MURDOCH, Emily. If You Find Me. 248p. St. Martin’s Griffin. Mar. 2013. ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-250-02153-3; pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-250-03327-7.
Gr 9 Up–Following a bitter custody battle, Carey’s mentally ill, junkie mother kidnapped her and disappeared. Living in a broken-down camper hidden deep in the woods of Tennessee, Carey, now 14, takes care of her younger sister, Janessa, who is selectively mute, while their mother seeks her next fix. When protective services intervene, Carey’s father, a man she only knows through her mother’s lies, reclaims the girls and takes them to live with him, his new wife, and his stepdaughter. Over the following weeks, the sisters encounter luxuries often taken for granted: square meals, running water, warm beds, and a loving family. Carey even experiences first love with a boy from her past. But she doesn’t feel she deserves this happily ever after because of a terrible secret: she did something horrific in order to protect her sister. Would her new family still want her if they knew the truth? Murdoch’s debut is beautifully written. The deep bond between the sisters is almost physically palpable, as is their intense longing for love and acceptance; they will quickly endear themselves to readers. This absorbing title will find a captivated audience with fans of Caroline B. Cooney’s “The Janie Novels” series (Delacorte) and Sara Zarr’s books.–Alissa J. Bach, Oxford Public Library, MI

 ROWELL, Rainbow. Eleanor & Park. 328p. St. Martin’s Griffin. Mar. 2013. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-1-250-01257-9; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-250-03121-1.
Gr 9 Up–In this novel set in the 1980s, teenagers Eleanor and Park are outsiders; Eleanor, because she’s new to the neighborhood, and Park, because he’s half Asian. Although initially wary of each other, they quickly bond over their love of comics and 1980s alternative music. Eleanor’s home life is difficult; her stepfather physically abuses her mother and emotionally abuses Eleanor and her siblings. At school, she is the victim of bullying, which escalates into defacement of her textbooks, her clothes, and crude displays on her locker. Although Park’s mother, a Korean immigrant, is initially resistant to the strange girl due to her odd fashion choices, his father invites Eleanor to seek temporary refuge with them from her unstable home life. When Eleanor’s stepfather’s behavior grows even more menacing, Park assists in her escape, even though it means that they might not see each other again. The friendship between the teens is movingly believable, but the love relationship seems a bit rushed and underdeveloped. The revelation about the person behind the defacement of Eleanor’s textbooks is stunning. Although the narrative points of view alternate between Eleanor and Park, the transitions are smooth. Crude language is realistic. Purchase for readers who are drawn to quirky love stories or 1980s pop culture.–Jennifer Schultz, Fauquier County Public Library, Warrenton, VA

 SHEPHERD, Megan. The Madman’s Daughter. 420p. HarperCollins/Balzer & Bray. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-212802-7; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-212804-1. LC 2012004281.
Gr 9 Up–Based on H.G. Wells’s The Island of Dr. Moreau and told from the point of view of the mad doctor’s 16-year-old daughter, this dark novel blends the basic premise of the original with new insights, characters, and terror. Dr. Moreau fled London to escape scandal and possible arrest, leaving his wife and daughter destitute. When her mother dies, Juliet has just enough money to survive until she is fired from her hospital cleaning job for rebuffing the advances of one of the doctors. She runs into her old friend and her father’s assistant, Montgomery, and convinces him to take her to her father’s island. The perilous trip on a pirate ship and the rescue of Edward, a castaway, ends with a very cold welcome from her father, who grudgingly allows her to stay. Over time, Juliet realizes that everything she has heard about him creating strange semi-human creatures is true. The teen must face dangers, uncover the secrets behind her origin, and unravel her feelings about Moreau’s experiments. The fast-paced book is rife with excitement, romance, and intrigue. Juliet is both a strong heroine who can take charge and a young woman who is beset by doubts and rash acts. Dr. Moreau is thoroughly detestable and Montgomery and Edward are handsome, flawed, and mysterious. The surprising ending is satisfying. While knowledge of Wells’s novel would perhaps lead to a more satisfying reading experience, this title stands alone.–Janet Hilbun, Texas Women’s University, Denton, TX

 CHENG, Andrea. Etched in Clay: The Life of Dave, Enslaved Potter and Poet. illus. by author. 144p. bibliog. maps. photos. Lee & Low. 2013. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-60060-451-5. LC 2012027280.
Gr 5 Up–The pain of slavery and its disregard for human worth reverberates throughout this beautifully written, beautifully illustrated account of an enslaved potter in South Carolina in the 19th century. Cheng’s sensitive verses, written in the voice of Dave and the people involved in his life, share the man’s innermost feelings, the sensation of shaping clay on the potter’s wheel, and hints at conflicts within a slave owner’s mind. But even with a master who seems to have some appreciation of Dave’s talents, the ugliness of slavery takes over. The matter-of-fact, unfeeling way in which Eliza, Dave’s first wife, is sold off speaks volumes. Dave’s need to communicate and be noticed comes out in the risk he takes by inscribing some verse and words on the pots he creates. This deep need squelches any fear of reprisals when literacy was a punishable offense for slaves. Motivated by her belief that everyone needs to read Scriptures in order to be saved, the slave owner’s wife started Dave on his quest to read. Through all of the adversity, he stoically carries on despite being sold, despite having loved ones repeatedly taken from him, and despite losing a leg in a train accident, always spurred on by the need to communicate. Cheng has created a passionate homage to the human spirit, which speaks volumes in this brief book. Her woodcuts add another layer to the drama that unfolds in the telling. A powerful and uplifting biography.–Renee Steinberg, formerly at Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ

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

Fiction

ABRAMS, Amir. Crazy Love. 326p. Kensington/KTeen. 2012. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-0-7582-7356-7.

ANGLER, Evan. Swipe. 276p. Thomas Nelson. 2012. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4003-1836-0. LC 2011026611.

ANGUS, Jennifer. In Search of Goliathus Hercules. 350p. Albert Whitman. Mar. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-2990-4. LC 2011037135.

ARNTSON, Steven. The Wrap-Up List. 240p. Houghton Harcourt. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-547-82410-9.

BACON, Lee. Joshua Dread. illus. by Brandon Dorman. 258p. Delacorte. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-385-74185-9; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-99027-4; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98721-2; LC 2012003155.

BAKER, E. D. Unlocking the Spell. Bk. 2. 261p. (The Wide-Awake Princess Series). Bloomsbury. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59990-841-0.

BARNES, Jennifer Lynn. Nobody. 400p. Egmont USA. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-321-5.

BAVATI, Robyn. Dancing in the Dark. 320p. glossary. Flux. Feb. 2013. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-7387-3477-4.

BECKER, Helaine. How to Survive Absolutely Anything. 200p. Fitzhenry & Whiteside. 2012. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-1-55455-188-0.

BERRY, Nina. Otherkin. Bk. 1. 310p. Kensington/KTeen. 2012. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-0-7582-7691-9.

BRADLEY, F. T. Double Vision. 248p. HarperCollins/Harper. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-210437-3; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-210439-7. LC 2012005734.

BRIDGES, Robin. The Unfailing Light. Bk. 2. 308p. (Katerina Trilogy). Delacorte. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-385-74024-1; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89902-7; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-385-90830-6. LC 2012014775.

BURGESS, V. L. The Mapmaker’s Sons. illus. by Jon Berkeley. 166p. Move. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-9854810-0-1; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-9854810-1-8.

CARTER, Caela. Me, Him, Them, and It. 369p. Bloomsbury. Feb. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59990-958-5.

CARTER, Rachel. So Close to You. 314p. HarperCollins/HarperTeen. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-208105-6; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-208107-0.

CHILDS, Tera Lynn. Sweet Shadows. 328p. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-200183-2; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-219027-7. LC 2011044626.

COONEY, Caroline B. Janie Face to Face. 344p. (The Janie Novels). Delacorte. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-385-74206-1; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-99039-7; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-97997-2. LC 2012006145.

CORRIGAN, Eireann. The Believing Game. 374p. Scholastic. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-29983-1.

COUGHLIN, T. Glen. One Shot Away: A Wrestling Story. 328p. HarperCollins/HarperTeen. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-208323-4; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-208325-8. LC 2012019091.

DAHL, Michael. The Dragon with the Girl Tattoo. Bk 1. ISBN 978-1-4342-4041-5; ISBN 978-1-4342-4257-0.LC 2012004508.
–––– . Duel of Dragons. Bk 2. ISBN 978-1-4342-4039-2; ISBN 978-1-4342-4254-9. LC 2012004508.
ea vol: illus by Luigi Aime. 72p. (DragonBorn Series). glossary. Stone Arch. 2012. PLB $22.65; pap. $6.95.

DANESHVARI, Gitty. Ghoulfriends Forever. Bk. 1. illus. by Darko Dordevic. 260p. (Monster High Series). Little, Brown. 2012. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-316-22249-5.

FARRAR, Josh. A Song for Bijou. 324p. Walker. Feb. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8027-3394-8.

FINNEYFROCK, Karen. The Sweet Revenge of Celia Door. 272p. Viking. Feb. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-670-01275-6.

GALE, Eric Kahn. The Bully Book. 240p. HarperCollins/Harper. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-212511-8; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-212515-6.

GIFF, Patricia Reilly. Gingersnap. 148p. Random/Wendy Lamb. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-375-83891-0; PLB $18.99. ISBN 978-0-375-93891-7; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-307-98029-8.

GRIFFIN, N. The Whole Stupid Way We Are. 350p. S & S/Atheneum. Feb. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3155-3; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3158-4. LC 2012002595.

HARRINGTON, Kim. The Dead and Buried. 296p. Scholastic/Point. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-33302-3.LC 2011043877.

HASAK-LOWY, Todd. 33 Minutes: …Until Morgan Sturtz Kicks My Butt. illus. by Bethany Barton. 210p. S & S/Aladdin. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4500-0; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4502-4. LC 2012009604.

HAVARD, Amanda. Point of Origin. Bk. 2. 324p. (The Survivors Series). Chafie. 2012. Tr $23.99. ISBN 978-0-9833190-4-7. LC 2012930279.

HICKS, Betty. The Worm Whisperer. illus. by Ben Hatke. 186p. Roaring Brook. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-490-5; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-846-0.

HIGGINS, Jane. The Bridge. 342p. Tundra. 2012. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-77049-437-4; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-1-77049-438-1. LC 2012930536.

JACOBS, John Hornor. The Twelve-Fingered Boy. Bk. 1. 264p. (The Twelve-Fingered Boy Trilogy). Carolrhoda Lab. Feb. 2013. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-9007-7; ebook $12.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-0950-7. LC 2012015292.

KATZ, Farley. Journal of a Schoolyard Bully: Cyber Bully. illus. by author. 256p. St. Martin’s Griffin. 2012. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-312-60658-9.

KEEBLE, Helen. Fang Girl. 358p. HarperCollins/HarperTeen. 2012. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-208225-1; ebook $7.99. ISBN 978-0-06-208226-8.

KEMMERER, Brigid. Spark. Bk. 2. 358p. (Elemental Series). Kensington/KTeen. 2012. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-0-7582-7282-9.

KIMMEL, Elizabeth Cody. Legend of the Ghost Dog. 200p. Scholastic. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-39127-6; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-46999-9.

KRESS, Adrienne. The Friday Society. 304p. Dial. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3761-7.

KRESS, Nancy. Flash Point. 498p. Viking. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-670-01247-3; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-1-101-59034-8.

KROVATIN, Christopher. Gravediggers: Mountain of Bones. 324p. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-207740-0; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-207742-4.

KUHN, Krystyna. The Game. tr. from German by Helena Ragg-Kirby. Bk. 1. 315p. (The Valley Series). IPG.2013. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-907410-56-7.

LABAN, Elizabeth. The Tragedy Paper. 312p. Knopf. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-87040-8; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-97040-5; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98912-4. LC 2012011294.

LAZEAR, Suzanne. Innocent Darkness. Bk. 1. 391p. (The Aether Chronicles). Flux. 2012. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-0-7387-3248-0.

LEICHT, Martin & Isla Neal. Mothership. Bk. 1. 320p. (Ever-Expanding Universe Series). S & S. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2960-4; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2962-8. LC 2011026283.

LIDELL, Alex. The Cadet of Tildor. 408p. Dial. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3681-8; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-1-1015-9235-9.

LINDNER, April. Catherine. 312p. Little, Brown/Poppy. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-316-19692-5; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-316-21471-1.

LU, Marie. Prodigy. Bk. 2. 374p. (A Legend Novel). Putnam. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-399-256769. LC 2012003773.

LUPICA, Mike. True Legend. 304p. Philomel. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25227-3; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-1-101-58141-4.

MCGOWAN, Maureen. Deviants. Bk. 1. 320p. (The Dust Chronicles). Amazon. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-61218-367-1; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-61218-773-0.

MCMANN, Lisa. Island of Silence. Bk. 2. 406p. (The Unwanteds Series). S & S/Aladdin. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0771-8; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0773-2. LC 2011029418.

MCNICOLL, Sylvia. Crush. Candy. Corpse.: What Really Happened in the Forty-First Hour? 224p. Lorimer.2012. pap. $12.95. ISBN 978-1-4594-0062-7; Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-1-4594-0063-4. LC 20129000329.

MEYER, Marissa. Scarlet. Bk. 2. 464p. (The Lunar Chronicles). Feiwel & Friends. Feb. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-312-64296-9.

MILLER, Kirsten. The Darkness Dwellers. Bk. 3. 404p. (Kiki Strike Series). Bloomsbury. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-159990-736-9.

MITCHARD, Jacquelyn. What We Saw at Night. 242p. SohoTeen. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-61695-141-2; ebook $17.99. ISBN 978-1-61695-142-9.

NADIN, Joanna. Paradise. 258p. Candlewick. 2012. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5713-0; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6202-8.

NAIDOO, Vahini. Fall to Pieces. 320p. Amazon. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6217-0; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6219-4. LC 2011048166.

NEIMARK, Gillian. The Golden Rectangle. 144p. S & S/Aladdin. Feb. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-8042-1; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-8527-3.

NICHOLSON, Lorna Schultz. Rookie. 142p. ISBN 978-1-4594-0024-5.
–––– . Vegas Tryout. 140p. ISBN 978-1-4594-0070-2.
ea vol: (Podium Sports Academy Series). Lorimer. 2012. pap. $9.95.

ODYSSEY, Shawn Thomas. The Magician’s Tower. Bk. 2. 304p. (The Wizard of Dark Street Series). Egmont USA. Feb. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-425-0; ebook $15.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-426-7.

OH, Ellen. Prophecy. 320p. HarperCollins/HarperTeen. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-209109-3; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-209111-6.

PAULSEN, Gary & Jim Paulsen. Road Trip. 114p. Random/Wendy Lamb. 2013. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-385-74191-0; PLB $18.99. ISBN 978-0-375-99031-1; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98857-8. LC 2012014284.

PEACOCK, Shane. Last Message. 237p. ISBN 978-1-55469-935-3.

WILSON, John. Lost Cause. 257p. ISBN 978-1-55469-944-5.
ea vol: (Seven the Series). Orca. 2012. pap. $9.95.

RESNICK, Jacqueline. The Daring Escape of the Misfit Menagerie. illus. by Matthew Cook. 320p.Penguin/Razorbill. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59514-588-8.

REX, Adam. Unlucky Charms. Bk. 2. illus. by author. 400p. (Cold Cereal Saga Series). HarperCollins/Balzer & Bray. Feb. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-206005-1; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-206007-5.

ROBERT, Na’ima B. Far from Home. 352p. Frances Lincoln. 2012. pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-1-84780-006-0.

RYAN, Darlene. Pieces of Me. 232p. Orca. 2012. pap. $12.95. ISBN 978-1-4598-0080-9; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4598-0082-3.

SCHMIDT, Tiffany. Send Me a Sign. 374p. Walker. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8027-2840-1.

SCHROEDER, Lisa. Falling for You. 368p. S & S/Simon Pulse. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4399-0; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4401-0. LC 2012012993.

SLATER, Adam. Skinned. Bk. 2. 288p. (The Shadowing Series). Egmont USA. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-262-1; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-381-9. LC 2012012542.

STONE, Tamara Ireland. Time Between Us. 384p. Hyperion/Disney. 2012. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-5956-8. LC 2011053368.

SULLIVAN, Laura L. Delusion. 340p. Houghton Harcourt. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-68836-7; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-68882-4.

TERRY, Teri. Slated. 345p. Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Bks. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-399-16172-8.

THOMAS, Erin. Haze. 175p. (Orca Sports Series). Orca. 2012. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-1-4598-0070-0.

THOMSON, Jamie. Dark Lord: The Early Years. illus. by Freya Hartas. 286p. Walker. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8027-2849-4.

VERRICO, Susan. Privateer’s Apprentice. 196p. Peachtree. 2012. RTE $15.95. ISBN 978-1-56145-633-8. LC 2011020976.

WILLNER-PARDO, Gina. Prettiest Doll. 240p. Clarion. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-68170-2; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-68171-9.

YOUNG, Janet Ruth. My Beautiful Failure. 304p. S & S/Atheneum. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-5489-7; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4669-4.

YOUNG, Moira. Rebel Heart. Bk. 2. 432p. (Dust Lands Series). S & S/McElderry. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3000-6; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3340-3.

YOVANOFF, Brenna. Paper Valentine. 304p. Penguin/Razorbill. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-59514-599-4; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-1-10160-408-3.

Nonfiction

ADLER, David A. Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad. 144p. bibliog. chron. illus. index. maps. notes. photos. reprods. Holiday House. 2013. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2365-1.

BAILEY, Diane. Democracy. ISBN 978-1-4222-2137-2.

DAVIDSON, Tish. Theocracy. ISBN 978-1-4222-2143-3.

HEITS, Rudolph T. Communism. ISBN 978-1-4222-2136-5.

PULDITOR, Seth H. Fascism. ISBN 978-1-4222-2139-6.
ea vol: 64p. (Major Forms of World Government Series). bibliog. chron. further reading. glossary. illus. index. notes. photos. websites. Mason Crest. 2012. PLB $22.95.

BATTEN, Jack. Oscar Peterson. 144p. bibliog. discography. index. notes. photos. Tundra. 2012. Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-1-77049-269-1. LC 2011940582.

BONDY, Halley. Don’t Sit on the Baby!: The Ultimate Guide to Sane, Skilled, and Safe Babysitting. 128p. illus. index. websites. Zest. 2012. pap. $12.99. ISBN 978-0-9827322-3-6. LC 2011942757. é

BOSHIER, Rosa. How to Analyze the Works of Virginia Woolf. ISBN 978-1-61783-459-2. LC 2012016734.

HINDS, Maurene J. How to Analyze the Works of Toni Morrison. ISBN 978-1-61783-458-5. LC 2012016736.

PETERSON-HILLEQUE, Victoria. How to Analyze the Works of Sylvia Plath. ISBN 978-1-61783-457-8. LC 2012016735.
ea vol: 112p. (Essential Critiques Series). bibliog. chron. further reading. glossary. illus. index. notes. photos. websites. ABDO. 2012. PLB $34.22.

CURRIE, Stephen. The Black Death. ISBN 978-1-60152-480-5. LC 2012021114.
–––– . The Renaissance. ISBN 978-1-60152-189-7. LC 2011048993.
ea vol: 96p. (Understanding World History Series). chron. further reading. glossary. illus. index. maps. notes. photos. reprods. websites. ReferencePoint. 2012. PLB $27.95.

DELANO, Marfé Ferguson. Master George’s People: George Washington, His Slaves, and His Revolutionary Transformation. 62p. bibliog. chron. further reading. index. notes. photos. reprods. websites. National Geographic. 2013. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-1-4263-0759-1; PLB $27.90. ISBN 978-1-4263-0760-7. LC 2012024295.

DEMI . The Great Voyages of Zheng He. illus. by author. 64p. Shen’s. 2012. Tr $21.95. ISBN 978-1-885008-45-9.

DOBSON, Jolie. The Duct Tape Book: 25 Projects to Make with Duct Tape. 144p. diags. illus. photos. Firefly.2012. pap. $14.95. ISBN 978-1-77085-098-9.

DOWN, Susan Brophy. Irena Sendler: Bringing Life to Children of the Holocaust. 112p. bibliog. chron. further reading. glossary. index. photos. websites. Crabtree. 2012. PLB $33.27. ISBN 978-0-7787-2553-4; pap. $12.95. ISBN 978-0-7787-2556-5. LC 2012008274.

GEVINSON, Tavi Ed. Rookie Yearbook One. 352p. Drawn & Quarterly. 2012. pap. $29.95. ISBN 978-1-77046-112-3.

GREEN, Jen. Conservation. ISBN 978-1-4329-6516-7; ISBN 978-1-4329-6522-8. LC 2012000824.
–––– . Food and Farming. ISBN 978-1-4329-6517-4; ISBN 978-1-4329-6523-5. LC 2012001033.

MORRIS, Neil. The Landscape. ISBN 978-1-4329-6518-1; ISBN 978-1-4329-6524-2. LC 2012001036.

SOLWAY, Andrew. Transportation. ISBN 978-1-4329-6520-4; ISBN 978-1-4329-6526-6. LC 2012001043.

SPILSBURY, Richard. Towns and Cities. ISBN 978-1-4329-6519-8; ISBN 978-1-4329-6525-9. LC 2012001039.
ea vol: 64p. (The Impact of Environmentalism Series). maps. photos. chron. further reading. glossary. index. websites. Heinemann/Raintree. 2012. PLB $35; pap. $9.99.

GRIFFITHS, Andy. What Body Part Is That?: A Wacky Guide to the Funniest, Weirdest, and Most Disgustingest Parts of Your Body. illus. by Terry Denton. 192p. appendix. diags. index. Feiwel & Friends.2012. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-312-36790-9; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-466-82759-2.

HAVEMEYER, Janie. Njinga: “The Warrior Queen”. illus. by Peter Malone. 32p. bibliog. charts. illus. maps. photos. reprods. Goosebottom. 2012. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-0-9834256-6-3. LC 2011941874.

HOLZER, Harold. Lincoln: How Abraham Lincoln Ended Slavery in America. 240p. appendix. bibliog. chron. notes. photos. Newmarket. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-226509-8.

KACER, Kathy, ed. We Are Their Voice: Young People Respond to the Holocaust. 232p. (The Holocaust Remembrance Series for Young Readers). further reading. glossary. illus. photos. Second Story. 2012. pap. $16.95. ISBN 978-1-926920-77-1.

LANDAU, Jennifer. How to Beat Psychological Bullying. ISBN 978-1-4488-6809-4; ISBN 978-1-4488-6826-1. LC 2011041623.

PETERSON, Judy Monroe. How to Beat Cyberbullying. ISBN 978-1-4488-6810-0; ISBN 978-1-4488-6825-4. LC 2011043256.

SONNEBORN, Liz. How to Beat Verbal Bullying. ISBN 978-1-4488-6811-7; ISBN 978-1-4488-6828-5. LC 2012003926.
ea vol: 48p. (Beating Bullying Series). photos. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. websites. Rosen Central. 2012. PLB $29.25; ebook $29.25.

LEGRAND, Eric with Mike Yorkey. Believe: The Victorious Story of Eric LeGrand. 214p. photos.HarperCollins/Harper. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-222582-5; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-222584-9.

LINCOLN, Abraham. Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. illus. by James Daugherty. 48p. Albert Whitman. Feb. 2013. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-4550-8.

LLANAS, Sheila. How to Analyze the Works of Suzanne Collins. ISBN 9781617834561; ISBN 9781614789574.LC 2012013118.

VAN ZEE, Amy. How to Analyze the Works of C. S. Lewis. ISBN 978-1-61783-455-4; ISBN 978-1-61478-956-7.LC 2012007215.
ea vol: 112p. (Essential Critiques Series). bibliog. chron. further reading. glossary. illus. index. notes. photos. websites. ABDO. 2012. PLB $34.22; ebook $34.22.

MICHAEL, Ted, Nic Cory, & Mara Jill Herman. So You Want to Be a Superstar?: The Ultimate Audition Guide.152p. further reading. websites. Running Pr. 2012. pap. $10.95. ISBN 978-0-7624-4610-0. LC 2012932845.

MILLER, Brandon Marie. Women of the Frontier: 16 Tales of Trailblazing Homesteaders, Entrepreneurs, and Rabble-Rousers , rev. ed. 272p. Chicago Review Pr. Feb. 2013. Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-1-883052-97-3.

SCHROEDER, Andreas. Robbers!: True Stories of the World’s Most Notorious Thieves. illus. by Rémy Simard. 160p. (It Actually Happened Series). bibliog. further reading. index. Annick. 2012. PLB $21.95. ISBN 978-1-55451-441-0; pap. $12.95. ISBN 978-1-55451-440-3.

SKRYPUCH, Marsha Forchuk. One Step at a Time: A Vietnamese Child Finds Her Way. 128p. further reading. index. photos. websites. Pajama Press. Feb. 2013. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-1-927485-01-9.

WATKINS, Angela Ferris, ed. Martin Luther King Jr.: A King Family Tribute. 96p. index. Abrams. 2013. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0269-3. LC 2012008320.

Exclamation Mark (Rosenthal) ©2013 by Tom Lichtenheld

Preschool to Grade 4

BEAN, Jonathan. Building Our House. illus. by author. Farrar. 2013. p. 71.

DEFELICE, Cynthia. Nelly May Has Her Say. illus. by Henry Cole. Farrar/Margaret Ferguson. Mar. 2013. p. 92.

HENKES, Kevin. Penny and Her Marble. illus. by author. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Mar. 2013. p. 76.

MESHON, Aaron. Take Me Out to the Yakyu. illus. by author. S & S/Atheneum. Feb. 2013. p. 82.

ROSENTHAL, Amy Krouse. Exclamation Mark. illus. by Tom Lichtenheld. Scholastic. Mar. 2013. p. 85.

SCHMID, Paul. Perfectly Percy. illus. by author. HarperCollins/Harper. 2013. p. 85.

WELLS, Rosemary. Time-Out for Sophie. illus. by author. Viking. 2013. p. 90.

WRIGHT, Joanna. Bunnies on Ice. illus. by author. Roaring Brook/Neal Porter. 2013. p. 90.

GRADES 5 & UP

CHENG, Andrea. Etched in Clay: The Life of Dave, Enslaved Potter and Poet. illus. by author. Lee & Low.2013. p. 117.

FORMAN, Gayle. Just One Day. Dutton. 2013. p. 102.

MURDOCH, Emily. If You Find Me. St. Martin’s Griffin. Mar. 2013. p. 110.

ROWELL, Rainbow. Eleanor & Park. St. Martin’s Griffin. Mar. 2013. p. 113.

SHEPHERD, Megan. The Madman’s Daughter. HarperCollins/Balzer & Bray. 2013. p. 113.

Reference

SNODGRASS, Mary Ellen. World Food: An Encyclopediaof History, Culture, and Social Influence from Hunter-Gatherers to the Age of Globalization. M.E. Sharpe. 2012. p. 68.

DVD

Hi! Fly Guy. Weston Woods. p. 51.

Show Way. Weston Woods. p. 52.

Cape Spin. Video Project. p. 52.

AUDIO

Barber of the Beasts. CD Universe. p. 59.

Bully Bystander, Bullied. CDBaby. p. 60.

Great Unexpected. Recorded Books. p. 54.

Necromancing the Stone. Recorded Books. p. 56.

Ozomatli Presents OzoKids. Hornblow Grouop/Megaforce Records. p. 61.

Path of Beasts. Listening Library. p. 57.

Personal Effects. Brilliance Audio. p. 57.

Sophia’s War. Recorded Books. p. 58.

We Are America. Live Oak Media. p. 58.

BiblioBoard is a free iPad app providing access to more than 100 curated collections of “licensed, open source and public domain materials” on topics ranging from Punk Rock to The Brothers Grimm. Anthologies on English writers are the most numerous. With the app, readers can dip into any collection, most of which include more than 50 “books, images, and articles written by or about” the subject and sample up to the first seven pages of any title.

The price for each collection ranges from $9.99 to $15.99. Our reviewer, Danielle Farinacci, took a look at three of the newer collections.

As first glance, the BiblioBoard app (BiblioLabs LLC; Free; $9.99 to $15.99 for individual collections; Gr 9 Up) is equal parts inspiring and overwhelming. It offers more than 30 literary anthologies alone, with access to free content within each curation.

The 60-plus volumes in Brontë Sisters: A Historical Collection includes offerings under “Novels,” “Poetry,” “Biographical Works,” “Critical Essays,” and “Images.” It affords a rare glimpse into the sisters’ lives through traditional biographies as well as a series of well-organized letters to and from Charlotte, Anne, and Emily, their fathers, and friends. Readers can also examine portraits of the women, their home, and a reproduction of each sister’s handwritten pen name signature, which are likely to ignite a discussion of a woman’s place in the literary world of the 19th century. It would be difficult to find a more complete anthology of the Brontës’s work in one place with such a small footprint.

John Keats: A Historical Collection presents such telling works as, ”The Life, Letters, and Literary Remains of John Keats,” edited by Richard Monckton Milnes, and ”A Day with Keats,” by his contemporary May Clarissa Gillington Byron, plus romantic gems like Keats’s Letters to Fanny Brawne, written to his fiancée from Rome before the English poet succumbed to tuberculosis at age 25.

Keats’s poems are represented, as is his correspondence. Completing the anthology, which totals more than 70 volumes, are  “Memoirs,” “Critical Essays,” “Souvenirs,” and “Images.” Viewing pages of the original editions of the poet’s work evokes the romanticism these poems warrant, while the color illustrations add a dimension and context not often found in other resources.

“Fragment of a Third Century Copy of Plato’s ‘Republic’” from BiblioBoard’s “Socrates.” (BiblioLabs LLC)

On the topic of Socrates: Father of Western Philosophy, there are a number of biographical and contextual essays, such as “Talks with Athenian Youths,” that offer a glimpse into the philosopher’s daily interactions and the era in which he lived. Scholarly revelations about Socrates’s influence on the writings of Plato, Xenophon, and Aristophanes are also presented. The depth and language of these works makes them most suited for advanced placement or college students, but items such as the Fragment of a Third Century Copy of Plato’s “Republic” provides relevance for any reader.

While some may value these collections as primary source material or as historical artifacts, there is much here for students of literature and philosophy to peruse. They’re sure to find something that speaks to them.—Danielle Farinacci, Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep, San Francisco, CA


For additional app reviews visit Touch and Go under blogs and columns at slj.com, and be sure to add us to your RSS feed.

HOLZER

For more new titles on Abraham Lincoln, see Vicki Reutter’s “Whiskers, Dreams, and Grave-Robbing Schemes.”

STONE

To read an interview with Tanya Lee Stone, see Jennifer M. Brown’s “A Mission Above and Beyond Them.”

Elementary and Middle School

BRANSFORD, Nathan. Jacob Wonderbar and the Interstellar Time Warp. illus. by C. S. Jennings. 262p. Dial.Feb. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3703-7. Gr 4-6

D’LACEY, Chris & Jay D’Lacey. Rain & Fire. 304p. Scholastic/Orchard. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-41453-1. LC 2012014374. Gr 5-8 A companion guide to the Last Dragon Chronicles . Gr 5-8

FREDERICK, Heather Vogel. Wish You Were Eyre. 464p. (The Mother Daughter Book Club Series). S & S.2012. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3064-8; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4423-4199-9. Gr 6-9

FRIEDMAN, Laurie. Mallory and Mary Take New York. Bk. 19. illus. by Jennifer Kalis. 152p. Darby Creek. Mar. 2013. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-6074-2; ebook $11.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-0962-0. LC 2012019008. Gr 3-5

GUTMAN, Dan. Miss Kraft Is Daft! Bk. 7. illus. by Jim Paillot. 112p. (My Weirder School Series).HarperCollins/Harper. Jan. 2013. pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-06-204215-6. Gr 2-3

GUTMAN, Dan. You Only Die Twice. Bk. 3. 289p. (The Genius Files Series). HarperCollins/Harper. Feb. 2013.Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-182770-9; PLB $17.89. ISBN 978-0-06-182771-6; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-220284-0. Gr 5-8

HOLUB, Joan & Suzanne Williams. Pandora the Curious. Bk. 9. 256p. (Goddess Girls Series). S & S/Aladdin. 2012. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-5975-5; pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4935-0; ebook $5.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4936-7. Gr 3-6

IRWIN, Bindi & Chris Kunz. Bindi: Behind the Scenes: The Wildlife Games. 192p. Trafalgar Square. Feb. 2013.pap. $11.99. ISBN 978-1-86471-839-3. Gr 3-6

KAIN, P.G. Dramatic Pause. Bk. 3. 288p. (Commercial Breaks Series). S & S/Aladdin. 2012. pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-9788-7; ebook $5.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-9791-7. LC 2012948208. Gr 5-8

KESSLER, Liz. Emily Windsnap and the Land of the Midnight Sun. Bk. 5. illus. by Natacha Ledwidge. 272p.Candlewick. Feb. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5824-3. Gr 4-6

KINNEY, Jeff. The Third Wheel. Bk. 7. illus. by author. 224p. (Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series). Abrams/Amulet.2012. Tr $13.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0584-7. Gr 4-8

LASKY, Kathryn. Star Wolf. Bk 6. 246p. (Wolves of the Beyond Series). Scholastic. Jan. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-27962-8. LC 2012029320. Gr 4-6

MCCLINTOCK, Norah. Change of Heart. Bk. 7. 218p. ISBN 978-0-7613-8317-8; ISBN 978-1-4677-0701-5; ISBN 978-1-4677-0963-7.
–––– . In Too Deep. Bk. 8. 224p. ISBN 978-0-7613-8318-5; ISBN 978-1-4677-0702-2; ISBN 978-1-4677-0964-4.
ea vol: (A Robyn Hunter Mystery). Darby Creek. Mar. 2013. Tr $27.93; pap. $8.95; ebook $20.95. Gr 6 Up

MCDONALD, Megan. Stink and the Freaky Frog Freakout. Bk. 8. illus. by Peter H. Reynolds. 160p. Candlewick.Feb. 2013. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6140-3; pap. $4.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6422-0. Gr 1-3

MATT AND DAVE. Yuck’s Fart Club. illus. by Nigel Baines. S & S. 112 p. Jan. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-8153-4; pap. $4.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-8152-7; ebook $5.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-8154-1. LC 2012027627. Gr 3-4

PILKEY, Dav. Captain Underpants and the Revolting Revenge of the Radioactive Robo-Boxers. Bk. 10. illus. by author. 224p. Scholastic. Jan. 2013. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-545-17536-4. LC 2012944030. Gr 3-6

RIORDAN, Rick. The Mark of Athena. Bk. 3. 608p. (The Heroes of Olympus Series). Hyperion/Disney. 2012.Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-4060-3. LC 2012017264. Gr 5-9

SELFORS, Suzanne. Smells Like Pirates. Bk. 3. 384p. (Smells Like Dog Series). Little, Brown. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-316-20596-2. LC 2012028738. Gr 4-7

SMITH, Roland. I, Q: Kitty Hawk. Bk. 3. 230p. (I, Q Series). Sleeping Bear. 2012. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-58536-605-7; pap. $8.95. ISBN 978-1-58536-604-0. Gr 5-8

SNIEGOSKI, Tom. Quest for the Spark. Bk. 3 . illus. by Jeff Smith. 288p. (Bone Series). Scholastic/Graphix.Jan. 2013. Tr $22.99. ISBN 978-0-545-14105-5; pap. $10.99. ISBN 978-0-545-14106-2. LC 2012025128. Gr 4-8

High School

CHIMA, Cinda Williams. The Crimson Crown. Bk. 4. 598p. (Seven Realms Series). Hyperion/Disney. 2012.RTE $18.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-4433-5. LC 2011053079. Gr 8 Up

CONRAD, Lauren. Starstruck. 294p. (A Fame Game Novel). HarperCollins/Harper. 2012. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-0-06-207980-0. Gr 5 Up

CREMER, Andrea. Rise. 388p. Philomel. Jan. 2013. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-0-399-15960-2. LC 2012012263. Gr 10 Up The continuation of the series that began with Nightshade and Wolfsbane .

DESTEFANO, Lauren. Sever. Bk. 3. 384p. (The Chemical Garden Trilogy). S & S. Feb. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0909-5; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0913-2. LC 2012015702. Gr 9 Up

EDWARDS, Eve. The Rogue’s Princess. Bk. 3. 272p. (The Lacey Chornicles) Delacorte. Jan. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-385-74093-7; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98976-6; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98339-9.Gr 9 Up

ESTEP, Jennifer. Crimson Frost. 384p. (A Mythos Academy Novel). Kensington/KTeen. Jan. 2013. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-0-7582-8146-3. Gr 9 Up

FITZPATRICK, Becca. Finale. 464p. (The Hush, Hush Saga). S & S. 2012. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2667-2; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2669-6. Gr 9 Up

GODBERSEN, Anna. The Lucky Ones. 374p. (A Bright Young Things Novel). HarperCollins/Harper. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-196270-7. Gr 9 Up

KINCY, Karen. Foxfire. Bk. 3. 297p. (An Other Novel). Flux. 2012. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-7387-3057-8. LC 2012019102. Gr 9 Up

LACKEY, Mercedes & Rosemary Edghill. Sacrifices. Bk. 3. 304p. (Shadow Grail Series). Tor. Apr. 2013. Tr $21.99. ISBN 978-0-7653-2852-0; pap. $21.99. ISBN 978-0-7653-1763-6; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4299-9719-5. Gr 7-10

LORE, Pittacus. I Am Number Four: The Lost Files: The Legacies. 416p. 2012. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-221110-1.
–––– . The Rise of Nine. 416. Feb. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-197458-8.
ea vol: (I Am Number Four Series). HarperCollins/Harper. Gr 7 Up

MOORE, Stephanie Perry & Derrick Moore. Settle Down/Be Real. Bk. 4. 310p. ISBN 978-1-61651-887-5.
–––– . Shake It/Got Pride. Bk. 5. 309p. ISBN 978-1-61651-888-2.
–––– . Yell Out/Do You. Bk. 3. 336p. ISBN 978-1-61651-886-8.
ea vol: (Lockwood Lions Series). Saddleback. 2012. pap. $14.95. Gr 7 Up

SCHREIBER, Ellen. Full Moon Kisses. 224p. (A Full Moon Novel). HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Bks. Jan. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-198653-6. LC 2012949623. Gr 7 Up

SHEPARD, Sara. Ali’s Pretty Little Lies. 292p. Jan. 2013. ISBN 978-0-06-223336-3. LC 2012950661.
–––– . Burned. 324p. 2012. ISBN 978-0-06-208192-6. LC 2012949622.
ea vol: (Pretty Little Liars Series). HarperCollins/HarperTeen. Tr $17.99. Gr 9 Up

SHIELDS, Gillian. Destiny. 374p. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Bks. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-200041-5. Gr 7-10 The conclusion to the series that began with Immortal , Betrayal ,
and Eternal .

SMITH, Alexander Gordon. Execution. Bk. 5. 352p. (Escape from Furnace Series). Farrar. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-374-36224-9; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-374-32239-7. LC 2012004870. Gr 7-10

SMITH, L. J. Destiny Rising. Vol. 3. 394p. (The Vampire Diaries: The Hunters Series). HarperCollins/HarperTeen. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-201773-4.
Gr 9 Up

TANIGAWA, Nagaru. The Indignation of Haruhi Suzumiya. tr. from Japanese by Paul Starr. 224p. Little, Brown.2012. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-316-03900-0; pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-0-316-03899-7. LC 2012013848. Gr 7 Up

 CHADDA, Sarwat. The Savage Fortress. 292p. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-38516-9; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-46996-8. LC 2011046291.
Gr 8 Up–On vacation in India with his aunt, uncle, and younger sister, pudgy Ash Mistry can’t wait to get back home to his video games and London friends. But when his uncle is offered a million pounds to assist mysterious Lord Savage with translations from an archaeological find, Ash becomes embroiled in an overwhelming and deadly real-life battle. He realizes that Lord Savage is not an ordinary mortal and that his minions are rakshasas (demons). Determined to save his uncle, Ash unwittingly betrays himself and becomes the rakshasas’s target. When he falls into a collapsing pit, he discovers a golden arrowhead–theaastra (weapon) of the ancient goddess Kali. With a splinter of it lodged in his thumb, Ash is able to channel Kali’s power. But it is not enough to save his uncle and aunt, and, when they are killed, he sets out to save his sister–and the world–from Ravana, the all-powerful demon king, and his gruesome forces of evil. Chadda weaves Hindu mythology into an engrossing story of a shy, overweight gamer who becomes transformed into one of his own comic-book superheroes. Plot-driven, fast paced, exciting, and sometimes terrifying, The Savage Fortress is the ideal next step for readers who loved Rick Riordan’s books about the Olympian heroes and Anthony Horowitz’s “Gatekeepers” series (Scholastic). Vivid descriptions of contemporary India and flashbacks to the mythological battles of Rama and Ravana enrich this tale of a nerd’s metamorphosis. Make time for this novel, because it is very hard to put down.–Jane Barrer, United Nations International School, New York City

 NIELSEN, Susin. The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen. 243p. Tundra. 2012. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-77049-372-8; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-1-77049-373-5. LC 2011938782.
Gr 6-9–Based on his therapist’s recommendation, 13-year-old Henry begins to keep a journal of his experiences as he transitions to life in a new city, a new school, and in a new apartment with his dad. It’s been a year since his older brother, unable to bear a bully’s relentless torment, took a gun to school and killed the boy and then himself. Subsequently, Henry’s mom has had a breakdown and has been in and out of a psych ward. Nielsen slowly reveals the plot, giving out clues as to what actually happened and the aftereffects of such a tragedy, always through the lens of the younger sibling. Farley, Henry’s nerdy new friend who shares his family’s love of wrestling, and classmate Alberta complement the story as they aggravate Henry and enrich his life, drawing him out of his anger and grief, and help him open up to others and try to find his way. With fully developed adult and child characters and a solid sense of middle school humor, the author has crafted an insightful and nuanced novel about bullying and suicide, and familial love and resilience.–Kathy Lyday, South Caldwell High School, NC

 ROSEN, Michael J. Sailing the Unknown: Around the World with Captain Cook. illus. by Maria Cristina Pritelli. 40p. maps. Creative Editions. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-56846-216-5. LC 2011040840.
Gr 3-6–This spare, fictionalized diary from the youngest crew member aboard the Endeavour in 1768 recounts the events and adventures experienced by the sailors under the command of Captain James Cook, famed for landing in Australia. Nicholas Young, 11 years old at the outset of the journey, is in charge of the ship’s milk goat and helps out in other ways when he can. He chronicles the nearly three-year expedition in journal entries that sway with the rhythm of a sailing ship, telling of the sights and sounds of the far-flung locations they encounter, from exotic animals and insects to groups of people so vastly different from himself. The drudgery of life aboard a ship is juxtaposed with the small moments of brightness and levity that crop up in the most unexpected places. Folk-art-style paintings continue the sea theme with the blues, grays, and greens of the ocean, adroitly conveying the vastness of the world they are exploring. Small border doodles highlight the humorous, or lighter times, such as the dunkings for those new to crossing the Equator. The artwork contains quite a bit of detail, and there is much for readers to pore over; Nick, in his Waldo-like striped shirt is a fun seek and find. A great introduction to exploration for young adventurers everywhere.–Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

 SPINELLI, Jerry. Hokey Pokey. 262p. Knopf. Jan. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-375-83198-0; PLB $18.99. ISBN 978-0-375-93198-7; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-307-97570-6.
Gr 5-7–Hokey Pokey is a place where children live and rule themselves, riding bicycles like horses, watching cartoons on huge outdoor screens, throwing tantrums and getting hugged, all without an adult in sight. Their lives are almost pure joy as they dance the eponymous dance, savor the eponymous frozen treat, and listen to The Story of the Kid through little shells they carry in their pockets. Jack is their hero and ringleader, dealing with bully Harold the Destroyer, teaching Kiki lessons in sports and Lopez lessons in life, until the day things begin to change. Jack wakes to find that his beloved bike, Scramjet, has been commandeered by Jubilee, whom he despises because she’s a girl. Answering his Tarzan cry of despair, Amigos LaJo and Dusty race to his side and notice before he does that Jack’s stomach tattoo, given to all children once they’re out of diapers, is starting to disappear. Fighting against the realization that Jack is going to leave them, they lure him into one last bike roundup, roping him and tying him down until Jubilee releases him, recognizing that he cannot resist the pull away from all of them toward the Forbidden Hut and the Train, and into The Story. Using elements of myth, allegory, fantasy, and not-quite science fiction, Spinelli has skillfully combined a stream-of-consciousness narrative with delicious inventive language to create a vivid, dreamlike world. This unforgettable coming-of-age story will resonate with tween readers and take its rightful place beside the author’s Maniac Magee (Little, Brown, 1990) and Louis Sachar’s Holes (Farrar, 1998).–Marie Orlando, formerly at Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY

 TIMBERLAKE, Amy. One Came Home. 250p. bibliog. further reading. Knopf. Jan. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86925-9; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96925-6; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98934-6. LC 2011037095.
Gr 5-8–Thirteen-year-old Georgie Burkhardt can shoot better than anyone in Placid, Wisconsin. She can handle accounts and serve customers in her family’s general store. What she can’t do is accept that the unrecognizable body wearing her older sister’s blue-green gown is Agatha. Determined to discover what happened after Agatha abruptly left town with a group of pigeoners, Georgie sets out to follow her route. In return for the loan of a mule, she reluctantly allows Billy McCabe, one of Agatha’s suitors, to accompany her. The journey includes a menacing cougar and ruthless counterfeiters, but Georgie’s narration offers more than action-packed adventure. She unravels the tangle of events that led to Agatha’s sudden departure and acknowledges her own role. By turns humorous and reflective, Georgie’s unique and honest voice includes confusion about her feelings for Billy and doubts about her ability to kill even in desperate circumstances. Timberlake seamlessly integrates information about two significant events that occurred in Wisconsin in 1871: the largest recorded nesting of passenger pigeons in spring and devastating firestorms in fall. Georgie’s physical and emotional odyssey that occurs between those two events will linger in readers’ minds.–Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

 BOLDEN, Tonya. Emancipation Proclamation: Lincoln and the Dawn of Liberty. 120p. bibliog. chron. glossary. illus. index. notes. photos. reprods. Abrams. Jan. 2013. RTE $24.95. ISBN 978-1-4197-0390-4. LC 2012000845.
Gr 5-9–After a dramatic opening description of abolitionists waiting for word that the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed, this title reviews the events that led up to the Civil War, examines Lincoln’s reasons for writing it, and details the role of abolitionists. Bolden makes excellent use of primary sources; the pages are filled with archival photos, engravings, letters, posters, maps, newspaper articles, and other period documents. Detailed captions and a glossary interpret them for today’s readers. Quotations from both Lincoln’s contemporaries and modern scholars also break up the text. All the visual elements combine to give pages the look of a scrapbook, making the title a pleasure to browse as well as a source of research material. Bolden has chosen to tell the story in a personal voice, from the perspective of African Americans and abolitionists, “who were pledged to universal liberty.” While this narrative technique makes for riveting reading and gives readers a greater understanding of the viewpoint of these groups, they won’t find much information here on the Unionist Democrats, moderate Republicans, or those who opposed the Emancipation Proclamation. Pair this with another title, such as Charles W. Carey Jr.’s The Emancipation Proclamation (The Child’s World, 2009) to gain that perspective.–Jackie Partch, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

 FRADIN, Judith Bloom & Dennis Brindell Fradin. The Price of Freedom: How One Town Stood Up to Slavery.illus. by Eric Velasquez. 48p. bibliog. further reading. photos. websites. Walker. Jan. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8027-2166-2; PLB $17.89. ISBN 978-0-8027-2167-9. LC 2012015781.
Gr 3-6–In 1856, John Price escaped from slavery in Kentucky by crossing the frozen Ohio River. Two years later, slave hunters arrived in Oberlin, Ohio, and attempted to take him back at gunpoint. Shopkeepers, farmers, teachers, and college students formed an armed group of Rescuers to release Price. Some members of the group were former slaves, risking their own freedom. Charged with violating the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, the Rescuers spent three months in jail. They returned home with a new purpose, vowing that “No fugitive slave shall ever be taken from Oberlin either with or without a warrant, if we have power to prevent it.” The picture-book format is highly effective in conveying the power of the story. In Velasquez’s dramatic mixed-media and oil paintings, determination shows in the stance of the figures and the set of their facial features. The book design is masterful. The front cover highlights John Price, surrounded by some of his champions. The back cover foreshadows a betrayal, with a hand dropping a gold coin into another hand, accompanied by the sentence, “How much is one man’s life worth?” On the endpapers, a dark, quiet view of the river sets the stage for the conflict to come. Full-page images and spreads draw readers directly into the action. The final image is an 1859 large-scale photo of the Rescuers taken in the courtyard of the jail. This book could be used as a nonfiction partner to Christopher Paul Curtis’s Elijah of Buxton (Scholastic, 2007) and as a resource in units about slavery, the Underground Railroad, or the Civil War.–Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher’s School, Richmond, VA

 STONE, Tanya Lee. Courage Has No Color: The True Story of the Triple Nickles: America’s First Black Paratroopers. 160p. appendix. bibliog. chron. notes. photos. reprods. Candlewick. Jan. 2013. Tr $24.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5117-6; ebook $24.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6405-3.
Gr 5 Up–A moving, thoughtful history of the United States military’s first black paratrooper unit. During World War II, African American soldiers were mostly relegated to service and security jobs, generally denied the same training and active-combat positions that were available to their white counterparts. Expertly woven together are two narratives: the large, overarching history of rampant racism in the U.S. military and the smaller, tightly focused account of a group of black soldiers determined to serve their country and demonstrate their value as soldiers. Readers are taken along on the emotional journey with the soldiers as they leapt forward from guard duty at The Parachute School into official paratrooper training, the first of its kind for blacks. They faced multiple setbacks as they encountered discrimination, some justified as “policy” and some that was more personal and insidious. Throughout the book, the courage and strength of these men is evidenced in their tireless quest to be the best at what they do, throwing themselves headlong into sometimes dangerous and terrifying training requirements. The photographs and the design of the book as a whole are a gift to readers. Rich with detail, the pictures not only complement the narrative, but also tell a stirring story of their own, chronicling the triumphs and frustrations of the soldiers as they pursued their dreams. Complete accessibility to a wide range of readers, coupled with expert research and meticulous care, makes this a must-have for any library.–Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

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

Fiction

ANGLER, Evan. Sneak. Bk. 2. 278p. (Swipe Series). Thomas Nelson. 2012. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4003-1842-1.

BAGUCHINSKY, Jill. Spookygirl: Paranormal Investigator. 280p. Dutton. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-525-42584-7; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-1-101-59145-1. LC 2011052673.

BARROWMAN, John & Carole E. Barrowman. Hollow Earth. 382p. S & S/Aladdin. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-5852-9; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-5855-0.

BAUER, Hans & Catherine Masciola. Fishtale. 208p. Amazon. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6223-1; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6224-8. LC 2011040131.

BENJAMIN, Floella. Sea of Tears. 280p. Frances Lincoln. 2012. pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-1-84780-058-9.

BERNE, Emma Carlson. Never Let You Go. 228p. S & S/Simon Pulse. 2012. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4017-3; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4018-0.

BICK, Ilsa J. Shadows. Bk. 2. 520p. (Ashes Trilogy). Egmont. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-176-1; ebook $17.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-378-9.

BJORKMAN, Lauren. Miss Fortune Cookie. 280p. Holt. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-8951-6; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9636-1.

BLACK, Yelena. Dance of Shadows. Bk. 1. 446p. Bloomsbury. Feb. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-59990-940-0.

BLAKE, Stephanie J. The Marble Queen. 180p. Amazon. Jan. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6227-9; ebook $3.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6228-6. LC 2011040132.

BLYTHE, Daniel. Shadow Breakers. 248p. Scholastic/Chicken House. Jan. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-47979-0; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-52064-5. LC 2012011273.

BOURREAU, Clara. On the Run. tr. from French by Y. Maudet. 120p. Delacorte. 2012. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-385-74276-4; RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-99076-2. LC 2012010898.

BOYNE, John. The Terrible Thing That Happened to Barnaby Brocket. illus. by Oliver Jeffers. 278p. Knopf.Jan. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-307-97762-5; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-307-97763-2; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-307-97764-9.

BRENNAN, Herbie. The Secret Prophecy. 364p. HarperCollins/Balzer & Bray. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-207180-4; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-207183-5.

BUCHANAN, Andrea J. Gift. 271p. Open Road. 2012. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4532-2023-8.

BUCKNELL, Tobias & Joe Monti, eds. Diverse Energies. 310p. Lee & Low/Tu. 2012. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-60060-887-2.

CAIN, Barbara. Autism, the Invisible Cord: A Sibling’s Diary. 96p. Magination. 2012. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-1-4338-1192-0; Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-4338-1191-3. LC 2012016053.

CASANOVA, Mary. Frozen. 246p. further reading. University of Minnesota Press. 2012. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8166-8056-6.

COCHRAN, Molly. Poison. 360p. S & S/Paula Wiseman Bks. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-5050-9; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-5052-3. LC 2012006736.

COLLIE, Brenda Faye. Almost a Senior. 214p. Daylight Books. 2012. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-9632177-7-6.

CRONN-MILLS, Kirstin. Beautiful Music for Ugly Children. 288p. websites. Flux. 2012. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-7387-3251-0. LC 2012019028.

CUMMINGS, Priscilla. The Journey Back. 224p. maps. Dutton. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-525-42362-1.

DALLAS, Sandra. The Quilt Walk. 215p. maps. Sleeping Bear. 2012. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-58536-800-6. LC 2012005863.

DAVIES, Jocelyn. A Fractured Light. 340p. HarperCollins/HarperTeen. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-199067-0; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-211966-7.

DE BAUN, Hillary Hall. Starring Arabelle. 236p. Eerdmans. 2012. pap. $9. ISBN 978-0-8028-5398-1. LC 2011042739.

FALKNER, Brian. The Assault. 290p. glossary. Random. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86946-4; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96946-1; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98351-1. LC 2011042888.

FERRAIOLO, Jack D. The Quick Fix. 292p. Abrams/Amulet. 2012. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-0-8109-9725-7.

FRISCH, Aaron. The Girl in Red. illus. by Roberto Innocenti. 32p. Creative Editions. 2012. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-1-56846-223-3.

GARVEY, Amy. Glass Heart. 310p. HarperCollins/HarperTeen. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-199624-5; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-210336-9. LC 2011052410.

GIER, Kerstin. Sapphire Blue. Bk. 2. tr. from German by Anthea Bell. 368p. (Ruby Red Series). Holt. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9266-0; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9635-4. LC 2011034011.

GONZALEZ, Christina Diaz. A Thunderous Whisper. 304p. glossary. photos. Knopf. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86929-7; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96929-4; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98274-3. LC 2011043445.

GORDON, Roderick & Brian Williams. Spiral. Bk. 5. 440p. (Tunnels Series). Scholastic/Chicken House. 2012.Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-0-545-42961-0.

GREEN, Julia. Tilly’s Moonlight Garden. illus. by Paul Howard. 200p. Sourcebooks/Jabberwocky. 2012. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4022-7730-6; ebook $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4022-7731-3.

GRINTI, Mike & Rachel Grinti. Claws. 250p. Scholastic/Chicken House. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-43313-6; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-46967-8. LC 2011048362.

HADDIX, Margaret Peterson. Game Changer. 256p. S & S. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-689-87380-5; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-5389-0. LC 2011034707.

HAINSWORTH, Emily. Through to You. 264p. HarperCollins/Balzer & Bray. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-209419-3; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-209421-6. LC 2012006549.

HARRIS, Rachel. My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century. 260p. Entangled Teen. 2012. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-62061-135-7; ebook $5.99. ISBN 978-1-62061-136-4.

HARTLEY, A. J. Darwen Arkwright and the Insidious Bleck. Bk. 2. illus. by Emily Osborne. 442p. (Darwen Arkwright Series). Penguin/Razorbill. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59514-410-2.

HIEBER, Leanna Renee. The Twisted Tragedy of Miss Natalie Stewart. Bk. 2. 336p. (Magic Most Foul Series).Sourcebooks/Fire. 2012. pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-1-4022-6203-6; ebook $8.99. ISBN 978-1-4022-6204-3.

HIRSCH, Jeff. Magisterium. 310p. Scholastic. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-29018-0; ebook $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-46988-3. LC 2011050775.

HOBBS, Valerie. Minnie McClary Speaks Her Mind. 216p. Farrar/Frances Foster. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-374-32496-4; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-374-34978-3. LC 2011016860.

HONEYMAN, Kay. The Fire Horse Girl. 326p. glossary. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine. Jan. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-40310-8.

HOOPER, Mary. Velvet. 336p. bibliog. Bloomsbury. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7475-9921-0.

HOWARD, Chris. Rootless. Bk. 1. 326p. Scholastic. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-38789-7. LC 2011041109.

JOHN, Antony. Elemental. 326p. Dial. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3682-5; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-1-1015-9113-0. LC 2011049539.

JOHNSON, Hal. Immortal Lycanthropes. illus. by Teagan White. 292p. Clarion. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-75196-2; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-75201-3. LC 2011045438.

JONES, Eddie. Dead Man’s Hand. Bk. 1. 214p. (The Caden Chronicles). Zonderkidz. 2012. Tr $7.99. ISBN 978-0-310-72344-8; ebook $4.99. ISBN 978-0-310-72389-9.

KAIN, P. G. Picture Perfect. Bk. 2. 264p. (Commercial Breaks Series). S & S/Aladdin. 2012. pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-9787-0; ebook $5.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-9790-0.

KOKIE, E. M. Personal Effects. 352p. Candlewick. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5527-3; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6203-5.

KRUMWIEDE, Lana. Freakling. 310p. Candlewick. 2012. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5937-0; ebook $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6204-2.

LAMB, Jody. Easter Ann Peters’ Operation Cool. 268p. further reading. websites. Scribe. 2012. pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-9859562-0-2. LC 2012947114.

LAWRENCE, Theo. Mystic City. Bk. 1. 398p. (A Mystic City Novel). Delacorte. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-385-74160-6; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-99013-7; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98642-0. LC 2012010878.

LENNON, Tom. When Love Comes to Town. 296p. glossary. Albert Whitman. Mar. 2013. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-8916-8. LC 2012020160.

LINKO, Gina. Flutter. 342p. Random. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86996-9; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96996-6; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98636-9. LC 2011049637.

LIVINGSTON, Lesley. Starling. Bk. 1. 342p. (Starling Saga Series). HarperCollins/HarperTeen. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-206307-6; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-206309-0.

LLOYD, Saci. Momentum. 216p. Holiday House. 2012. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2414-6. LC 2011022056.

LUPICA, Mike. Game Changers. Bk. 1. 208p. Scholastic. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-38182-6; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-44315-9.

MCDONALD, Ian. Be My Enemy. Bk. 2. 264p. (Everness Series). glossary. PYR. 2012. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-61614-678-8.

MCGEE, Krista. Right Where I Belong. 312p. Thomas Nelson. 2012. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4016-8490-7.

MCKAY, Emily. The Farm. 420p. Berkley. 2012. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-425-25780-7. LC 2012014764.

MCROBBIE, David. Vinnie’s War. 210p. illus. photos. reprods. Allen & Unwin. 2012. pap. $14.99. ISBN 978-1-74237-576-2.

MARKS, Daniel. Velveteen. 452p. Delacorte. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-385-74224-5; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-307-97432-7; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-99051-9.

MARY-TODD, Jonathan. Shot Down. 104p. (After the Dust Settled Series). Darby Creek. 2012. PLB $27.93. ISBN 978-0-7613-8329-1; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-9399-3; ebook $20.95. ISBN 978-1-4677-0015-3.LC 2012006864.

MATTI, Truus. Mister Orange. tr. from Dutch by Laura Watkinson. illus. by Jenni Desmond. 164p. Enchanted Lion. Jan. 2013. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-592701-230.

MESSENGER, Norman. The Land of Neverbelieve. illus. by author. 32p. Candlewick. 2012. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6021-5.

MESSENGER, Shannon. Keeper of the Lost Cities. 488p. S & S/Aladdin. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4593-2; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4595-6. LC 2011042201.

MILES, Elizabeth. Envy. Bk. 2. 400p. (Fury Series). CIP. S & S/Simon Pulse. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2221-6; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2223-0. LC 2011044905.

MILLER, Ashley Edward & Zack Stentz. Colin Fischer. 240p. Penguin/Razorbill. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-59514-578-9; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-1-10159-073-7.

MONROE, Ella. Secrets and Lies. Bk. 2. 304p. (Capital Girls Series). St. Martin’s Griffin. 2012. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-312-62305-0; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-250-02165-6.

MORRILL, Lauren. Meant to Be. 292p. Delacorte. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-385-74177-4; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-99023-6; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98711-3. LC 2011035519.

MYERS, Christopher. H.O.R.S.E.: A Game of Basketball and Imagination. illus. by author. 40p. Egmont USA.2012. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-1-60684-218-8.

O’BRIEN, Caragh M. Promised. Bk. 3. 294p. (Birthmarked Series). Roaring Brook. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-571-1; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-596-43832-3.

O’ROURKE, Erica. Bound. Bk. 3. 350p. (Torn Trilogy). Kensington/KTeen. 2012. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-0-7582-6707-8.

PATTEN, E. J. The Legend Thief. Bk. 2. illus. by John Rocco. 370p. (Hunter Chronicles). S & S. Mar. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2035-9; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2037-3. LC 2012012578.

PAULSON, Ingrid. Valkyrie Rising. 346p. HarperCollins/HarperTeen. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-202572-2; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-219029-1. LC 2011042307.

PHILLIPS, Helen. Here Where the Sunbeams Are Green. 297p. Delacorte. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-385-74236-8; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-99056-4; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-307-97487-7.

REEVE, Phillip. Scrivener’s Moon. Bk. 3. 340p. (Fever Crumb Series). Scholastic. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-545-22218-1.

RODRIGUES, Carmen. 34 Pieces of You. 336p. further reading. S & S/Simon Pulse. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3917-7; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3908-5. LC 2011045279.

SAVAGE, J. Scott. Zombie Kid. Bk. 1. 270p. (Case File 13 Series). HarperCollins/Harper. Jan. 2013. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-06-213325-0; ebook $8.99. ISBN 978-0-06-213328-1.

SCOTT, Mindi. Live Through This. 290p. S & S/Simon Pulse. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4059-3; pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4060-9; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4061-6. LC 2012006006.

SCRIMGER, Richard. Ink Me. 210p. ISBN 978-1-4598-0016-8.

STAUNTON, Ted. Jump Cut. 219p. ISBN 978-1-55469-947-6.
ea vol: (Seven the Series). Orca. 2012. pap. $9.95.

SHAN, Darren. Zom-B. illus. by Warren Pleece. 192p. Little, Brown. 2012. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-316-21440-7; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-316-21439-1.

SOUDERS, J. A. Renegade. Bk. 1. 368p. (The Elysium Chronicles). Tor. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7653-3245-5; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4668-0095-3.

STOLTZ, Adrienne & Ron Bass. Lucid. 342p. Penguin/Razorbill. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-59514-519-2; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-1-10157-208-5.

STONE, Jeff. Phoenix. Bk. 1. 276p. (The Five Ancestors: Out of the Ashes Series). Random. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-87018-7; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-97018-4; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98759-5.LC 2012006607.

STRASNICK, Lauren. Then You Were Gone. 214p. S & S/Simon Pulse. Jan. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2715-0; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-2717-4.

TAYLOR, S. S. The Expeditioners: And the Treasure of Drowned Man’s Canyon. illus. by Katherine Roy. 384p. McSweeney’s McMullens. 2012. Tr $22. ISBN 978-1-938073-06-9.

VAIL, Rachel. Kiss Me Again. 250p. HarperCollins/HarperTeen. Jan. 2013. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-194717-9; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-06-220288-8.

WALTON, K. M. Empty. 244p. S & S/Simon Pulse. Jan. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-5359-3; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-5360-9.

WINGET, Dianna Dorisi. A Smidgen of Sky. 208p. Houghton Harcourt. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-80798-0; ebook $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-80829-1.

WOLF, Elaine. Camp. 238p. Sky Pony. 2012. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-61608-657-2. LC 2011047125.

WOODWARD, Timothy. If I Told You So. 244p. Kensington/KTeen. 2012. pap. $15. ISBN 978-0-7582-7488-5.

Nonfiction

BAXTER, Roberta. The Bill of Rights. ISBN 978-1-4329-6751-2; ISBN 978-1-4329-6760-4. LC 2011037780.
–––– . The Magna Carta: Cornerstone of the Constitution. ISBN 978-1-4329-6756-7; ISBN 978-1-4329-6765-9. LC 2011037932.

SONNEBORN, Liz. The United States Constitution. ISBN 978-1-4329-6752-9; ISBN 978-1-4329-6761-4. LC 2011037781.
ea vol: 48p. (Documenting U.S. History Series). charts. maps. photos. reprods. chron. further reading. glossary. index. websites. Heinemann Library. 2012. PLB $32; pap. $8.99.

BERNIER-GRAND, Carmen T. Picasso: I the King, Yo el Rey. illus. by David Diaz. 64p. bibliog. chron. glossary. notes. Amazon. 2012. RTE $19.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6177-7; ebook $3.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6179-1. LC 2011032177.

BRESLIN, Theresa, retel. An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Folk and Fairy Tales. illus. by Kate Leiper. 158p. glossary. Floris. 2012. RTE $24.95. ISBN 978-0-8631-5907-7.

CARROLL, Lewis. The Hunting of the Snark: An Agony in Eight Fits. illus. by Oleg Lipchenko. 48p. Tundra.2012. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-77049-407-7. LC 2012930535.

CATES, David. Plessy v. Ferguson: Segregation and the Separate but Equal Policy. ISBN 9781617834752; ISBN 9781614789673. LC 2012001279.

KENNEY, Karen Latchana. Korematsu v. the United States: World War II Japanese-American Internment Camps. ISBN 9781617834738; ISBN 9781614789659. LC 2012001277.

VAN ZEE, Amy. Dred Scott v. Sandford: Slavery and Freedom Before the American Civil War. ISBN 9781617834721; ISBN 9781614789642. LC 2012001276.
ea vol: 160p. (Landmark Supreme Court Cases Series). maps. photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. glossary.index. notes. websites. ABDO. 2012. PLB $24.95; ebook $34.95.

CHALINE, Eric. Fifty Machines That Changed the Course of History. 224p. chron. diags. further reading. illus. index. photos. websites. Firefly. 2012. RTE $29.95. ISBN 978-1-77085-090-3. LC T15.C343.

COUWENHOVEN, Terri. The Boys’ Guide to Growing Up: Choices & Changes During Puberty. 64p. illus. index.Woodbine. 2012. pap. $16.95. ISBN 978-1-60613-089-6.

CROSS, Gillian, retel. The Odyssey. illus. by Neil Packer. 178p. Candlewick. 2012. RTE $19.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4791-9.

ETINGOFF, Kim & Shaina C. Indovino. Greece. ISBN 978-1-4222-2244-7. LC 2010051304.

SADEK, Ademola O. & Shaina C. Indovino. Italy. ISBN 978-1-4222-2248-5. LC 2010051333.

WALKER, Ida & Shaina C. Indovino. Germany. ISBN 978-1-4222-2243-0. LC 2010051291.
ea vol: 64p. (Major European Union Nations Series). maps. photos. chron. further reading. glossary. index. websites. Mason Crest. 2012. PLB $22.95.

HARDY, Aurelia. Dancers of the World. tr. from French by Susan Allen Maurin. illus. by Sybile. 32p. Auzou.2012. Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-2-7338-1233-4.

KAUFMAN, Miriam. Easy for You to Say: Q&As for Teens Living with Chronic Illness or Disability. 3 rd ed. 320p. appendix. charts. further reading. index. websites. Firefly. 2012. pap. $19.95. ISBN 978-1-77085-099-6.

KAYE, Cathryn Berger & Philippe Cousteau. Make a Splash: A Kid’s Guide to Protecting Our Oceans, Lakes, Rivers, & Wetlands. 128p. bibliog. further reading. glossary. illus. index. photos. websites. Free Spirit. 2012.pap. $13.99. ISBN 978-1-57542-417-0. LC 2012032120.

KORNFELD, Jody, Sophie Waters, & Kathy Furgang. Death and Bereavement. ISBN 978-1-4488-6892-6. LC 2012003709.

PETERMAN, Rosie L., Jared Meyer, & Charlie Quill. Divorce and Stepfamilies. ISBN 978-1-4488-6893-3. LC 2012001159.

SMITH, Marilyn E., Matthew Monteverde, & Henrietta M. Lily. School Violence and Conflict Resolution. ISBN 978-1-4488-6891-9. LC 2012003027.

SMITH, Rita, Vanessa Baish, Edward Willett, & Stephanie Watson. Self-Image and Eating Disorders. ISBN 978-1-4488-6894-0. LC 2012003030.
ea vol: 48p. (Teen Mental Health Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. websites. Rosen. 2012.PLB $29.25.

MACLEOD, Peter. Four Wars of 1812. 96p. further reading. illus. maps. photos. reprods. Douglas & McIntyre.2012. pap. $19.95. ISBN 978-1-77100-050-5.

MULLENBACH, Cheryl. Double Victory: How African American Women Broke Race and Gender Barriers to Help Win World War II. 256p. bibliog. index. notes. photos. Chicago Review Pr. Jan. 2013. Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-1-56976-808-2.

SENDAK, Maurice. My Brother’s Book. illus. by author. 32p. HarperCollins/Michael Di Capua. Feb. 2013. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-0-06-223489-6. LC 2012942549.

SHEINKIN, Steve. Lincoln’s Grave Robbers. 224p. glossary. index. notes. photos. Scholastic. Jan. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-40572-0.

TAYLOR , Karen, ed. No Character Limit: Truth and Fiction from WriteGirl. 292p. illus. index. photos. WriteGirl.Jan. 2013. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-0-9837081-1-7.

YODA, Hiroko & Matt Alt. Ninja Attack!: True Tales of Assassins, Samurai, and Outlaws. illus. by Yutaka Kondo. ISBN 978-4-8053-1218-6. LC 2012009837.
–––– . Yokai Attack!: The Japanese Monster Survival Guide. illus. by Tatsuya Morino. ISBN 978-4-8053-1219-3. LC 2012009752.
–––– . Yurei Attack!: The Japanese Ghost Survival Guide. illus. by Shinkichi. ISBN 978-4-8053-1214-8. LC 2012001804.
ea vol: 208p. charts. illus. photos. bibliog. chron. further reading. glossary. index. websites. Tuttle. 2012.pap. $15.95.

YOLEN, Jane. The Emily Sonnets: The Life of Emily Dickinson. illus. by Gary Kelley. 40p. notes. Creative Editions. 2012. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-1-56846-215-8. LC 2011040841.

YOLEN, Jane, retel. with Heidi E. Y. Stemple. Jewish Fairy Tale Feasts: A Literary Cookbook. illus. by Sima Elizabeth Shefrin. 200p. Crocodile. 2012. Tr $25.00. ISBN 978-1-56656-909-5. LC 2012018174.

Haddix, Margaret Peterson. Game Changer. 2012, Simon & Schuster. Tr. $16.99. ISBN 9780689873805.

Gr 6-9—Driven to succeed in girls softball, KT Sutton lives and breathes the sport. Only in eighth grade, she is already getting attention from college recruiters. During the biggest game of her life, she pitches, blacks out, and wakes up with her world turned upside down. Here, sports are not important, and academic subjects are after-school activities. Those gifted academically attract the attention of college recruiters for scholarships in the same way that sports would in KT’s world. The personal journey she must take to return to her world will ring true with some, and the fast pace of the novel will be appealing to many.

Jeschoneck, Robert T. My Favorite Band Does Not Exist. 2012, Graphia. pap. $8.99. ISBN 9780547721903.

Gr 6 Up—What if you ceased to exist? Idea Deity is convinced he lives in a novel, and only until his death in Chapter 64 does he realize the truth. In the real world, he has created a fictional band, Youforia, complete with websites, tour dates, and playlists. Meanwhile, Reacher Miracle, the actual leader of the band Youforia, can’t fathom how someone is posting all of his information, down to tour dates and playlists. Tying them together is the Swords and Sorcery novel. Which one is real? Do either of them exist? Jeschonek successfully pulls all the story lines together, resulting in a tale fans of Jasper Fforde and Libba Bray will not want to miss.

For more parallel stories and universes, check out some of these titles:

Beddor, Frank. Looking Glass Wars. 2007, Speak. pap. $8.99. ISBN 9780385737647. Gr 9 Up.

Donnelly, Jennifer. Revolution. 2011, Ember. pap. $9.99. ISBN 9780385737647. Gr 8 Up.

Hainsworth, Emily. Through to You. 2012, Baltzer and Bray. Tr. $17.99. ISBN 9780062094193. Gr 7 Up.

Levithan, David. Every Day. 2012, Knopf. Tr. $17.99. ISBN 9780307931887. Gr 6 Up.

Myers, E. C. Fair Coin. 2012, Pyr. Tr. $17.95. ISBN 9781616146092. Gr 6 Up.

Oliver, Lauren. Before I Fall. 2011, HarperCollins. pap. $9.99. ISBN 9780061726811. Gr 9 Up.

Pike, Christopher. Witch World. 2012, Simon Pulse. Tr. $17.99. ISBN 978-442430280. Gr 9 Up.

Scott, Elizabeth. As I Wake. 2012, Speak. Reprint pap. $9.99. ISBN 9780142422465. Gr 9 Up.

Vizzini, Ned. Other Normals. 2012, Baltzer + Bray. Tr. $17.99. ISBN 9780062079909. Gr 7 Up.

Image from ‘Atlas by Collins’

A number of apps address the state of our planet. One of the first produced for students was Al Gore’s award-winning Our Choice (Melcher Media/Push Pop Press; $4.99), featuring stunning photography, informative video clips, and a compelling message about global warming. In 7 Billion: How Your World Will Change (National Geographic; $4.99) thought-provoking photos, videos, charts, and articles examine the impact of population growth on the earth, including commentary on food sources, family size, and the most challenged regions of the world. Fragile Earth, one of SLJ’s Top 10 Apps of 2012, offers a gallery of photos detailing the impact of human endeavors and natural phenomena on the environment. Satellite and land photographs, taken from minutes to years apart, depict the alarming before-and-after effects of mining, deforestation, tsunamis, earthquakes, and other events on our landscape.

The recently released Atlas by Collins takes a look at our planet from a number of perspectives. Cathy Potter reviews it below.

Chart, “Energy Consumption,” from ‘Atlas by Collins’

Gr 6 Up-The expansive Atlas by Collins contains seven globes: satellite, physical, political, population, environment, communications, and energy. For each thematic section text and illustrations combine to provide an overview of the subject.

“Living Earth” explores the natural world and a variety of landscapes, as well as changes in and threats to the planet, among other topics. “People and Power” considers where energy reserves are located, where energy is produced and consumed, how technology connects the world, and more. These and other subjects are addressed through questions (“What are the major environmental threats to our planet and the areas most affected? “What energy reserves does each country contain?” “Where in the world can you get mobile phone coverage?) and detailed answers are provided along with captioned photos, charts, and graphs (sources cited).

Viewers swipe to spin the 3-D globes; pinch and pull to zoom in and out. While zooming in the globe will switch to Google Maps, but an Internet connection is required to take advantage of this feature. A location bar at the top of each screen marks the city and country or region displayed. A tap on the information symbol opens a window that reveals country statistics and information on the nation’s land, climate, economy, demographics, and transportation, and a few images–information that will be useful to student researchers. Each entry also includes links to the country’s web site.

Menus below each globe provide readers with a plethora of information about our planet including birth rates, pollution hotspots, and Internet usage. Color-coded keys and symbols help readers interpret the information presented. (The app contains no narration or sound effects.)

The satellite globe is the only one that downloads when users purchase the app. The others must be installed individually, and the amount of time required to do so is considerable. While the breadth of information in Atlas by Collins is impressive, the download time, tendency to shut down, and substantial amount of storage space required (1.3 GB) may prove problematic for some users.—Cathy Potter, Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, ME

Eds. note: For a look inside Atlas by Collins take a peek at the trailer.