Kids Horror
THE CURSE ON SPECTACLE KEY by Chantel Acevedo
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I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher in order to write this review.
Frank Fernández was looking forward to finally spending a second year at the same school. As fifth grade ended, he had plans with his best friend and the prospect of a cool summer internship at the public library. But then his parents blow his plans to smithereens: they finished their renovation job early, so they will all be moving. Again.
The only consolation is that this time, the historic landmark they’ll be living in and fixing up won’t be a place they plan to sell. It will be their forever home, a lighthouse in the Florida Keys, close to Frank’s grandfather and more connected to his dad’s Cuban culture. But when the family arrives on Spectacle Key, things immediately start to go wrong. The local historical society is protesting their renovations, the dilapidated lighthouse itself seems to be trying to drive them away, Frank’s parents are always arguing, and to top it all off, Frank stumbles upon an old ruin inhabited by a scared, lonely girl who can’t remember who she is or where she came from and who no one but Frank can see. As strange happenings multiply, Frank and his invisible friend suspect that the key to breaking the Spectacle Key curse must be to discover the girl’s true identity–even if it means facing the unpleasant possibility that she might be a ghost.
Atmospheric and spooky, Acevedo’s speculative mystery focuses on uncomfortable truths in personal and community histories and the importance of confronting them to bring about healing and growth. Although creepy, the story stops short of being a truly terrifying horror, keeping friendship and hope in the forefront throughout. I’d recommend this one to fans of middle grade ghost stories and eerie mysteries. It could also suit for a middle grade book club.
THE SMASHED MAN OF DREAD END by J.W. Ocker
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Noe wasn’t particularly upset about moving to a new neighborhood. It’s not like there was anything left for her in her old neighborhood or her old school–not since her sleepwalking cost her her best friend. But the new neighborhood (Dread End, as its street sign proclaims) isn’t exactly full of friend potential. In fact there are just a couple of mopey, creepy girls, and all they seem interested in doing is telling Noe to stay out of her basement.
So of course, that’s the first place Noe goes.
It doesn’t seem like anything special. A dirt floor. A washing machine. A few cracks in the walls. But when Noe sleepwalks downstairs at night, she discovers the dark secret her neighborhood hides: a paper thin man with a grotesquely smashed face who oozes out of the cracks in the basement walls of all the houses on Dread End. Only children can see him, and the Dread Enders have pretty much accepted that there’s nothing they can do to get rid of him, especially since the last girl who tried to fight him wound up in a coma. But Noe knows that all monsters have rules, and all monsters can be beaten. She just needs to figure out how–before she sleepwalks into his clutches.
I am in love with this inventive middle grade horror novel! The monster was as original as it was thoroughly blood-chilling, and the heroines wouldn’t give up, even in the face of terror and the possibility of bodily harm. What a fabulous ride! I highly recommend this one to upper elementary and middle school fans of the genre.
ARTIE AND THE WOLF MOON by Olivia Stephens
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I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher in order to write this review.
Artie is excited to work on her photography project, and the night of the full moon seems like the perfect time to get some great nature shots. She’s sure her mom is being overprotective by insisting she stay inside after dark, so she doesn’t hesitate to sneak out with her dad’s old camera. But once outside, she is shocked when the first creature she sees is an enormous wolf–and even more shocked when the wolf turns into her mother
Artie’s mom tells her that she comes from a family of werewolves and that Artie might be a werewolf herself. But it isn’t until a group of bullies have her cornered in the woods that Artie’s wolf nature reveals itself. Artie’s mother whisks her away to the secluded community where she grew up to learn more about her heritage, but Artie can’t seem to master the art of transformation. Meanwhile, a coven of vampires has been stirring up trouble. Artie’s mother has tried to shield her from the vampires–and the uncertainty of what happened to Artie’s father–but if Artie is ever going to grow into her power, she’ll need to learn from the past and take some risks to uncover the truth.
Expressive artwork brings to life a story of a young woman finding her place in her community. Though a high stakes fantasy plot forms the central conflict, the core of the novel is the bonds of parents and children and familial love in general. Artie and her family are Black, which will contribute much-needed diversity to graphic novel and middle grade fantasy collections. I recommend this one to middle schoolers!
Coming Soon…Children’s Novels to Look For in 2018
For the kids who’ve read everything…here’s some new stuff! These books are slated to come out 2018 (although exact release dates may change). I haven’t read these yet, so summaries and age ranges are based on promotional materials from the publishers and advance reviews.
All books below are for middle grade readers (grades 4-6). I’ll be posting new YA announcements next week!
Continuing Series for Middle Grades
Fenway and Hattie Up to New Tricks by Victoria J. Coe (1/2)
Book 3 of Fenway and Hattie. Ages 8-12.
A Sky Full of Stars by Linda Williams Jackson (1/2)
Sequel to Midnight Without a Moon. Ages 8-12.
The Terrible Two Go Wild by Mac Barnett and Jory John (1/9)
Book 3 of The Terrible Two. Ages 8-12.
The Uncanny Express by Kara LaReau (1/9)
Book 2 of The Unintentional Adventures of the Bland Sisters. Ages 8-12.
War of the Realms by Kate O’Hearn (1/9)
Book 3 of Valkyrie. Ages 9-13.
Waking the Monsters by Judd Winick (1/16)
Book 4 of Hilo. Ages 8-12.
Dark Wyng by Chris d’Lacey (1/30)
Book 2 of Erth Dragons. Ages 8-12.
Dragon Overnight by Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle, and Emily Jenkins (1/30)
Book 4 of Upside Down Magic. Ages 8-12.
A Warp in Time by Jude Watson (1/30)
Book 3 of Horizon. Ages 9-12.
Tempests and Slaughter by Tamora Pierce (2/6)
Book 1 in a new Tortall series. Ages 10 & up.
The Oceans Between Stars by Kevin Emerson (2/13)
Book 2 of Chronicle of the Dark Star. Ages 8-12.
Iron Tide Rising by Carrie Ryan and John Parke Davis (2/13)
Final book of The Map to Everywhere. Ages 8-12.
Boggart Fights Back by Susan Cooper (2/27)
A Boggart book. Ages 8-12.
Revenge of the Beetle Queen by M.G. Leonard (2/27)
Sequel to Beetle Boy. Ages 8-12.
A Side of Sabotage by C.M. Surrisi (3/1)
A Quinnie Boyd Mystery. Ages 9-14.
Phoenix Burning by Bryony Pearce (3/10)
Book 2 of Phoenix. Ages 10 & up.
Bat and the Waiting Game by Elana K. Arnold (3/27)
Sequel to A Boy Called Bat. Ages 8-12.
The Crooked Castle by Sarah Jean Horowitz (4/10)
Book 2 of Carmer and Grit. Ages 10-13.
Sunny by Jason Reynolds (4/10)
Book 3 of Track. Ages 10 & up.
Isle of the Lost by Melissa de la Cruz (4/24)
A Descendants novel. Ages 8-12.
Waste of Space by Stuart Gibbs (4/24)
Book 3 of Moon Base Alpha. Ages 8-12.
Lost in the Jungle by Bill Nye and Greg Mone (5/1)
Book 3 of Jack and the Geniuses. Ages 8-12.
The Burning Maze by Rick Riordan (5/1)
Book 3 of the Trials of Apollo. Ages 10 & up.
Worlds Apart by James Riley (5/20)
Book 5 of Story Thieves. Ages 8-12.
Sandapalooza Shake-Up by Chris Grabenstein (5/22)
Book 3 of Welcome to Wonderland. Ages 8-12.
Evil Emperor Penguin: Strikes Back by Laura Ellen Anderson (5/29)
Book 2 of Evil Emperor Penguin. Ages 8-12.
Griffin’s Feather by Cornelia Funke (7/31)
Sequel to Dragon Rider. Ages 8-12.
The Law of Finders Keepers by Sheila Turnage (9/11)
Conclusion to Mo & Dale Mysteries. Ages 10 & up.
Fantasy & Sci Fi for Middle Grades
The Eternity Elixir by Frank L. Cole (1/2)
A young potion master must prevent a dangerous elixir from falling into the wrong hands. Ages 10 & up.
Shadow Weaver by MarcyKate Connolly (1/2)
A girl with shadow magic faces a dilemma when her own shadow takes on a devious life of its own. Ages 8-14.
Flower Moon by Gina Linko (1/2)
An evil force in the moon threatens to push two “mirror twins” apart for good. Ages 8-12.
Love Sugar Magic: A Dash of Trouble by Anna Meriano (1/2)
A girl eager to begin her family tradition of baking magic decides to try a little spell on her own with unintended consequences. Ages 8-12.
The Last Gargoyle by Paul Durham (1/9)
A lonely gargoyle must seek a human ally when the Boneless King seeks to take his ward. Ages 8-12.
Magic, Madness, and Mischief by Kelly McCullough (1/9)
A boy with fire magic must learn to control his powers in order to save his mother from the Winter King. Ages 10-14.
The Unicorn Quest by Kamilla Benko (1/30)
Two sisters discover a magical world in turmoil and embark on a journey to find the lost unicorns. Ages 8-12.
The Problim Children by Natalie Lloyd (1/30)
Seven children in a quirky family find themselves caught in the dastardly schemes of their nosy neighbors. Ages 8-12.
Arlo Finch in the Valley of Fire by John August (2/6)
After joining an unusual scout troop, a boy learns to harness the power of the forest to survive a dangerous adventure. Ages 8-12.
The Song of Seven by Tonke Dragt (2/6)
A mysterious letter pulls a notorious teller of tall-tales into a series of far-fetched adventures. Ages 8-12.
Granted by John David Anderson (2/13)
A young wish-granting fairy finds her first assignment more difficult than she had expected. Ages 8-12.
Sci-Fi Junior High: Crash Landing by Scott Seegert and John Martin (2/20)
The new kid must save his outer space junior high school from a mad scientist. Ages 8-11.
Clem Hetherington and the Ironwood Race by Jen Breach (2/27)
In this graphic novel, a girl and her robot brother escape an orphanage and enter a high-stakes rally race, hoping to win archaeological artifacts to continue their late mother’s legacy. Ages 8-12.
The Serpent’s Secret by Sayantani DasGupta (2/27)
A sixth-grader discovers that she is an Indian princess from another dimension when demons abduct her parents. Ages 8-12.
Wed Wabbit by Lissa Evans (2/27)
After being transported to a fantasy world, four kids must unravel clues to defeat an evil stuffed animal. Ages 8-12.
The Super-Life of Ben Braver by Marcus Emerson (3/6)
A non-powered boy stumbles upon a school for young superheroes and joins up. Ages 8-12.
The Mad Wolf’s Daughter by Diane Magras (3/6)
After her family is captured, the youngest member of a Scottish war band must embark on a dangerous journey to rescue them. Ages 9-12.
Buttheads from Outer Space by Jerry Mahoney (3/6)
Two friends accidentally invite a gross butt-headed alien race to conquer the earth. Ages 8-12.
A Bad Night for Bullies by Gary Ghislain (3/13)
The daughter of a horror novelist gives a boy “the stone of the dead” and his bullies begin being haunted. Ages 8-12.
Bone’s Gift by Angie Smibert (3/20)
In a 1942 coal mining town, a girl with a gift for seeing visions when she touches inanimate objects must accept her gift and come to terms with her mother’s death. Ages 9-12.
Hurricane Child by Kheryn Callender (3/27)
An unlucky girl struggles with the crush she has on her best friend as the two girls venture out in a hurricane to look for her mother and escape the spirit that is following her. Ages 8-12.
Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi (3/27)
Trying to prove that an ancient lamp is cursed, a girl accidentally awakens a demon and must embark on a quest to free her mother and classmates from its curse. Ages 9-12.
Peasprout Chen, Future Legend of Skate and Sword by Henry Lien (4/3)
A young figure skating martial artist must track down a vandal to clear her name in time for a competition. Ages 10-14.
How to Sell Your Family to the Aliens by Paul Noth (4/3)
In an attempt to get rid of his grandma, a boy accidentally sells his whole family to aliens. Ages 8-12.
Maggie and Abby’s Neverending Pillow Fort by Will Taylor (4/3)
Two girls building a pillow fort discover an international network of magically interconnected pillow forts and wind up on the wrong side of “the authorities.” Ages 8-12.
The Unflushables by Ron Bates (4/10)
A boy and a team of plumber superheroes must protect the city from sewer mutants. Ages 8-12.
The Lifters by Dave Eggers (4/24)
Two girls descend into a world of underground tunnels to stop a mysterious evil force from destroying their town. Ages 8-12.
Endling #1: The Last by Katherine Applegate (5/1)
The last survivor in a species of mythical canines seeks a sanctuary as she flees from those who hunt her. Ages 8-12.
Evangeline of the Bayou by Jan Eldredge (5/1)
An aspiring haunt huntress and her grandmother uncover a terrifying secret on a trip to New Orleans. Ages 8-12.
The Rose Legacy by Jessica Day George (5/1)
In a world where horses have been banned, a girl discovers her ability to communicate with them telepathically. Ages 8-12.
The Haunted Serpent by Dora M. Mitchell (6/5)
The son of a TV ghost hunter meets his dead next door neighbor and begins to investigate the strange goings-on in an abandoned factory. Ages 8-11.
Not So Normal Norbert by James Patterson with Joey Green (7/3)
After getting caught mocking the supreme leader of Earth, a boy is banished to a wacky astronaut camp on another planet. Ages 8-12.
Nightbooks by J.A. White (7/24)
A boy survives his imprisonment by telling a witch scary stories. Ages 8-12.
Making Friends by Kristen Gudsnuk (7/31)
After receiving a magic sketchbook, a sixth grader draws herself a best friend, who comes to life with unexpected consequences. Ages 8-12.
Historical Fiction for Middle Grades
Escape from Aleppo by N.H. Senzai (1/2)
At the start of the Arab Spring, a young girl and her family must flee their home in Aleppo. Ages 8-12.
The Journey of Little Charlie by Christopher Paul Curtis (1/30)
Hoping to pay off his late father’s debts, a boy agrees to track down some fugitive slaves before having a change of heart. Ages 9-12.
The Sound of Freedom by Kathy Kacer (3/13)
A family hopes that auditions for a Jewish orchestra in Palestine will help them escape 1930s Poland. Ages 9-12.
When the Crickets Stopped Singing by Marilyn Cram Donahue (3/20)
A girl must defy the trusting adults in her 1930s community when she realizes the new man in town poses a danger to her and her friends. Ages 10-14.
Hardscrabble by Sandra Dallas (9/15)
In 1910, a girl and her family move west to accept the government’s offer of a free homestead farm. Ages 8-11.
Mystery & Adventure for Middle Grades
Samantha Spinner and the Super-Secret Plans by Russell Ginns (2/13)
A girl’s uncle disappears, leaving her an old umbrella and a mysterious clue that draw her into a super secret adventure. Ages 8-12.
The World Below by Wesley King (3/6)
An eighth grade field trip turns into a survival adventure when students wind up unchaperoned in a lake in the bottom of Carlsbad Caverns. Ages 8-12.
The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson (3/27)
After discovering a letter in the attic, a girl tries to unravel the clues to her family’s dark past. Ages 8-12.
The Elephant Thief by Jane Kerr (3/27)
A young pickpocket-turned-zoo employee must ride an elephant from Edinburgh to Manchester despite opposition from the dubious characters in his past. Ages 8-12.
Realistic Fiction for Middle Grades
TBH, This Is So Awkward by Lisa Greenwald
A story of friendships and cyberbullying told entirely in texts. Ages 8-12.
Funny Kid for President by Matt Stanton (1/2)
A troublemaker once accused of pooping in a school closet runs for class president in this illustrated novel. Ages 8-12.
Just Like Jackie by Lindsey Stoddard (1/2)
A girl tries to figure out how she fits into her family as her grandfather and guardian battles Alzheimer’s. Ages 8-12.
All Three Stooges by Erica S. Perl (1/9)
When his grief-stricken best friend shuts him out, a boy tries to rekindle their friendship and the sense of humor they once shared. Ages 8-12.
Ellie, Engineer by Jackson Pearce (1/16)
A young aspiring engineer hopes to build an elaborate gift for her friend’s birthday. Ages 8-12.
The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle by Leslie Connor (1/23)
A boy becomes the victim of bullying when his best friend is found dead on his family’s property. Ages 8-12.
Smart Cookie by Elly Swartz (1/30)
Hoping to repair the hole that her mom’s death left in their family, a girl secretly posts a dating profile for her dad online. Ages 8-12.
Strongheart: Wonder Dog of the Silver Screen by Candace Fleming (2/6)
An illustrated novel based on the true story of a 1920s canine actor. Ages 8-12.
The Heart and Mind of Frances Pauley by April Stevens (2/6)
An aspiring anthropologist who prefers to be an observer struggles to find a place with the other people in her community. Ages 8-12.
Like Vanessa by Tami Charles (3/13)
Inspired by her idol, Vanessa Williams, a middle school girl enters a beauty pageant and discovers her own self-worth. Ages 10 & up.
A Possibility of Whales by Karen Rivers (3/13)
Hoping to find her estranged mother, a girl embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Ages 8-12.
Without Refuge by Jane Mitchel (4/1)
A young teen and his family flee the war in Syria and seek refuge in Turkey. Ages 9-12.
My Life In Smiley: It’s All Good by Anne Kalicky (4/3)
A boy uses a journal full of smiley faces to chronicle his life in middle school abroad. Ages 9-12.
Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes (4/17)
After being killed by police officers who thought he was holding a weapon, a boy’s ghost meets Emmett Till and together they try to process the racism that led to their deaths. Ages 8-12. [Technically fantasy due to the ghosts, but the subject matter and interest is clearly realistic fiction.]
Storm Chasers by Ginger Zee (4/24)
A young aspiring meteorologist gets caught out on a horse ride during a dangerous storm. Ages 9-12.
Secret Sisters of the Salty Sea by Lynne Rae Perkins (5/15)
Two sisters make an unforgettable first trip to the beach in this illustrated novel. Ages 8-12.
Just Under the Clouds by Melissa Sarno (6/5)
A girl searches for hope when her family becomes homeless. Ages 8-12.
The Cardboard Kingdom by Chad Sell (6/5)
A group of kids build a small civilization out of cardboard and use their big imaginations to explore big issues in their real lives. Ages 8-12.
Where the Watermelons Grow by Cindy Baldwin (7/3)
While her father struggles to keep the farm going in the midst of a drought, a girl struggles with her mother’s mental illness. Ages 8-12.
Rising Above Shepherdsville by Ann Schoenbohm (8/28)
After her mother’s suicide, a girl find peace and healing at her aunt’s home in rural Ohio. Ages 8-12.
DEEP, DARK, AND DANGEROUS by Mary Downing Hahn
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Ali is so excited to get away from her overprotective mother for the summer and stay at the old cabin on the lake with her aunt and cousin, Emma. She feels a little bad for going, knowing how frightened her mother is of the lake. But it will be fun to babysit for Emma. And more importantly, maybe Ali can solve the mystery of the torn picture of her mother, aunt, and a mysterious girl that Ali found in the attic. The summer starts going all wrong, though, when a girl named Sissy shows up and starts taunting Emma. Ali tries to keep her cousin away from the “bad influence,” but instead uncovers a tragedy that may still be haunting the old cabin–and her mother’s memories.
Not as creepy some of MDH’s other books, this ghost story is more mysterious than harrowing. It will be good for middle grade readers who are looking for a less scary ghost story or who enjoy character driven mysteries.
New Books to Look for in 2017 (Children’s and YA)
What do we have to look forward to in 2017? Quite a lot of new Middle Grade and YA novels! While not comprehensive, this list should supply you with numerous titles to consider for your 2017 reading list. If you are looking forward to a soon-to-be released book that I’ve neglected, feel free to add it in the comments.
For highlights of upcoming adult novels, check out the Publisher’s Weekly Adult Announcements: http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/new-titles/adult-announcements/article/72250-spring-2017-announcements-all-our-coverage.html.
Please note: The dates listed below may change, especially for titles due to be released later in the year! Also, I haven’t read any of them yet, so the plot blurbs and age ranges below are based on info from publisher’s websites and reviews.
MG CONTINUING SERIES
Robot Revolution by James Patterson (Jan 16, 2017)
Newest book in the House of Robots series. Ages 9-12.
Secret Origins by James Riley (Jan 17, 2017)
Book 3 of Story Thieves. Ages 8-12.
Fenway and Hattie and the Evil Bunny Gang by Victoria J. Coe (Jan 24, 2017)
Sequel to Fenway and Hattie. Ages 8-12.
Long Live the Queen by Gerry Swallow (Jan 24, 2017)
Sequel to Blue in the Face: Magnificent Tales of Misadventure. Ages 8–12.
The Unwanteds Quests #1: Dragon Captives by Lisa McMann
Book 1 in a continuation of The Unwanteds. Ages 8-12.
The Bodies of the Ancients by Lydia Millet (Feb 14, 2017)
Book 3 of The Dissenters series. Ages 10-12.
Tut: My Epic Battle to Save the World by P.J. Hoover (Feb 28, 2017)
Book 2 of Tut: My Immortal Life. Ages 8-12.
Point Guard by Mike Lupica (Mar 7, 2017)
Home Team Book 3. Ages 8-12.
In Over Their Heads by Margaret Peterson Haddix (Apr 11, 2017)
Sequel to Under Their Skin. Ages 8-12.
The Song of Glory and Ghost by N.D. Wilson (Apr 18, 2017)
Outlaws of Time #2. Ages 8-12.
Hello Stars! by Alena & Wynter Pitts (Apr 25, 2017)
Faithgirlz/Lena in the Spotlight. Ages 8-12.
The Fallen Star by Tracey Heche (May 2, 2017)
Book 3 of The Nocturnals. Ages 7-12.
The Emperor of Mars by Patrick Samphire (July 18, 2017)
Sequel to Secrets of the Dragon Tomb. Ages 8-12.
The Ship of the Dead by Rick Riordan (Oct 3, 2017)
Book 3 of Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard. Ages 10 & up.
Frank Einstein and the Bio-Action Gizmo by Jon Scieszka (Oct 17, 2017)
Book 5 in the Frank Einstein series. Ages 8-12.
MG FAMILIAR AUTHORS
One Last Word: Wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance by Nikki Grimes (Jan 3, 2017)
A poetry collection weaving the words of Harlem Renaissance poets with Grimes’ own poems. Ages 10-14.
Jay Versus the Saxophone of Doom by Kara Kootstra (Jan 3, 2017)
A young hockey player finds a new challenge learning the saxophone. Ages 8-12.
The Wardens Daughter by Jerry Spinelli (Jan 3, 2017)
Through her unique experiences growing up in a prison, a girl comes to terms with the sacrifice that took her mother’s life. Ages 9-12.
The Sweetest Sound by Sherri Winston (Jan 3, 2017)
After being abandoned by her mother, a shy girl discovers her own talent and a community in a church choir. Ages 9-12.
The Silver Gate by Kristin Bailey (Jan 10, 2017)
When a father threatens to sell his daughter into servitude because of her disability, two children seek freedom in a fairy realm. Age 8-12.
The Matchstick Castle by Keira Graff (Jan 10, 2017)
Two children discover a wooden castle and eccentric family in the forest of Boring, Illinois. Ages 8-12.
Hideout by Watt Key (Jan 10, 2017)
A boy finds another kid repairing a cabin in the woods and uncovers a web of secrets. Ages 10-13.
Train I Ride by Paul Mosier (Jan 24, 2017)
On a long train trip to her new home, orphan Rydr comes to terms with her own past through her interactions with fellow passengers. Ages 8-12.
Gorilla Dawn by Gill Lewis (Jan 31, 2017)
Two children imprisoned in a rebel camp rescue a baby gorilla and escape into the jungles of the Congo. Ages 9-14.
Short by Holly Goldberg Sloan (Jan 31, 2017)
A girl finds a sense of purpose playing a munchkin in a school production of The Wizard of Oz. Ages 8-12.
The Castle in the Mist by Amy Ephron (Feb 7, 2017)
Two children discover a mysterious castle in the English countryside. Ages 8-12.
Last Day on Mars by Kevin Emerson (Feb 14, 2017)
Two of the last kids left on Mars get ready to flee the planet with the rest of the humans until they make a startling discovery. Ages 8-12.
See You in the Cosmos by Jack Cheng (Feb 28, 2017)
To give aliens a taste of life on Earth, a boy records an epic roadtrip on his iPod and plans to launch it into space . Ages 10-13.
The Many Reflections of Miss Jane Deming by J. Anderson Coats (Feb 28, 2017)
A girl joins the stream of Civil War orphans and widows moving to Washington territory and finds a rough, challenging new life in the West. Ages 8-12.
Well, That Was Awkward by Rachel Vail (Feb 28, 2017)
A version of Cyrano de Bergerac with texting. Ages 10-14.
Effie Starr Zook Has One More Question by Martha Freeman (Mar 7, 2017)
A city girl uncovers secrets spending the summer on a family farm. Ages 8-12.
Baseball Genius by Tim Green and Derek Jeter (Mar 7, 2017)
A boy with a talent for predicting pitches tries to save his favorite Yankee’s career. Ages 8-12.
The Enemy: Detroit, 1954 by Sara Holbrook (Mar 7, 2017)
A teen is forced to confront her prejudices when a German girl moves to her class. Ages 10-14.
Fish Girl by David Wiesner and Donna Jo Napoli (Mar 7, 2017)
A mermaid in an aquarium befriends a human girl and dreams of escaping her tank. Ages 10-12.
A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold (Mar 14, 2017)
A boy with autism befriends a baby skunk and hopes to keep it as a pet. Ages 8-12.
When My Sister Started Kissing by Helen Frost (Mar 14, 2017)
With her mom expecting a new baby and her sister starting to date, a girl fears her family is growing apart. Ages 10-12.
The Metropolitans by Carol Goodman (Mar 14, 2017)
On the day of the attack on Pearl Harbor, four teens uncover magic in an Arthurian manuscript as they try to prevent another attack on American soil. Ages 10-13.
Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly (Mar 14, 2017)
The lives of four very different kids intertwine when a prank goes horribly wrong. Ages 8-12.
Amina’s Voice by Hena Khan (Mar 14, 2017)
A Pakistani-American girl struggles to retain her cultural identity despite pressure to “Americanize” herself. Ages 8-12.
Love, Ish by Karen Rivers (Mar 14, 2017)
A girl’s cancer diagnosis threatens her dream of becoming a Mars colonist. Ages 9-14.
Big & Little Questions (According to Wren Jo Byrd) by Julie Bowe (Mar 21, 2017)
A girl tries to keep her parents’ divorce a secret and risks losing her best friend. Ages 8-12.
Blooming at the Texas Sunrise Motel by Kimberly Willis Holt (Mar 28, 2017)
A girl is sent to live at her grandfather’s old motel and struggles to build a relationship with him. Ages 8-14.
Girl With a Camera by Carolyn Meyer (Apr 4, 2017)
A historical novel about the first female photojournalist in WWII. Ages 8-14.
Jack and the Geniuses by Bill Nye and Gregory Mone (Apr 4, 2017)
Three children travel to Antarctica to find a missing scientist. Ages 8-12.
The Emperor’s Treasure by Kat Zhang (May 2, 2017)
On a family trip to China, two children search for a long-lost treasure. Ages 8-12.
The Shadow Cipher by Laura Ruby (May 16, 2017)
Three teens must solve an ancient architectural puzzle in order to save their homes. Ages 8-12.
Finding Mighty by Sheela Chari (May 30, 2017)
Two neighbors follow clues to find a boy’s missing brother. Ages 8-12.
Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder (May 30, 2017)
On a mysterious island, nine children live together until the inevitable day once a year when the eldest is taken away and a new young child is brought to join them. Ages 8-12.
I Love You, Michael Collins by Lauren Baratz-Logsted (June 20, 2017)
Inspired by a school assignment, a girl begins writing letters to Michael Collins, the astronaut who stayed on the ship during the 1969 lunar landing. Ages 8-12.
Bubbles by Abby Cooper (July 18, 2017)
A girl whose life seems to be falling apart suddenly starts seeing people’s thoughts in word bubbles above their heads. Ages 10-12.
One for Sorrow by Mary Downing Hahn (July 18, 2017)
A girl dies of the influenza epidemic and returns as a ghost to torment her bullies. Ages 10-12.
MG DEBUTS
Midnight Without a Moon by Linda Williams Jackson (Jan 3, 2017)
The lynching of Emmett Till prompts the granddaughter of a sharecropper to join the fight for justice. Ages 9-12.
The Someday Birds By Sally J. Pla (Jan 24, 2017)
A boy with autism goes on a wild road trip with his family so that his father, a wounded veteran, can seek medical treatment. Age 8-12.
The Ethan I Was by Ali Standish (Jan 24, 2017)
After losing his best friend in an accident, a boy finds new friendships in a new town. Ages 8-12.
Crooked Sixpence by Jennifer Bell (Jan 31, 2017)
Two children search for magical treasures in an underground city. Ages 8-12.
The Goldfish Boy by Lisa Thompson (Feb 28, 2017)
When a toddler disappears, a boy with OCD is the last to have seen the child alive, and all of his neighbors are suspects. Ages 8-12.
The Fearless Traveler’s Guide to Wicked Places by Pete Begler (Mar 1, 2017)
A girl embarks on a quest to rescue her mother from witches. Ages 8-12.
Vilonia Beebe Takes Charge by Kristin L. Gray (Mar 7, 2017)
Believing that a pet might help her mom overcome her sadness at the death of her grandmother, a girl tries to become responsible enough to get a dog. Ages 8-12.
Who Let the Gods Out? by Maz Evans (Mar 28, 2017)
A mortal by gets mixed up with the Greek gods when an evil daemon runs amok on Earth. Ages 8-12.
The Gauntlet by Karuna Riazi (Mar 28, 2017)
A girl and her friends must rescue her baby brother from inside a mechanical puzzle board game. Ages 8-12.
Viva, Rose! by Susan Krawitz (Mar 30, 2017)
When a girl’s brother joins Pancho Villa’s revolutionaries, she sets out to convince him to come home, but winds up kidnapped. Ages 8-12.
Prisoner of Ice and Snow by Ruth Lauren (Apr 4, 2017)
A girl intentionally gets sent to an icy prison in order to help her twin sister escape from the inside. Ages 8-12.
The Wingsnatchers by Sarah Jean Horowitz (Apr 25, 2017
An apprentice who creates mechanical illusions and a magical Faerie princess team up to solve a mystery and win a competition. Ages 10-14.
Dingus by Andrew Larsen (May 2, 2017)
A boy faces a boring summer vacation until he makes a terrible mistake. Ages 8-12.
Invisible Emmie by Terri Libenson (May 2, 2017)
When a note passed in class is intercepted, a shy girl’s life collides with the life of a popular girl. Ages 8-12.
The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora by Pablo Cartaya (May 16, 2017)
A boy uses poetry and protest to take on the land developer threatening his family’s restaurant. Ages 10 & up.
Felix Yz by Lisa Bunker (Jun 6, 2017)
After a science experiment gone wrong accidentally fuses him to a fourth dimensional being, a boy blogs about his life in the days leading up to the experimental procedure that will be used to separate them. Ages 10-12.
One Shadow on the Wall by Leah Henderson (Jun 6, 2017)
Although he promised his father he’d keep the family together, a Senegalese orphan is tempted to join a gang of malicious boys to keep them from stealing his spirit. Ages 8-12.
Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls by Beth McMullen (Jul 4, 2017)
A girl enters spy training to find a missing agent: her mother. Ages 8-12.
*****
YA CONTINUING SERIES
Wayfarer by Alexandra Bracken (Jan 3, 2017)
Sequel to Passenger. Ages 14 & up.
Windwitch by Susan Dennard (Jan 10, 2017)
A Witchlands novel. Ages 14 & up.
Beheld by Alex Flinn (Jan 10, 2017)
New fairytales in the Kendra Chronicles. Age 14 & up.
The Dark Days Pact by Alison Goodman (Jan 31, 2017)
A Lady Helen novel. Ages 12-18.
Wires and Nerve by Marissa Meyer (Jan 31, 2017)
A graphic novel in the Lunar Chronicles world. Ages 14 & up.
Rise of Fire by Sophie Jordan (Feb 7, 2017)
Book 2 in Reign of Shadows series. Ages 14 & up.
The Ship Beyond Time by Heidi Heilig (Feb 28, 2017)
Sequel to The Girl From Everywhere. Ages 12-18.
The Boy She Left Behind by Gregg Olsen (Mar 14, 2017)
Book 2 of Vengeance. Ages 14 & up.
The Adjustment by Suzanne Young (Apr 18, 2017)
The Program, Book 3. Ages 12-18.
Black Tempest by Ryan Dalton (Apr 25, 2017)
Book 2 of the Time Shift Trilogy. Ages 12-17.
Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han (May 2, 2017)
Book 3 of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. Ages 14 & up.
Count All Her Bones by April Henry (May 2, 2017)
Sequel to Girl, Stolen. Ages 12-18.
A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas (May 2, 2017)
Book 3 of A Court of Thorns and Roses. Age 14 & up.
The Battlemage by Taran Matharu (May 9, 2017)
Conclusion to The Summoner trilogy. Ages 12-18.
A Million Junes by Emily Henry (May 16, 2017)
Sequel to The Love That Split the World. Ages 12-18.
Seeker by Veronica Rossi (May 16, 2017)
Book 2 of Riders. Ages 12-18.
Refuge for Masterminds by Kathleen Baldwin (May 23, 2017)
Book 3 of A stranje House. Ages 12-18.
The Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare (May 23, 2017)
Book 2 of The Dark Artifices. Ages 14 & up.
Midnight Jewel by Richelle Mead (Jun 27, 2017)
Book 2 of the Glittering Court series. Ages 14 & up.
Now I Rise by Kiersten White (Jun 27, 2017)
Sequel to And I Darken. Ages 14 & up.
YA FAMILIAR AUTHORS
Because of the Sun by Jenny Torres Sanchez (Jan 3, 2017)
A girl travels from Florida to New Mexico to process her mother’s violent death. Ages 14 & up.
Love and First Sight by Josh Sundquist (Jan 3, 2017)
A blind teen falls in love but questions his feelings when an operation restores his sight. Ages 12 & up.
Life in a Fishbowl by Len Vlahos (Jan 3, 2017)
A teen girl’s terminally ill father auctions himself on eBay. Ages 14 & up.
The Radius of Us by Marie Marquardt (Jan 17, 2017)
Two teens who have survived trauma find a connection on their first meeting. Ages 14 & up.
History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera (Jan 17, 2017)
A boy’s life begins to unravel when his ex-boyfriend dies. Ages 14 & up.
The Careful Undressing of Love by Corey Ann Haydn (Jan 31, 2017)
A group of girls believe they are cursed when the boy they love suddenly dies. Ages 14 & up.
That Burning Summer by Lydia Syson (Jan 31, 2017)
A teen girl hides an injured Polish pilot who has crashed in England and does not wish to return to war. Ages 14 & up.
Fire Color One by Jenny Valentine (Jan 31, 2017)
A young arsonist is sent to England to live with the wealthy father she has never met. Age 12-18.
Factory Girl by Josanne La Valley (Feb 1, 2017)
A girl works in appalling conditions in a factory in China to earn money to save her family’s farm. Age 14 & up.
Empress of a Thousand Skies by Rhoda Belleza (Feb 7, 2017)
An exiled empress and the boy falsely accused of killing her must unite to overcome a galactic evil. Ages 14 & up.
At the Edge of the Universe by Shaun David Hutchinson (Feb 7, 2017)
A teen’s best friend disappears and seems to have been erased from everyone else’s memories. Ages 14 & up.
A Tragic Kind of Wonderful by Eric Lindstrom (Feb 7, 2017)
A teen fears her friends will abandon her if they find out she has bipolar disorder. Age 14 & up.
The Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill (Feb 7, 2017)
In Jazz-Age Chicago, a girl embarks on a mission to find her missing best friend. Ages 12-18.
Romeo and What’s Her Name by Shani Petroff (Feb 7, 2017)
An understudy wishes she were playing the lead opposite the boy of her dreams, until she has to actually step into the role and realizes she is totally unprepared. Ages 12-18.
Dreamland Burning by Jennifer Latham (Feb 21, 2017)
A teen girl discovers a skeleton that provides a link back to the Tulsa race riots a century earlier. Age 14 & up.
Sad Perfect by Stephanie Elliot (Feb 28, 2017)
A girl tries to hide her eating disorder from the boy she loves. Ages 14 & up.
10 Things I Can See from Here by Carrie Mac (Feb 28, 2017)
A girl struggling with anxiety falls in love with a girl who isn’t afraid of anything. Ages 14 & up.
The Free by Lauren McLaughlin (Feb 28, 2017)
A teen in juvie comes to terms with his past and who he wants to be in the future. Ages 12-18.
A Good Idea by Cristina Moracho (Feb 28, 2017)
When her best friend is murdered, a teen returns to her hometown to plot revenge. Ages 14 & up.
Waking in Time by Angie Stanton (Mar 1, 2017)
A young woman traveling backward in time meets a young man traveling forward in time and falls in love. Ages 14 & up.
The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco (Mar 7, 2017)
A young witch accidentally raises her brother from the dead and discovers her own dark powers come at a price. Ages 12-18.
The Inexplicable Logic of My Life by Benjamin Alire Saenz (Mar 7, 2017)
As he nears the end of high school, a boy begins to question his place within his adopted family. Ages 14 & up.
Nemesis by Brendan Reichs (Mar 21, 2017)
Brought together by murder and nightmares, two teens must sift through lies and conspiracy, hoping to save their doomed planet. Ages 14 & up.
Worthy by Donna Cooner (Mar 28, 2017)
An app that asks students whether girls are worthy of their boyfriends causes high school relationship chaos. Ages 14 & up.
Just Another Girl by Elizabeth Eulberg (Mar 28, 2017)
Two best friends struggle with their crush on the same guy and the secrets they keep from each other. Ages 14 & up.
Frogkisser! by Garth Nix (Mar 28, 2017)
A princess whose kiss can break curses goes on a quest to reclaim her kingdom from her evil stepparents. Ages 12 & up.
100 Hours by Rachel Vincent (Mar 28, 2017)
A Spring Break beach trip turns into a nightmare when six teens are kidnapped. Ages 14 & up.
The Inconceivable Life of Quinn by Marianne Baer (Apr 4, 2017)
A teen becomes the center of attention when she discovers she is pregnant but has no memory of ever having sex. Ages 14 & up.
Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray (Apr 4, 2017)
A soldier and a machine on opposite sides of an interstellar war find themselves on a joint mission. Ages 14& up.
Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemper (Apr 4, 2017)
A grieving girl leaves letters at her mother’s grave and makes an unlikely connection with the troubled classmate who finds them and responds. Ages 14 & up.
Toward a Secret Sky by Heather Maclean (Apr 4, 2017)
An orphaned girl is targeted by the enemies her parents left behind and embarks on a frantic mission to save the lives of those around her. Ages 14 & up.
Gem & Dixie by Sara Zarr (Apr 4, 2017)
Two sisters struggling to care for each other despite their poverty find surprising challenges and opportunities when their estranged father returns. Ages 12-18.
Duels & Deception by Cindy Anstey (Apr 11, 2017)
A young heiress is kidnapped along with a poor law clerk and, to her dismay, finds herself falling in love with him. Ages 12-18.
Unearthly Things by Michelle Gagnon (Apr 11, 2017)
A modern Jane Eyre, in which an orphan moves in with a wealthy family with dark secrets. Ages 12-18.
Missing by Kelley Armstrong (Apr 18, 2017)
A girl discovers that the scores of teens who supposedly left her hometown over the years may actually have been murdered. Ages 14 & up.
The Whole Thing Together by Ann Brashares (Apr 25, 2017)
Though their parents were once married and they share half siblings, a boy and girl have never met until one summer at a shared beach house when their lives intersect. Ages 12-18.
Dreamfall by Amy Plum (May 2, 2017)
Teens must battle their worst nightmares in virtual reality when an experimental insomnia treatment goes horribly wrong. Ages 14 & up.
Noteworthy by Riley Redgate (May 2, 2017)
A girl masquerades as a boy to join an all-male a capella group. Ages 12-18.
My Future Ex-girlfriend by Jake Gerhard (May 16, 2017)
Three eighth graders struggle with their first relationships, hoping to hang onto their girlfriends so they don’t start high school as losers. Ages 12-18.
The Go-Between by Veronica Chambers (May 9, 2017)
When her actress mom gets a job in LA, a girl goes from being the most envied teen in Mexico City to the kid everyone assumes is the daughter of a “domestic.” Ages 12-18.
The Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord ( May 16, 2017)
A girl finds her faith challenged when her mother’s cancer returns and her life begins to unravel. Ages 14 & up.
I Believe in a Thing Called Love by Maurene Goo (May 30, 2017)
A girl studies Korean romance movies to figure out how to get the attention of the boy she likes. Ages 12-18.
House of Furies by Madeleine Roux (May 30, 2017)
A maid at a Gothic boarding house hopes to save a young man from the harsh punishments inflicted by her employer on his house guests. Ages 14 & up.
Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley (Jun 6, 2017)
After her brother dies, a girl returns to her hometown and exchanges letters with the boy she once loved by hiding them in the pages of books. Ages 14 & up.
Internet Famous by Danika Stone (Jun 6, 2017)
When a teen blogger begins flirting with a fan online, a troll starts harassing her. Ages 12-18.
Midnight at the Electric by Jodi Lynn Anderson (Jun 13, 2017)
A girl about to embark on a journey to Mars discovers a journal from the past and the stories of two other girls facing life-changing moments. Ages 12-18.
Roar by Cora Carmack (Jun 13, 2017)
A Stormling princess, born without her family’s signature magic power, tries to steal power for herself in order to avoid an arranged marriage. Ages 14 & up.
Bad Romance by Heather Demetrios (Jun 13, 2017)
When her relationship turns abusive, a teen struggles to escape it. Ages 14 & up.
Be True To Me by Adele Griffin (Jun 13, 2017)
Two teen tennis rivals compete for the love of the boy of their dreams. Ages 14 & up.
All the Ways the World Can End by Abby Sher (July 11, 2017)
With her dad dying and her best friend moving away, a girl feels like the world is ending. Ages 12-18.
The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell (Jul 18, 2017)
A young thief is sent back in time to steal a book and save a mysterious and perhaps sinister magical order. Ages 12-18.
Lucky in Love by Kasie West (Jul 25, 2017)
A teen wins the lottery and everyone starts treating her differently–except the boy she has a crush on, who hasn’t heard the news yet. Ages 12-18.
Spellbook of the Lost and Found by Moira Fowley-Doyle (Aug 8, 2017)
Two teens begin to lose important things, until they find a mysterious spellbook that lets them bring things back from the past–even things that should have stayed lost. Ages 14 & up.
YA DEBUTS
The Book Jumper by Mechthild Glaser (Jan 3, 2017)
A girl discovers the power to jump into books and must stop a mysterious thief from altering her life. Ages 12-18.
The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett by Chelsea Sedoti (Jan 3, 2017)
Following a wild theory, a teen tries to track down a girl who disappeared. Ages 14 & up.
Frostblood by Ella Blake (Jan 10, 2017)
A teenage Fireblood conceals her powers from the Frostblood rulers until she must use them to save her world and avenge her mother’s death. Ages 14 & up.
You Don’t Know My Name by Kristen Orlando (Jan 10, 2017)
A teenage spy’s career is jeopardized when she falls in love. Ages 12-18.
A List of Cages by Robin Roe (Jan 10, 2017)
As assistant to the school psychologist, a teen boy must help his former foster-brother open up about his troubling secrets. Ages 14 & up.
Poison’s Kiss by Breeana Shields (Jan 10, 2017)
A teen whose kiss can kill works as an assassin until she gets an assignment she can’t complete: to kill the boy she loves. Ages 14 & up.
After the Fall by Kate Hart (Jan 24, 2017)
A girl struggles to balance her relationships with her best friend and his brother–her secret boyfriend–when tragedy strikes. Age 14 & up.
Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson (Jan 24, 2017)
Convicted of murdering an infant when she was nine years old, a pregnant teen must fight for the right to keep her baby. Ages 14 & up.
Caraval by Stephanie Garber (Jan 31, 2017)
Two sister run away to escape arranged marriage and get swept up in a magical and deadly game. Ages 14 & up.
The Edge of Everything by Jeff Giles (Jan 31, 2017)
A teen girl and a bounty hunter from Hell get wrapped up in a romantic adventure. Ages 14 & up.
Wait for Me by Caroline Leech (Jan 31, 2017)
A Scottish Red Cross volunteer falls in love with a German POW during WWII. Age 14 & up.
The Cruelty by Scott Bergstrom (Feb 7, 2017)
To save her father from the vicious men holding him prisoner, a teen girl must become as cruel as the assassins and spies she faces. Ages 14 & up.
Traveler by L.E. DeLano (Feb 7, 2017)
When a boy she thought existed only in her imagination shows up in real life, a teen learns that she has the ability to travel to alternate realities and that in every one of them, she is dying. Ages 14 & up.
#famous by Jilly Gagnon (Feb 14, 2017)
A photo goes viral and sweeps a girl and her crush into a whirlwind or fame that may or may not be worth it. Ages 12-18.
American Street by Ibi Zoboi (Feb 14, 2017)
A girl struggles to adjust when her family moves from Haiti to Detroit. Ages 12-18.
Beast Is an Animal by Peternelle Van Arsdale (Feb 28, 2017)
Although she was raised to fear the soul eaters of the forest, a girl feels a connection to the creatures that killed the adults of her village and goes in search of them. Ages 14 & up.
Confessions of a High School Disaster: Chloe Snow’s Diary by Emma Chastain (Mar 7, 2017)
While her mom is in Mexico working on a novel, a girl chronicles her life in high school. Ages 12-18.
A Psalm for Lost Girls by Katie Bayerl (Mar 14, 2017)
When an abducted girl returns, the sister of a dead girl begins an investigation into her sister’s death and uncovers secrets about the abduction. Ages 14 & up.
Just Fly Away by Andrew McCarthy (Mar 28, 2017)
The discovery that her father has a child from an affair prompts a teen to go on a rebellious journey of self-discovery. Ages 14 & up.
Zenn Diagram by Wendy Brandt (Apr 4, 2017)
A math wiz who sees visions of people’s emotions falls in love with a troubled new kid. Ages 14 & up.
The Exo Project by Andrew DeYoung (Apr 4, 2017)
Desperate money, a boy volunteers for a 100 year mission to search for a new habitable planet after Earth is tainted by solar radiation. Ages 12-18.
Keeping the Beat by Marie Powell and Jeff Norton (Apr 4, 2017)
A teen girl band wins a talent contest and embarks on an adventure that ends in tragedy. Ages 14 & up.
Spindle Fire by Lexa Hillyer (Apr 11, 2017)
Two sisters with different faerie gifts find their lives torn apart when they are plunged into an enchanted dream world. Ages 12-18.
The Takedown by Corrie Wang (Apr 11, 2017)
A faked video of a girl having sex with her English teacher goes viral and threatens to destroy her life. Ages 14 & up.
Sucktown, Alaska by Craig Dirkes (May 1, 2017)
After getting kicked out of college his first semester, a young man struggles to find his way in the most boring town in the world. Ages 16 & up.
Textrovert by Lindsey Summers (May 2, 2017)
When a boy and girl who dislike each other accidentally swap phones, they get to know and like each other better through text messages. Ages 14 & up.
Just a Normal Tuesday by Kim Turrisi (May 2, 2017)
A girl struggles to deal with the aftermath of her older sister’s suicide. Ages 14 & up.
The Traitor’s Kiss by Erin Beatty (May 9, 2017)
A matchmaker’s apprentice is recruited as a spy and enters the world of military espionage. Ages 12-18.
City of Angels by Kristi Belcamino (May 9, 2017)
A homeless teen investigates the disappearance of another homeless girl she met on the streets of LA. Ages 14 & up.
It Started with Goodbye by Christina June (May 9, 2017)
After being falsely accused of a crime, a teen under house arrest tries to start a graphic design business. Ages 12-18.
It’s Not Like It’s a Secret by Misa Sugiura (May 9, 2017)
Two girls from different cultural backgrounds fall in love. Ages 14 & up.
Antisocial by Jillian Blake (May 16, 2017)
Private lives become public when students at a wealthy prep school are hacked and their secrets exposed. Age 14 & up.
One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus (May 30, 2017)
A teen who created a school gossip app is murdered in detention, and all four of the other students in the room with him had a motive. Ages 12-18.
When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon (May 30, 2017)
Two teens whose parents have arranged their marriage meet at summer camp. Ages 12-18.
Song of the Current by Sarah Tolcser (Jun 6, 2017)
In exchange for her father’s release from prison, a girl sail a mysterious cargo over the realm of the river god. Ages 12-18.
GHOST KNIGHT by Cornelia Funke
Jon is being sent to boarding school, and it’s all because of The Beard. John had hated his mother’s new boyfriend since the moment he moved into the house. He had done everything he could think of to get rid of The Beard–pranks, open cruelty, trying to turn his little sisters against him– but it is all to no avail. The end result is that Jon get sent to boarding school while The Beard stays in his home. Jon is determined to hate his time in Salisbury. But he never imagined that Salisbury could be a dangerous place for him. His first night in the boarding school, however, convinces him otherwise. He peers out the window and sees four blood stained ghosts on horseback, the marks of a hangman’s rope about their necks. The next day at dusk the horsemen chased him across the school grounds. They call him Hartgill, his mother’s maiden name, and vow that just as they have slain his ancestors, they will not rest until Jon is dead. The only person who believes Jon’s wild tales of murderous ghosts is Ella, whose grandmother leads Salisbury’s ghost tours. Not only does Ella believe him, she knows who can help: William Longespee a 12th century Crusader whose ghost still lives in the cathedral. But John soon learns that William has a tragic and bloody history of his own.
This book wasn’t quite what I was expecting. Its macabre spectres fall easily into the horror genre, yet there is humor in this book, and Jon’s evolving relationship with his future stepfather is central to the fantasy plot–far more than a framing device. Perhaps the most fascinating element of this story is the medieval history that Funke weaves so seamlessly into Jon and Ella’s lives. At times it seems like there are three plots running concurrently through this book. The plot that I had initially thought to be the primary one is wrapped up about two thirds of the way through the book, while the other two continue. It is an unusual way to create a story arc, but I did not dislike it. I found myself so invested in William Longespee’s story that I was eager to keep reading even after the murderous ghosts were vanquished. This book will have crossover appeal for middle grade fans of either horror or fantasy. I highly recommend the audiobook.
If you liked The Ghost Knight, you might like Coraline by Neil Gaiman.
THE DOLL IN THE GARDEN by Mary Downing Hahn
After her father’s death, Ashley and her mother move into the second floor apartment of an old house, and Ashley immediately makes an enemy of their elderly landlady, Miss Cooper. For one thing, Ashley has a cat, and Miss Cooper hates cats. For another thing, Ashley insists on exploring the old overgrown garden, which is against Miss Cooper’s rules. But when she discovers an old porcelain doll buried in the weedy garden, Ashley begins to suspect that Miss Cooper is hiding something. And when a mysterious white cat leads her through a hedge and back in time to 1912 to meet the doll’s true owner, she learn secrets about Miss Cooper’s past and her life-long search for forgiveness.
Unlike some of Mary Downing Hahn’s other books, this ghost story really isn’t scary at all (maybe a little creepy). It focuses instead on how people find closure when they lose someone they love. It is a sweet and simple story, though not as engaging as some of MDH’s other books. I would recommend it to readers in grades 3-4 who like realistic fiction or books with a hint of thought-provoking fantasy (like Tuck Everlasting, Eleven Birthdays, and Savvy).
THE SCARY STATES OF AMERICA by Michael Teitelbaum
Michael Teitelbaum has gathered urban legends from each of the 50 states and put them together in this creepy and intriguing book. In addition to some standard urban legend classics, Teitelbaum brings in some local legends that I had never heard before. Some of the stories are scary. Others are just weird–and a few are kind of lame. But most of these legends will appeal to kids and teens who love ghost stories and “strange but true” tales.
CORALINE by Neil Gaiman
Coraline’s world is decidedly uninteresting. She has explored all there is to explore in her new flat and the surrounding grounds, and her parents never seem to have enough time to play with her. It is her boredom and a desire to explore something new that leads her to unlock the door in the corner of the drawing room, even though she knows it only leads to the brick wall dividing her flat from the empty flat next door. But this time, the brick wall is gone. Now there is a long, dark corridor that leads instead to another world–a distorted mirror of her own. The pictures on the walls are similar; the furniture is similar. Even her Other Mother and Other Father are similar—except for their black button eyes, sewn onto their pale, papery faces. Although this world is undeniably more interesting than her own, Coraline cannot help but feel she is in danger and hurries back through the corridor, determined never to return. But when the Other Mother kidnaps Coraline’s real parents, she must face her fears and travel back into the Other Mother’s world to rescue them.
Coraline is a short book with a fairly simple and linear plot, though the reading level is challenging. The world Gaiman creates for Coraline’s Other Mother is creepy, mysterious, and brilliantly crafted. I highly recommend this book to middle grade and teen readers who like fantasy and horror stories. Particularly since the reading level may be higher than the interest level, I also recommend the audio book which is performed by the author. The only thing that can make Coraline creepier is hearing it read in Neil Gaiman’s voice!
Susan the Librarian 