Quarkbeasts (and Jennifer Strange) return! Hip, hip, hooray!

The Song of the Quarkbeast: The Chronicles of Kazam Book 2 by Jasper Fforde 

Harcourt, September 3, 2013

Book two of The Chronicles of Kazam is finally here! Jennifer Strange is back and King Snodd is back to causing trouble for her. This time, there are more Quarkbeasts, trolls, political shenanigans, and even a contest versus imagic. Jasper Fforde's books are the perfect blend of smart and funny. Even adults who like the Thursday Next Series should check out Kazam! 

The first book in this series was the tightest book I've read in a long while. The second volume isn't quite as good, but still enjoyable. Jasper Fforde is definitely on my list of "authors whose books I will always buy".  In this case, I picked up a paperback copy when I was in London because galleys weren't yet ready in the United States...

Holly Black's new YA series

 

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black

A vampire story like none you've ever read. Gritty, dark, and dangerous, Coldtowns are the quarantined areas where predators and prey live. There's a air of glamor about them, but also hunger, fear, and sickness. Tana wants nothing to do with Coldtowns, but after a party gone terribly wrong, she finds it's the only place left for her to go. I could not put this book down! Even if you dislike vampires, give this book a chance- you won't be disappointed!

The sequel to Raven Boys!

The Dream Thieves: Book II of the Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater 

Scholastic,

I couldn't wait to read this book, and now I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment. In The Dream Thieves, Maggie Stiefvater continues the story she began in The Raven Boys. Blue, Gansey, and the boys are still looking for the sleeping king Glendower. But the stakes are rising as others realize the powers of the wakened lay lines, powers that are affected by Ronan's terrifying dreams. Ronan may be sulky and he may always tell the truth, but he also has a secret: he can take things from his dreams. Fans of The Raven Boys will seize The Dream Thieves and it will leave them hungering for more. 

* I'd like to point out that this is a great example of a YA book cover. It's illustrated, gender-neutral, and reads well from a distance. Not a huge fan of the type, but the illustration is fabulous. Scholastic, I would pay up to $35 for this book if it came with black and white interior illustrations by the same illustrator. 

Simply delectable

I grabbed a galley at a BEA galley grab. This is not something I normally do, but simply had to read this. I finished it on the bus home and my mom read it that night. Yes, it's that enjoyable! 

 

Curtsies & Conspiracies: Finishing School Book the Second by Gail Carriger

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, November 2013

Sophronia is back in the second finishing school book. In a school of espionage, there's always something afoot (and afloat). New technology is being stolen, the girls are snubbing Sophronia, someone is trying to kidnap Dimity, and the entire school is headed to London for scientific experiments- and a ball! Somehow, it's all related, and it's up to Sophronia to discover the conspiracy. As if this isn't enough, there's also the flirtations of a Lord to deal with. The Finishing School Books are a delectable mix of frippery, fun, deviousness, and danger.

My Favorite Middle Grade Novel This Year

(at least thus far this year)

 

The Time Fetch by Amy Herrick,  Algonquin Young Readers

As the winter solstice nears, the days get shorter. But what if the days were literally getting shorter as time was lost, forever? Edward doesn't believe in his aunt's new agey Solstice nonsense until the unthinkable happens. Annoying classmate Feenix disappears and no one seems to notice. Pumpkins decay in the course of a single class. And time has started disappearing. Though Edward would rather do the easy thing than the right thing, he and three classmates will have to venture into the snow if the world is to be put back into balance. Take the dimensional characters and realistic relationships from Rebecca Stead's books and mix with the strange magic of The Peculiar; the result is Amy Herrick's stunning middle grade debut. 

I think it has Newbery potential. 

Algonquin Young Readers: Somebody Up There Hates You

Somebody Up There Hates You by Hollis Seamon 

Richard Casey is in hospice, in a place people only go when they're going to die. Down the hall is Sylvie, another teen whose bulletin board shows her in her pre-sickness life, beautiful, surrounded by friends...completely different from Richard, pre-sickness. Sylvia is still beautiful in Richard's eyes and romance blossoms. But how can two sick teens, overseen by nurses and families 24-7, ever really be together? Well, with death literally next door, drastic measures can't hurt. Throw in a crazy uncle and already bereft parents for the full range of drama and comedy. Though Richard knows he's going to die, he's going to do a bit of living first. This debut novel made me laugh and cry. Readers who enjoyed The Fault in Our Stars should pick this up. While the premise may be similar, Richard's voice is engaging and wholly original.

Another great graphic novel from First Second!

Battling Boy by Paul Pope

Humanity is plagued by monsters. Some snatch children and others eat metal. When the hero Haggard West dies trying to fight the monsters, the hero world on high sends down Battling Boy for his rambling (test), giving him only a place to stay and twelve t-shirts, each with a different trait. Battling Boy may be superhuman, but he's still just a kid. Quickly paced, readers will be pulled into the story only to linger over Pope's stunning drawings and original monsters. While I've already started to reread, the sequel can't come soon enough.

I procrastinated by reading Rainbow Rowell's Fangirl...

 * And yes, the cover is illustrated by the creator of "Nimona," Noelle Stevenson. If you don't know Nimona, go check it out!

 

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Cather's completely different from her twin sister Wren. While Wren parties and tries new things at college, Cather doesn't want to leave her dorm room and her comfort zone. Besides, she needs to stay in and write the latest chapter of her Simon Snow (think Harry Potter) Fanfic as thousands of fans are waiting for her post. But Cather's upperclassman roommate and her ex-boyfriend both fall for Cather's nerdy quiet, pushing her to try something (anything) new. Meanwhile, Wren's lifestyle is catching up with her, Cather's mother, who's been absent 10 years, is trying to establish contact and her dad isn't adjusting to an empty nest. With empathy and balance Rainbow Rowell writes of the realistic problems, revelations, and sweet moments of a college freshman in a novel that will hook anyone who grew up with Harry Potter mid-night release parties.

A Fabulous Illustrated Book for All Ages

Mouse Bird Snake Wolf by David Almond and Dave McKean

In a new world a bit like ours lives Ben, Harry, and Sue. One day, while they're playing, they look into themselves and find new, interesting animals. Using sticks and grass and clay, they make their creatures and give them life, much as the gods do above them. A small mouse, a beautiful bird, and a slithering snake have now come to the world. But instead of stopping to rest like the gods, Harry and Sue find within themselves a large, hairy, wolfish thing. A growling, howling, wolfy wolf. Despite Ben's protestations, they make it and as soon a it's begun to run and howl, they are gobbled up. 

Almond's story feels like a classic creation tale, with all the light and darkness, innocence and experience you might expect. The tale is timeless and McKean's illustrations capture the full range and scope of the story. A dark and timeless tale at once cautionary and inspiring. Perfect for recent graduates of all ages!

If you're a bookseller, put this on your graduation table! 

Crossover Gem

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The Summer Prince by Alaya Dawn Johnson
June Costa lives in a pyramid in Palmares Tres. Her society is a matriarchy and has been since most of the Earth was ravaged. While a Queen rules, each year their is a Summer King, a young man chose to co-rule for one year. After this year of power, the Summer King is killed. But June falls in love with the Summer King as does her best friend. Their relationships over turn the way June views the world and her art-- and June lives for her art. This book has it all: romance, art, science-fiction, coming-of-age, and Johnson has created something truly original in her story. Let me just say, there are no bad guys in this book, only people who see the world in a different (yet still justified way). Forget about the dystopian vs. utopian; this book will steal your heart.

Good Fun

 

 

Adventures of Superhero Girl by Faith Erin Hicks

Remember when you had a terrible day at school and you'd spent the hours before dinner reading Calvin and Hobbes to feel a bit better? (What do I mean remember, this totally still happens.) Anyway, now that the time between work and dinner is much shorter, just a few pages of the Adventures of Superhero Girl are what you need. It's good, smart, fun and watching Faith's interpretation of a 20-something superhero with money and dating issues makes your own issues look a bit more manageable. Added bonus? Readers who've loved Zita the Spacegirl will have Superhero Girl waiting when they become teenagers!

Astonishing.

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

It's evident that Eleanor doesn't fit in from the moment she steps on the school bus and while Park know it's social suicide to share his seat with her, he does anyway. This small gesture grows to sharing music, comic books, and kisses. Park is Eleanor's escape from her home, from the struggle that is living in a poor, abused family. Park's life isn't perfect, but seen through Eleanor's eyes, it's more than anyone could hope for. These realistic details rocket Rainbow Rowell's book from a beautiful story of love to one that considers heartbreaking realities; the result is stunning. Rainbow Rowell's novel will have readers sobbing as they press the book into their best friend's hands. Remember when we told you you'd love The Fault in Our Stars? This is what you need to read next.

Maggot Moon by Sally Gardner

Standish Treadwell is not like everyone else. Luckily he's always been able to get by without attracting too much attention. But when a teacher beats a boy, Standish intervenes and is noticed by those working for the Motherland. The Motherland culls those who are different, unwanted, or independent. Standish is different and his grandfather has secrets hidden in the basement-- secrets the Motherland will kill to protect. But once the Motherland notices you, there's nothing you can do to avoid becoming maggot meat except, perhaps, make one last stand. Both chilling and stunning, Maggot Moon is reminiscent of both 1984 and The Handmaid's Tale. Author Sally Gardner has created a haunting tale that deserves applause.

Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong if you read this book

Really. Except that you might miss an appointment as you rush to finish it...and then read it all over again.

 

Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong written by Prudence Shen & illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks

Conniving cheerleaders intent on buying new uniforms face off against the robotics club in a story full of drama and humor. Both teams have been told their funding is at the discretion of the Student Council and both teams decide to take matters into their own hands, pitting next-door neighbors against one another in the race to be student council president. But when campaign tactics turn unspeakably nasty, the principal pulls all funding from both teams. Now, there's only one thing that can save both the robotics club and the cheerleaders: a robot rumble with a hefty monetary prize. That's right, robots fighting to the death... what could possibly go wrong?  Shen and Hicks are an incredible duo. Their quirky, dimensional characters could walk off the page and into high school halls. When it comes to humor, action, and drama, it doesn't get better than this.

Another Dystopian (and it's pretty good!)

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau
Dystopian books have been coming thick and fast the past few years, so it takes something original to stand out. A few twists and turns in The Testing bring it into new territory. Cia lives in what was once the Great Lakes region of the United States, a region that is being revitalized over a century after chemical, biological, and nuclear warfare. After graduating, Cia is chosen to participate in the Testing, which selects candidates to study at the University and become society's next leaders. The Testing is an honor one can't refuse, and though there are academic tests, later stages prove to be fatal. High stakes survival is woven with science and romance in this thrilling dystopian that shows life is rarely full of black and white choices.

Remember how great Grave Mercy was?

Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers
I devoured Gravy Mercy, the first in Robin LaFever's His Fair Assassin Series. Dark Triumph is even better and you don't have to read Grave Mercy to plunge in. At the convent for the daughters of Death, Sybella not only learned an assassin's skills, but healed from her life. When her training was complete, the nuns sent Sybella back to the house she grew up in-- back to her terrifying father and conniving brothers. At home, there's no one she can trust and her only enjoyment comes from delivering justice-- that is until her fate is changed by the only good person in her father's house, his most prized prisoner. Sybella's story is dark and thrilling and fans of Tamora Pierce or Melina Marchetta's Finnikin of the Rock will not be disappointed.

Eve & Adam

by Michael Grant & Katherine Applegate
When Eve is hit by a car, suffering horrible injuries, her mother pulls her from the hospital as quickly as she can, transferring Eve to her research facility, Spiker Biopharmaceuticals. While recovering, Eve's mother has Eve test a new computer program. Her project? Create the perfect boy. But nothing at Spiker is what it seems, and a strange boy seems to know more secrets than anyone else. Grant & Applegate have written a fast-paced thriller sure to appeal to those who enjoyed The Adoration of Jenna Fox.

Summer YA

In every country, the majority of the world's population lives in States, which provide the
basic necessities for survival plus all the games and shows you could possibly want. Faith
doesn't live in a State, though her all-purpose tablet gives her access to limited shows, news,
schooling, and shopping. While it's usual for families to leave for the State, Faith will stay on
the outside, a mostly abandoned area that encompasses most of the former United States.
There are perks to this existence, from the solace of books in an abandoned elementary
school library to swinging with her best friend. But this school year, things are changing.
A talented young hacker named Hawk has latched onto Faith and is determined to be her
friend. Meanwhile, she's attracted the interest of Wade Quinn, a tall, handsome, unbelievably
athletic guy, and Dylan, who can't keep his eyes off her. On top of this, things keep moving
about Faith's bedroom at night-- entirely based on when she thinks, feels, and desires. Her
ability to control objects with her mind, or pulse, is unusual, and she has no idea where it
came from or what it means. But Faith isn't the only one on the outside with such a talent
and knowledge of her new found skill can only mean trouble.

Patrick Carman honestly portrays strong, realistic relationships that sit comfortably next to
heart-pounding action sequences. The tablets and States of Faith's world are recognizable
as a possibility of our own future and readers who enjoyed MT Anderson's Feed will be
intrigued by Carman’s vision of 2051. This summer, grab Pulse and stretch out on the beach-
- with thrilling action, budding romance, and true friendship, you won’t have any need of a
movie theater.

Lucy Knisley!!!

 
Relish: My Life in the Kitchen by Lucy Knisley
First Second, April 2, 2013
I've been following Lucy Knisley's blog for years and was excited when she mentioned she was working on a graphic novel for First Second. Finally, it's here! Raised by a caterer and a gourmand, food has always been important to Lucy Knisley. In Relish, Lucy examines moments of her life in which food played an important role. From discovering foie gras to working at a cheese counter to helping her mom at farmer's markets, each stage of her life is defined by food. Included are a series of illustrated recipes, which are necessary to have on hand as you are certain to become ravenous while reading. Relish is a delectable graphic memoir for anyone who enjoys food- whether that be fine cheeses or doughnuts. 

I've been following Lucy's blog since college and love her work. Can't wait for the event at Oblong Books! 

New Terry Pratchett

 
Dodger by Terry Pratchett
Terry Pratchett weaves together mystery, fantasy, and history into a dark and humorous novel set in an alternative Victorian London. This rags to riches story features Dodger, a tosher who makes his living finding things in the sewers. Out one night, Dodger hears men beating a young woman and intervenes, rescuing her. The act will change his life forever and is the first in a series of events that bring Dodger to the attention of a Mr. Charles Dickens, newspaper man. Mr. Dickens is one of many borrowed characters to appear in Dodger, and I found myself greeting each one with delight. Readers intimidated by Pratchett's Discworld novels may find Dodger is the perfect introduction to Pratchett's many books.