The Children’s Book Review | December 1, 2014
Hot New Releases & Popular Kids Stories
This month is all about middle grade mania; plus a bonus young adult novel! Here are our picks for five kids books that we feel represent some of the best new kids stories releasing this month.
By Kate O’Hearn
Publisher’s synopsis: Emily and her winged horse, Pegasus, face an ancient challenge of Olympic proportions in this fourth book of an exciting series.
A deadly plague has struck Olympus. While the Olympians fade one by one, Emily’s heart breaks as she watches, particularly when Pegasus begins to slip away. Determined to save him, she embarks on an investigation that takes her back in time to the origins of Olympus and to the deadly battle between the Olympians and the Titans.
In the present, she must face the full force of the CRU. In the past, she must confront Cronus, the father of the gods and leader of the Titans, who is intent on destroying his offspring. When Emily encounters the full power of the flame and a discovery that could change the face of history, will she make the right decisions? And in the race against time to save Pegasus, will Olympus find its true hero?
Ages 8-12 | Publisher: Aladdin | Dec. 2, 2014 | ISBN-13: 978-1442497153
By Michael Bond; Illustrated by
Publisher’s synopsis: A brand-new novel from Michael Bond, celebrating Paddington’s many adventures!
Told through Paddington’s letters to his aunt Lucy back in Peru, this new novel offers Paddington’s own special view on some of his most famous tales. Filled with Paddington’s signature charm and with black-and-white illustrations throughout, this paper-over-board keepsake is a celebration of this beloved character.
Ages 8-12 | Publisher: HarperCollins | Dec. 23, 2014 | ISBN-13: 978-1423199571
By Tui T. Sutherland
Publisher’s synopsis: The New York Times bestselling series soars to even greater heights with a new prophecy and five new dragonets ready to claim their destiny!
Peace has come to Pyrrhia . . . for now.
The war between the tribes is finally over, and now the dragonets of the prophecy have a plan for lasting peace: Jade Mountain Academy, a school that will gather dragonets from all the tribes and teach them to live together, perhaps even as friends.
Moonwatcher isn’t sure how she feels about school, however. Hidden in the rainforest for most of her life, the young NightWing has an awful secret. She can read minds, and even see the future. Living in a cave with dozens of other dragons is noisy, exhausting–and dangerous.
In just a few days, Moon finds herself overwhelmed by her secret powers and bombarded by strange thoughts, including those of a mysterious dragon who might be a terrible enemy. And when someone starts attacking dragons within the academy, Moon has a choice to make: Stay hidden and safe? Or risk everything to save her new friends?
Ages 8-12 | Publisher: Scholastic Press | Dec. 30, 2014 | ISBN-13: 978-0545685344
Publisher’s synopsis: Bestselling author of Ella Enchanted and fairy-tale master Gail Carson Levine shares her secrets of great writing in this companion to the popular Writing Magic.
Have you ever wanted to captivate readers with a great opening, create spectacular and fantastical creatures, make up an entire country, realize a dastardly villain, write an epic love story, or make your characters leap off the page? If you answered yes to any of these questions, Gail Carson Levine can help you achieve your goals.
Newbery Honor author Gail Carson Levine offers a behind-the-scenes take on writing and teaches you how to become a world-class author. Drawing from her popular blog, Gail answers readers’ fiction- and poetry-writing questions and dives into how to make a story come alive. If you’re interested in writing prose and poetry or just want to be a better and more rounded writer, this book will help you on your creative journey.
With her trademark humor and vast writing knowledge, Gail Carson Levine reveals the tricks of her trade, writer to writer.
Ages 8 and up | Publisher: HarperCollins | Dec. 23, 2014 | ISBN-13: 978-0062275295
By Amie Kaufman
Publisher’s synopsis: Jubilee Chase and Flynn Cormac should never have met.
Desperate for any advantage against the military occupying his home, Flynn does the only thing that makes sense when he and Lee cross paths: he returns to base with her as prisoner. But as his fellow rebels prepare to execute this tough-talking girl with nerves of steel, Flynn makes another choice that will change him forever. He and Lee escape base together, caught between two sides in a senseless war.
Ages 12-18 | Publisher: Disney-Hyperion | Dec. 23, 2014 | ISBN-13: 978-1423171034
We hope you enjoy this list of hot titles perfect for cold weather reading. For more popular books for kids, follow along with our tag for Popular Kids Stories.