story flows easily in spite of the tricky format.–Jane Barrer, Steinway Intermediate School, Long Island City, NY

 SNICKET, Lemony. Who Could That Be at This Hour? Bk. 1. illus. by Seth. 258p. (All the Wrong Questions Series). Little, Brown. 2012. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-316-12308-2.
Gr 4-7–In this “autobiographical” mystery, a teenaged Lemony Snicket recounts his early experiences as an apprentice to S. Theodora Markson, a pretentious woman who is not remotely as intelligent as she pretends. The two travel to the formerly seaside (but now not) town of Stain’d-by-the-Sea to investigate the theft of, what they are told, is a priceless heirloom. The identity of the culprit is obvious. Or is it? There’s much more to this case than meets the eye. To uncover what’s really going on, the inquisitive Snicket must figure out who he can trust and which questions to ask before it’s too late. This fast-paced whodunit is likely to leave readers with questions of their own. Hopefully, they’re the right questions–which, hopefully, will be answered in upcoming sequels. Written in Snicket’s gloomy, yet undeniably charming, signature style and populated with wonderfully quirky characters, this enjoyable start of a new series will thrill fans of the author’s earlier works and have even reluctant readers turning pages with the fervor of seasoned bookworms. A must-have.–Alissa J. Bach, Oxford Public Library, MI

 DEEM, James M. Faces from the Past: Forgotten People of North America. 160p. bibliog. diags. further reading. illus. index. maps. notes. photos. reprods. websites. Houghton Harcourt. 2012. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-0-547-37024-8.
Gr 5 Up–Beginning with the startling photograph of a partially reconstructed face on the cover, this book effectively brings to life the people of North America forgotten by the history books. Beginning with the oldest existing mummified human remains–a man discovered in Spirit Cave, Nevada, dated to approximately 10,500 years ago–Deem moves forward chronologically to burials belonging to the Monacan tribe of Virginia (1000-1400), a French sailor traveling with La Salle (1686), the forgotten burial of a woman in colonial New York (1742), a rediscovered slave burial ground (1750-1790), and a Mexican soldier killed shortly after the Alamo (1836). He discusses the poor buried in an Almshouse Cemetery (1826-1926), a Buffalo Soldier (1865), and, finally, Chinese Miners in Wyoming (1881). Each chapter highlights the hardships endured by these early Americans as documented by the bones they left behind and interpreted by anthropologists. A thorough explanation of the archaeological techniques used to exhume these forgotten remains is combined with the known history of each period to create a clear picture of the difficult lives the people uncovered in these forgotten burials faced. Further humanizing these forgotten people are the careful facial reconstructions painstakingly rendered by sculptors whose careful, scientific process is outlined in fascinating detail. Deem tactfully addresses the issue of excavating and displaying human remains and gives an emotional resonance to the lives of these early Americans through the inclusion of poems exploring some of the painful aspects of American history. Clear prose, pleasing layout, and crisp photographs combined with subject matter rarely explored in history books make this book an excellent choice for most collections.–Caroline Tesauro, Radford Public Library, VA

 DYER, Hadley. Potatoes on Rooftops: Farming in the City. 84p. diags. further reading. glossary. index. photos. websites. Annick. 2012. Tr $24.95. ISBN 978-1-55451-425-0; pap. $14.95. ISBN 978-1-55451-424-3.
Gr 3-6–Grassroots efforts at sustainable agriculture are given a global perspective in this interesting look at the many ways people grow their food. From rooftop and container gardening to school gardens and community plots, Dyer discusses changes in traditional agriculture from victory gardens of heirloom crops to modern factory farming and hybrid produce. Protein-based food sources like eggs and fish are also included. Issues related to sustainability, such as greenhouse emissions, and fair-trade practices are also discussed, as are the psychological and health benefits of growing one’s own food. The writing is both engaging and interesting as the author presents some complicated topics in an easy-to-digest manner. Many ideas for thinking outside of the box are given by presenting nontraditional means of agriculture that will be unfamiliar to many readers. The photos have an upbeat, urban feel to them and complement the text nicely. There is also a kid-friendly quality about the information, which is presented in sidebars and dialogue bubbles. In the current climate of sustainability, this title is small but mighty. A lot of relevant topics are hit on in a simple but powerful way. Not to be missed or dismissed.–Rebecca Gueorguiev, New York Public Library

 FRYDENBORG, Kay. Wild Horse Scientists. 80p. (Scientists in the Field Series). diags. further reading. glossary. index. maps. photos. reprods. websites. Houghton Harcourt. 2012. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-0-547-51831-2.
Gr 5 Up–Focusing on the wild horses of Assateague Island, Frydenborg effectively combines scientific facts such as coloration and size, as well as the actual definition of a wild animal, with a compelling narrative about several of the scientists who are working to protect and maintain the wild horse population there. A large chunk of the book describes the horse-population management, from its inception to implementation, through the use of a fertility-control medication called PZP, though the depth of detail on this specific topic might occasionally go over the heads of younger readers. However, intriguing facts, the history of the horses, and the general descriptions of life on Assateague Island make for an excellent read. The dedication and knowledge of the scientists come through, and their work is clearly important. As with other titles in this series, the photography is outstanding, and the images of horses going about their daily business in all kinds of conditions put them front and center. A useful FAQ section, glossary of terms, and a thorough bibliography and list of websites encourage further exploration of the topic. A worthy complement to most collections.–Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

 GOLIO, Gary. Spirit Seeker: John Coltrane’s Musical Journey. illus. by Rudy Gutierrez. 48p. bibliog. discography. further reading. websites. Clarion. 2012. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-547-23994-1.
Gr 4-6–A well-conceived marriage of art and text breathes life and passion into this picture biography. Swirling strokes of vibrant colors give the book an almost cinematic quality, animating Coltrane’s passionate journey from a joyous, nurturing early childhood with a loving extended family to the despair of losing too many loved ones in a short time. The music that had always been a part of the family’s life and a strong involvement in the church sustained him as he struggled to find his way. As he grew older, his musical talent developed and led him to a career that became legendary, performing with greats like Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk. But the demons of loss and despair always haunted him. While a traveling professional musician, he began drinking, and when things became overwhelming, he succumbed to drugs. He looked for guidance in philosophy and world religions. Eventually, through intense determination and prayer, he managed to leave drugs behind. Coltrane’s musical accomplishments and short career proved intensely significant in the history and development of jazz and bebop. Though technically a two-dimensional format, this unique selection has a kinetic and animate quality that envelops readers and honors the vibrancy of Coltrane’s place in music. An afterword, author’s note, and artist’s note augment the book’s perspective. A list of varied resources, both print, audio, and a website, offer additional opportunities for further examination.–Renee Steinberg, formerly at Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ

 SELVAM, Saalai & Tejubehan. Drawing from the City. tr. from Tamil by V. Geetha & Gita Wolf. illus. by Tejubehan. 28p. Tara Bks. 2012. RTE $35.95. ISBN 978-93-80340-17-3.
Gr 3-8–Presented in an elongated, oversize format, this intriguing book follows the life of Teju Behan, who grew up in a poor family of a lower caste in rural India. When a drought forced the family to the city, Teju married Ganesh Jogi, who supported his family by singing in the streets. But just as that street singing tradition was dying out, Ganesh met an artist who encouraged him to draw. Ganesh proved to be talented and encouraged his wife to try her hand at it. Teju did, and it was as if she has been freed from all the constraints of her life. Her art allowed her to be whomever she wanted, to travel wherever she wished, and to lose herself endlessly in her vivid imagination. This story documents her life both before and after she discovered her talent and serves as an inspiration to women everywhere. Her beautiful ink drawings rely on the use of dots and lines and are remarkably full of movement and life. The text is printed in brown to offset the black of the inked drawings. This is a wonderful book for art students or for those interested in exploring other cultures through art.–Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

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The following titles are reviewed in the December 1 print issue. Visit Book Verdict for the full reviews.

Fiction

ADORNETTO, Alexandra. Heaven. 419p. Feiwel & Friends. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-312-65628-7.

ARCOS, Carrie. Out of Reach. 256p. S & S/Simon Pulse. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4053-1; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4055-5.

AVERY, Lara. Anything but Ordinary. 326p. Hyperion/Disney. 2012. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-6386-2.

BAKER, Ken. Fangirl. 272p. Running Pr. 2012. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-0-7624-4344-4.

BALABAN, Bob. Boy or Beast. Bk. 1. illus. by Andy Rash. 242p. (Creature from the Seventh Grade Series).Viking. 2012. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-670-01271-8; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-1-101-59183-3.

BALOG, Cyn. Touched. 307p. Delacorte. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-385-74032-6; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-385-90834-4; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89906-5. LC 2011022114.

BARNHILL, Kelly. Iron Hearted Violet. illus. by Iacopo Bruno. 424p. Little, Brown. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-316-05673-1; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-316-21558-9.

BAUER, Michael Gerard. Just a Dog. 136p. Scholastic. Dec. 2012. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-545-37452-1. LC 2012014425.

BEYER, Kat. The Demon Catchers of Milan. 274p. Egmont USA. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-314-7; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-289-8. LC 2011034348.

BIGELOW, Lisa Jenn. Starting from Here. 282p. Amazon. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6233-0; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6234-7. LC 2011040129.

BLACK, Deirdre. River Run. 120p. PLB ISBN 978-0-7613-8326-0; pap. ISBN 978-0-8225-7274-9; ebook ISBN 978-1-4677-0012-2. LC 2012005762.

GOODMAN, Gabriel. Plague Riders. 100p. PLB ISBN 978-0-7613-8330-7; pap. ISBN 978-0-8225-9033-0; ebook ISBN 978-1-4677-0027-6. LC 2011051355.
ea vol: (After the Dust Settled Series). Darby Creek. 2012. PLB $27.93; pap. $7.95; ebook $20.95.

BLAKE, Jon. The Last Free Cat. 268p. Albert Whitman. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-4364-1. LC 2011035049.

BROTHERS, Meagan. Supergirl Mixtapes. 248p. Holt. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-8081-0; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4668-1672-5. LC 2011025738.

BUZO, Laura. Love and Other Perishable Items. 242p. Knopf. Dec. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-87000-2; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-97000-9; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98674-1. LC 2011037579.

CAMERON, Sharon. The Dark Unwinding. 318p. Scholastic. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-32786-2; ebook $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-46964-7. LC 2011044431.

COCHRANE, Mick. Fitz. 176p. Knopf. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-85683-9; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-95683-6; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89773-3. LC 2011042366.

CODY, Matthew. Super. 304p. Knopf. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86894-8; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96894-5; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89979-9.

CONDIE, Ally. Reached. Bk. 3. 512p. (Matched Trilogy). Dutton. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-525-42366-9; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-1-101-59171-0. LC 2012031916.

COX, Suzy. The Dead Girls Detective Agency. 368p. HarperCollins/HarperTeen. 2012. pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-0-06-202064-2; ebook $7.99. ISBN 978-0-06-219010-9. LC 2012006567.

CROSSAN, Sarah. Breathe. 372p. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-211869-1; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-211871-4.

DASHNER, James. The Kill Order. 352p. Delacorte. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-449-01435-6; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-99082-3; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-307-97911-7.

DEAN, Carolee. Forget Me Not. 384p. S & S/Simon Pulse. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3254-3.

DRAGO, Ty. Queen of the Dead. Bk. 2. 420p. (The Undertakers Series). Sourcebooks/Jabberwocky. 2012.pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-1-4022-7557-9; ebook $7.99. ISBN 978-1-4022-7558-6.

DURST, Sarah Beth. Vessel. 424p. S & S/McElderry. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2376-3; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2378-7. LC 2011044691.

FAIRLIE, Emily. The Lost Treasure of Tuckernuck. illus. by Javier Caparo. 284p. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-211890-5; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-211892-9.

FISHER, Catherine. Darkwater. 230p. Dial. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3818-8; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-1-1015-9110-9. LC 2011048063.

FLAVIN, Teresa. The Crimson Shard. 288p. Candlewick/Templar. 2012. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6093-2. LC 2011048343.

FRIESEN, Jonathan. Aldo’s Fantastical Movie Palace. 303p. Zondervan. 2012. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-310-72110-9.

FROST, Heather. Demons. Bk. 2. 432p. (Seers Trilogy). Cedar Fort. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4621-1034-6.

HARRINGTON, Hannah. Speechless. 272p. Harlequin Teen. 2012. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-373-21052-7.

HARRIS, Carrie. Bad Hair Day. 228p. Delacorte. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-385-74215-3; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-99044-1; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-307-97419-8.

HAWORTH, Danette. A Whole Lot of Lucky. 290p. Walker. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8027-2393-2.

HEYNEN, Jim. The Fall of Alice K. 347p. Milkweed. 2012. Tr $24. ISBN 978-1-57131-089-7.

HILL, Will. The Rising. Bk. 2. 592p. (Department 19 Series). Penguin/Razorbill. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-59514-407-2.

HOPKINS, Karen Ann. Temptation. Bk. 1. 380p. (Temptation Series). Harlequin Teen. 2012. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-373-21054-1; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-459-23326-3.

HUGHES, Mark Peter. Lemonade Mouth Puckers Up. Bk. 2. 290p. (Lemonade Mouth Series). Delacorte. 2012.Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-385-73712-8; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-385-90647-0; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-307-97439-6.

JAY, Stacey. Romeo Redeemed. 364p. Delacorte. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-385-74018-0; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-385-90827-6; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89894-5. LC 2011044333.

JONSBERG, Barry. Being Here. 258p. Trafalgar Square. 2012. pap. $12.99. ISBN 978-1-74237-385-0.

JOYCE, William. The Sandman: The Story of Sanderson Mansnoozie. illus. by author. 48p. (The Guardians of Childhood Series). S & S/Atheneum. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3042-6; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-5448-4.

JUNG, Mike. Geeks, Girls, and Secret Identities. 308p. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-33548-5; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-39251-8. LC 2011042548.

KAGAWA, Julie. The Lost Prince. Bk. 1. 384p. (The Iron Fey: The Call of the Forgotten Series). Harlequin Teen. 2012. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-373-21057-2.

KELLY, Jacqueline. Return to the Willows. illus. by Clint Young. 288p. notes. Holt. 2012. RTE $19.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9413-8; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4668-2193-4. LC 2011041298.

KRAATZ, Jeramey. The Cloak Society. 278p. HarperCollins/Harper. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-209547-3; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-209549-7. LC 2011044635.

KRISTOFF, Jay. Stormdancer. Bk. 1. 324p. (The Lotus War Series). Thomas Dunne. 2012. Tr $24.99. ISBN 978-1-250-00140-5; ebook $11.99. ISBN 978-1-250-01791-8.

LATHAM, Irene. Don’t Feed the Boy. illus. by Stephanie Graegin. 282p. Roaring Brook. 2012. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-755-5. LC 2011047113.

LEAN, Sarah. A Dog Called Homeless. 198p. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-212220-9; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-212222-3. LC 2011044628.

LEGRAND, Claire. The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls. illus. by Sarah Watts. 344p. S & S. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4291-7; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4293-1. LC 2011028405.

LEONARD, Niall. Crusher. 326p. Delacorte. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-385-74354-9; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-449-81789-6.

LÓPEZ, Diana. Choke. 230p. Scholastic. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-41822-5.

LUBNER, Susan. The Upside of Ordinary. 136p. Holiday House. 2012. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2417-7.LC 2011050563.

MAAS, Sarah J. Throne of Glass. 404p. Bloomsbury. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-59990-695-9; ebook $17.99. ISBN 978-1-59990-939-4. LC 2012011229.

MANDANNA, Sangu. The Lost Girl. 418p. HarperCollins/Balzer & Bray. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-208231-2; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-208233-6. LC 2012006548.

MARILLIER, Juliet. Shadowfell. Bk. 1. 410p. (Shadowfell Series). Knopf. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86954-9; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96954-6; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98366-5.

MARTIN, Benjamin. Samurai Awakening. 320p. Tuttle. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-4-8053-1228-5.

MAYS, Buddy. Hard to Have Heroes. 248p. University of New Mexico Pr. 2012. pap. $19.95. ISBN 978-0-8263-5204-0.

MCCARTHY, Maureen. When You Wish Upon a Rat. 288p. Abrams/Amulet. 2012. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0161-0. LC 2012015626.

MCLAUGHLIN, Emma & Nicola Kraus. Over You. 288p. HarperCollins/HarperTeen. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-172043-7; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-219023-9.

MEEHL, Brian. Suck It Up and Die. 394p. Delacorte. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-385-73911-5; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-385-90772-9; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89716-0. LC 2011024132.

MILFORD, Kate. The Broken Lands. illus. by Andrea Offermann. 456p. Clarion. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-73966-3; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-82266-2. LC 2011049466.

MOORE, Stephanie Perry. Keep Jumping/No Hating. 324p. (Lockwood Lions Series). Saddleback. 2012. pap. $14.95. ISBN 978-1-61651-885-1.

O’CONNOR, Sheila. Keeping Safe the Stars. 304p. Putnam. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25459-8; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-1-101-59121-5. LC 2011038846.

PATTERSON, James & Chris Grabenstein. I Funny. illus. by Laura Park. 320p. (The Middle School Novels).Little, Brown. Dec. 2012. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-316-20693-8; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-316-20694-5.

PAYNE, C. C. Lula Bell on Geekdom, Freakdom & the Challenges of Bad Hair. 272p. Amazon. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6225-5; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6226-2.

PEARCE, Jackson. Fathomless. 292p. Little, Brown. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-316-20778-2; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-316-20779-9. LC 2012008425.

PRICE, Charlie. Dead Girl Moon. 272p. Farrar. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-374-31752-2; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-374-31753-9. LC 2012004992.

PYRON, Bobbie. The Dogs of Winter. 312p. bibliog. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-39930-2; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-46985-2. LC 2011051519.

QUIMBY, Laura. The Icarus Project. 294p. Abrams/Amulet. 2012. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0402-4. LC 2012015624.

REDWINE, C. J. Defiance. 404p. HarperCollins/Balzer & Bray. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-211718-2; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-211719-9. LC 2012008409.

REEDY, Trent. Stealing Air. 266p. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-38307-3; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-46989-0. LC 2011046290.

RODDA, Emily. The Golden Door. Bk. 1. illus. by author. 272p. Scholastic. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-42990-0.

ROLLINS, Ellie. Zip. 324p. Penguin/Razorbill. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59514-570-3; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-1-10158-892-5.

ROSATI, Gina. Auracle. 298p. Roaring Brook. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-710-4.

ROSSETTI, Rinsai. The Girl with Borrowed Wings. 289p. Dial. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3566-8; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-1-1015-7544-4.

RUBENS, Michael. Sons of the 613. 306p. Clarion. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-61216-4; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-544-08044-7. LC 2011044352.

SALOMON, Peter Adam. Henry Franks. 278p. Flux. 2012. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-7387-3336-4.

SANDERS, Stephanie S. Hero in Disguise. Bk. 2. 226p. (Villain School Series). Bloomsbury. 2012. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-59990-907-3; pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-1-59990-906-6.

SCHREFER, Eliot. Endangered. 264p. maps. photos. Scholastic. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-16576-1; ebook $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-47001-8.

SCHREIBER, Joe. Perry’s Killer Playlist. 210p. Houghton Harcourt. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-60117-5; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-92776-3. LC 2011041392.

SCHULMAN, L. B. League of Strays. 288p. websites. Abrams/Amulet. 2012. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0403-1.

SHEINMEL, Alyssa B. The Stone Girl. 214p. Knopf. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-87080-4; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-97080-1; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-307-97462-4. LC 2011037768.

STEELE, Allen. Apollo’s Outcasts. 312p. PYR. 2012. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-61614-686-3.

STEENSLAND, Mark. Behind the Bookcase. illus. by Kelly Murphy. 262p. Delacorte. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-385-74071-5; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98963-6; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89985-0.

SWAIN, Heather. Josie Griffin Is Not a Vampire. 272p. Penguin/Speak. 2012. pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-14-242100-0.

TAYLOR, Laini. Days of Blood and Starlight. 518p. Little, Brown. 2012. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-0-316-13397-5; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-316-21540-4.

THOMAS, Shelley Moore. The Seven Tales of Trinket. illus. by Dan Craig. 370p. Farrar. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-374-36745-9; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-374-36744-2.

VIZZINI, Ned. The Other Normals. 386p. HarperCollins/Balzer & Bray. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-207990-9; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-207992-3. LC 2012014341.

VOORHEES, Coert. Lucky Fools. 292p. Hyperion. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-2398-9.

WEYN, Suzanne. The Bar Code Prophecy. 208p. Scholastic. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-42529-2.

WILLEY, Margaret. Four Secrets. 278p. Carolrhoda Lab. 2012. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-8535-6; ebook $12.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-0011-5. LC 2011044344.

WREDE, Patricia C. The Far West. Bk. 3. 378p. (Frontier Magic Series). Scholastic. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-03344-2.

Nonfiction

ANDERSON,Michael, ed. Pioneers in Astronomy and Space Exploration. 141p. PLB ISBN 978-1-61530-695-4; ebook ISBN 978-1-61530-744-9.
––––Pioneers of the Green Movement: Environmental Solutions. 147p. PLB ISBN 978-1-61530-698-5; ebook ISBN 978-1-61530-744-9.

HOLLAR, Sherman, ed. Pioneers in Medicine: From the Classical World to Today. 156p. PLB ISBN 978-1-61530-669-5; ebook ISBN 978-1-61530-741-8.
ea vol: (Inventors and Innovators Series). illus. photos. reprods. further reading. glossary. index. websites. PLB $35.25. ebook $35.25. Britannica Educational. 2012.

ARETHA, David. Amy Winehouse: R&B, Jazz, & Soul Musician. ISBN 978-1-61783-483-7; ISBN 978-1-61478-977-2.

HEPPERMANN, Christine. Whitney Houston: Recording Artist & Actress. ISBN 978-1-61783-544-5; ISBN 978-1-61478-974-1.

OWINGS, Lisa. Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon. ISBN 978-1-61783-481-3; ISBN 978-1-61478-975-8.

WATSON, Stephanie. Elvis Presley: Rock & Roll’s King. ISBN 978-1-61783-482-0; ISBN 978-1-61478-976-5.
ea vol: (Lives Cut Short Series). 112p. photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. discography. further reading. glossary. index. notes. websites. ABDO. 2012. PLB $23.95; ebook $23.95.

BESEL,Jennifer M. The U.S. Navy SEALs: The Missions. ISBN 978-1-4296-8715-7. LC 2011053142.

CAPER, William. The U.S. Army Rangers: The Missions. ISBN 978-1-4296-8659-4. LC 2012006790.

MCCOLLUM, Sean. The CIA: The Missions. ISBN 978-1-4296-8660-0. LC 2011053141.

SODARO, Craig. The U.S. Marines Special Operations Regiment: The Missions. ISBN 978-1-4296-8658-7. LC 2012003133.
ea vol: 48p. (American Special Ops). photos. maps. further reading. glossary. index. Capstone. 2012. PLB $31.32.

BREDESON, Carmen. Deadly Storm Alerts!: The Dangerous El Niño and La Niña. ISBN 978-0-7660-4014-4. LC 2011032518.
––––Fiery Volcano: The Eruption of Mount St. Helens. ISBN 978-0-7660-4015-1. LC 2011037673.

HASDAY, Judy L. Forty-Nine Minutes of Madness: The Columbine High School Shooting. ISBN 978-0-7660-4013-7. LC 2011045276.

SHERROW, Victoria. Homegrown Terror: The Oklahoma City Bombing. ISBN 978-0-7660-4016-8. LC 2011050738.
ea vol: 48p. (Disasters–People in Peril Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. notes. websites.Enslow. 2012. PLB $23.93.

BUCHOLZ, Dinah. The Unofficial Narnia Cookbook: From Turkish Delight to Gooseberry Fool–Over 150 Recipes Inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia. 230p. bibliog. further reading. index. websites.Sourcebooks/Jabberwocky. 2012. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-1-4022-6641-6.

BUTTS, Ed. Bodyguards!: From Gladiators to the Secret Service. illus. by Scott Plumbe. 128p. bibliog. chron. glossary. index. Annick. 2012. PLB $24.95. ISBN 978-1-55451-437-3; pap. $14.95. ISBN 978-1-55451-436-6.

COLE, Michael D. Eye on the Universe: The Incredible Hubble Space Telescope. ISBN 978-0-7660-4077-9. LC 2011047074.

GREEN, Carl R. Spacewalk: The Astounding Gemini 4 Mission. ISBN 978-0-7660-4075-5. LC 2011030869.
––––. Walking on the Moon: The Amazing Apollo 11 Mission. ISBN 978-0-7660-4076-2. LC 2011037672.

HOLDEN, Henry M. The Coolest Job in the Universe: Working Aboard the International Space Station. ISBN 978-0-7660-4074-8. LC 2012002222.
––––. Danger in Space: Surviving the Apollo 13 Disaster. ISBN 978-0-7660-4072-4. LC 2011037734.
––––. Space Shuttle Disaster: The Tragic Mission of the Challenger . ISBN 978-0-7660-4073-1. LC 2011044934.
ea vol: 48p. (American Space Missions–Astronauts, Exploration, and Discovery Series). diags. photos. further reading. glossary. index. notes. websites. Enslow. 2012. PLB $23.93.

CURRIE-MCGHEE, Leanne K. Childhood Obesity. 104p. ISBN 978-1-4205-0723-2. LC 2012002939.

HILLSTROM, Kevin. Food Allergies. 96p. ISBN 978-1-4205-0720-1. LC 2012002945.
––––.Genetically Modified Foods. 112p. ISBN 978-1-4205-0722-5. LC 2012002276.
ea vol: (Nutrition & Health Series). charts. maps. photos. further reading. glossary. index. notes. websites.Gale/Lucent. 2012. PLB $30.95.

DON, Katherine. Real Courage: The Story of Harper Lee. 128p. (World Writers Series). bibliog. chron. illus. index. notes. photos. websites. Morgan Reynolds. Jan. 2013. PLB $28.95. ISBN 978-1-59935-348-7.

GISH, Melissa. Piranhas. ISBN 978-1-60818-168-1. LC 2011035763.
––––. Sea Lions. ISBN 978-1-60818-169-8. LC 2011035793.
ea vol: 48p. (Living Wild Series). illus. maps. photos. bibliog. glossary. index. Creative Education. 2012. PLB $24.95.

GREEN, Dan. Human Body Factory: The Nuts and Bolts of Your Insides. illus. by Edmond Davis. 48p. charts. diags. glossary. index. Kingfisher. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7534-6808-1.

GUNDERSON, Jessica. Conquistadors. ISBN 978-1-60818-183-4. LC 2011035799.
––––. Vikings. ISBN 978-1-60818-185-8. LC 2011035801.

HELGET, Nicole. Barbarians. ISBN 978-1-60818-182-7. LC 2011035798.
––––. Mongols. ISBN 978-1-60818-184-1. LC 2011035800.
ea vol: 48p. (Fearsome Fighters Series). illus. maps. photos. reprods. bibliog. glossary. index. Creative Education. 2012. PLB $24.95.

HEARST, Michael. Unusual Creatures: A Mostly Accurate Account of Earth’s Strangest Animals. illus. by Jelmer Noordeman. 108p. charts. diags. index. maps. Chronicle. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4521-0467-6. LC 2011048646.

HILE, Lori. Bullying. ISBN 978-1-4329-6534-1; ISBN 978-1-4329-6539-6. LC 2011039225.
––––. Gangs. ISBN 978-1-4329-6535-8; ISBN 978-1-4329-6540-2. LC 2011039238.

SENKER, Cath. Self-Harm. ISBN 978-1-4329-6537-2; ISBN 978-1-4329-6542-6. LC 2011039241.
ea vol: 56p. (Teen Issues Series). photos. reprods. further reading. glossary. index. websites.Heinemann/Raintree. 2012. PLB $33.50; pap. $9.49.

MORRISON, Joan Wehlen. Home Front Girl: A Diary of Love, Literature, and Growing Up in Wartime America.252p. photos by author. illus. reprods. index. Chicago Review Pr. 2012. Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-1-61374-457-4.LC 2012027068.

MULLIGAN, Simon. Porsche. PLB ISBN 978-1-4488-7456-9; ebook ISBN 978-1-4488-7683-9. LC 2011049571.

QUINLAN, Julia J. Alfa Romeo. PLB ISBN 978-1-4488-7461-3; ebook ISBN 978-1-4488-7684-6. LC 2012007211.
––––. Corvette. PLB ISBN 978-1-4488-7460-6; ebook ISBN 978-1-4488-7687-7. LC 2012005991.
––––. Ferrari. PLB ISBN 978-1-4488-7457-6; ebook ISBN 978-1-4488-7684-6. LC 2012002897.
––––. Mustang. PLB ISBN 978-1-4488-7459-0; ebook ISBN 978-1-4488-7686-0. LC 2012004836.
ea vol: 32p. (Speed Machines Series). charts. photos. glossary. index. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. 2012. PLB $25.25; ebook $25.25.

O’REILLY, Bill & Dwight Jon Zimmerman. Lincoln’s Last Days: The Shocking Assassination That Changed America Forever. 308p. bibliog. diags. further reading. glossary. illus. index. maps. photos. reprods. websites.Holt. 2012. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9675-0; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9676-7. LC 2012016121.

PRECIADO, Tony. Super Grammar: Learn Grammar with Superheroes! illus. by Rhode Montijo. 176p.Scholastic. 2012. pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-0-545-42515-5.

ROSINSKY, Natalie M. Ancient China. ISBN 978-0-7565-4568-0; ISBN 978-0-7565-4578-9. LC 2012001965.

VANVOORST, Jennifer Fretland. The Ancient Maya. ISBN 978-0-7565-4564-2; ISBN 978-0-7565-4584-0. LC 2012001966.
––––. The Byzantine Empire. ISBN 978-0-7565-4565-9; ISBN 978-0-7565-4586-4. LC 2012001994.
ea vol: 48p. (Exploring the Ancient World Series). maps. photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. glossary. index. websites. Compass Point. 2012. PLB $28.65; pap. $8.95.

SOLO, Hope. Hope Solo: My Story (Young Readers’ Edition). 248p. HarperCollins/Collins. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-222065-3; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-222067-7.

STOKKE, Regine. Regine’s Book: A Teen Girl’s Last Words. tr. from Norwegian by Henriette Larsen. 324p. photos. reprods. Zest Books. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-936976-20-1.

TREUER, Anton. Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians but Were Afraid to Ask. 190p. bibliog. further reading. illus. index. notes. photos. Minnesota Historical Society Pr. 2012. pap. $15.95. ISBN 978-0-87351-861-1; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-0-87351-862-8.