Fall 2005 Kid's Picks

August 16, 2005

Top Ten

1. FLUSH, by Carl Hiaasen (Knopf, $16.95, 0375821821) "Kids and adults alike will find much to love in Hiaasen's latest novel for young readers. This time out, a boy takes on a casino boat owner who's dumping waste illegally into the harbor. Hiaasen turns a serious topic into a hoot of a novel." -- David Thompson, Murder By The Book, Houston, TX

2. TERRIFIC, by Jon Agee (Michael di Capua Books/Hyperion Books for Children, $15.95, 0786851848) "Eugene -- a curmudgeon who sees life as a series of disasters -- washes up on a tiny island and meets a capable parrot named Lenny. Smart dialogue, zany events, and understated illustrations make this picture book one to read and reread to kids and parrots alike." -- Beverly Bauer, Redbery Books, Cable, WI

3. INKSPELL, by Cornelia Funke (Chicken House/Scholastic, $19.99, 0439554004) "I wouldn't have thought it possible, but this sequel to Funke's Inkheart is even better. New and wonderful characters join our favorites from the first book, and the setting and action are more exciting and fantastic as well. This is an amazing book." -- Jan Warner-Poole, Storyteller Books, Vancouver, WA

4. CAPT. HOOK: The Adventures of a Notorious Youth, by J. V. Hart, Brett Helquist (Illus.) (Laura Geringer, $15.99, 0060002204) "Capt. Hook is wonderfully insightful into the making of an infamous villain -- the story of the transformation of a boy of ethics into the nemesis of Peter Pan. This delightful book is loaded with insight into humanity's hypocrisies." -- Elaine Marchese, Millrace Books, Farmington, CT

5. RANGER'S APPRENTICE: The Ruins of Gorlan, by John Flanagan (Philomel, $15.99, 0399244549) "A very good read about Will, a 15-year-old orphan who becomes an apprentice to the magic-practicing Rangers, protectors of the kingdom who are adept at camouflage, espionage, and surveillance. This is a good coming-of-age story with battles, evil beings, and fantasy." -- Candace Moreno, San Marino Toy & Book Shoppe, San Marino, CA

6. THE MIRROR OF FIRE AND DREAMING: Book II of the Brotherhood of the Conch, by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (Roaring Brook Press, $16.95, 1596430672) "Nicely written and full of mystery, faraway lands, and hard choices, this is a wonderful stand-alone book for all ages. Fans of the critically acclaimed The Conch Bearer (the first book of this series) will be thrilled to follow young Anand and his friends on this new adventure." -- Laura Hansen, Bookin' It, Little Falls, MN

7. GREGOR AND THE CURSE OF THE WARMBLOODS, by Suzanne Collins (Scholastic, $16.95, 0439656230) "Gregor fans, rejoice! This third installment in the series is a rip-roaring good read. When his mother is infected by a mysterious underland plague, Gregor (and Boots, of course), must go on a dangerous quest for a cure, accompanied by some familiar old characters and a few fascinating new ones. Terrific!" -- Joanne R. Fritz, Chester County Book & Music Company, West Chester, PA

8. REPLAY, by Sharon Creech (Joanna Cotler Books/HarperCollins, $15.99, 0060540192) "Creech is back with a story about 12-year-old Leo, who wishes he could replay scenes of his life in which he wasn't always fouling things up. The school play is his chance to shine, or not. Creech tells the story of a boy discovering how to grow up and what's really important about doing so." -- Janet Rhodes, HearthFire Books of Evergreen, Evergreen, CO

9. LEONARDO, THE TERRIBLE MONSTER, by Mo Willems (Hyperion, $16.99, 0786852941) "Leonardo is a failure as a monster. His whole repertoire of scary tricks fails to make any impression. But then, he makes a complete turnaround -- and decides to become a friend. This large-format book has bold, uncluttered illustrations by the author." -- Jane L. Quinn, The Corner Shelf, Culpeper, VA

10. ELDEST: Inheritance, Book 2, by Christopher Paolini (Knopf, $21, 037582670X) "The second book of this trilogy is even better than the first. The twisting story line, character development, magic, and mystery will not disappoint expectant fans. While Eragon and Saphira study and learn, Roran fights evil in his own way. Will they see each other again?" -- Joanne Bibeau, Storybook Cove, Hanover, MA

ADVENTURES OF RILEY: Mission to Madagascar, by Amanda Lumry and Laura Hurwitz, Sarah McIntyre (Illus.) (Eaglemont Press, $15.95, 0974841129) "I was very impressed with this book, which brings to mind the Magic School Bus series. It is informative and can be geared toward almost any age level." -- Victoria Furin, Books, Etc., Orrville, OH

AND TANGO MAKES THREE, by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, Henry Cole (Illus.) (Simon & Schuster, $14.95, 0689878451) "Based on actual events in New York City's Central Park Zoo, this gently illustrated picture book tells of two inseparable male penguins that care for an egg until it hatches and then nurture the chick as their own" -- Beth Puffer, Bank Street Bookstore, New York, NY

BROTHERS IN HOPE: The Story Of The Lost Boys Of Sudan, by Mary Williams, Gregory Christie (Illus.) (Lee & Low, $17.95, 1584302321) "Garang is young and afraid of the cattle he will have to care for, but he soon finds out that fear is more vicious when his village and family are wiped out by war. Garang becomes a leader of the surviving boys of Sudan, finding value in the people who help them and the necessity of education. This is a heartbreaking, yet inspirational, true story of a survivor." -- Kathy Taber, Kids Ink, Indianapolis, IN

DADDY'S GIRL, by Garrison Keillor, Robin Preiss Glasser (Illus.) (Hyperion, $16.99, 0786819863) "Every man who has a daughter, and every daughter who has a father -- no matter what age -- should have a copy of this delightful book. Exquisitely charming illustrations by Robin Preiss Glasser present an idyllic view of childhood innocence and fatherly affection. Warmth and humor fill the four distinct stories (CD included). No question, this is going to be a classic!" -- Jean Hardy, Front Street Book Shop, Alpine, TX

DIARY OF A SPIDER, by Doreen Cronin, Harry Bliss (Illus.) (Joanna Cotler Books/HarperCollins, $15.99, 0060001534) "Get to know this spider, because Doreen Cronin and Harry Bliss have another clever hit on their hands!" -- Jonatha Foli, Copperfield's Books, Sebastopol, CA

FAUCET FISH, by Fay Robinson, Wayne Anderson (Illus.) (Dutton Juvenile, $15.99, 0525471669) "Some parents are just sooooo preoccupied. Take Elizabeth's mother and father, for example. Can't they see what happens when Elizabeth turns on the bathroom faucet? Don't they wonder where all those strange fish are coming from? A winning new picture book!" -- Ann Edwards Cannon, The King's English, Salt Lake City, UT

THE FAIRY PAINTING, by Stacey DuFord, Wendy Popko (Illus.) (Mackinac Island Press, $17.95, 0974914533) "A fairy gets stuck to a little girl's painting while it's drying. Until her new wings grow in, she must remain part of the picture and the girl must care for the fairy. From this ingenious beginning, a twisty tale is spun with great characters, gorgeous art, and lots of inventive fairy lore." -- Rich Rennicks, Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe, Asheville, NC

FLIGHT OF THE DODO, by Peter Brown (Little, Brown, $15.99, 0316110388) "This wonderful picture book is part social protest and part science lesson, and, on top of that, is very funny. Penguin joins forces with Ostrich, Kiwi, and Cassowary (all flightless birds). After trial and error they launch a hot air balloon they call the Dodo so they can experience firsthand the joys of flight." -- Lorna Ruby, Wellesley Booksmith, Wellesley, MA

HUNTER AND STRIPE AND THE SOCCER SHOWDOWN, by Laura Malone Elliott, Lynn Munsinger (Illus.) (Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins, $15.99, 0060527595) "Both children and parents will find a lesson gently and humorously taught as Hunter and Stripe, best friend badgers, end up on opposite soccer teams. Each wants to be the champ, but, where there's a winner, there's also a loser." -- Beth Puffer, Bank Street Bookstore, New York, NY

MCDUFF'S WILD ROMP, by Rosemary Wells, Susan Jeffers (Illus.) (Hyperion, $9.99, 0786819308) "The newest addition to the McDuff saga introduces a portly feline named Purlina. The competition between the two explodes when both zero in on a Turkey Tidbit. Children will be delighted with the uproar that ensues." -- Jane L. Quinn, The Corner Shelf, Culpeper, VA

MISERY MOO, by Jeanne Willis, Tony Ross (Illus.) (Holt Books for Young Readers, $16.95, 0805076727) "As funny and gloomy as Eeyore, Misery Moo is a cow who always sees the downside of things, even as her friend Lamby Poo tries to get her to see the bright side of things. The colorful pictures teach a great lesson about friendship and avoiding pessimism. (Actually, I can think of a lot of adults who could use this book)." -- Kelly Justice, The Fountain Bookstore, Richmond, VA

NORA'S ARK, by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock, Emily Arnold McCully (Illus.) (HarperCollins, $15.99, 068817244X) "Based on the Vermont Flood of 1927, a newly built house becomes a safe place for people and animals. A reminder that family, friends, and neighbors helping neighbors is what's most important." -- Julie Gaston, Butterfly Books, De Pere, WI

PIRATE GIRL, by Cornelia Funke, Kerstin Meyer (Illus.) (Chicken House/Scholastic, $15.95, 0439716721) "Charmingly illustrated by Kerstin Meyer and written by Cornelia Funke, author of The Thief Lord and Dragon Rider, Pirate Girl is a spirited high seas adventure about Molly, the Pirate Girl. In this fun read, Molly is taken hostage by some very dastardly pirates, when all she wanted to do was visit her Grandmother!" -- Genevieve Heater, Scott's Bookstore, Mount Vernon, WA

PUNXSUTAWNEY PHYLLIS, by Susanna Leonard Hill, Jeffrey Ebbeler (Illus.) (Holiday House, $16.95, 0823418723) "Not a new idea -- girls can do things boys do, too -- just one we still seem to need. This one is nicely done, as the groundhogs don't just see their shadows but actually read the signs of spring." -- Rondi Brower, Blackwood & Brouwer, Kinderhook, NY

REACHING FOR THE MOON, by Buzz Aldrin, Wendell Minor (Illus.) (HarperCollins, $15.99, 0060554452) "If the story of how a boy grew up to be a famous astronaut doesn't inspire you, Wendell Minor's incredible paintings will. Here is a story of dreams coming true, of the joy found in the 'magnificent desolation' of the moon's surface, and how the real adventure is the journey of life." -- Deb Woolsey, Dragonwings Bookstore, Waupaca, WI

SEBASTIAN'S ROLLER SKATES, by Joan de Deu Prats, Francesc Rovira (Illus.) (Kane/Miller, $15.95, 1929132816) "A sweet story about a shy boy who gains confidence by learning how to roller skate. This is definitely a book for shy children everywhere!" -- Fran Wilson, Colorado State Univ. Bookstore, Fort Collins, CO

SEEN ART?, by Jon Scieszka, Lane Smith (Illus.) (Viking Children's, $16.99, 0670059862) "A laugh-out-loud tour of art. Our hero is meeting his friend Art on a New York City street corner. But his friend isn't there. When he asks a passerby, 'Have you seen Art?' it's the start of some confusion (and fun) and a whirlwind tour through some great modern art." -- Jodi Schneider, The Odyssey Bookshop, South Hadley, MA

SHHH!, by Jeanne Willis, Tony Ross (Illus.) (Hyperion, $15.99, 078685684X) "What a great idea to promote 'peace' on earth. A little mole tries to be heard above the din of everyday life. Maybe his first listener will be you!" -- Carl Wichman, Varsity Mart, Fargo, ND

SHOW WAY, by Jacqueline Woodson, Hudson Talbott (Illus.) (Putnam, $16.99, 0399237496) "This is an extraordinary picture book, both the story of African-American history and an intensely personal retelling of Jacqueline Woodson's family tree. Woodson starts her story, 'When Soonie's great-grandma was seven, she was sold... to a plantation in South Carolina without her Ma or her Pa, but with some muslin her Ma had given her,' and she shows how the muslin patches became bits of quilts that helped show the way to freedom for the slaves on the Underground Railroad. Talbott's illustrations are glorious -- this is a book to read and look at over and over." -- Leslie Reiner, Inkwood Books, Tampa, FL

SKIPPYJON JONES IN THE DOG HOUSE, by Judy Schachner (Dutton, $16.99, 0525472975) "Skippyjon Jones, that feisty feline that thinks he's a Chihuahua, is back in his room to think 'Siamese' but finds another adventure with his amigos. This time El Skippito Friskito must defeat a Bobble-ito. A fun, hilarious adventure with engaging illustrations." -- Mary Souza, The Secret Garden, Seattle, WA

SNUGGLE UP, SLEEPY ONES, by Claire Freedman, Tina Macnaughton (Illus.) (Good Books, $16, 156148475X) "This wonderful bedtime story for very young children is filled with beautiful illustrations and soothing, rhythmical verse. A great addition to your home library, or a great gift idea." -- Matthew DePasquale, Blackstone's Books and Gifts, Whitinsville, MA

TICKLE THE DUCK, by Ethan Long (Little, Brown, $10.99, 0316001023) "This short, simple book will have you laughing along with duck as you tickle his soft stomach, rubbery foot, and feathery under wing." -- Lorna Ruby, Wellesley Booksmith, Wellesley, MA

WHILE MAMA HAD A QUICK LITTLE CHAT, by Amy Reichert, Alexandra Boiger (Illus.) (Atheneum/Richard Jackson Books, $15.95, 0689851707) "Mom just needs 'one more minute' on the phone, and Rose is supposed to be getting ready for bed. When the doorbell rings, however, her house quickly fills with wild guests and music. If only her mama would get off the phone! Another great read-aloud featuring gorgeous illustrations." -- Sarah Todd, Children's Book World, Haverford, PA

AKIMBO AND THE LIONS, by Alexander McCall Smith, LeUyen Pham (Illus.) (Bloomsbury Children's Books, $9.95, 1582346879) "The second book in Smith's series for kids is as fun to read as the first. As far as I am concerned, Smith can continue with his Africa books for a long time. His characters and settings are a treat to read." -- Carl Wichman, Varsity Mart, Fargo, ND

THE BOOK WITHOUT WORDS: A Fable of Medieval Magic, by Avi (Hyperion, $15.99, 0786808292) "Set in medieval England, this tale of magic and suspense centers on a book of magic with pages that can only be seen by a green-eyed person. The magic offers wealth and immortality, and there is more than one person who is willing to stop at nothing to achieve them. The Book Without Words is a sure hit for fall." -- Cindy Beaumont, Emerson and Cook Book Company, Old Saybrook, CT

CLEMENCY POGUE: Fairy Killer, by J. T. Petty, Will Davis (Illus.) (Simon & Schuster, $9.95, 0689872364) "Clemency Pogue didn't mean to be a killer, honest. But when Clem's act of self-defense against a ruthless fairy also wipes out a half-dozen others, she feels honor bound to put things right. J.T. Petty's debut novel is fun and inventive." -- Rosemary Pugliese, Quail Ridge Books, Raleigh, NC

DRIFT HOUSE: The First Voyage, by Dale Peck (Bloomsbury Children's Books, $16.95, 158234969X) "I absolutely loved Drift House. This story of three siblings who are sent to live with their uncle is a potential classic, with an exciting plot, great writing, and lively characters. Peck conveys the anxieties of our times -- and without being heavy-handed about it, no small feat." -- Rebecca Oppenheimer, The Ivy Bookshop, Baltimore, MD

THE GAME OF SILENCE, by Louise Erdrich (HarperCollins, $15.99, 0060297891) "This sequel to The Birchback House is beautifully written and tells the tale of an old and sad story about the plight of the Ojibwe people and the loss of their ancestral island. However, this thoroughly enjoyable tale still manages to be upbeat and funny." -- Mark Hough, Browsing Bison Books, Deer Lodge, MT

GIRL, (NEARLY) 16, Absolute Torture, by Sue Limb (Delacorte Books for Young Readers, $17.99, 0385732163) "Another hoot of a story about Jess Jordan (Girl, 15, Charming But Insane). This time it's summer vacation, and Mum has planned a cultural trip to Cornwall. Jess in only interested in visiting her dad but dreads being away from her new boyfriend, the dreamy Fred. Surprises all around at Dad's house add to the fun and chuckles throughout." -- Sue Carita, The Toadstool Bookshop, Milford, NH

GOLDEN & GREY (An Unremarkable Boy and a Rather Remarkable Ghost), by Louise Arnold (Margaret K. McElderry/S&S, $15.95, 0689874731) "Grey Arthur has never quite fit in any of the categories that ghosts generally fall into. He isn't fierce, or mischievous, or scary, or powerful, or able to bring one to tears. Grey Arthur has no idea what he can be until he decides to become a human boy's Invisible Friend. The forging of this friendship makes for a hilarious book." -- Rachel King, Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY

THE LAST APPRENTICE: Revenge of the Witch, by Joseph Delaney (Greenwillow, $15.89, 0660766182) "Characters that the reader truly cares about make this a refreshing and scary addition to any must-read list. -- Becky Anderson, Anderson's Bookshop, Naperville, IL

THE LIONESS AND HER KNIGHT: The Squire's Tales, by Gerald Morris (Houghton Mifflin, $16, 0618507728) "I've read all of Morris' books based on King Arthur and his knights and have loved them all. If possible, this latest one may be the best yet. A fun read full of adventure, magic, and likable characters." -- Janice Card, BYU Bookstore, Provo, UT

THE MISADVENTURES OF MAUDE MARCH: Or Trouble Rides a Fast Horse, by Audrey Couloumbis (Random House Books for Young Readers, $15.95, 0375832459) "This story of sisters who become accidental outlaws deserves words that are not usually part of my vocabulary: 'rollicking' and 'rip-roaring.' Couloumbis' strong writing and engaging characters are sure to delight readers." -- Jennifer Laughran, Books Inc., San Francisco, CA

THE NAMING: The First Book of Pellinor, by Alison Croggo (Candlewick, $17.99, 0763626392) "This is a story of Maerad, a slave girl who has no idea of the powers that she holds until she is recognized by a bard as a member of the school of Pellinor. This bard becomes her teacher, and she begins to grow into her power. This is the story of a great journey, with many wonderful characters." -- Jan Borstleman, Leapfrog Books & Toys, Driggs, ID

ONCE UPON A COOL MOTORCYCLE DUDE, by Kevin O'Malley (Illus.), Carol Heyer (Illus.), Scott Goto (Illus.) (Walker Books, $16.95, 0802789471) "Everyone remembers the elementary school projects when you were paired with the most unlikely of partners. O'Malley presents just such a story, as a boy and girl must present their favorite fairy tale to the class. Unable to agree on one, they make up their own -- with hilarious results!" -- Holly Sleight, Schuler Books & Music, Lansing, MI

PRINCESS ACADEMY, by Shannon Hale (Bloomsbury Children's Books, $16.95, 1582349932) "In Miri's small mountain village, where working in the quarry is the main source of income, she is stuck at home, doing the chores. However, one day it is proclaimed that every teenage girl in the village is to attend a princess academy, and the most promising student will represent the group and will have the first dance with the prince, who must choose his bride from among the girls. I adored this charming tale of overcoming hardships that puts a twist on happily ever after." -- Dawn Hannawi, Chesterfield Books, Chesterfield Twp, MI

PROJECT MULBERRY, by Linda Sue Park (Clarion Books, $16, 0618477861) "This story of a Korean-American seventh-grader who begins a school project with her best friend is a wonderful read for the middle school student. Overcoming the obstacles and learning how to compromise in a situation where your best friend doesn't agree makes for good reading." -- Carol Chittenden, Eight Cousins, Falmouth, MA

THE SCIENCE OF PHILIP PULLMAN'S His Dark Materials, by Mary Gribbin and John Gribbin (Knopf Books for Young Readers, $15.95, 0375831444) "Can anyone make quantum physics understandable for middle schoolers? Award-winning science writers Mary and John Gribbin do. Their book lets readers revisit several of Pullman's inventions and situations and makes chaos theory, dark matter, and, yes, even quantum physics understandable." -- Rosemary Pugliese, Quail Ridge Books, Raleigh, NC

THE SEVEN PROFESSORS OF THE FAR NORTH, by John Fardell (Putnam, $14.99, 039924381X) "Three kids are thrown into a whirlwind race to save their inventor uncle in this amusing adventure. Down secret passageways, through caves by train, and over the ice in a ship equipped with skates and sails, they rush to stop a colossal madman from devastating the earth." -- Melissa Manlove, The Storyteller, Lafayette, CA

STILL THERE, CLARE, by Yvonne Prinz (Raincoast Books, $6.95 paper, 155192644X) "I really enjoyed this story of 13-year-old Clare's problems, and her friendship with her imaginary friend, Elsa. Yvonne Prinz does a wonderful job developing her, and I enjoyed 'growing up' with Clare as she let Elsa go." -- Anita Mapes, A Thirsty Mind, Lakeway, TX

TOTALLY JOE, by James Howe (Atheneum, $15.95, 068983957X) "With an honest, funny, insightful voice, James Howe opens the closet door. From A to Z, the main character, Joe, composes his alpha-biography. Along the way, with the support of family and friends, he acknowledges his own truth and feelings." -- Jonatha Foli, Copperfield's Books, Sebastopol, CA

URCHIN OF THE RIDING STARS: The Mistmantle Chronicles, Book One, by M.I. McAllister, Omar Ryann (Illus.) (Miramax, $17.95, 0786854863) "Strange things happen on the mystical island of Mistmantle, and Urchin, the little squirrel that fell out of the sky, seems to be in the midst of it all. A murdered prince, intrigue, and deception create chaos that Urchin is determined to unravel." -- Diane Betz, Butterfly Books, De Pere, WI

THE WATER MIRROR: Dark Reflections, Book One, by Kai Meyer, Elizabeth D. Crawford (Trans.) (Margaret K. McElderry/S&S, $15.95, 0689877870) "Kai Meyer's book transports you to Venice in a time of mystery and intrigue. Merle and Serafin are strong characters, and I look forward to reading the next book to see what happens." -- Suzanne Droppert, Liberty Bay Books, Poulsbo, WA

WHITTINGTON, by Alan Armstrong, S.D. Schindler (Illus.) (Random House Books for Young Readers, $14.95, 0375828648) "Whittington the Cat is looking for permission to live in Bernie's barn, which is full of animals that no one wants. Lady, a clipped-wing duck, decides to give him a chance because he is a ratter. Bernie's grandchildren, Ben and Abby, live on the farm, too, and learn the history and adventures of Whittington's famous namesake." -- Margaret Brennan Neville, The King's English, Salt Lake City, UT

BANG!, by Sharon G. Flake (Jump At The Sun, $16.99, 0786818441) "After the shooting death of his little brother, 13-year-old Mann's father takes drastic steps to toughen him up. I am on the lookout for parents, teachers, and kids who need to read this book, which makes something as difficult as gun violence both readable and touching." -- Ellen Scott, The Bookworm, Omaha, NE

BOY PROOF, by Cecil Castellucci (Candlewick, $15.99, 0763623334) "This smart new novel for teens features a young heroine who obsesses on the characters in a hot science fiction movie, tinkers with film special effects, and embraces her high school 'loner' status until her façade begins to melt down. Castellucci is a new author with a touching, fun, and original feel for adolescent angst." -- Kerry Slattery, Skylight Books, Los Angeles, CA

A CERTAIN SLANT OF LIGHT, by Laura Whitcomb (Graphia/Houghton, $8.99 paper, 061858532X) "Poets and ghosts: the stuff dreams are made of. This is a gentle story of the spirit of a young woman who cannot let go of this world until she somehow finds that which she does not yet know she is seeking. You'll want to savor this book one sweet chapter at a time but will find it difficult not to hurry along with the tide of feelings and events to the soaring culmination of Helen's 130-year struggle with her own mind and heart." -- Marjorie Bowman, Davis-Kidd Booksellers, Memphis, TN

THE COUNTERFEIT PRINCESS, by Jane Resh Thomas (Clarion, $15, 0395938708) "This ripping good tale of a girl's life in the terrifying years before Elizabeth I ascended the throne introduces a smart new heroine who embarks alone upon a life of intrigue laced with sorrow, danger, and self-discovery." -- Marjorie Bowman, Davis-Kidd Booksellers, Memphis, TN

DRUMS, GIRLS, AND DANGEROUS PIE, by Jordan Sonnenblick (Scholastic, $16.99, 0439755190) "Jordan Sonnenblick writes about a difficult subject (pediatric cancer) through a difficult point of view (a sometimes resentful older brother), and, yet, he manages to glide seamlessly from the realities of cancer treatment, to the laugh-out-loud observations of a teenager, to heartbreakingly tender moments between the two brothers.  I hope this wonderful book will be up for a lot of awards." -- Colleen White, Harry W. Schwartz Bookshop, Shorewood, WI

EYES OF THE EMPEROR, by Graham Salisbury (Wendy Lamb Books, $15.95, 0385729715) "A group of American soldiers of Japanese descent are sent on a secret mission after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Facing prejudice and malice from some of their superiors, the soldiers are subjects of an unbelievable training exercise. This riveting story of patriotism and courage in the line of duty literally took my breath away." -- Roberta Blanchard, Fairy Godmother, Washington, DC

IF I HAVE A WICKED STEPMOTHER, WHERE'S MY PRINCE?, by Melissa Kantor (Hyperion, $15.99, 0786809604) "Fifteen-year-old Lucy Norton's father has remarried and uprooted Lucy to go live with his new wife and her horrible twin 12-year-old daughters. When the captain of the basketball team suddenly shows an interest in Lucy, things start to look up. But is he really her shining prince, or might true love actually be found in the most unexpected place? Melissa Kantor has brought us another delightful read." -- Sara Chaganti, The Bookloft, Great Barrington, MA

POISON, by Chris Wooding (Orchard Books, $16.99, 0439755700) "A creepy and clever story about a girl named Poison and her friends, who embark upon a quest to retrieve her stolen baby sister. Woods weaves personal meditations on stories and storytelling into this tale and gives Poison and the rest of us some things to think about -- what if your life was just a story? Would it be any less important?" -- Bronwyn Wright, The Magic Tree Bookstore, Oak Park, IL

SUMMER'S END, by Audrey Couloumbis (Putnam, $16.99, 0399235558) "When big brother Collins burns his draft card, repercussions jar Grace's world. With her parents at serious odds over what is right for Collins, Grace is forced to examine her feelings about her brother, her parents, and the nightly news reports. A powerful book with much to ponder." -- Jeanne Snyder, Books & Books, Coral Gables, FL

TEACH ME, by R.A. Nelson (Razorbill, $16.99, 1595140840) "I never thought I would become so emotionally involved in a book about a student's affair with her teacher. Highly recommended to teens wanting something more from their books than just pretty pink covers." -- Beth Reynolds, Norwich Bookstore, Norwich, VT

13 LITTLE BLUE ENVELOPES, by Maureen Johnson (HarperCollins, $15.99, 0060541415) "This is a great cross-over read for teenagers and adults alike. Follow this teen on a trip of self-exploration, as she begins to realize how her favorite aunt (now deceased) lived!" -- Grace V. Roth, The Town Book Store, Westfield, NJ

TWILIGHT, by Stephenie Meyer (Megan Tingley Books/Little, Brown, $17.99, 0316160172) "Isabella Swan is the sassy narrator of this fun, contemporary vampire story. Bella's just moved from Arizona to a small town in Washington State, and notices a group of attractive, seemingly perfect students. A boy, Edward, captures her imagination and she pursues him, only to discover his curse. Smart and engaging, this book is perfect for rainy days of fall." -- Melissa Lion, DIESEL, A Bookstore, Oakland, CA

VALIANT: A Modern Tale of Faerie, by Holly Black (Simon & Schuster, $16.95, 0689868227) "I was immediately taken in by the main character, Val. So easy to relate to, she creates a strong link of empathy with the reader. The novel is both a story of adventure and a cautionary tale, a great story of faeries as well as self-discovery." -- Carrie Fitts, Horton's Books & Gifts, Carrollton, GA

THE ART OF READING: Forty Illustrators Celebrate RIF's 40th Anniversary, by Reading Is Fundamental (Eds.), Leonard M. Marcus (Foreword) (Dutton, $19.99, 0525474846) "I was amazed how fascinating this collection was to read, from the introduction to the last page. The illustrators were asked to recall the books that inspired them and hooked them into books, and then to draw a picture in honor of those titles. Each illustrator has a unique story to tell, as varied as their extraordinary art. This is a must for anyone interested in children's books." -- Leslie Reiner, Inkwood Books, Tampa, FL

LET'S TALK ABOUT S-E-X: A Guide for Kids 9 to 12 and Their Parents, by Sam Gitchel and Lorri Foster (Book Peddlers, $9.99 paper, 1931863180) "This is the perfect title for timid parents to use as a tool for not only informing but also opening a dialogue with their children. Some of us who are older, ahem, might learn some things as well." -- Kelli Morvillo, Family Book Shop, Deland, FL

STINKY THINKING: The Big Book of Gross Games and Brain Teasers, by Alan Katz, Laurie Keller (Illus.) (Aladdin, $6.99 paper, 0689871880) "What fun -- gross games and brain teasers! This is the perfect companion on trips. (Young readers don't need to know they are learning, too!)" -- Laurie Benner, Reader's Choice Bookstore, Centerville, OH

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