The Fall 2006 Book Sense Children's Picks

August 09, 2006

FAIREST, by Gail Carson Levine (HarperCollins, $16.99, 0060734086) "Aza is so ashamed of her looks that she hides behind her hand when she meets new people. When she finds a magic mirror that offers her beauty, the consequences are far-reaching. This enchanting story has romance and intrigue and gives a powerful message that beauty is about far more than looks." --Karlene Rearick, The Alphabet Garden, Cheshire, CT

NEW MOON, by Stephenie Meyer (Megan Tingley Books/Little, Brown, $17.99, 0316160199) "This compelling sequel to Twilight, introduces the anguish of separation into the forbidden and supernatural love story of Bella and Edward. A heart-wrenching, unforgettable page-turner." --Carol O'Callaghan, The Bookery, Ephrata, WA

THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS, by John Boyne (David Fickling Books, $15.95, 0385751060) "Adults will know almost instantly the secret behind the story, but I can only imagine what it would be like to be introduced to this piece of history in such a patient and delicate manner. A haunting, yet kid-appealing tale, of one boy who comes to learn a dreadful lesson about human nature." --Dana Harper, Brystone Children's Books, Fort Worth, TX

TUDLEY DIDN'T KNOW, by John Himmelman (Sylvan Dell, $15.95, 0976494361) "This is a beautiful story -- in pictures and words. Tudly knows how to do things that he didn't know he wasn't supposed to know, and he learns that most important of all skills, to try. Ultimately, his example teaches others that limitations aren't always really there." -- Amy Ellis, Front Street Books, Alpine, TX

THE LOOKING GLASS WARS, by Frank Beddor (Dial Books for Young Readers, $17.99, 0803731531) "Meet Alyss Heart, the young princess who has to find her way back to Wonderland to fight her evil Aunt Redd for her rightful place as Queen of Hearts. Beddor has reinvented all of the well-known Alice in Wonderland characters and places and has created a Wonderland where an epic battle between good and evil rages." --Laura Lucy, White Birch Books, North Conway, NH

THE SECRET ORDER OF THE GUMM STREET GIRLS, by Elise Primavera (HarperCollins, $16.99, 0060569468) "Four girls who, quite frankly, hate each other must form an alliance to defeat an evil, if fabulously attired, witch from obtaining the actual magical slippers from the mythical land of Oz. Accomplished illustrator Elise Primavera demonstrates her ability to keep readers turning the page with the most unbelievablytalented combination of text and illustrations." --Christopher Stroth, Books Inc., Burlingame, CA

ALABAMA MOON, by Watt Key (FSG, $16, 0374301840) "What if your paranoid Pappy died when you were 10 and left you to survive in the woods by yourself -- as you've been trained to do since you were two? Young Scrappy Moon is determined to walk to Alaska from Alabama, until he runs afoul of a bully sheriff and the foster care system. But Moon is persistent and very resourceful. A great story about finding true family and true friends." --Janet Rhodes, HearthFire Books of Evergreen, Evergreen, CO

FLOTSAM, by David Wiesner (Clarion Books, $17, 0618194576) "Absolutely brilliant! A wordless picture book by a master illustrator. The detailed and imaginative illustrations will boggle your mind (and keep young ones busy for hours). Notice the sly touches, like naming the underwater camera a 'Melville.' Sheer genius!" --Joanne R. Fritz, Chester County Book & Music Company, West Chester, PA

FRANKENSTEIN MAKES A SANDWICH, by Adam Rex (Harcourt, $16, 0152057668) "Adam Rex writes lovely and lively poetry about Frankenstein and other familiar monsters. The artwork is delightful, and the poetry is as compelling as the cadence is infectious, for children and adults." --Judy Mathys, Family Book Shop, Deland, FL

LONDON CALLING, by Edward Bloor (Knopf Books for Young Readers, $16.95, 0375836357) "A time-traveling page-turner that's not just for the science fiction crowd. Internet research and an inherited 1930s Philco radio pull young Martin Conway from 2003 New Jersey back in time to the 1940 London Blitz. Guided by a boy urging him to do his bit, Martin struggles for belief in his own sanity and a way to put things right." --Jeanne Snyder, Books & Books, Coral Gables, FL

ADVENTURES OF RILEY: Survival of the Salmon, by Amanda Lumry and Laura Hurwitz (Eaglemont Press, $15.95, 0974841137) "This informative and fun book presents the ecosystem of Alaska's salmon run through bursts of colorful cartoons superimposed over photographs. Through the eyes of young Riley, we learn many things about salmon and their fellow wilderness creatures: moose, orca, sea lion, sea otter, bald eagles, and, of course, grizzly bear." --Amy Carlson, A Book for All Seasons, Leavenworth, WA

BROTHERS, BY YIN, Chris Soentpiet (Illus.) (Philomel, $16.99, 0399234063) "This is a wonderful historical tale of immigration and friendship between the Chinese and the Irish. It couldn't come at a better time." --Leslie Reiner, Inkwood Books, Tampa, FL

CHOWDER, by Peter Brown (Little, Brown, $15.99, 0316011800) "This is a comical, unusual, endearing book about a dog who doesn't know he's a dog! With wonderful and unique illustrations." --Myra Poe, Harry W. Schwartz Bookshop, Milwaukee, WI

THE COW WHO CLUCKED, by Denise Fleming (Holt Books for Young Readers, $16.95, 0805072659) "Cow awakes from dreaming of being a chicken only to find she has lost her moo. Followed by a trio of baby chicks, Cow clucks her way throughout the farm to find her missing moo. The animals and their sounds encountered by Cow lift off the page with Denise Fleming's characteristic vibrant color palette." --Beverly Bauer, Redbery Books, Cable, WI

DEAR MR. ROSENWALD, by Carol Boston Weatherford, R. Gregory Christie (Illus.) (Scholastic, $16.99, 0439495229) "This moving story is based on the Rosenwald schools, funded by Julius Rosenwald for African-American children in the rural South. Told in a series of poems by an award-winning poet and illustrated by a Coretta Scott King Honor Medalist, this book shows the heart of a community, and what efforts people will make in order to bring their new school to reality. A testament to the difference one person can make in the lives of many." --Elisabeth Grant-Gibson, Windows a bookshop, Monroe, LA

DID YOU SAY PEARS?, by Arlene Alda (Tundra, $16.95, 0887767397) "Homonyms and homophones have never been so much fun, or so beautifully photographed. Juxtapose the ocean's edge with arms in motion and you have 'If waves could have hands, like you and me...' What a perfect way to introduce the concept and encourage children to make some pairs (or pears) of their own." --Beth Puffer, Bank Street Bookstore, New York, NY

THE GIRAFFE WHO WAS AFRAID OF HEIGHTS, by David A. Ufer, Kirsten Carlson (Illus.) (Sylvan Dell, $15.95, 0976882302) "With soft illustrations and muted colors, this excellent picture books tells the story of animals that are afraid of the very things they should excel at." --Jan Warner-Poole, Storyteller Books, Vancouver, WA

GO TO SLEEP, GECKO!: A Balinese Folktale, by Margaret MacDonald, Geraldo Valério (Illus.) (August House, $16.95, 0874837804) "Gecko can't get to sleep because the fireflies are making too much light. When he complains about this to Elephant, it sets off a chain of problems for the whole village. This delightful retelling of a Balinese folktale uses vibrant illustrations to teach the interconnection among all creatures." --Dee Robinson, Village Books, Bellingham, WA

MAMA: a TRUE story, in which a BABY HIPPO loses his MAMA during a TSUNAMI, but finds a new home, and a new MAMA, by Jeanette Winter (Harcourt, $16, 0152054952) "With only two words, 'mama' and 'baby,' Winter tells the true story from Kenya of the baby hippo that was 'adopted' by a 130-year-old male tortoise following the loss of the mother hippo in the 2004 tsunami. The dramatic but understated illustrations leave no doubt about the isolation of the baby floating alone in the sea calling for mama." --Kathy Taber, Kids Ink, Indianapolis, IN

MAX'S WORDS, by Kate Banks, Boris Kulikov (Illus.) (FSG, $16, 0374399492) "While Max's brothers collect stamps and coins, Max collects words, and 'when Max put his words together, he had a thought.' And then he had a sentence, and then a story. This cleverly designed book celebrates the joy of putting words together." --Beth Puffer, Bank Street Bookstore, New York, NY

MITES TO MASTODONS: A Book of Animal Poems, by Maxine Kumin, Pamela Zagarenski (Illus.) (Houghton Mifflin, $16, 0618507531) "This is no ordinary collection of animal poems! The fanciful and eye-popping illustrations bring each animal to life, and the verses perfectly capture the characteristics of a menagerie of creatures." --Myra Poe, Harry W. Schwartz Bookshop, Milwaukee, WI

MOMMY?, by Maurice Sendak, Arthur Yorinks, Matthew Reinhart (Michael di Capua Books/Hyperion Books, $24.95, 0439880505) "As a classic Sendak baby crawls through a haunted house looking for his mommy, he confronts and charms Frankenstein, the Mummy, and Igor. As a longtime fan of Maurice Sendak, I can't imagine a better, truer pop-up rendition of his work." --Elisabeth Grant-Gibson, Windows a bookshop, Monroe, LA

NIGHT BOAT TO FREEDOM, by Margot Theis Raven, E.B. Lewis (Illus.) (FSG, $16, 0374312664) "With gorgeous watercolor illustrations, this touching story about personal sacrifice, slavery, and ultimate redemption is a fine historical picture book and a great gift for anyone trying to learn about and understand this time in history." --Myra Poe, Harry W. Schwartz Bookshop, Milwaukee, WI

NINETY-THREE IN MY FAMILY, by Erica S. Perl, Mike Lester (Illus.) (Abrams, $15.95, 0810957604) "Families with pets of any type or number will enjoy this raucous picture book. Can you imagine living with 27 owls, 11 dogs, 10 cats, six goldfish and a carsick gerbil? And that's just the beginning. It's a madhouse, and everyone will enjoy a visit." --Lorna Ruby, Wellesley Booksmith, Wellesley, MA

OLIVIA FORMS A BAND, by Ian Falconer (Atheneum, $17.95, 141692454X) "From the exuberant, red polka-dotted endpapers to the photo-realistic images of fireworks, this is right up there with Olivia's best. The art is Falconer's wittiest, combining the naively doodled characters with thought-provoking and unexpected photographic images. And the story is vintage, unstoppable Olivia." --Suzanne Perry, The Secret Garden, Seattle, WA

ONCE I ATE A PIE, by Patricia MacLachlan and Emily MacLachlan Charest, Katy Schneider (Illus.) (Joanna Cotler, $15.99, 0060735317) "Thirteen poems, each written from the point of view of a different dog, give the reader marvelous insight into the thoughts of canines. The book offers a delightful visual feast both in terms of the graphic display of the text and the illustrations." --Debbie Manning, Petunia's Place, Fresno, CA

ONE OF THOSE DAYS, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, Rebecca Doughty (Illus.) (Putnam, $13.99, 0399243658) "I recognized myself and my children in Rosenthal's depictions of life's little catastrophes. The delightful illustrations keep the tone light as we are reminded at the end that, after each night, comes a new day." --Kathleen Jewell, Pomegranate Books, Wilmington, NC

PIRATEOLOGY: The Pirate Hunter's Companion, by Captain William Lubber, Dugald A. Steer (Ed.) (Candlewick, $19.99, 0763631434) "Pirateology offers adventurers and treasure hunters, landlubbers and sailors heretofore hidden knowledge of the exploits of one wickedly daring woman pirate and the lore of pirate ships, weapons, dress, customs, and pirate routes." --Faith Hochhalter, Changing Hands Bookstore, Tempe, AZ

PUMPKINS, by Ken Robbins (Roaring Brook Press, $14.95, 1596431849) "From the farmer (a young woman) planting the seeds to the leftover pumpkins rotting on the ground, Robbins portrays with lush photos the lifecycle of the pumpkin, including becoming a jack-o-lantern. And the text adds to the beauty." --Ilene Colburn, Kids Ink, Indianapolis, IN

RUN, HARE, RUN!: The Story of a Drawing, by John Winch (Simply Read Books, $16.95, 1894965612) "A clever story about Albrecht Durer's painting The Hare. Its suspense builds to a delightful ending that, like art, demonstrates that things are not always as they seem. Beautifully illustrated by the author, this book is sure to please children of all ages, art lovers, and rabbit collectors everywhere." --Elizabeth Hamilton, Portland State Bookstore, Portland, OR

THELONIUS MONSTER'S SKY-HIGH FLY-PIE, by Judy Sierra, Edward Koren (Illus.) (Knopf Books for Young Readers, $16.95, 0375832181) "Delightful, hairy monsters abound in this uproarious preparation of pie. Let the buzz begin!" --Jonatha Foli, Copperfield's Books, Sebastopol, CA

TRUMAN'S LOOSE TOOTH, by Kristine Wurm, Michael Chesworth (Illus.) (Spirited, $16.95, 097685130X) "This delightful, coming-of-age book focuses on the very real, physical aspect of growing older -- a boy losing his first tooth. With fresh and fun illustrations, this is a wonderful book to share with young children to help them prepare for that moment." --Candy Pearson, Apple Blossom Books, Oshkosh, WI

TOYS GO OUT: Being the Adventures of a Knowledgeable Stingray, a Toughy Little Buffalo, and Someone Called Plastic, by Emily Jenkins, Paul O. Zelinsky (Illus.) (Schwartz & Wade, $16.95, 0375836047) "From TukTuk, the wise old bath towel, to StingRay, the know-it-all stuffed stingray (who would have guessed?), the characters are funny and sweet and fallible. These six stories will enthrall children -- a real winner!" --Terry Lucas, The Open Book, Westhampton Beach, NY

TUCKER'S APPLE-DANDY DAY, by Susan Winget (HarperCollins, $12.99, 0060546468) "Tucker, a lovable bear, is supposed to pick some apples for his mother's delicious apple pie, but, instead, he helps his friends and forgets to pick his own apples. This is a sweet story about helping others in need and sharing with friends." --Samantha Haldeman, Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY

WOLVES, by Emily Gravett (Simon & Schuster, $15.95, 1416914919) "What happens when a book-loving rabbit goes to the library and checks out a book about wolves? This smartly designed, cleverly illustrated picture book will engage all readers who believe books can come to life." --Dana Harper, Brystone Children's Books, Fort Worth, TX

MY SHINING STAR: Raising A Child Who Is Ready to Learn, by Rosemary Wells (Scholastic, $8.99, 043984701X) "If every parent would read this book, in 60 years we might achieve world peace, foster a healthy planet, and create goodwill toward all. Or at least come much closer to these goals." --Elisabeth Grant-Gibson, Windows a bookshop, Monroe, LA

ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND, by Lewis Carroll, Alison Jay (Illus.) (Dial Books for Young Readers, $25.99, 0803729405) "Another Alice? Oh yes! Once you see it, you'll have to have it. Wonderland is stunningly re-imagined, and the quirky perspective in Alison Jay's beautiful illustrations is perfect for this magical classic." --Carol Moyer, Quail Ridge Books, Raleigh, NC

THE AMERICAN STORY: 100 True Tales From American History, by Jennifer Armstrong, Roger Roth (Illus.) (Knopf Books for Young Readers, $34.95, 0375812563) "Want to know more about American History? Here are 100 true tales and great illustrations that will help to tell the stories of our ancestors. If you're looking for a great historical nonfiction picture book for children, look no further." --Samanth Haldeman, Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY

THE BEAST OF NOOR, by Janet Lee Carey (Atheneum, $16.95, 0689876440) "Based on a legend from the British Isles, the Beast of Noor is a large phantom dog that has been roaming the dark Shalem Woods for 300 years. When brother and sister Miles and Hanna Ferrell take it upon themselves to right an ancient family wrong, we begin a story with breathtaking descriptions and cinematic action." --Elly Smith, Parkplace Books, Kirkland, WA

BREAD AND ROSES, TOO, by Katherine Paterson (Clarion Books, $16, 0618654798) "From Lawrence, Massachusetts, to Barre, Vermont, we follow the lives of textile mill workers and their fight, and learn how social causes and personal growth can become synonymous. This is a serious and thoroughly researched book from a two-time Newbery-winning author." --Diana Carroll, Quail Ridge Books & Music, Raleigh, NC

ENDYMION SPRING, by Matthew Skelton (Delacorte Books for Young Readers, $17.95, 0385733801) "Who is Endymion Spring, and how did he come to witness the bargain struck by Johannes Gutenberg (creator of the first printing press ... or was he?) and Faust, the man who made a deal with the devil, trading his soul for unlimited knowledge. Two stories intertwine like the tightly bound pages of an illuminated manuscript. I loved it!" --Christopher Stroth, Books Inc., Burlingame, CA

EXTRAORDINARY ORDINARY PEOPLE: Five American Masters of Traditional Arts, by Alan Govenar (Candlewick, $22.99, 0763620475) "Meet a Chinese opera singer, a boat builder, a rug weaver, and a tissue paper wreath maker. Each of these artists has received a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, and each of them is wonderfully represented here, with engaging text and photographs that show step-by-step how they create amazing and unusual works of art." --Alison Morris, Wellesley Booksmith, Wellesley, MA

THE FLOATING ISLAND: The Lost Journals of Ven Polypheme, by Elizabeth Haydon, Brett Helquist (Illus.) (Starscape, $17.95, 0765308673) "Magical creatures, spirited heroes and heroines, despicable villains, and a fantastical landscape all combine to create a wonderful new fantasy adventure that feels like an old favorite, even on the first read through." --Rich Rennicks, Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe, Asheville, NC

GIDEON THE CUTPURSE: Being the First Part of the Gideon Trilogy, by Linda Buckley-Archer (Simon & Schuster, $17.95, 1416915257) "When Peter Schock is dropped by mistake into the 18th century with Kate Dyer, a girl he barely knows, he finds himself lost in an eerily familiar landscape, and, perhaps, with no way home. A fabulous book filled with excitement and historically accurate scenes."  -- Rene Kirkpatrick, All for Kids Books & Music, Seattle, WA

THE LAST APPRENTICE: Curse of the Bane, by Joseph Delaney (Greenwillow, $16.99, 0060766212) "The exciting adventures of apprentice Tom Ward, his master, and his mischievous friend Alice continue in this page-turning sequel. Tom and his master are once again in danger, not only from the monstrous Bane but also from the county Quisitor, who wants to burn them at the stake." --Rosalind Schumann, Maria's Bookshop, Durango, CO

THE LAST DRAGON, by Silvana de Mari (Miramax, $16.95, 0786836369) "The Last Dragon is a fantasy tale full of magic. Involving humans, elves, and dragons, it is written by a newcomer author, Silvana de Mari. This story of the last elf and the last dragon provides readers with a familiar storyline, but it introduces a note of irony that is sure to appeal to older middle readers." --Roberta Blanchard, Fairy Godmother, Washington, DC

MOM AND DAD ARE PALINDROMES: A Dilemma for Words ... and Backwards, by Adam McCauley and Mark Shulman (Chronicle Books, $15.95, 0811843289) "Everyone who has looked at this book has loved it. I'll be recommending this one to teachers, home-schoolers, and grandparents." --Keri Holmes, The Kaleidoscope: Our Focus Is You, Hampton, IA

MONSTER BLOOD TATTOO: Book One: Foundling, by D.M. Cornish (Putnam, $18.99, 039924638X) "D.M. Cornish has created a uniquely imagined and detailed world, where people and monsters have been in conflict for centuries. When Rossamund Bookchild, a foundling raised in an orphanage, sets out into the adult world he discovers that life is full of surprises -- and that sometimes people can be just as predatory as monsters." --Marilyn Racette, Book Ends, Winchester, MA

MY NAME IS SALLY LITTLE SONG, by Brenda Woods (Putnam, $15.99, 0399243127) "Set in 1802, this is the story of 12-year-old Sally Little Song's escape from slavery on a Georgia plantation, as her family makes their way to the swamps of Florida to join the Seminole Indian tribe. This is a very compelling story, full of adventure." --Rebecca Mullin, Kids Ink, Indianapolis, IN

PETER AND THE SHADOW THIEVES, by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson (Disney Editions, $18.99, 078683787X) "Who would've known Peter's past was fraught with such excitement, such intense evil, and awesome goodness. A wonderful sequel to Peter and the Starcatchers that is filled with magic." --Ellen Perry, Browsing Bison Books, Deer Lodge, MT

RANGER'S APPRENTICE BOOK TWO: The Burning Bridge, by John Flanagan (Philomel, $16.99, 0399244557) "Will, apprentice to the legendary Ranger Halt, joins his friend, Horace, an apprentice knight, and Gilan, the youngest Ranger, on an urgent mission for King Duncan. Memorable characters and subtle humor make this book a standout in the fantasy genre." --Ellen Davis, Dragonwings Bookstore, Waupaca, WI

SEEKER: Book One of the Noble Warriors, by William Nicholson (Harcourt, $17, 0152057684) "Join the unlikely heroic trio of Seeker after Truth, Morning Star, and the Wildman as they set off on an epic quest to discover the nature of a weapon capable of killing a god! A fast-paced, socially complex adventure for young adults, or the young adult at heart. Sure to be a terrific fantasy series." --Joey Puente, DIESEL, A Bookstore, Malibu, CA

SHUG, by Jenny Han (Simon & Schuster, $14.95, 1416909427) "Annemarie Wilcox, or Shug, as she is known to her family, is starting junior high with an alcoholic mother, a father perpetually away on business, a popular older sister, and a best friend oblivious to her love for him. This is a novel about an endearing and hot-tempered 12-year-old who learns how to face life head-on no matter what the circumstances." --Gayle Shanks, Changing Hands Bookstore, Tempe, AZ

THE SILVER DONKEY, by Sonya Hartnett, Don Powers (Illus.) (Candlewick, $15.99, 0763629375) "Two young French girls find a blind British soldier, who has desperately left the grim and bloody battlefront of WWI. His good luck charm, a small silver donkey, was a gift from his ill, younger brother, and it is the key to his escape. By showing that patience, tolerance, and responsibility are characteristics to value, Hartnett has written a story that will be read over and over again." --Margaret Brennan Neville, The King's English, Salt Lake City, UT

TANGLEWRECK, by Jeanette Winterson (Bloomsbury, $16.95, 1582349193) "When time no longer follows the rules, life can get pretty weird. This is what Silver, an 11-year-old girl living in London, realizes as Time Tornados rip people from the present. As evil villains pursue her, Silver turns to the ancient house of Tanglewreck for help in saving the universe from an untimely demise." --Laura Spies, Inkwood Books, Tampa, FL

THAT GIRL LUCY MOON, by Amy Timberlake (Hyperion, $15.99, 0786852984) "This is a wonderful coming-of-age story for young girls that deals with issues such as fitting in when going from elementary school to junior high, especially when everyone else seems to be growing up much more quickly. Lucy Moon is a misfit who stands up for her beliefs no matter the price, even when it alienates her from the rest of her peers. An inspiring story." --Bobbi Brewer, Maine Coast Book Shop, Inc., Damariscotta, ME

VANISHING ACT: Mystery at the U.S. Open, by John Feinstein (Knopf Books for Young Readers, $16.95, 037583592X) "Can Stevie and Susan Carol solve another crime? Their invitation to the U.S. Open puts them right in the middle of a potential international mess. In Last Shot (Feinstein's first mystery), they used determination, brains, and a little luck. They will need all that and more. Feinstein does a great job!" --Margaret Brennan Neville, The King's English, Salt Lake City, UT

AN ABUNDANCE OF KATHERINES, by John Green (Dutton, $16.99, 0525476881) "Childhood prodigy Colin Singleton has been dumped by the nineteenth Katherine in his life! On a road trip with his buddy, Colin works on a theorem that he hopes will translate his history of being dumped into mathematical terms that will predict the future of all relationships. Green's novel will plunk you into hilarious situations and stretch your mathematical thinking!" --Jane Morck, Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park, WA

THE ASTONISHING ADVENTURES OF FANBOY AND GOTH GIRL, by Barry Lyga (Houghton Mifflin, $16.95, 0618723927) "This debut novel of two high school loners features a strong voice and interesting characters, and it kept me up reading long after I should have been sleeping." --Elizabeth Reynolds, Norwich Bookstore, Norwich, VT

DEAD CONNECTION, by Charlie Price (Roaring Brook Press, $16.95, 1596431148) "In this mystery, two friends search for a missing cheerleader with the help of voices from the cemetery. This is a great read that emphasizes young adults overcoming hurdles in a tough world. Hard to put down!" --Kimberly Polanco, Desert Blossom Books & Supplies, Silver City, NM

DREAM SPINNER, by Bonnie Dobkin (Flux, $8.95 paper, 0738709190) "An original take on the world of dreams and the role they play in our lives. Jori, who was left physically (and mentally) scarred after a car accident that killed her father, discovers her true strength: her tenacity. This is a wonderfully written, spooky tale that is bound to pull readers into the intricate web it creates." --Carrie Fitts, Horton's Books & Gifts, Carrollton, GA

GOOD GIRLS, by Laura Ruby (HarperTempest, $16.99, 0060882239) "Audrey is smart and a great student, a 'good girl,' but everything changes when someone e-mails a humiliating picture around to the whole school. Laura Ruby has written a powerful novel that isn't afraid to be honest about what it's really like in high school when it comes to passion and sex. But, more importantly, she shows us how hurtful stereotyping can be, and how the best of friends can come from the most unlikely of places." --Becky Anderson, Anderson's Bookshop, Naperville, IL

HERE, THERE BE DRAGONS: The Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica, by James A. Owen (Simon & Schuster, $17.95, 1416912274) "This clever combination of fantasy, myth, and classics is sure to intrigue readers. Can John, Charles, and Jack save both the imaginary world and their own war-torn world? Owens brings his immense graphic novel talent to this first novel, including artwork." --Margaret Brennan Neville, The King's English, Salt Lake City, UT

HOW IT'S DONE, by Christine Kole MacLean (Flux, $15.95, 0738710296) "Because of its language and sexual content, this is a novel for mature teens, but it is wonderfully written. Feeling trapped, 18-year-old Grace is struggling with her fundamentalist parents. She finds herself not knowing what she really wants when a college professor falls in love with her, offering an escape from her oppressive family. A good ending clears up some of her fears and confusion." --Jan Warner-Poole, Storyteller Books, Vancouver, WA

HOW TO BE POPULAR: A Novel, by Meg Cabot (HarperTempest, $16.99, 0060880120) "Steph Landry is a typical teenager who just wants to fit in. She finds a book called How to be Popular, and she thinks it's the answer to her prayers. Sometimes, what you think you want isn't at all what you thought it would be." --Beth Garland, The Bookshop, Venice, FL

IN THE BREAK: A Novel, by Jack Lopez (Little, Brown, $16.99, 0316008745) "Juan and Jamie are looking for the perfect wave. They surf the Southern California coast, and, running from the repercussions of Jamie's fight with his stepfather, they travel to Baja. This book has romance, tragedy, and the thrill of big wave surfing." --Paula McDonald, Salty Tales for Young Readers, Carlsbad, CA

LEONARDO'S SHADOW: Or, My Astonishing Life as Leonardo da Vinci's Servant, by Christopher Grey (Atheneum, $16.95, 141690543X) "All of Milan is becoming impatient because Da Vinci has dawdled. The Last Supper, his greatest painting ever, has taken two years so far, and there is barely a sketch upon the wall! His servant, Giacomo, is busy fighting off creditors, prodding his master into action, and secretly practicing his own drawing. With a mystery, an adventure, and a lot of great history, this novel is recommended for any young adult reader." --Carrie Elizabeth Richmond, Inklings Bookshop, Yakima, WA

SAINT IGGY, by K.L. Going (Harcourt, $17, 0152057951) "Sixteen-year-old Iggy is trying valiantly to be the hero of his own life in a gritty, urban world made up of cracks for him to slip through. Follow his path through the few winter days covered in this novel and you'll never be the same. Haunting and heartbreaking and beautifully told." --Eileen Charbonneau, Merritt Bookstore Vol. III, Cold Spring, NY

TRIGGER, by Susan Vaught (Bloomsbury, $16.95, 1582349207) "When we first meet Jersey Hatch, he's just coming home after a year in the Carter Brain Injury Center. Half of his body doesn't move very well, he's blind in one eye, and his memory is spotty. Readers will love this tenacious hero as he works to piece his life together." --Mary Jane Beaufrand, All For Kids Books & Music, Seattle, WA

TWILIGHT, by Stephenie Meyer (Megan Tingley Books/Little, Brown Books, $8.99 paper, 0316015849) "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 she 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 the rainy days of fall." --Melissa Lion, DIESEL, A Bookstore, Oakland, CA

WINTERSMITH, by Terry Pratchett (HarperTempest, $16.99, 0060890312) "Terry Pratchett's Discworld is one of those places everyone should visit at least once. Wintersmith, the newest adventure to unfold there, continues the story of Tiffany Aching, a young witch in training, who dislikes wearing black, has a bit of a long-dead wizard's knowledge stuck in her head, and is watched over by Feegles, tiny blue men in filthy kilts who live to fight, drink, and steal. That's all on regular days, but, then, the spirit of Winter falls in love with her..." --Eric Robbins, Apple Valley Books, Winthrop, ME

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