Autumn 2009 Kids' Indie Next List - Top 10
When You Reach Me
By Rebecca Stead (Wendy Lamb Books)
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“Shut out by her best friend, Sal, sixth-grader Miranda has to navigate the complicated and sometimes dangerous world of friendships, family, and late-1970s New York City. Rebecca Stead adds just the right mix of the fantastical to this stellar coming-of-age story.”
— Emily Fear, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Pittsburgh, PA
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“If you are one of the many fans of The Hunger Games, then you are sure to love Catching Fire. Filled with new twists, turns, characters, and heart-wrenching moments, this sequel will keep readers begging for more of Katniss, Peeta, and the rest of the memorable cast of characters”
— Jessica Palacios, Once Upon a Time, Montrose, CA
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“In this touching love story, Grace tries to rescue Sam -- the love of her life -- from his fate as a werewolf. But time is running out, for the next time Sam changes it will be forever. The tightly knit plot and excellent character development will envelop readers in this story.”
— Krisann Blake, The Bookworm, Omaha, NE
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“Brooklyn born and bred Viola must attend a boarding school in South Bend, Indiana, while her parents film a documentary in Afghanistan. She's determined not to enjoy her year at Prefect Academy and is certain that her roommates will be shallow and unable to relate to her. She's wrong, of course, and soon begins a school year in which she grows in her own ability as a filmmaker and makes true friends. A delightful teen novel that shows how real life depends on your perspective.”
— Cathy Berner, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX
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“The Midnight Charter brilliantly shows the struggle between the powers of greed, ambition, and profit against charity, compassion, and selflessness, all set in the city of Agora -- -- where two young people battle to survive and find their place. Whitley's story will transport you and, at the same time, inspire. I've never been so impatient to read the next installment in a phenomenal tale.”
— Becky Anderson, Anderson's Bookshop, Naperville, IL
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“Fran Slayton's When the Whistle Blows tells the story of a railroading family in 1940s West Virginia, when steam engines were king. But the wheels of progress bring the diesel engine and, with it, the end of a way of life. This is an engaging and moving portrayal of changing times in a small mountain town.”
— Carol Moyer, Quail Ridge Books, Raleigh, NC
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“Reading this lovely story is like floating inside a dream, where anything is possible. When orphan Peter Augustus Duchene asks a fortuneteller for help in finding a long-lost sister, the fortuneteller says an elephant will lead him to her. In writing this timeless fable that will linger long after you turn the last page, Kate DiCamillo has outdone herself.”
— Joanne R. Fritz, Chester County Book & Music Company, West Chester, PA
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“In a village in ancient Norway, Odd loses his father and has a terrible accident, which shatters his leg. When winter comes, Odd removes himself to the woods only to be confronted by three animals -- a bear, a fox, and an eagle -- who set the stage for a real twist of Norse mythology. This is a wonderful story!”
— Judith Lafitte, Octavia Books, LLC, New Orleans, LA
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“This is a lovely book, told in gentle verse, that takes a collection of family and friends through the course of a day. While the title suggests the big issues, the book magically affirms the importance of even the smallest creatures. Frazee's illustrations, as always, bring the book to even higher levels with her detail, humor, and a sweetness that never becomes saccharin. This is a beautiful book for every home, a perfect gift for a young child.”
— Leslie Reiner, Inkwood Books, Tampa, FL
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“Love Is the Higher Law looks at 9/11, and the days, months, and years following it, through the eyes, hearts, and minds of three New York teenagers. Levithan's story will be eye-opening for today's younger teens -- some of whom may have little memory of the actual attack -- and for older teens and adults it will help to make it clear that, however one reacted to the tragedy, you were not alone. A powerful book sure to touch all who read it.”
— Kat Goddard, The Bookloft, Great Barrington, MA
Autumn 2009 Kids' Indie Next List - Ages 4 to 8
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“Harry doesn't go anywhere without his stuffed pal Horsie. So when Horsie (along with Harry's toy train and cars) is carried off by a bubble from Harry's Super Duper Bubble Blooper, the little boy has no choice but to head off in hot pursuit in his rocket ship. Adventurers old and young will be captivated by this fantastic tale!”
— Megan Graves, Hooray for Books!, Alexandria, VA
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“Mary Kuryla and Eugene Yelchin's tale of a young boy who learns -- and teaches -- something important about snowmen is quirky and original. Their artwork in this fresh story is equally imaginative, with its colorful depictions of a snowy, dreamlike world.”
— Megan Graves, Hooray for Books!, Alexandria, VA
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“When a young boy falls asleep instead of doing his homework, all the writing implements on his desk do an amusing job of writing a story, and the boy then wakes up and makes the story his own. Homework is an imaginative lesson in creativity.”
— Peter Goodrich, Partners Village Store, Westport, MA
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“Jeremy draws himself a monster -- a three-dimensional one -- and it gets into trouble fast. This is a great book about creativity. I loved it!”
— Suzanna Hermans, Oblong Books & Music, Rhinebeck, NY
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“Mimi and Lulu are the best of friends. They share a love of sugary cupcakes, beautiful princesses, and fluffy stuffed elephants. Told through three stories, Mimi and Lulu is a sweet, simple book, perfect for your young princess.”
— Megan Graves, Hooray for Books!, Alexandria, VA
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“Otis, an utterly charming, faithful, and determined red tractor, is delighted in the simple pleasures of his farm. When put out to pasture by a bigger, newer tractor, Otis shows what he is made of, and what he can do”
— Rosemary Pugliese, Quail Ridge Books, Raleigh, NC
By By Florence Parry Heide; Lane Smith
Schwartz & Wade Books
“Princess Hyacinth has a problem. She floats. What's a girl to do? Make like a balloon, of course! Fun and excitement ensues until she loses her tether ... and, in the process, finds a Prince Charming. Lane Smith's nuanced illustrations bring this fairy tale to life.”
— Summer Dawn Laurie, Books Inc., San Francisco, CA
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“Jon Scieszka is the creator of Trucktown and the author of "The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs , " the Time Warp Trio series, Caldecott Honor Book "The Stinky Cheese Man, " and many other books that inspire kids to want to read. He has worked as an elementary school teacher and is the founder of a literacy initiative for boys (www.guysread.com).”
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“Michael Rex, author of Goodnight Goon, has written another wonderfully goofy Petrifying Parody of a revered, bedtime classic. I am sure that somewhere in a parallel universe, mother mummies are reassuring their little mummies with this timeless story.”
— Ellen Davis, Dragonwings Bookstore, Waupaca, WI
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“Original in text and tone, The Goblin and the Empty Chair is a fairy tale of warmth, compassion, and joy. The magnificent drawings evoke fairy tales of old, but with a perspective that young readers will relish. Truly a delight.”
— Maureen Palacios, Once Upon a Time, Montrose, CA
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“I love every aspect of When the World Is Ready for Bed. The illustrations range from warm yellows, browns, and oranges that parallel the sunset and the cozy inside of the bunny home to the cool blues and greens that emerge with the night. The story gently guides the little bunnies through their evening routine in perfect rhyme and simple text in this highly recommended, soothing story.”
— Angela K Sherrill, 57th Street Books, Chicago, IL
Autumn 2009 Kids' Indie Next List - Ages 9 to 12
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“Who can resist another book with Grandma Dowdel? The new preacher and his family move in next door and they have problems, not the least of which is Grandma, who, once again, proves that she has heart to spare.”
— Shirley Mullin, Kids Ink, Indianapolis, IN
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“In her follow-up novel to the Newbery Honor-winner Al Capone Does My Shirts, Gennifer Choldenko presents readers with a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat adventure! Moose Flanagan and his family have finally adjusted to life on Alcatraz Island. But Moose's comfortable existence is about to be turned upside down -- again!”
— Megan Graves, Hooray for Books!, Alexandria, VA
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“The glaciers of the Ice Age loom over the village of Twig and Greyhawk, and raiders are always a threat. If they're able to help their people survive, it will be through Twig's gifts as a dreamer and Greyhawk's skills as a warrior. The Gears, both archaeologists, make this world feel very real.”
— Julie Leonard, Troubadour Books, Boulder, CO
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“Award-winning author Laurence Yep delivers another fantastic fantasy tale, this time set in an alternate 1941 San Francisco, but with connections to contemporary events. This story involves the Kushan people, and, today, in San Francisco Kushan artifacts are being exhibited at the Asian Art Museum. Coincidence? If San Franciscans report seeing shape-shifting dragons and flying carpets in the sky, this 'fantasy' may be reclassified as 'realistic fiction.' In either case, young and old are going to love the delightful and brave characters that Yep has created.”
— Karen Briggs, Great Northern Books and Hobbies, Oscoda, MI
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“Be very scared, as these are the best of Poe's chilling tales of horror. Creep show illustrations from master Grimly add to the macabre. Not for the faint at heart, these are best suited for readers 10 and older.”
— Maureen Palacios, Once Upon a Time, Montrose, CA
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“The interweaving narratives of Bone, a stray puppy; Henry, a boy who desperately wants a dog; and Charlie, who is dealing with tragic circumstances in his life, make for a touching, classic tale of friendship, loss, and fate lending a hand when needed.”
— Kelley Drahushuk, The Spotty Dog, Hudson, NY
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“A sixth grader from Kansas is told that if her test scores don't improve, she'll be held back at year's end. Her mandatory extra credit assignment is to correspond with a pen pal from Afghanistan. Her letters are given, appropriately, to an Afghani girl, but, since her older brother is better at English, he secretly starts adding his opinions too. There will be complications for all of them, but the letters help them experience life outside of their own worlds, and allow them to look at their own cultures in a different way.”
— Dianne Patrick, Snowbound Books, Marquette, MI
By By Jarrett Krosoczka
Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
“This fun graphic novel has everything: adventure, mystery, and an unlikely superhero -- the lunch lady from a school, who has a host of awesome superhero gadgets, including chicken nugget bombs, a lunch tray laptop, and a spatu-copter! Kids will love this book!”
— Judy Hanley, Book Ends, Winchester, MA
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“After Abigail overhears Nathan and Mookie talking about their lousy day at school, she suggests they visit her uncle, who has concocted a secret formula that helps neutralize feelings. But due to the use of a wrong ingredient, Nathan begins to transform into a zombie! Master writer David Lubar effectively tempers sensitive topics with laugh-out-loud moments in this first of a series.”
— Tish Gayle, The Blue Marble, Fort Thomas, KY
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“I was really excited (well, I do live at the beach) when I heard about Oceanology, and this story of a brave, young assistant to Captain Nemo is great, even making learning fun.”
— Diana Portwood, Bob's Beach Books, Lincoln City, OR
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“Bo's life is centered on a North Carolina Air Force Base, but what has always seemed like a cozy world gets shaken up when he starts sixth grade. There's a new teacher who challenges all his ideas, a cousin who has come to join his family while her mom is deployed to Iraq, and even some change stirring in his own family. Lots of humor and can-do attitudes make Bo and his friends worth getting to know.”
— Julie Wilson, The Bookworm, Omaha, NE
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“Gianna's family is definitely quirky. Dad runs a funeral parlor out of the basement, mom is a health-food freak, her brother is a budding paparazzo, and Nonna doesn't remember where she's left her teeth. This is a warm and wonderful family story with a whole lot of heart.”
— Jennifer Laughran, Books Inc., San Francisco, CA
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“Susana's good dreams are being stolen, and she wants them back! She must face all sorts of trials and treachery, but by her good example she teaches others to do the right thing. A wonderful story of determination and friendship.”
— Betsy Cebulski, Next Chapter Bookshop, Mequon, WI
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“Abby Lovitt already has a lot of horse sense at 12 years old. She's been riding horses for her daddy, who buys them to train up and resell, boasting that 'even a little girl can ride them.' But Abby must also transfer those skills to dealing with the people around her. Jane Smiley maintains the level of sophistication and character development for which she is known in her adult fiction. I can't wait to put this book in the hands of horse lovers!”
— Janet Blevins, Knight Equestrian Books, Edgecomb, ME
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“The Witch's Guide to Cooking With Children is a wonderful remake of the tale of Hansel and Gretel. Sol and Connie move to a new neighborhood and quickly discover that there is more to neighbor Fay Holaderry than meets the eye. It's up to them to figure out whether they can outwit Fay at her own game.”
— Judith Lafitte, Octavia Books, LLC, New Orleans, LA
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“In the poor village of Fruitless Mountain -- where there is always lots of work to do and little food or time to rest -- a young girl named Minli decides to set off on a journey to find a way to improve her family's plight. Lin's story takes you on a magical adventure with a vivid setting and wondrous characters.”
— Lisa Fabiano, Wellesley Booksmith, Wellesley, MA
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“Lidie leaves warm, familiar Brazil for cold and strange New York City to be reunited with her father and brother, who think she's still a little girl. Living and working at a famous stable, Lidie is excited to show her family what a great rider she is. When a new foal, Wild Girl, is born, both Lidie and Wild Girl have to overcome challenges.”
— Margaret Brennan Neville, The King's English, Salt Lake City, UT
Autumn 2009 Kids' Indie Next List - Teen Readers
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“Devon, a competitive athlete and top-scoring student, finds herself imprisoned for attempting to murder her newborn child. Piece by piece, she revisits the events leading up to what felt like an impossible crime to avoid. Amy Efaw's story makes for compelling material for difficult discussions about moral accountability.”
— Kellie Brownell, A Whale of a Tale, Irvine, CA
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“As first-year college student Cecily Powell approaches her dorm room, she suddenly decides that she's not going to school. Cecily and her bewildered father head back home, where she must face family and friends and decide what comes next. A witty coming-of-age story that realistically illustrates the sometimes traumatic transition from high school to college.”
— Cathy Berner, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX
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“Five children who are stolen from their homes (and made to forget it) are raised to teenagers by a tall blonde woman calling herself their governess. She bestows special gifts upon them, magically amplifying what seem to be their natural abilities but, in truth, preying on their greatest weaknesses and insecurities. A fast-paced, suspenseful novel.”
— Elizabeth Bluemle, Flying Pig Boooks, Shelburne, VT
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“Ash is in some ways a retelling of the Cinderella story, but it's also a commentary upon enchantments. Will Ash succumb to the allure of the mysterious stranger? What does her late mother's involvement in the old ways of magic have to do with her current situation? And will she be doomed to spend eternity away from the one she truly loves? This thoughtful, compelling story kept me reading late into the night.”
— Karen Maeda Allman, The Elliott Bay Book Company, Seattle, WA
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“We've been waiting anxiously for the latest in the Vampire Academy series. Richelle Mead does a great job with these books, which are all lots of fun!”
— Diana Portwood, Bob's Beach Books, Lincoln City, OR
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“Jack is an up-and-coming jockey at the Saratoga Racetrack who will have to find a way of dealing with the unsavory underbelly of the glamorous sport in order to make it big. This great book for reluctant teen readers, set in the 1930s, has a bit of everything: history, romance, conflict, and lots of action.”
— Kelley Drahushuk, The Spotty Dog, Hudson, NY
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“Candor is the perfect town. Perfectly designed and perfectly maintained. And as long as everyone listens to their music it will stay that way. This is a powerful and engrossing tale of one man's obsession with perfection and his son's attempt to redefine it.”
— Kat Goddard, The Bookloft, Great Barrington, MA
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“Katrina must keep her grandmother's unique coffeehouse in business, and figure out why an angel wants to give her what she most desires just for being kind to him. A perfect coming-of-age story about a strong girl trying to find her way in life.”
— Jessica Palacios, Once Upon a Time, Montrose, CA
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“A beautiful and timeless coming-of-age story that, while set in the aftermath of the Vietnam War, emphasizes the causalities of all modern wars -- the men and women who are sent to fight, the families left behind, and the people who choose to protest. This is a wonderful story for young adults and parents alike.”
— Kelly Estep, Carmichael's Bookstore, Louisville, KY
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“This is one of the most inventive stories I have come across in a long time. Bertie lives in a theater where the casts of plays are real, bound by a magic book. This sweet and brilliant debut will have readers yearning for more.”
— Krys Tourtois, Schuler Books & Music, Lansing, MI
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“Libba Bray's narrative of the surreal adventures of 16-year-old Cameron, recently diagnosed with mad cow disease, will take you everywhere -- from his pain-ridden hospital bed, to a happiness cult, to the Party House in Florida. Going Bovine is a great read for anyone ready for an adventure.”
— Cassie Denton, Bookshelf At Hooligan Rocks, Truckee, CA
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“After a school shooting perpetrated by her boyfriend, Valerie is all at once seen as a hero, a victim, and a co-conspirator. You will be swept up in the torrent of emotions felt by all of the characters, and, although the story sometimes will push you to the edge of your comfort zone, feeling Val's catharsis shows that even after the most violent of tragedies, good (or at least a semblance of normalcy) can blossom.”
— Lauren Schulte, Books & Company, Oconomowoc, WI
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“Marcus Jordan loves football. Practicing his passes in the park, he meets ex-NFL player Charlie Popovich and the two begin an unlikely friendship based on grueling football drills and childish pranks. Before long, Marcus realizes that Charlie doesn't just act like a teenager -- he thinks he still is one and that Marcus is his old friend Mac. Alzheimer's disease, possibly brought on by the multiple head injuries he suffered as a football player, has disrupted Charlie's memory. Korman has created believable characters and a powerful story.”
— Kat Goddard, The Bookloft, Great Barrington, MA
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“Prophecy of the Sisters is set in the late 1800s, when spiritualism was capturing the imagination of people across the continent. With their father recently dead, twins Lia and Alice find themselves entangled in a prophecy that is centuries old. Michelle Zink had added a new gem to Gothic literature.”
— Liesl Freudenstein, The Boulder Book Store, Boulder, CO
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“Patricia McCormick reminds us that the war in Iraq is not only about terrorists killing and being killed. The war is also about civilians who may be as deadly as the insurgents, or who might be as innocent as they look. These are the tough choices facing Private Matt Duffy. This book teaches us, young and old alike, just how complicated war is.”
— Karen Briggs, Great Northern Books and Hobbies, Oscoda, MI
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“As Rebecca grudgingly leaves her home in New York City to attend school in New Orleans, she dreads being stuck living with her Aunt Claudia, a fortuneteller. When Rebecca follows some of her schoolmates into a graveyard to spy on them one night, she gets sucked into a voodoo curse. Filled with the ambiance of New Orleans, this is a great read for anyone who loves ghost stories.”
— Sharon Carey, Beaverdale Books, Des Moines, IA
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“Some words to describe Dara might be 'robust,' 'voluptuous,' and 'Rubenesque.' These would be the kind words. Words to describe her family might be 'controlling,' 'demanding,' or 'unsympathetic.' But there is more to these characters than just those labels. I enjoyed this book for its honesty and the gradual self-awareness that Dara experiences.”
— Liesl Freudenstein, The Boulder Book Store, Boulder, CO
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“In this new interactive series, we try to unravel the mystery of Amanda Valentino. When Amanda goes missing, leaving behind a series of perplexing clues, three of her friends must come together to unravel the mystery.”
— Suzanna Hermans, Oblong Books & Music, Rhinebeck, NY
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“You would think that tenth grade would be a better year for the half-human, half-vampire Vladimir, no? He survived a stake to the heart, is now officially dating Meredith, and he's learning so much from his Uncle Otis. But this is Vladimir Tod we are talking about, and he is facing a lot of questions. (Will he always be looking over his shoulder, wondering if someone is following him?) In a story that combines teenage high school troubles, family conflicts, and vampire lore, Vladimir remains one of my favorite literary vampires.”
— Angela Mann, Kepler's Books & Magazine, Menlo Park, CA
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“Heather Hepler takes a standard teen-issue theme -- divorcing parents, moving somewhere new, mean girls -- and turns it into a warm and wonderful novel. Penny's adjustment to life in Hog's Hollow -- away from her father and her friends in Manhattan -- is told with great understanding.”
— Karen Keyte, Books Etc., Falmouth, ME
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“Alan and Nick have been on the run for as long as they can remember. Their dad started running from the magicians when they were both small, but now they must protect their mother and continue to fight and flee the magicians and their demons. This fascinating fantasy explores the bonds of love in a family and shows how far we will go for the ones we love.”
— Antonia Squire, Kepler's Books & Magazine, Menlo Park, CA
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“Wow! The 13-year-old Monster Freak that I once was would have loved this story of a monster-hunting doctor and his apprentice. Yancey has created a terrific, original monster in a story that is not for the squeamish!”
— Doug Thornsjo, Colby College Bookstore, Waterville, ME
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“I have been waiting to continue reading about Nicholas Flamel; his wife, Perenelle; and the twins Sophie and Josh, who are all now in London, surrounded by enemies. Breathtaking in its scope, The Sorceress takes hold and doesn't let go until you turn the very last page.”
— Angela Mann, Kepler's Books & Magazine, Menlo Park, CA
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“Set during the reign of Elizabeth I, this is the story of Kat, a willful redheaded beauty in search of her true identity. Full of mystery, court intrigue, and romance, this is one of the best YA historical novels I've read in a long while!”
— Hallie Wilkins, Anderson's Bookshop, Naperville, IL
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- November/December 2024 Kids Indie Next List
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- Fall 2024 Reading Group Indie Next List
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- September/October 2024 Kids Indie Next List
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