By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: May 23, 2011
As the school year ends, join Random House Children’s Books to
BEAT THE HEAT with SUMMER READING!
Because every beach bag should have sunscreen, a pair of shades, and a story…
By Lauren Kate
Before Luce and Daniel met at Sword & Cross—before they fought the Immortals—they had already lived many lives. Desperate to unlock the curse that condemns their love, Luce must revisit her past incarnations to understand her fate. Sweeping centuries and spanning the globe, PASSION is the third novel in the thrilling and romantic Fallen series by New York Times bestselling author Lauren Kate.
Delacorte Press | 978-0-385-73916-0 | June 14, 2011 | | $17.99 / $19.99 Can. | Ages 12+ | 432 pgs
By Michael Scott
The fifth book in Michael Scott’s riveting six-part New York Times bestselling series, which has introduced readers to legendary historical and mythological figures—weaving history, mystery, and magic together seamlessly. Before penning the first novel, The Alchemyst (2007), Michael Scott devoted nearly a decade researching this series—and it shows. In THE WARLOCK, the twins of prophesy—Sophie and Josh—have been separated, and as the end of the series nears, the action-packed plot is more intense and absorbing than ever. With Scatty, Joan of Arc, Saint Germain, Palamedes, and Shakespeare all in Danu Talis, Sophie is on her own with the ever-weakening Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel. She must depend on Niten to help her find an immortal to teach her Earth Magic. Much to the surprise of readers, she will find her teacher in the most ordinary of places.
Delacorte Press | 978-0-385-73533-9 | May 24, 2011 | | $18.99 / $20.99 Can. | Ages 12+ | 400 pgs
By John Stephens
Fourteen-year-old Kate, 12-year-old Michael and 11-year-old Emma have moved from one orphanage to another over the last 10 years. Taken away from their parents as babies, and seemingly unwanted, these children are more remarkable than they possibly could imagine. They are being protected from a horrible evil about which they know nothing—that is, until they discover a magical prophecy that is tied to three books of magic, the first of which is The Emerald Atlas. This book allows them to travel through time, and before long, they are on a journey to dangerous and secret corners of the world—a journey of allies and enemies, of magic and mayhem. If an ancient prophecy is correct, their actions could change history. It is up to them to set things right. After spending 10 years in television, John Stephens has debuted a New York Times bestseller that has become an instant must-read for Harry Potter fans longing for a new fantasy series.
Alfred A. Knopf | 978-0-375-86870-2 | April 5, 2011 | | $17.99 / $19.99 Can. | Ages 8-12 | 432 pgs
By Jeanne Birdsall
This third installment in the series that began with the National Book Award–winning The Penderwicks will enchant readers of all ages as it once again.When summer comes around, it’s off to the beach for Rosalind…and off to Maine with Aunt Claire for the rest of the Penderwick girls, as well as their old friend, Jeffrey. Things look good as they settle into their cozy cottage, with a rocky shore, enthusiastic seagulls, a just-right corner store, and a charming next-door neighbor. But can Skye hold it together long enough to figure out Rosalind’s directions about not letting Batty explode? Will Jane’s Love Survey come to a tragic conclusion after she meets the alluring Dominic? Is Batty—contrary to all accepted wisdom—the only Penderwick capable of carrying a tune? And will Jeffrey be able to keep peace between the girls . . . these girls who are his second, and most heartfelt, family? New York Times bestselling author Jeanne Birdsall delivers another episode filled with love, laughs, and joyful tears that readers young and old will adore.
Alfred A. Knopf | 978-0-375-85851-2| May 10, 2011 | | $16.99 / $18.99 Can. | Ages 8-12 | 304 pgs
By Rose Cooper
In this sassy account of what really goes on in the cafeteria, bathroom, and other gossip-infested places, one sixth grader is all ears—and puts it all online, until she uncovers a secret so juicy, it has the power to take down the most popular girl in school. Fans of “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” will love Sofia’s tell-it-like-it-is attitude and assessments of her parents, teachers, and classmates, complete with playful black-and-white sketches and caricatures. Sharing the timeless lesson that getting the dirt is not as important as who it hurts, this bubbly tween read will capture the hearts of tattletales everywhere. Plus, readers hungry for a sequel can look forward to Rumors from the Boys’ Room, coming this fall.
Delacorte Press | 978-0-375-73947-4 | January 11, 2011 | | $12.99 / $14.99 Can. | Ages 10+ | 208 pgs
By Adele Griffin
From National Book Award Finalist Adele Griffin comes a dark retelling of Henry James’ The Turn of the Screw, exploring what happens when a fatal tragedy takes on a life of its own. Seventeen year-old Jamie tries to escape her growing addiction to painkillers by accepting a summer position as an au pair on the idyllic New England island of Little Bly. She isn’t thrown off when Isa’s brother Milo unexpectedly returns from camp, and even tries to ignore it when everyone on the island comments on her uncanny resemblance to Jessie—last year’s au pair who died in an accident that shocked the community. Jamie comes to find that the splendid mansion houses a few unresolved secrets that begin to unravel her already warped sense of reality. A starred review from Kirkus praised, “Griffin interweaves subtle commentary about social class, drug abuse and mental illness into this marvelous homage while winding the suspense knob all the way to 11…A contemporary reboot that does the original proud.”
Alfred A. Knopf | 978-0-375-86645-6 | May 10, 2011 | | $16.99 / $18.99 Can. | Ages 12+ | 224 pgs
By Sonia Gensler
A haunting ghost story, a chilling murder mystery, and forbidden love converge in Sonia Gensler’s thrilling debut. When Willie arrives in Arkansas’s Indian Territory, she knows one thing—no one can find out who she really is. To escape a home she doesn’t belong in anymore, Willie’s assumes the name of a former classmate and accepts a teaching job at the Cherokee Female Seminary. Nothing prepares her for what she finds there. Her pupils are the daughters of the Cherokee elite—educated and more wealthy than she, the school is cloaked in mystery, and the students whisper of a drowned student rumored to have been killed by a jealous love haunting the school, Willie doesn’t believe in ghosts, but when strange things start happening at the school, she begins to doubt her conviction. Soon, even Willie has to admit that the revenant (or ‘the one who returns’) may be trying to tell her something that has been kept hidden until now. With ruthless girls, ill-fated romance, and secrets at every turn, Sonia Gensler has crafted a page-turning, Victorian-era thriller that will keep readers engaged and aching to reach the novel’s stunning conclusion.
Alfred A. Knopf | 978-0-375-86701-9 | June 14, 2011 | | $16.99 / $18.99 Can. | Ages 12+ | 336 pgs
By Julia Alvarez
Heartwarming to its core, this is the story of how Tía Lola’s summer camp helps to bring two families together into one, big, happy familia. Told through the voices of Miguel, his little sister, and their new houseguests, this sweet tale captures the quirks of everyday life with humor and soul. With Spanish words and phrases scattered throughout, and topics including divorce and second marriage, HOW TÍA LOLA SAVED THE SUMMER is a perfect choice for classroom discussion. Educators and parents alike will be thrilled to learn that How Tía Lola Ended Up Starting Over will conclude the series in fall 2011.
Alfred A. Knopf | 978-0-375-86727-9 | May 10, 2011 | | $15.99 / $17.99 Can. | Ages 8-12 | 160 pgs
NEW IN PAPERBACK!
By Sarah Mylnowski
Devi feels like she’s wasted the last three years of high school. She let her friendships fade away, blew off studying, didn’t join any clubs . . . and now that Bryan’s breaking up with her, she has nothing left. Not even her stupid cell phone—she dropped it in the mall fountain. Now it only calls one number . . . hers. At age fourteen, three years ago! Once Devi gets over the shock—and convinces her younger self that she isn’t some wacko—Devi realizes that she’s been given an awesome gift. She can tell herself all the right things to do. But what if what you think you want changes everything?
Delacorte Press | 978-0-385-73589-6 | May 24, 2011 | | $9.99 / $10.99 Can. | Ages 12+ | 320 pgs
Special thanks to Lauren Donovan from Random House Children’s Books for sharing this fantastic summer reading book list!
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