SÁENZ , Benjamin Alire. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. S & S. 2012. ISBN 9781442408920. JLG Level: YM : Mature Young Adults (Grades 11 & up).

Winner of three Youth Media Awards (a Printz Honor, a Stonewall, and a Pura Belpré), Saenz’s coming-of-age novel is about two very different 15-year-old boys with contrasting lives―Aristotle, who seems angry at the world, and Dante, who takes life for what it is. Aristotle talks to his mother, but his father, who’s a Vietnam War veteran, rarely has anything to say. On the other hand, Dante’s family talks about everything. When the two become friends at the community pool, their worlds collide, causing both the boys and their families to change. A car accident that injures Aristotle draws Dante even closer to him, but only causes Ari to feel more anger. A sudden move to Chicago allows Dante to write about his romantic feelings for his friend. Ari, like his father, closes off his emotions, even refusing to write back. In the dramatic end, a gay-bashing attack puts Dante in the hospital and forces Ari to realize his true feelings. Slow-paced and poignant, the story addresses issues of homosexuality, identity, war, family responsibility, and friendship. This multifaceted award-winner is sure to withstand the test of time.

BLUMENTHAL, Karen. Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different. Feiwel & Friends. 2012. ISBN 9781250015570. JLG Level: C : Advanced Readers (Grades 6-9).

Against all the odds, a man who was given away at birth, dropped out of college, and fired from the company that he created became the man who transformed the computer, music, and movie industries. In 2005, Steve Jobs delivered a commencement speech at Stanford University. It would be a tale told in three parts. Blumenthal uses that thread to weave her story for teen readers. “The journey is the reward,” says Jobs. Adopted as an infant, Jobs’s new parents had to sign an agreement that they would send him to college. Frequently in trouble at school, Jobs dropped out of college after one year. He was reclusive, picky about eating, and had poor hygiene habits. In spite of that, he and his friend, Steve Wosniak, created the first Apple computer in his parents’ garage. The Cinderella story builds from there―and includes fascinating information about Jobs’s involvement with Pixar, Macintosh, and iProducts. In spite of (or maybe because of) Jobs’s tantrums, lack of social graces, and empathy for others, his products made millions and continue to do so. Informative sidebars, copious footnotes, and black-and-white photographs support this unauthorized biography. Finalist for the YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults.

HOPKINSON, Deborah. Titanic: Voices from the Disaster. Scholastic. 2012. ISBN 9780545116749. JLG Level: NE : Nonfiction Elementary (Grades 2-6).

Though interest in the Titanic disaster never seems to fade, its 100th anniversary has brought several new amazing titles to our shelves. Hopkinson examines primary source documents and presents surviving characters from each social class on the ship, as well as the crew. From the construction of the ship to the harrowing rescue of its passengers, readers will find fascinating new details in their never-ceasing hunger for information about the tragedy. Complete with photographs, artwork, and maps, this oft-told story will have teens riveted to the pages. Sibert Honor and Finalist for the YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults.

LEVINSON, Cynthia. We’ve Got a Job: The 1963 Birmingham Children’s March. Peachtree. 2012. ISBN 9781561456277. JLG Level: NM : Nonfiction Middle & HS (Grades 7-11).

Based on interviews with children who marched in Birmingham, AL, in 1963, Levinson delivers a narrative that chronicles a momentous event in the history of civil rights. Told through the eyes of four young people, history comes to life in a painful and sobering retelling of children willing to stand up to adults for their freedom. Nine-year-old Audrey Hendricks saw an elderly black couple walking in the park. When a police officer allowed a dog to attack them, she decided she had to do more than just attend meetings. Afraid he would fight back, James Stewart chose to march instead of sit. Washington Booker III thought the marches were crazy; he spent his time playing with friends. Arnetta Streeter joined the Peace Ponies and signed a pledge of nonviolence. These four young people were among the thousands who participated in the Birmingham’s Children’s March. Meticulously footnoted with bibliographical information and index, this volume will certainly meet research needs. Finalist for the YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults.

TURNAGE, Shelia. Three Times Lucky. Dial. 2012. ISBN 9780803736702. JLG Level: C : Advanced Readers (Grades 6-9).

“Trouble cruised into Tupelo Landing at exactly seven minutes past noon on Wednesday, the third of June, flashing a gold badge and driving a Chevy Impala the color of dirt. Almost before the dust had settled, Mr. Jesse turned up dead and life in Tupelo Landing turned upside down.” Full of quick wit and humor, mystery and mayhem, this novel for young teens will have readers turning pages. Plenty of trouble awaits Mo(ses) and Dale (Earnhardt Johnson III) and there are lots of red herrings to steer them astray. Mo is an orphan who washed up in a storm 11 years ago and was found by “The Colonel,” who has lost his memory. When Mr. Jesse is found dead, Mo and Dale decide to solve the murder themselves. After Dale becomes a suspect and The Colonel goes missing, things just get complicated. Mo will steal your heart and give you a laugh along the way. Newbery Honor Winner.

For these and other fabulous books for teens, search Junior Library Guild.

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. You can visit them at www.JuniorLibraryGuild.com.

BEST JUVENILE FICTION
Fake Mustache: Or, How Jodie O’Rodeo and Her Wonder Horse (and Some Nerdy Kid) Saved the U.S. Presidential Election from a Mad Genius Criminal Mastermind. Tom Angleberger. Abrams/Amulet Books.

13 Hangmen. Art Corriveau. Abrams/Amulet Books.

The Quick Fix. Jack D. Ferraiolo. Abrams/Amulet Books.

Spy School. Stuart Gibbs. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Three Times Lucky. Sheila Turnage. Penguin/Dial Books for Young Readers.

BEST YOUNG ADULT FICTION
Emily’s Dress and Other Missing Thing. Kathryn Burak. Macmillan/Roaring Brook Press.

The Edge of Nowhere. Elizabeth George. Penguin/Viking.

Crusher. Niall Leonard. Random House/Delacorte.

Amelia Anne is Dead and Gone. Kat Rosenfield. Penguin/Dutton.

Code Name Verity. Elizabeth Wein. Disney/Hyperion.

The Edgar® Awards will be presented to the winners at the group’s 67th Gala Banquet May 2, 2013, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, New York City.

What else is new? Allison van Diepen’s latest book—in the genre we like—now has a title and a pub date: Takedown, September 2013. Mark your calendars. Some of her earlier works, Street Pharm and Snitch, will also be released again at that time—and kids from facilities in Texas, California, and New York contributed their favorite pop culture references. For those of you who aren’t allowed to have hardcovers at your facilities, there’s good news: Takedown is coming out simultaneously in hardcover and in paperback.  Now on to my list…

COCHRANE, Mick. Fitz. Knopf, 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780375856839. A boy kidnaps, at gunpoint, the father he’s never met. (SLJ Review)

GRIFFIN, Paul. Stay with Me. Speak, 2012. pap. $8.99. ISBN 9780142421727. A girl, a boy with a criminal record, a pit bull, and alcoholic parents are featured in a fast moving plot. (SLJ Review)

HALLS, Kelly Milner.  Alien Investigation: Searching for the Truth About UFOs and Aliens.  Millbrook, 2012. Tr $20.95. ISBN 9780761362043. Are UFOs and aliens the next vampires? I can’t keep this book on the shelf. (SLJ Review)

JIANG-STEIN, Deborah. Even Tough Girls Wear Tutus: Inside the World of a Woman Born in Prison. Cell 7  Media, 2011. pap. $14.95. When Stein was 12, she discovered a secret—she was born in prison addicted to heroin. (SLJ Review)

JOHNSON, Kenny with Shanti  Einolander. The Last Hustle. Non Duality, 2011. pap. $16.45. ISBN 9780956643285. For 31 years, Kenny avidly chose criminality, until he found the ultimate freedom. Look for a review in SLJTeen’s new column, YA Underground, coming January 16.

LEAVITT, Martine. My Book of Life by Angel. Farrar, 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780374351236. Life on the streets, with all the struggle, soul, and poetry.  (SLJ Review)

MAIA, Love.  DJ Rising. Little, Brown, 2012. pap. $8.99. ISBN 9780316121897. This books sits on the shelf for some reason—is the cover too dark? I have to talk my kids into reading this book, but once they dip in, they’re hooked. (SLJ Review)

McCORMICK, Patricia.  Never Fall Down.  Balzer and Bray, 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780061730931. What book do I give my kids after they’ve read Ishmael Beah’s A Long Way Gone? This one. (SLJ Review)

McGARRY, Katie.  Pushing the Limits. Harlequin Teen, 2012. pap. $9.99. ISBN 9780373210862. Anything that has romance, grit, and alternating boy/girl chapters like Elkeles’s “Perfect Chemistry” series is a hot sell. (SLJ Review)

MCGILL, Jerry. Dear Marcus: A Letter to the Man Who Shot Me. Spiegel and Grau, 2012. Tr $14.00. ISBN 9780812983166. My kids have been talking and writing about McGill’s visit and book for weeks. When something bad happens, it doesn’t mean it’s the end—it becomes something to overcome, a chance to learn something new. One of my students told McGill, “I learned the best thing from you, forgiveness.” This made it on to SLJ’s Best Adult Books for Teens list! (SLJ Review)

PEREZ, Ashley Hope. The Knife and the Butterfly. CarolRhoda, 2012. Tr $17.95. ISBN 9780761361565.  The reality of gangs and prison with a supernatural element is a winning combination. (SLJ Review)

PHELPS, Carissa, with Larkin Warren. Runaway Girl: Escaping Life on the Streets, One Helping Hand at a Time. Viking, 2012. Tr $26.95. ISBN 9780670023721. Real. Gritty. Transformational. (SLJ Review)

ROSS, Richard. Juvenile in Justice. Richard Ross, 2012. Tr $29.95. ISBN 9780985510602. If I could only select one best book of the year, it would be this one. Groundbreaking journalism and a heartbreaking read. Plus, it’s another title that made the Best Adult Books for Teens list. (SLJ Review)

And one final special mention:

LANKFORD, Susan Madden. Born, Not Raised: Voices from Juvenile Hall. Humane Exposures, 2012. pap. $24.95. ISBN 9780979236631. This is not a book for teens; it’s way too research- and policy-driven for my kids, at least. But it’s a must read for anyone who works in the juvenile corrections field or wants to understand what’s going on with incarcerated teens and those who work with them. (LJ Review)

Twelve months ago, when we chose 2011’s best graphic novels, we predicted that this year’s list would be even better—and we were right.

More and more creators of graphic novels for kids are really starting to hit their stride, including Raina Telgemeier, Doug TenNapel, Chris Schweizer, and Faith Erin Hicks, whose most recent works appear on our 2012 list. And there’s always room on our top 10 list for a promising newcomer: Jeremy Whitley and M. Goodwin’s “Princeless” series nabbed two nominations for an Eisner Award (the equivalent of an Oscar) in 2011, when it was published in single issues, and we were bowled over by this year’s graphic novel version.

What’s happening in the wider world of comics? Licensed graphic novels remain red-hot, as young readers continue to flock to familiar entries such as the “Ninjago” series (Papercutz), which follows the escapades of four martial-arts-loving Lego ninjas. And now that graphic novels for kids have been around for a while, some older series are being revived, including full-color editions of Ted Naifeh’s “Courtney Crumin” (Oni) and a stunning black-and-white collection of Tania del Rio’s manga-style “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” (Archie).

Without further ado, here are our favorite comics of the year:

1. Drama by Raina Telgemeier. There’s plenty of drama both on and off stage in Telgemeier’s new middle grade graphic novel. Callie is crazy about the stage, but unfortunately, that’s not where her talent lies. Still, she’s content to work backstage, and there’s no shortage of drama there, including romantic interests, best-friend woes, and classmates who are grappling with their sexual identities. Telgemeier’s playful, passionate, and boisterous artwork fits the text perfectly. And like her previous title, Smile (2010, both Scholastic Graphix), the new one is bound to be a big hit with her target audience, since it captures the agony and ecstasy of those tumultuous middle school years.

2. Cardboard (Scholastic) by Doug TenNapel. Mike is a single father who’s out of work, and the only birthday present he can afford to buy his son, Cam, is a cardboard box. But this is no ordinary box: it comes with its own set of rules. When Mike and Cam use the box to create a cardboard man, it comes to life. But when they break the box’s rules and attract the attention of the spoiled rich kid next door, things begin to get wonderfully out of control.

3. CROGAN’S LOYALTY (Oni) by Chris Schweizer. The latest installment in the “Crogan Adventures” series features two brothers on opposite sides of the Revolutionary War. Loyalist Charles and rebel William must decide what’s more important: their respective causes or their family ties. The narrative’s nonstop action, humor, and, yes, politics will keep readers on the edge of their seats, and there’s also an important lesson to be learned: just because somebody’s a Tory doesn’t automatically mean he’s a bad guy!

4. FRIENDS WITH BOYS(First Second) by Faith Erin Hicks. Maggie McKay is about to leave her sheltered life as a homeschooler for the scary world of high school. Although she’s still got her dad and big brothers to lean on, things haven’t been the same since her mom left home. Alone and friendless, Maggie is struggling to make friends and fit in. And then there’s the not-so-small matter of the ghostly spirit that’s been haunting her.

GIANTS BEWARE! (First Second) by Jorge Aguirre and Rafael Rosado. When scrappy Claudette hears about a baby-feet-eating giant, she convinces her younger brother, Gaston, and her friend Marie to accompany her on a quest to slay the monster. After overcoming scads of magical threats, they finally find the giant, who turns out to be not quite what they’d expected. Readers who love fairy tales will enjoy how this story defies stereotypes and is loaded with boundless wit and slapstick humor.

6. HEREVILLE: HOW MIRKA MET A METEORITE by Barry Deutsch. To avoid a huge falling meteorite, a witch transforms it into a clone of Mirka, our favorite 11-year-old Orthodox Jewish heroine—and that’s only the beginning of this kooky, captivating tale. The meteorite cleverly creeps into Mirka’s life, convinced it’s a better Mirka than Mirka herself, and the original Mirka must figure out a way to win back her life. This title—a sequel to Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword (2010, both Amulet)—is not to be missed.

7. LEGENDS OF ZITA THE SPACEGIRL by Ben Hatke. In this clever follow-up to Zita the Spacegirl (2011, both First Second), Zita is enjoying the life of an intergalactic celebrity. But when her fame becomes overwhelming, she swaps places with a robot double who decides to make the switch permanent. Stranded and on her own, Zita must seek out friends, expose the doppelgänger, and—oh, yeah—save another planet from a hostile space invasion.

8. NATHAN HALE’S HAZARDOUS TALES: BIG BAD IRONCLAD (Abrams) by Nathan Hale. If only all history books could be this entertaining. Hale, the author, uses Nathan Hale, the historic figure, to tell the story of the creation of the Confederate and Union navies, the building of the U.S.S. Merrimack and, most awesomely, the true-life exploits of William Cushing, a prankster who became a forerunner of today’s Navy Seals. The story’s laugh-out-loud humor makes it easy to remember this time in history.

9. PRINCELESS (Action Lab Comics) by Jeremy Whitley and M. Goodwin. Princeless features a dragon, a princess who’s trapped in a tower, and a dramatic rescue. In the end, however, it’s the princess—not the prince—who saves the day. This title playfully skewers gender stereotypes and classic fairy tales, and older children and younger teens will find it a hoot to read. Plus, its main characters are people of color—a rarity in comics.

10. THE SECRET OF THE STONE FROG (Toon) by David Nytra. This short graphic novel is a lovely coming-of-age story that’s a cross between Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan. Nytra creates a wonderful world for Leah and her brother, Alan, to discover that’s filled with giant rabbits, foppish lions (dandy lions, maybe?), talking buildings, and a subway station for deep-sea creatures. This tale is highly recommended for fans of Lewis Carroll and exquisitely drawn comics.

For more great titles, visit Brigid Alverson and the “Good Comics for Kids” gang.

There’s no doubt about it: app production has skyrocketed. But curiously, a number of children’s book publishers and app developers are now thinking twice about the format. After dipping the proverbial toe in the water, some companies have put app development on hold, while others are exploring their options, trying to determine how to create these costly innovative items and still make a buck. Some organizations, including Random House and Sesame Workshop, have extended their partnerships to include apps, and many more bookshelf apps, such as MeeGenius! and Wanderful, are hosting collections of titles that are grouped by theme, specialization, or publisher. In a word, the world of apps is in flux.

But that doesn’t mean there hasn’t been a slew of exceptional products this year, and you’ll find a number of them on our list. As with most year-end lists, this one is subjective, and it includes only apps that have been reviewed in SLJ’s column Touch and Go. You’ll note a front-runner, but those items that follow can stand proudly side-by-side.

 1. Moonbot Studios deserves high praise. Its Oscar-winning team, led by kids’ book creator William Joyce and film director Brandon Oldenburg, was one of the first to create an app, IMAG.N.O.TRON, that features augmented reality—a technology that layers digital images and information onto the real world. How does this cutting-edge app work? Clutching an iPad, simply hold the app over a page of Joyce’s bestseller The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore (S & S/Atheneum, 2012), an ode to the joys of reading. As soon as the app recognizes an image, the magic begins: books suddenly start to flutter, fly, and softly recite their lines; characters begin to wink; images are seamlessly transformed from 2-D into 3-D, and a bicyclist appears to glide off the printed page. Moonbot’s signature wit and originality are in evidence here, but with this app, seeing is truly believing.

2. Jessica Anthony and Rodrigo Corral’s young adult novel, CHOPSTICKS (Penguin/Citrus Suite), is a format-bending mystery that’s told through photos, news clippings, and artwork—and the kicky digital version packs some added punch. Will the embedded songs, YouTube videos, animated IMs, sound effects, and a “shuffle” feature that lets viewers choose alternate readings help solve this sophisticated puzzle? The verdict’s still out.

3. With just a touch of the screen, kids can zoom in from outer space and land anywhere on Earth thanks to Nick Crane’s BAREFOOT WORLD ATLAS (Barefoot Books/Touch Press). Then it’s a quick jump to another region, country, landmark, or activity of their choice. Narrated bits, delightful animations, background music, and real-time data inform viewers about the amazing range of traditions, cultures, geographical features, and animals found on our globe. This is one trip kids won’t want to end.

4. Looking for a healthy dose of interactivity? Try Jamie Lee Curtis’s whimsical picture book Where Do Balloons Go? (HarperCollins/Auryn, Inc.), with vibrant illustrations by Laura Cornell. Among the splendid features that await those who tap, tilt, pinch, and swipe their way through this rhyming story are musical interludes, animated vignettes, theater-to-showcase user-created videos, and, oh yes, an opportunity to record your own squeaky, helium-induced voice. With its unique features, this app offers hours of fun.

5. Artists who are grappling with the best way to bring comic books to the tablet can take some tips from Ryan Woodward’s BOTTOM OF THE NINTH (Ryan Woodward Art & Animation). Sepia panels incorporating baseball memorabilia and splashes of color are enhanced with the sights and sounds of America’s favorite pastime as Candy Cunningham takes to the pitcher’s mound to play “New Baseball,” 200 years in the future. With touch-triggered dialogue balloons, piped-in radio commentary, and dazzling animation, this one hits it out of the park.

6. If you’re not yet convinced that Moonbot Studios’ creative team is pure genius, take a look at THE NUMBERLYS, an app inspired by Fritz Lang’s 1927 film Metropolis. In The Numberlys’s grey futuristic world, letters don’t exist—until five roly-poly factory workers sporting puffball hairdos hammer, bend, and forge their way through the alphabet with the help of viewers. As the narrator says, at first the laborers’ efforts were “awful. Then at last… artful.” Indeed.

7. Somewhere beyond this double, double toil and trouble, Shakespeare must be smiling. With extensive notes and commentary, videos of famed actors performing each of the Bard’s 154 sonnets, a facsimile of the 1609 Quarto, and other noteworthy highlights, THE SONNETS BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (Touch Press) offers a stunning look at the playwright’s work. Really, who needs a classroom when you can watch and listen to actress Fiona Shaw recite Shakespeare at home?

8. Breathtaking visuals, a concise text, and a narrated tour of some of our nation’s most spectacular natural sites make Michael Collier’s WONDERS OF GEOLOGY (Mikaya Press/Tasa Graphic Arts) a contender for the Eighth Wonder of the World. Close-up views, animated diagrams, and arrows that point to the geographic features under discussion transform basic science concepts into fascinating brain food. Throw in flawless navigation, and this app is a secondary student’s go-to text.

9.Based on a folk song by Gilles Vigneault, SUNDAY IN KYOTO (Les Productions Folle Avoine/The Secret Mountain) tells the story of an ensemble of musicians (who play koto, guitar, piano, shamisen, bouzouki, banjo, and harp) that was organized by one Cajun Joe. Amusing details, subtle animations, a toe-tapping tune, and a few Zen-like moments (including a bronze Buddha that claps and a discreet mouse that emerges for a bow at the performance’s finale) make this performance absolutely irresistible.

10. In FRAGILE EARTH (HarperCollins/Aimer Media), 170 pairs of captioned, before-and-after photos, taken on the ground or by satellite, reveal the often-devastating effects of hurricanes, tsunamis, and other natural phenomena on our vulnerable planet—as well as the harmful consequences of urbanization, mining, and global warming. In one horrifying sequence, 15 minutes separate two black-and-white photos taken before and after a violent dust storm engulfed a Kansas town. These and other images are enlightening, and often, alarming.

Looking for a great way to keep kids’ attention from wandering in class? We’ve got a solution: show them a film that’s so engaging, they’ll forget it’s part of the lesson. During the past year, we’ve reviewed nearly 300 DVDs aimed at the K–12 crowd. So how could we possibly select the 10 best? Well, it wasn’t as difficult as we thought. As we looked over our reviews, a pattern emerged, especially in light of the new Common Core standards.

Common Core, as you probably know, emphasizes the use of media in almost every area of the curriculum. Plus, it encourages kids to take advantage of primary sources and requires them to analyze various points of view and to “integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats.” A sure-fire way to achieve these goals is to incorporate films into your social studies and history lessons. In fact, many of the superb films that we’ve chosen are perfect for teaching students about the Civil War, Native Americans, the Cold War, segregation, and other complex topics.

While selecting the top 10 videos of the year was somewhat of a challenge, ranking them from one to ten was impossible. So, other than our number-one pick, the following titles are arranged alphabetically. Let us know what you think of these selections.

1. PROHIBITION (Paramount Home Entertainment, 2011), Ken Burns and Lynn Novick’s tour-de-force, offers a fascinating look at one of our country’s most ill-conceived policies. Beginning with a close look at the early history of alcohol in America, this six-hour documentary examines the 19th-century temperance and progressive movements and the repeal of the 18th Amendment in 1933. Providing in-depth historical content, Burns’s collection of vintage stills and live-action films is marvelous. The documentary is narrated by Peter Coyote; offers commentaries by experts; features voice-overs by actors Blythe Danner, Tom Hanks, John Lithgow, and others; and has stunning background music. An impressive array of teacher resources is available at www.pbs.org. This intoxicating gem is not to be missed. Photo courtesy of Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division.

2. THE FEVER OF ’57: THE SPUTNIK MOVIE (MDBb2b.com, 2012) recounts how Cold War tensions peaked with Russia’s surprise launch of the first satellite in 1957 and its dramatic effect on our military, government, and personal lives. Told with an amazing collection of vintage film footage, TV news clips, animated graphics, and interviews with individuals who worked in the space programs, this incredible documentary—ideal for upper middle and high school students—captures the tenor of that turbulent time.

3. Filled with historic photos and artwork, GETTING TO KNOW THE U.S. PRESIDENTS: ABRAHAM LINCOLN (Getting to Know, 2011) documents our 16th president’s lasting legacy. A cartoon Lincoln narrates the story of his childhood, education, and political career with warmth and humor. Information about the Civil War and slavery is also presented. Mike Venezia, who wrote the book on which this film is based, takes factual information and mixes it with hilarious illustrations and funny asides, which are perfect for the elementary school set.

4. JIM THORPE: THE WORLD’S GREATEST ATHLETE(Moira Films, 2012) is an outstanding biography of the Native American who was born in 1887. The film, which is tailor-made for middle and high schoolers, explains how Thorpe used his athletic ability to assert his American Indian identity at a time when our nation’s government was trying to stamp out Native culture. A satisfying blend of archival images, vintage film footage, dramatic recreations, oral history, and commentary depicts this fascinating man.

5. Using a rich variety of realistic recreations, vintage photos, crisp graphics, and scholarly commentary, LEE & GRANT (History, 2011) is an important documentary that follows these distinguished Confederate and Union generals from their extremely dissimilar upbringings to their eventual encounter, in 1865, at the Battle of Appomattox Court House. The personal anguish they felt as they witnessed the casualties in the Civil War’s bloodiest conflict is highlighted in this exemplary production for students in high school and college.

6. Narrated by actress Julianna Marguiles, NO JOB FOR A WOMAN: THE WOMEN WHO FOUGHT TO REPORT WWII (Women Make Movies, 2012) focuses on the lives of three reporters who were among the 141 ground-breaking female correspondents during the Second World War. Their fascinating stories are recreated by actors in period costume who read from the women’s writings, as well as through archival footage and stills. The film, suitable for high school students, emphasizes the legacy of these pioneers who changed the role of women in journalism.

7. In THE OTHER SIDE (Weston Woods, 2012), Clover, an African-American girl, lives on one side of the fence and Annie, a white child, lives on the other side. Jacqueline Woodson’s deceptively simple, yet powerfully evocative story for primary graders shows how children can test the boundaries of segregation. In a brief interview, Woodson provides thoughtful insights into the issues that the story addresses. E. B. Lewis’s wonderful watercolor illustrations are scanned and help bring the tale to life.

8. Want to be an armchair traveler? Then check out THE TRAVELLING TRIO(Red Hat Prods., 2011), a film that follows three young siblings as they travel around the world—trying new foods, soaking up foreign phrases, exploring kid-friendly locales, and learning about different cultures. Kids in grades three to seven will especially enjoy joining these dynamic globetrotters as they scout out caves, tour European castles, and have fun at a medieval fair—and learn about history, geography, and customs along the way.

9. UNDERGROUND RAILROAD: THE WILLIAM STILL STORY (PBS Dist., 2012) is a compelling documentary about the man who is often called the father of the Underground Railroad. Still helped more than 800 slaves reach freedom, and recorded the secret stories of the “impossible escapes, heartbreaking separations, and families reunited.” The stories of other brave Americans, such as Henry Brown and Harriet Tubman, are also documented. Nicely narrated, with period music, archival photos, and interviews with historians, this powerful film will provide high school students with valuable insights.

10. In WHITE WATER (Nutmeg Media, 2012), based on Michael S. Bandy and Eric Stein’s picture book of the same name, a young African-American boy notices segregation’s inequities. He’s especially struck by the drinking fountains—one for whites and another for “coloreds.” Tony Fragale narrates this first-person story as the boy devises a plan to find out what “white water” tastes like. Inspired by actual events, the story brings home the reality of segregation for primary graders.

The breakdown of this year’s list reflects the realities of the publishing world—YA continues to dominate in terms of output and sheer heft, but there was a noticeable uptick in the numbers of fine middle grade novels. There were several terrific picture books with engaging characters and dynamic art. Several novels were set in well-delineated fantastical worlds, yet quite a few focused on young people grappling with war and political upheaval in the real world, in real time. Humorous titles flourished, such as Polly Horvath’s One Year in Coal Harbor, Adam Gidwitz’s In a Glass Grimmly, and Lemony Snicket’s Who Could That Be at This Hour? It was a stellar year for nonfiction; we found books that were well researched, beautifully designed, and thoughtfully presented, from exciting explorations of space, natural history, and anthropology, to a riveting account of the 1963 Birmingham Children’s March and a magnificently illustrated version of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. These books are perfect for sparking children’s interest and imagination and to supplement many aspects of the curriculum.

The month in which the full review appeared follows each annotation; SLJ subscribers can also find the reviews and more in BookVerdict.com/SLJ.—TJ

Picture Books

BANKS, Kate. The Bear in the Book. illus. by Greg Hallensleben. Farrar/Frances Foster. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-374-30591-8.
PreS–A gentle, rhythmic text and lush soft-focus paintings bring to life a little boy’s nighttime ritual and a tale of a bear’s preparation for winter. This story within a story celebrates the act of reading and the tenderness of a parent’s embrace. A warm and fuzzy selection that’s destined to become a bedtime favorite. (Oct.)

BARNETT, Mac. Extra Yarn. illus. by Jon Klassen. HarperCollins/Balzer & Bray. Tr $16.99 ISBN 978-0-06-195338-5. LC 2010015945.
K-Gr 3–When Annabelle discovers a box containing a never-ending supply of wool, she knits sweaters for everyone and everything in town, enveloping her bleak surroundings in cozy colors, until an evil archduke threatens to unravel her efforts. Featuring a serenely imperturbable heroine, this perfectly crafted yarn is expertly embellished with homespun whimsy. (Dec., 2011)

BINGHAM, Kelly. Z Is for Moose. illus. by Paul O. Zelinsky. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-079984-7; PLB $17.89. ISBN 978-0-06-079985-4.
PreS-Gr 2–Zebra’s alphabetic revue is disrupted by overeager Moose, who repeatedly insinuates himself into the lineup. He is devastated when Mouse is chosen for his big moment, and misbehaves until Zebra finally finds him another spot. An uproarious A-to-Z adventure, told with snappy dialogue balloons and madcap mixed-media cartoons. (Mar.)

BUITRAGO, Jairo. Jimmy the Greatest! illus. by Rafael Yockteng. Groundwood. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-1-55498-178-6; ebook $18.95. ISBN 978-1-55498-206-6.
Gr 1-3–In an isolated seaside village, a youngster finds direction and inspiration from a caring adult who shares his love of boxing and a carton of books and clippings about Muhammad Ali , which the boy devours and takes to heart. The energetic digital cartoon art packs a punch of its own, balancing humor, grace, and na ï ve charm. (June)

COLE, Henry. Unspoken: A Story from the Underground Railroad. illus. by author. Scholastic. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-39997-5. LC 2011043583.
Gr 3-8–Silence, fear, and hope pervade this compelling wordless story about a Southern farm girl who discovers an escaped slave among the cornstalks in the barn. Cole’s striking pencil drawings on cream backgrounds draw readers in, leaving questions in their minds that stimulate repeated visits to these pages. (Nov.)

FLEMING, Candace. Oh, No! illus. by Eric Rohmann. Random/Schwartz & Wade Bks. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-84271-9; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-94557-1. LC 2009045564.
PreS-Gr 2 –When Frog falls into a deep hole and can’t get out–and is soon followed by a series of hapless critters–Tiger prepares to pounce, but a jumbo-size rescuer rumbles up just in time to save the day. Toe-tapping rhythms, chant-along refrains, sing-it-out sound effects, and elegant antic-filled artwork make for a boisterous read-aloud treat. (Aug.)

FYLEMAN , Rose. Mice. illus. by Lois Ehlert. S & S/Beach Lane. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-5684-6; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-5686-0.
PreS-Gr 1–The mischievous subjects of the classic poem scamper, caper, and cavort through the night in this refreshing reinterpretation. Comprised of bits of vibrantly colored-paper cutouts and string on a pitch black background, these mice are strikingly original and endearing. The revelation of the narrator adds a totally unexpected twist. (Dec.)

HARTNETT, Sonya. Sadie and Ratz. illus. by Ann James. Candlewick. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5315-6; ebook $14.99 ISBN 978-0-7636-5990-5.
Gr 2-4–Hannah’s hands–named Sadie and Ratz–behave like rampaging beasts, particularly when her annoying four-year-old brother is nearby, but when mysterious mishaps occur and Baby Boy blames the destructive duo, Hannah resolves to prove their innocence. Expressive charcoal artwork enlivens this beginning-chapter-book look at sibling discord and imaginative play. (Apr.)

HENKES, Kevin. Penny and Her Doll. illus. by author. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-06-208199-5; PLB $14.89. ISBN 978-0-06-208200-8. LC 2011030043.
PreS-Gr 1–Penny absolutely adores the doll that Gram has just sent her, so she must pick the perfect name for her new playmate. Pairing inviting text with buoyant spring-hued artwork, this easy reader stars a charmingly childlike mouse whose emotions and actions ring true. (Oct.)

HILLS, Tad. Rocket Writes a Story. illus. by author. Random/Schwartz and Wade. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-87086-6; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-97086-3.
PreS-Gr 2–A book-loving pup is determined to author his first work, collecting interesting words, searching for inspiration, and finally settling on a topic that brings him success…and a new friend. Packed-with-personality paintings and an entertaining text communicate the creativity, perseverance, and sense of satisfaction that define the writing process. (July)

KLASSEN, Jon. This Is Not My Hat. illus. by author. Candlewick. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5599-0.
PreS-Gr 1–The absurdity begins with a fish wearing a hat, not his hat, but one that he pilfered from a big, sleeping fish. The thief acknowledges his wrongdoing, but is convinced that he’ll evade the consequences and rationalizes his bad behavior. The brilliantly spare digital artwork conveys a parallel narrative with tiny telling details revealing that crime does not pay. (Sept.)

LOGUE , Mary. Sleep Like a Tiger. illus. by Pamela Zagarenski. Houghton Harcourt. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-64102-7.
PreS-Gr 1–A little girl’s parents relate the sleeping habits of various animals, from tiny snails to majestic tigers, in order to lull their reluctant youngster to sleep. The calming, rhythmic language and the detailed, textured mixed-media paintings on wood create a soothing, gentle story sure to inspire sweet dreams. (Dec.)

WILLEMS, Mo. Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs: As Retold by Mo Willems. illus. by author. HarperCollins/Balzer & Bray. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-210418-2.
PreS-Gr 3–This recasting of the traditional tale features a trio of hungry-for-human villains, a comically clueless heroine, giant bowls of ready-to-eat pudding (an essential ingredient for “delicious chocolate-filled-little-girl bonbons”), and loads of over-the-top humor. A ferociously funny romp, told with exuberant language and masterfully mirthful artwork. (Aug.)

WOODSON, Jacqueline. Each Kindness. illus. by E. B. Lewis. Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Bks. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-24652-4.
Gr 2-5–A child learns a painful lesson when she and her classmates purposefully exclude a new girl and ignore her overtures of friendship. Rich, impressionistic watercolor paintings and lyrical, understated text create a moving, bittersweet story that offers food for thought for youngsters still learning to navigate their social circles. (Sept.)

Fiction

ANDERSON, Jodi Lynn. Tiger Lily. HarperCollins/HarperTeen. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-200325-6; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-211461-7.
Gr 8-11–Anderson gives voice to the other woman in Peter Pan’s tale. Tiger Lily, the adopted daughter of a Sky Eater shaman, is misunderstood and feared by her people. When she rescues a white man from a shipwreck, her life, and the lives of the villagers, is forever changed. A reimagining of Neverland, the novel grapples with a gamut of themes, from colonization and betrayal to first love and sacrifice. (July)

APPLEGATE, Katherine.The One and Only Ivan. illus. by Patricia Castelao. HarperCollins/Harper. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-199225-4; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-210198-3.
Gr 3-7–A gorilla ekes out a dull, predictable existence as a roadside attraction until a baby elephant forces him to see his life as a prison and to envision a way out. A poignant, quietly powerful tale that sheds light on animal cruelty. (Jan.)

BRAY, Libba. The Diviners. Little, Brown. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-0-316-12611-3; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-316-21464-3.
Gr 10 Up–This epic series opener combines the mystery of the occult with the glamour of the 1920s. When spirited flapper Evie O’Neill moves to New York City, she meets other people who also have supernatural abilities. The teen becomes involved in helping her uncle solve a number of gruesome murders, which involve a dangerous cult and an evil spirit set on destruction. A gripping and dazzling read. (Sept.)

COATS, J. Anderson. The Wicked and the Just. Houghton Harcourt. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-68837-4; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-68883-1.
Gr 6-9–In 13th-century Wales, a spoiled English girl is forced to live with people she considers below her status, particularly Gwinny, whose proud family is now living in poverty. The hatred between the English and the Welsh is palpable in this multilayered story about two very different teens learning about compassion. (May)

DANFORTH, Emily M.The Miseducation of Cameron Post. HarperCollins/Balzer & Bray. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-202056-7; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-210196-9.
Gr 10 Up–In this stunning coming-of-age debut, Montana teen Cameron Post must come to terms with her sexuality in the wake of her parents’ deaths. Her brief romance with her female best friend causes her staunchly religious aunt to send her to a Christian outreach center to be “cured” of her homosexuality. Instead, she discovers the strength to choose her own life. (Mar.)

ELLIS, Deborah. My Name Is Parvana. (Breadwinner Series). Groundwood. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-55498-297-4; ebook $14.95. ISBN 978-1-55498-299-8.
Gr 6-10–Found in a bombed-out Afghan school, 15-year-old Parvana is being held as a suspected terrorist but refuses to speak to or even acknowledge her American interrogators. To keep up her spirits and maintain her resolve, she recalls all that she and her family members have endured during the war. A compelling and honest look at the physical and emotional toll such a conflict has on civilians. (June)

FARISH, Terry. The Good Braider. Amazon. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6267-5; ebook $7.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6268-2.
Gr 9 Up–Viola and her family journey through war-torn Sudan, impoverished Cairo, and finally strange and alien Portland, Maine, trying to escape the horrors witnessed and experienced back home. As she crosses borders, the teen must learn to straddle two cultures, holding on to her Sudanese traditions while embracing the possibility of a new start. With its vivid imagery and honest portrayal of the refugees’ struggles, this stirring novel in verse will haunt readers. (Sept.)

GIDWITZ, Adam. In a Glass Grimmly. Dutton. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-525-42581-6.
Gr 3 Up–Mistreated and misunderstood, cousins Jack and Jill run away from home and embark on a do-or-die quest to find a magic mirror and earn their true hearts’ desires. Once again embellishing upon a fairy-tale tapestry, Gidwitz’s hilarious and hair-raising companion to A Tale Dark & Grimm (Dutton, 2010) features a mélange of malicious villains, gruesome details, and fun-to-root-for heroes. (Oct.)

GREEN, John. The Fault in Our Stars. Dutton. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-525-47881-2.
Gr 9 Up–Given a brief reprieve from a terminal diagnosis, Hazel, a stalwart teen, has been encouraged by her parents to embrace her life. When she meets Gus at a Cancer Kid Support Group, they embark on a poignant, whirlwind romance. Readers come to know and love these bright, vibrant characters through their crackling dialogue, gallows humor, and tenuous hopes and dreams. (Feb.)

HARTMAN, Rachel. Seraphina. Random. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86656-2; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96656-9; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89658-3. LC 2011003015.
Gr 7 Up–In the kingdom of Goredd, humans and dragons have forged a fragile alliance, with the super-rational creatures assuming human form to serve as ambassadors and teachers. Seraphina, a gifted court musician, must hide the truth about her mixed heritage and call upon all of her abilities to investigate a royal murder that threatens to undermine a generation of peaceful accord. Brilliantly realized high fantasy at its fire-breathing best! (Aug.)

HORVATH, Polly. One Year in Coal Harbor. Random/Schwartz & Wade Bks. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86970-9; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96970-6; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98536-2.
Gr 5-7–Wise, witty, and loaded with pizzazz, Primrose Squarp of Everything on a Waffle returns with an update about life in her small Canadian town. She is back with her mother and father, who had been presumed lost at sea, but her attachment to her foster parents is as keen as ever. Lonely no more, she has a best friend at last, and high drama has arrived with loggers and a plan to clear-cut trees on Mendolay Mountain. Quirky, funny, and unforgettable. (Aug.)

KINDL, Patrice. Keeping the Castle. Viking. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-670-01438-5.
Gr 7 Up–Young and beautiful Althea Crawley adroitly navigates the social terrain of Regency England in order to procure a wealthy husband and save her family home from ruin. A perceptive and determined heroine, witty banter worthy of Jane Austen, and a Gothic castle setting make this historical romance at its finest. (June)

KING, A. S. Ask the Passengers. Little, Brown. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-316-19468-6; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-316-21453-7.
Gr 10 Up–Astrid has so much love to give, and she pushes it toward the passengers in the airplanes flying overhead. It’s an exercise far easier to accomplish than sharing her feelings with her emotionally absent mother, stoned father, and closeted best friends. Coworker Dee offers the love that Astrid is seeking, but is pressuring the teen to define herself before she’s ready. King’s latest is an honest portrayal of how love connects people in tiny—and–astronomical ways. (Oct.)

LAFEVERS, R. L. Grave Mercy. Houghton Harcourt. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-62834-9; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-82241-9.
Gr 9 Up–Under the tutelage of the nuns of St. Mortain, former outcast Ismae Rienne, 17, becomes a skilled assassin. Her abilities, loyalty, and heart are tested when she receives a mission to infiltrate the Breton high court. The more deeply she becomes immersed in the intrigue, the more she doubts whom she can trust. This page-turner has it all: action, suspense, and, of course, romance. (Apr.)

LEVITHAN, David. Every Day. Knopf. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-307-93188-7; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-97111-2; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-307-97563-8.
Gr 9 Up–Each morning, A inhabits a different body and has learned not to get too involved in or possessive of the host’s life. All that changes when the 16-year-old wakes up as a blowhard teen and falls for the boy’s sweet, but much-maligned girlfriend. A tender and surreal exploration of identity, personal responsibility, and love. (Sept.)

LOWRY, Lois. Son. Houghton Harcourt. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-547-88720-3; ebook $17.99. ISBN 978-0-547-92851-7.
Gr 6 Up–Claire has been the assigned the role of Birthmother by her seemingly utopian community. But unlike the other Vessels, she grows attached to her son and will stop at nothing to be reunited with him when he’s taken from her. This long-awaited conclusion to “The Giver” quartet traverses different worlds and dangers and seamlessly ties together the lives of Kira, Jonas, Gabriel, and Claire. A story of love, endurance, and sacrifice. (Sept.)

MCCALL, Guadalupe Garcia. Summer of the Mariposas. Lee & Low/Tu. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-1-60060-900-8.
Gr 7-9–A Mexican-American retelling of Homer’s Odyssey, this novel focuses on the bonds among five sisters who resolve to return a man’s corpse to his hometown. Odilia the eldest, is guided by Malintzin–the mythical mother of Mexico–across the Texas border where the girls encounter legendary creatures, witches, and the stark truth of their father’s abandonment. Sprinkled with Spanish words and Aztec traditions, this lyrical tale of magical realism and adventure will resonate with readers. (Nov.)

MCCORMICK, Patricia. Never Fall Down. HarperCollins/Balzer & Bray. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-173093-1; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-211442-6; PLB $18.89. ISBN 978-0-06-173094-8.
Gr 8 Up–In Cambodia in 1975, an 11-year-old ‘s life takes a nightmarish turn when Khmer Rouge soldiers march the people to the countryside, where they are made to grow rice. Soon separated from his family, Arn manages to stay alive amid brainwashing, starvation, and wholesale killing by suppressing his emotions and learning to play an instrument. This unforgettable and devastating survival story is based on the experiences of human-rights activist Arn Chorn-Pond. (May)

MARTÍNEZ, Andrés Vera & Na Liu. Little White Duck. illus. by Andrés Vera Martínez. Lerner/Graphic Universe. RTE $29.27 ISBN 978-0-7613-6587-7; pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-8115-0; ebook $21.95 ISBN 978-0-7613-7963-8.
Gr 4 Up–This captivating graphic memoir includes several vignettes about Liu and her little sister growing up in Wuhan, China, following the death of Chairman Mao in 1976. Child-focused episodes and engaging, varied artwork incorporate traditional symbols and cultural details with the realities of modern urbanized life. A perfect blend of pictures and narrative. (Sept.)

MATSON, Morgan. Second Chance Summer. S & S. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-9067-3; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4391-5752-7.
Gr 8 Up–After Taylor Edwards, 17, learns that her father has terminal cancer, she and her family head to their lake house in the Poconos for a final summer together. Once there, Taylor grows closer to her siblings, rekindles relationships with an ex-friend and her first love, and prepares for the day she’ll have to say goodbye to her staunchest champion. A moving novel with heart and depth. (May)

NELSON, Vaunda Micheaux. No Crystal Stair: A Novel in Documents, Based on the Life and Work of Lewis Michaux, Harlem Bookseller. illus. by R. Gregory Christie. Carolrhoda Lab. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-6169-5; ebook $12.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-8727-5.
Gr 7 Up–Michaux was street smart and book-learned and nobody could dissuade him when he decided to open a bookshop in Harlem in the 1930s. Nelson chronicles the life of her legendary great-uncle through the voices of characters both real and imagined, while the illustrations and photos complete the portrait of this unfettered, feisty icon of African American intellectual life. (Feb.)

O’CONNOR, Barbara. On the Road to Mr. Mineo’s. Farrar/Frances Foster. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-374-38002-1; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-374-35656-9.
Gr 3-6–Mr. Mineo’s one-legged pigeon flits about a small, Southern town, landing on a garage roof, rafters, and a kid’s head instead of returning home. This rapscallion brings consternation to its owner and adventure and purpose to young Stella, who longs for a pet. How the elusive bird evades capture over a week’s time makes for a suspenseful, tenderhearted tale. (Nov.)

OLIVER, Lauren. The Spindlers. illus. by Iacopo Bruno. HarperCollins/Harper. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-197808-1; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-219025-3.
Gr 4-6–Liza’s little brother has always been slightly annoying, but when she wakes up one morning to find him a sulky, soulless shell, the spunky heroine bravely sets off to rescue him. She encounters a host of characters, including a lovably flamboyant talking rat and the evil Queen of the Spindlers, spiderlike creatures that strike fear in all underground dwellers. This pitch-perfect middle-grade fantasy will strike a chord in adventurers’ hearts. (Sept.)

PALACIO, R. J. Wonder. Knopf. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86902-0; PLB $18.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96902-7; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89988-1.
Gr 4-7–It’s always hard being the new kid, but 10-year-old Auggie has severe facial deformities that make his transition from homeschooling to a fifth-grade classroom particularly trying. Palacio tells the boy’s story from a number of perspectives (including his sister’s and friends’), and readers will root for him as he experiences cruelty and kindness and makes friends. (Feb.)

ROSSI, Veronica. Under the Never Sky. HarperCollins/Harper. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-207203-0; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-207205-4.
Gr 7 Up–Aria has lived inside the domed-city of Reverie with her geneticist mother all of her life–until she’s cast out by its security chief for daring to speak against his unstable son. Perry is the Outsider who saves her in a world filled with energy storms, tribes of roving cannibals, and starvation. Despite their differences, the teens learn to rely on each other, and fall in love. Rossi’s debut crackles with powerful dialogue, fast-paced intrigue, and gasp-inducing drama. (Mar.)

SÁENZ, Benjamin Alire. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. S & S. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0892-0; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0894-4.
Gr 9 Up–Ari is a solemn, angry Mexican American teen. A loner by choice, he remains enshrouded in his family’s tragic past and silent ways until Dante offers to teach him how to swim. The boys become fast friends, bonding on an intellectual and emotional level. This is a gorgeously written, deeply satisfying coming-of-age novel about identity, soulful secrets, and opening oneself to the possibility of love. (Feb.)

SCHLITZ, Laura Amy. Splendors and Glooms. Candlewick. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5380-4; ebook $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6246-2.
Gr 4-8–Orphans Lizzie Rose and Parsefall befriend lonely, wealthy Clara after they perform with the conniving master puppeteer Gaspare Grisini at her 12th birthday party. When Clara disappears soon after, Lizzie and Parsefall must outwit the evil Grisini, face a witch, and come to understand the dark powers of the magical fire opal in order to save their friend and themselves. A rich, evocative Victorian fantasy. (Aug.)

SNICKET, Lemony. Who Could That Be at This Hour? Bk. 1. illus. by Seth. (All the Wrong Questions Series). Little, Brown. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-316-12308-2.
Gr 4-7–Young Lemony Snicket’s mysterious apprenticeship to a secret organization will hook readers, who will appreciate the 13-year-old’s obvious superiority over his clueless mentor and be searching for hints to the overarching mystery within the text and Seth’s fitting illustrations. A playful noir-esque tone aligns perfectly with the colorful cast of characters that populates the waning, sea-less town of Stain’d by the Sea. (Dec.)

STEAD, Rebecca. Liar & Spy. Random/Wendy Lamb. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-385-73743-2; PLB $18.99. ISBN 978-0-385-90665-4; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89953-9.
Gr 5-8–Bullied at school, reeling from changes in his family, and adjusting to a new apartment, seventh-grader Georges hopes that he’s found a kindred spirit in Safer, a 12-year-old loner who wants his help spying on a suspicious neighbor. Then their efforts become increasingly daring, and Georges feels pushed to the boundaries of friendship. Filled with memorable characters, authentic humor and heartache, and thought-provoking dilemmas. (Sept.)

STIEFVATER, Maggie. The Raven Boys. Bk. 1. Scholastic. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-42492-9; ebook $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-46979-1.
Gr 8 Up–Blue Sargent is the only one in her household of women without psychic abilities. However, when she becomes involved in a quest with four students from Aglionby Academy to locate a ley line in her rural Virginia community and awaken a legendary “sleeping” Welsh king, she learns about her unique talents. Stiefvater spins an engrossing tale of suspense, mystery, magic, and romance. (Oct.)

WEIN, Elizabeth. Code Name Verity. Hyperion/Disney. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-5219-4; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-5325-2.
Gr 9 Up–Scots-born Julie Beaufort-Stuart, aka Verity, is being held captive in France and interrogated by the Gestapo. Her only chance of survival is to record her story, come clean about her mission, and give up classified codes. All the while, her best friend Maddie, the pilot who flew her behind enemy lines, risks everything to try to save her. A taut espionage thriller and a heartrending tale of friendship. (July)

Nonfiction

ASIM, Jabari.Fifty Cents and a Dream: Young Booker T. Washington. illus. by Bryan Collier. Little, Brown. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-316-08657-8.
Gr 2-4–Born into slavery, toiling in a West Virginia coal mine after emancipation, always scrimping and saving, and steadfastly passionate about learning, 16-year-old Washington walked 500 miles to pursue an education. A poetic narrative and luminous collage artwork tell the story of this inspiring American. (Oct.)

BISHOP, Nic. Nic Bishop Snakes. photos by author. Scholastic. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-20638-9.
Gr 3-5–These “strange, secretive, and surprising” predators are introduced via stunning up-close photos that showcase their physical characteristics and behaviors and their breathtaking beauty. Accessible and engaging, the text enhances the crystalline images with a plethora of awesome facts. (Oct.)

CHIN, Jason. Island: A Story of the Galápagos. illus. by author. Roaring Brook/Neal Porter. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-716-6.
Gr 3-6–Harking back to its lava-spewing birth six-million years ago, Chin recounts the “life” of a volcanic island, chronicling the arrival of plants and animals, eons of gradual climate change, the evolution of endemic species, and its eventual sinking below the waves. Realistic, color-drenched artwork and an absorbing text imbue this island’s natural history with clarity and drama. (Aug.)

CLOSE, Chuck. Chuck Close: Face Book. illus. by author. Abrams. RTE $18.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0163-4.
Gr 4-8–The heart of this inventive autobiography is a series of 14 self-portraits by Close (who has a condition that makes it difficult for him to remember faces), in various mediums and styles. Pages are divided into thirds that can be manipulated in any number of ways. Questions posed by fifth graders about the artist, his work, and his methods, and Close’s candid responses (“Art really saved my life”), conclude this stunning volume. (June)

DECRISTOFANO, Carolyn Cinami. A Black Hole Is NOT a Hole. illus. by Michael Carroll. Charlesbridge. RTE $18.95. ISBN 978-1-57091-783-7; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-60734-073-7.
Gr 5-7–Trillions upon trillions of miles beyond our solar system lie zones with a gravitational pull so strong that nothing can escape them, including light. In short chapters, supported by lucid definitions, sure analogies, and heaps of helpful illustrations, the author explains a complex phenomenon that has confounded many a student. (Apr.)

DEEM, James M. Faces from the Past: Forgotten People of North America. Houghton Harcourt. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-0-547-37024-8.
Gr 5 Up–From 10,500-year-old mummified remains found in Nevada’s Spirit Cave to buried Chinese miners in Wyoming (1881), Deem considers the fates of often-unknown individuals and the information that their remains has yielded about them and the times in which they lived. Instructive black-and-white photos document the painstaking work of forensic specialists, and the repatriation efforts to honor these men, women, and children. (Dec.)

FERN, Tracey. Barnum’s Bones: How Barnum Brown Discovered the Most Famous Dinosaur in the World. illus. by Boris Kulikov. Farrar/Margaret Ferguson. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-374-30516-1.
Gr 3-5–They said he was able to sniff out fossils, but it took years of traipsing around the Montana badlands before this adventurous bone collector associated with the American Museum of Natural History unearthed his greatest find–a new species called Tyrannosaurus rex. Pen-and-watercolor artwork filled with unusual perspectives and fanciful vignettes adds humor to the mix. (June)

FREEDMAN, Russell. Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: The Story Behind an American Friendship. Clarion. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-0-547-38562-4.
Gr 5-10–In alternating chapters, readers meet these national heroes in their youth, travel with them as they mature into potent political figures, and witness their eventual, long-anticipated encounter at the White House. In lucid prose accompanied by archival photos, Freedman shines a light on some of the complex issues facing our nation during the 19th century and two of the men who embodied them. (May)

HOOSE, Phillip. Moonbird: A Year on the Wind with the Great Survivor B95. Farrar. Tr $21.99. ISBN 978-0-374-30468-3.
Gr 6 Up–Hoose chronicles the travels of one particularly stalwart rufa red knot, the efforts of scientists to map and protect stopover sites along his circuitous route from the Canadian Arctic and Tierra del Fuego, and the commitment of average citizens trying to ensure the survival of shorebirds. Captivating photographs and maps help to introduce young people to this fearless flyer’s sweeping and dynamic story. (Oct.)

JENKINS, Steve. The Beetle Book. illus. by author. Houghton Harcourt. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-68084-2.
Gr 4-7–“Line up every kind of plant and animal on Earth…and one of every four will be a beetle.” Depicting a sampling of astonishingly diverse species of Coleoptera with both realism and artistry, Jenkins’s exquisitely illustrated, vividly written, fact-filled overview will mesmerize budding naturalists. (Apr.)

KALMAN, Maira. Looking at Lincoln. illus. by author. Penguin/ Nancy Paulsen Bks. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-399-24039-3.
Gr 2-5–He loved his family, his dog Fido, vanilla cake, truth and justice, and his country. But he despised slavery, and when he was able to do something about it, he did. A poignant text and bold paintings awash in bright pinks, greens, and blues, illuminate the life of America’s beloved 16th president. (Jan.)

KING, Martin Luther, Jr. I Have a Dream. illus. by Kadir Nelson. w/CD. Random/Schwartz & Wade. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-0-375-85887-1; PLB $21.99. ISBN 978-0-375-95887-8; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98772-4.
Gr 2 Up–An excerpt from this iconic speech is gloriously illustrated with regally composed oil paintings. Still eloquent and relevant, Dr. King’s words are interpreted through close-ups of the speaker, expansive overviews of the 1963 gathering before the Lincoln Monument, and affecting portrayals of handholding harmony. (Nov.)

LEVINSON, Cynthia. We’ve Got a Job: The 1963 Birmingham Children’s March. Peachtree. Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-1-56145-627-7.
Gr 7 Up–A dramatic account of the thousands of children and teens who marched down the streets and into the jails of racially charged Birmingham, Alabama, in May 1963. Focusing on four of the protestors, the in-depth interviews, extensive source notes, and powerful photos tell the inspirational story of young citizens willing to sacrifice their freedom for their basic rights. (May)

NELSON , S. D., retel. Buffalo Bird Girl: A Hidatsa Story. illus. by reteller. Abrams. RTE $19.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0355-3.
Gr 3-6–This graceful retelling is based on stories a Native American woman told about her 1830s childhood in Like-a-Fishhook Village, a farming community overlooking the Missouri River. Luminous paintings, delicate drawings, and archival photographs embellish the accessible narrative. (Nov.)

NIVOLA, Claire A. Life in the Ocean: The Story of Oceanographer Sylvia Earle. illus. by author. Farrar/Frances Foster Bks. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-374-38068-7.
Gr 1-5–By age 12, Earle, already a naturalist, “lost her heart to the ocean.” In fluid prose, Nivola immerses readers into the watery world in which the marine biologist and spokesperson spent much of her long and illustrious career. Artwork bathed in blue tones offers a peek at this vast biome, brimming with colorful life-forms large and small. (Feb.)

RUSCH, Elizabeth. The Mighty Mars Rovers: The Incredible Adventures of Spirit and Opportunity. (Scientists in the Field Series). Houghton Harcourt. RTE $18.99. ISBN 978-0-547-47881-4.
Gr 7-9–When two small robots successfully landed on Mars in 2003, NASA personnel celebrated–and then hoped–that they would be able to retrieve at least three months of data and images from the machines. Enduring dust storms, mechanical failures, deep craters, frigid temperatures, the intrepid duo has, to date, supplied scientists nine-plus years of information. A thrilling story, profusely illustrated. (July)

SANDLER, Martin W. The Impossible Rescue: The True Story of an Amazing Arctic Adventure. Candlewick. RTE $22.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5080-3.
Gr 5 Up–In an 1897 mission, plagued by blizzards and the pressure of time, the Overland Relief Expedition set out on a harrowing, thousand-mile-plus trek for Point Barrow, in northern Alaska, to save some 300 crew and eight icebound whaling ships. Supported by lengthy, primary-source quotations and a wealth of archival photographs, this “celebration of the human spirit” places readers at the center of an extraordinary undertaking. (Sept.)

SHEINKIN, Steve. Bomb: The Race to Build–and Steal–the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon. Roaring Brook/Neal Porter. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-487-5; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-861-3.
Gr 5 Up–The scientists were recruited; the site was selected; and as World War II was gaining momentum, the United States embarked on the development of what was euphemistically called “the gadget.” Chock-full of extensive quotes–from spies for the allies and the enemies alike–this thrilling, suspenseful narrative is filled with historical detail and unrelenting intrigue. (Oct.)

TOUGAS, Shelley. Little Rock Girl 1957: How a Photograph Changed the Fight for Integration. (Captured History Series). Compass Point. PLB $33.99. ISBN 978-0-7565-4440-9; pap. $8.95. ISBN 978-0-7565-4512-3.
Gr 5-9–The role of the media as an impetus to social action is as timely a topic today as it was 55 years ago when a photograph of a scene outside an Arkansas school shocked the world. Striking black-and-white images document this defining event, while quotes by those present bring the tumultuous era and fight for integration into sharp focus. (Jan.)

WALKER, Sally M. & Douglas W. Owsley. Their Skeletons Speak: Kennewick Man and the Paleoamerican World. Carolrhoda. RTE $22.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-7457-2; ebook $17.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-0001-6.
Gr 8 Up–A startling discovery in 1996 of ancient remains provided scientists with clues about Paleoamerican culture. Engrossing color photos and a fascinating, layered text take readers onsite and into laboratories as archaeologists, anthropologists, and geologists sift through evidence, construct theories, and reexamine them in the light of new information. (Oct.)