Kids Corner
| Top 10 | |
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The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (Dutton Juvenile) “A cancer support group might seem like an unlikely place to meet your true love, but for Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters the stars align and these two sweetly cynical souls find each other at an interesting moment in their lives. In a story brimming with mystery, humor, and lots of love, Hazel and Augustus show readers that life is made up of a million moments worth noticing much like a night sky filled with stars.” —Julie Wilson, The Bookworm, Omaha, NE |
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Jefferson's Sons Kimberly Bradley (Dial) “This engaging middle grade book imagines the lives of Thomas Jefferson's children by his slave Sally Hemings. Although they occupied a position of privilege in the slave hierarchy at Monticello, Bradley makes it clear that they were still subject to sub-human treatment. As the children grew up, they confronted their mother with difficult questions, and she devised a plan for them to live in freedom.” —Deborah Johnson, Barstons Child's Play, Washington, DC |
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Legend Marie Lu (Putnam Juvenile) “Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, 15-year-old June is a military prodigy committed to her country. Her complete antithesis is 15-year-old Day, the country's most wanted criminal and the prime suspect in the murder of June's brother. June sets out to capture Day, but, in a shocking turn of events, the teens discover a sinister conspiracy that pits both of them against the government. Filled with action and suspense!” —Ellen Klein, Hooray for Books!, Alexandria, VA |
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Nursery Rhyme Comics: 50 Timeless Rhymes from 50 Celebrated Cartoonists Various (First Second) “Take 50 incredible artists, give them each a classic nursery rhyme, and let them run! Lucy Knisley turns the 'Old Lady Who Lived in a Shoe' into a rock-and-roll baby sitter whose charges form the band 'The Whips.' Raina Telgemeier sets 'Georgie Porgie' at a birthday party that ends with a cupcake fight. Dave Roman depicts a surreal, sci-fi 'One, Two, Buckle My Shoe' that is completely different from Patrick McDonnell's sweet 'Donkey.' A fabulous introduction to the comics format for young and old alike.” —Marika McCoola, Odyssey Bookshop, South Hadley, MA |
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Cinder: Book One of the Lunar Chronicles Marissa Meyer (Feiwel & Friends) “The story of Cinderella turned on its head and given a futuristic twist, Cinder is exciting, entertaining, and engaging. A plague is sweeping across Earth and there is no cure, the people of the Moon want to conquer Earth, and the annual Ball is coming in New Beijing. Suddenly, Cinder finds herself embroiled in all three events and she may hold the key to the future survival of Earth. This is the first volume of a planned quartet. I can't wait for the next book!” —Ellen Richmond, Children's Book Cellar, Waterville, ME |
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Extra Yarn Mac Barnett, Jon Klassen (Balzer + Bray) “The town where Annabelle lives is a very boring place; a dull grey city where nobody wears anything colorful at all. One day Annabelle finds a box full of yarn, so she knits herself a sweater. But she finds that she has extra yarn left over. Soon, she is knitting sweaters for everyone and everything (even a pickup truck!) and her town is becoming brighter by the stitch. Somehow, she always has extra yarn!” —Maryam Yachnes, Hooray for Books!, Alexandria, VA |
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The One and Only Ivan Katherine Applegate, Patricia Castelao (HarperCollins) “Ivan, a gorilla, has spent most of his life with humans and the other animals at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade. His memory of life before humans and cages is hazy, until a terrified young elephant joins him and he starts to remember the importance of family and belonging. A wonderful read, full of heart.” —Lisa Fabiano, Wellesley Books, Wellesley, MA |
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The Name of the Star Maureen Johnson (Putnam Juvenile) “Louisiana teen Rory Deveaux arrives in London to attend Wexford Academy just as a series of Jack the Ripper copycat murders grips the city. Rory may hold the key to finding the murderer. A ghost story with a twist, this is sophisticated and sassy, with more than enough suspense to keep you madly turning pages. I can't wait for the next book!” —Joanne R. Fritz, Chester County Book & Music Company, West Chester, PA |
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Otis and the Tornado Loren Long (Philomel) “Otis, Long's wonderfully plucky tractor, is back, in an adventure tale that is sadly timely. When the farm friends face a tornado heading their way, they must move swiftly to safety. But who will rescue the bully of the farmyard, the bull who has frightened them all but now cries in fear? Otis saves the day, and everyone learns that courage is different from strength, and that friends are more valuable than anything.” —Leslie Reiner, Inkwood Books, Tampa, FL |
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Bluefish Pat Schmatz (Candlewick) “I loved this story about unlikely friends, each lonely and trapped by labels - trailer trash, brainy dork, and bluefish. I cared deeply about these characters, who are struggling not to be defined by their past expectations, and I cheered for their unconventional teacher who provoked them into seeing their future possibilities. A great book for fans of Katherine Hannigan and Gary Schmidt.” —Ellen Davis, Dragonwings Bookstore, Waupaca, WI |
