The best novel I have read since Higuera's last book, The Last Cuentista! 13-year-old Leandro and his younger sister Gabi are trying to survive in a future, devastated earth. Science fiction, Mexican folklore and the importance of storytelling combine beautifully in this highly original and thought-provoking novel of family and resilience.
"Shane" meets "The Sixth Sense," with a touch of "Citizen Kane." I loved this original, ghostly western!
One of the finest and most devastating novels set during WWII ever written for children. So glad to see it reissued!
Like a modern-day George MacDonald novel with a twist, this inventive collaboration between Anderson and Yelchin is full of action, humor, and of course, elves and goblins. Lots to think about here, as two historians with different points of view try to sort out their warring kingdoms' past, present and future.
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A lovely and satisfying historical novel set just prior to World War II, where 11-year-old Augusta Neubronner finds her place amidst her grandmother's orphanage in Maine. This story conveys a strong sense of family, community, and hope.
An absolutely delightful cross-country roadtrip adventure with one of the most endearing and lovable characters to come along in a while!
Shipwrecked on a remote island, Roz the Robot quickly learns to survive by becoming a unique member of the wildlife community, finding balance between technology and the wildness of nature. She soon finds herself caring for an orphaned gosling and learns the value of friends, family, and community. An excellent adventure story told in short chapters, chock-full of Brown's illustrations.
One last item to put on 'The List of Things That Will Not Change' is: Rebecca Stead books are always amazing. Including this one!
A brilliant re-imagining of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," told through the eyes of Elizabeth Lavenza, a young girl adopted by the Frankensteins to be a companion to Victor growing up. Right from the start Elizabeth has her own agenda in this fast-paced, TENSE novel that once finished, had me returning to the original for a reread.
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Brave and determined Rosalie, five years old, learns the heart-wrenching consequences of war in this story set during World War I. Beautifully written and with expressive and atmospheric full-color illustrations, Captain Rosalie is a powerful and emotional book about family, loss, and determination that lingers long after the last page is turned.
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The Smoke Thieves concerns itself with demon smoke, which is the last breath out of a demon's mouth as it dies. Collected by demon hunters Tash and Gravell in glass jars, the red, orange and purple 'smoke' is traded illegally -- but does the demon smoke have qualities as yet unknown to the hunters and the denizens of Brigant? Green's vivid writing full of action and intrigue make for a great start to a new trilogy.
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Loved this book! In a way that I can’t explain it reminded me of “Holes” by Louis Sachar, which is not to take away from Eggers’ originality!
Book one in a new early-chapter-book series with lots of heart. Hugo the Sasquatch accidentally reveals himself to human Boone, and the two soon embark on a buddy adventure and learn about each other's very different worlds. Accompanied by charming illustrations by Felicita Sala. Can't wait for book two!
A frightening and satisfying ghost story set in 1918/1919 as WWI comes to a close and the Spanish Influenza epedemic causes thousands of deaths in the U.S. Annie Browne, a new student at the Pearce Academy for Girls, meets obnoxious, petulant Elsie Schneider on her first day of school. Elsie herself soon becomes a victim of the flu, and continues to plague sweet Annie from the grave, vowing to be her best friend forever. With help from a hospital caregiver, Annie finds a way to help Elsie rest in peace.
A kid's-eye-view of the depression set in Key West, Florida where likeable Beans Curry collects cans, plays marbles, and soon gets involved in a scheme with a rum runner in this prequel to Turtle in Paradise. Great characters, humor, and plenty of heart!
Eleven-year-old Annabelle watches the power of a lie unfold before her with unintended consequences in this beautifully written novel set in rural Pennsylvania in 1943. Themes of injustice, bullying, and resilience will resonate strongly with readers ten and up.
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This novel has been referred to as "Mean Girls" meets "The Crucible" and is set in modern-day Salem. Will history repeat itself in this tense and exciting ghost story? Written by an actual descendent of Cotton Mather!
Ten-year-old Lizzie and her younger brother are evacuated from London to the Yorkshire countryside during World War II. Lizzie discovers a baby apparently abandoned in a field and is immediately conflicted when the family she is staying with chooses to keep the baby. A thought-provoking story based on true events, which also explores themes of intolerance and compassion.
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The animals in the forest want the gold leaf "more than anything in the world" and soon the leaf has been torn apart. Lush artwork and an understated text make this picture book a favorite of 2017!
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A wasp queen soothes worrywart Steve in his dreams, offering to "fix" his baby brother's congenital condition by replacing him with a changeling growing in its nest under the eaves in this intense and original horror story by the author of Airborn and Silverwing and eerily illustrated by Caldecott winner Jon Klassen.