Summer Reading Extravaganza 2006

Summer-themed titles, beach reads, and other books for vacation reading from CBC member publishers.

•  Picture Books and Younger Readers
•  Middle Readers
•  Young Adult
•  Graphic Novels
•  Download the entire list as a PDF (190KB)

Middle Readers

101 Things Everyone Should Know About Science Written by Dia L. Michels and Nathan Levy Ages 8-10 ISBN: 1-930775-36-9 Price: $9.95 Science, Naturally!/Platypus Media Science affects everything—yet so many of us wish we understood it better. Using an accessible question-and-answer format, 101 Things Everyone Should Know About Science, expands a reader's knowledge—whether they are 8 or 108. Key concepts in biology, chemistry, physics, earth science and general science are explored and demystified by an award-winning science writer and a seasoned educational trainer in consultation with a team of scientists. Endorsed by science organizations and educators, this easy-to-tackle book is a powerful tool to assess and increase science literacy.

5,000 Miles to Freedom Written by Judith and Dennis Fradin Ages 10-14 ISBN: 0792278852 Price: $19.95/27.50 Canadian National Geographic Society/National Geographic Society What would it take for slaves to escape from slavery in the Deep South, 1,000 miles from freedom and then on to England during the period of the Fugitive Slave Act? For most slaves the thought of escape was unimaginable. But fear did not stop Ellen and William Craft from chasing freedom. An inspiring and riveting story of two amazing people stopping at nothing to fight for freedom and racial equality, this thrilling true tale chronicles Ellen and William Craft's lives from their flight from slavery in Georgia to their rise to world-wide fame as heroes of the Abolitionist movement. Illustrated with period artwork, newspaper clippings, and archival photographs, 5,000 Miles to Freedom captures the unforgiving realities of slave life, the political hatred between North and South, and, above all, the extraordinary achievements of this remarkable couple.

Blackbeard Written by J. Patrick Lewis Illustrated by Many Ages 7-10 ISBN: 0792255852 Price: $16.95/$23.95 Canadian National Geographic Society/National Geographic Society This dramatically illustrated book combines history, adventure, and poetry. While Lewis celebrates Blackbeard's mystique, his historical note recovers the actual facts of Edward Teach's life.

The BossQueen, Little BigBark, and the Sentinel Pup Written by Sarah Clark Jordan Ages 7 to 11 ISBN: 1-58246-170-8 Price: $5.95 Tricycle Press Chris is the BossQueen. She i First Dog. She tells Layla when to bark her big bark. Layla is Second Dog and always will be. Mina is Last and the sentinel. Together, they are the Girls and they are good at their Job. When the Dogs of the Neighborhood warn that the Girls have moved into a house with a cat, the question of "What kind of cat makes Dogs afraid?" is asked and answered by the only Dog willing to find out—a Sentinel Pup readers will cheer as she comes into her own. "Anyone who's ever loved a dog will cheer for The BossQueen, Little BigBark, and the Sentinel Pup." —Megan McDonald, author of the Judy Moody Books

Buttermilk Hill Written by Ruth White Ages 10 and up ISBN: 0-374-41003-8 Price: $6.95 Farrar Straus and Giroux / Sunburst Paperbacks Newbery Honor Book-winning author Ruth White is known for capturing a slice of life in the American South in a particular era. In Buttermilk Hill, she introduces Piper Laurie, who is defining herself and her role in a family of divorce in 1970s North Carolina. For Piper, strength and hopefulness are found in writing poetry. Confronted by her parents' divorce, she is uncertain of the future and is torn between a mother and father who are grappling with finding their own identities as they confront their new status as single adults. Role reversal often comes into play, leaving Piper to juggle roles she may not be ready to handle. Her poetry gives her peace—and a voice to speak out and be heard, providing a forum for her self-discovery.

Casey at the Bat Written by Ernest L. Thayer Illustrated by Joe Morse Ages 10 and up ISBN: 1-55337-827-X Price: $16.95 Kids Can Press (March 2006) Casey at the Bat is the fourth book in Visions in Poetry, an exciting and unique series of classic poems illustrated by outstanding contemporary artists in stunning hardcover editions. "Casey at the Bat" is more than a poem about a proud and mighty slugger who strikes out during the big game. It is a slice of baseball lore, as much a part of the game as hot dogs and the seventh-inning stretch. Illustrator Joe Morse sets the poem on gritty urban streets with a mixed-race cast of characters. It's a startlingly fresh approach that not only revives the poem for a new generation, but also brings it new richness and depth. Ernest L. Thayer wrote "Casey at the Bat: A Ballad of the Republic, sung in the year 1888" for the San Francisco Examiner using the pen name "Phin." A high school bully was Thayer's inspiration for Casey. Joe Morse is Director of Graduate Studies at Sheridan College of Art, where he also teaches illustration. Joe has done commercial and editorial work for Nike, Rolling Stone, GQ, The New Yorker and Entertainment Weekly.

Circle of Doom Written by Tim Kennemore Ages 8-12 ISBN: 0-374-41198-0 Price: $6.95 Farrar, Straus and Giroux / Sunburst Paperbacks With a dose of humor and hijinks, Tim Kennemore conjures up a fun-filled fantasy. The power of wishful thinking and the uncertainty of randomly occurring events leads the three Sharp children to believe they have stumbled upon a magic potion sure to remedy any trouble (or troublemakers) in their lives. Through a series of uproarious occurrences, they learn that willpower, determination, chance, and fate also play a part in the outcome of life situations-large and small. The misunderstanding begins with Mrs. Potsward, who, with her husband, are the Sharps' only neighbors. Lizzie Sharp, the eldest child, declares she's had enough of the Potsward's pessimism, and spontaneously decides to cast a spell on them. Her plan seems to work, and Lizzie and her brothers begin to believe that she has the ability to make things happen through spells and potions, but they eventually come to realize that circumstance is a greater factor, and Lizzie's supposed powers are not what they seem to be.

Counting Coup Written by Joseph Medicine Crow with Herman Viola Illustrated by photos Ages 10-14 ISBN: 0792253914 Hardcover Price: $15.95/21.95 Canadian National Geographic Society/National Geographic Society Continuing in the tradition of our highly acclaimed memoir Facing the Lion, National Geographic presents Counting Coup, the amazing story of Joseph Medicine Crow, the last traditional war chief of the Crow Nation. Now 90 years old, Joseph Medicine Crow gives young readers a firsthand account of what it took to earn coup (war deeds) and become a Crow Chief. This book is co-authored by Herman Viola, curator emeritus at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, specialist in the American Indian and the exploration of the American West, and co-author of Facing the Lion.

Dillon Dillon Written by Kate Banks Ages 8-12 ISBN: 0-374-41715-6 Price: $5.95 Farrar, Straus and Giroux / Sunburst Paperbacks "Extraordinary." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review A poignant story of a young boy's solitary journey of self-discovery. The summer of Dillon's tenth year begins like so many before it, but this summer comes with new truths and new uncertainties too. Dillon contemplates the question that has plagued him for so long: why did his parents give him the name Dillon Dillon? Dillon feels lost, suspended in space, and when his parents give him a red rowboat with his name "Dillon Dillon" painted on the stern, he finds the courage to voice his questions. The truth sets Dillon on a journey, not only to reconcile the mystery of his double name, but his place in the world.

Everything on a Waffle Written by Polly Horvath Ages 10 and up ISBN: 0-374-42208-7 Price: $5.95 Farrar, Straus and Giroux / Sunburst Paperbacks In this Newbery Honor Book from National Book Award winner Polly Horvath, eleven-year-old Primrose Squarp is certain her parents-who are missing at sea-are still alive, though everyone around her is convinced otherwise. She moves in with her Uncle Jack, and her only refuge is a restaurant called The Girl on the Red Swing, where the owner serves everything on waffles. Here, she finds comfort as she awaits her parents' homecoming, refusing to give up hope. Featuring a recipe at the end of every chapter, this funny, bittersweet novel will appeal to young readers who will cheer Primrose on as she awaits the return of her beloved parents.

Facing the Lion Growing Up Maasai on the African Savanna Written by Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton Ages: Grades 6 and up ISBN: 0-792272978 Price: $6.95 National Geographic Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton gives American kids a firsthand look at growing up in Kenya as a member of a tribe of nomads whose livelihood centers around raising cattle. Lekuton's riveting text combines exotic details of nomadic life with the universal experiences and emotions of a growing boy. Here's a fascinating introduction to a vibrant culture few outsiders ever see. Please note this book describes the author's ritual circumcision, the coming-of-age ceremony of this culture.

Falling into Place Written by Stephanie Greene Ages 9-12 ISBN: 0-618-68928-1 Price: $5.95 Clarion Books Margaret likes her family the way it is. Just her and Dad, with her grandparents, Gran and Tad, always available. But then her father remarries, and all the familiar things in Margaret's life start to collapse, like a row of dominoes. Suddenly, she's got three little sisters to deal with—plink. Then Tad gets sick, and he and Gran have to sell the old house Margaret loves—plinkplink. Then her new stepmother announces she's going to have a baby—plinkplinkplink. At first, Margaret thinks she's the only one who's unhappy. But then she realizes that Gran is also struggling to adjust to her new life. Together, they discover that while change takes courage, it often brings unexpected joy, too. "At once warm and thoughtful, this tale investigates the complexities of loss, blended families, and friendship. Poignant and true." —Kirkus Reviews

The Gift-Giver Written by Joyce Hansen Ages 9-14 ISBN: 0-618-61123-1 Price: $6.95 Clarion Books Sometimes Doris feels like a prisoner in her own home. Her parents' worries about danger on the city streets keep her from hanging out at the playground, and all her friends on 163rd Street tease her about it. All except Amir, the new boy on the block. He looks different, acts different, and doesn't care what anyone else thinks. Yet everybody likes him. It seems as if he has a gift for making friends. When Doris's father loses his job, she has even less time to spend outside with her friends. But between Amir's friendship and her determination to keep her family together, Doris finds she has her own gifts to give. Read more about Doris and Amir in Yellow Bird and Me and One True Friend.

A Girl Called Boy Written by Belinda Hurmence Ages 8-12 ISBN: 0-618-68925-7 Price: $5.95 Clarion Books Blanche Overtha Yancey goes by the name of Boy. She hates her real name—a tribute to her great-grandmothers, who were slaves. Boy has nothing but disdain for her ancestors. She can't believe the way they let themselves be pushed around. No one could make her a slave. But that's before she somehow slips back in time to the year 1853 and takes the place of Overtha, a runaway. Now Boy is on the run from the ruthless slave catcher and his bloodhounds and hoping to find a way back to her own life. But first she'll have to survive life as a slave, in all its terror, deprivation, and brutality. "The story's entertainment value is high and so are its discussion possibilities. There is a lot of story here for the money."—ALA Booklist

The Goose Girl Written by Shannon Hale Ages 10 and up ISBN: 1-58234-990-8 Price: $8.95 Bloomsbury Children's Books The New York Times Book Review called The Goose Girl "Enchanting." School Library Journal gave it a starred review, saying it was "Wonderfully rich . . . full of eloquent description and lovely imagery." Discover Shannon Hale's lyrical storytelling for yourself with this deluxe paperback edition, featuring a reading group guide and author interview.

If My Mom Were A Platypus Written by Dia L. Michels Illustrated by Andrew Barthelmes Ages 8-12 ISBN: 1-930775-19-9 Price: $9.95 Platypus Media Middle grade students learn how 14 mammals are born, eat, sleep, learn and mature. The fascinating facts depict how mammal infants begin life dependent on their mothers and grow to be self-sufficient adults. The book is organized by describing 13 different animals, with sections on each covering the topics: birth, growth, knowledge and eating. All stories are told from the baby mammal's point of view. The 14th and last of the species presented is a human infant, with amazing similarities to the stories of the other 13. With stunning full-color and black-and-white illustrations and concise information, this book helps children develop a keen sense of what makes mammals special.

Injeanuity Written by Ellen Warwick Illustrated by Bernice Lum Ages 10 and up ISBN: 1-55337-681-1 Price: $12.95 Kids Can Press (March 2006) Dull denims + your inJEANuity = some pretty cool stuff! The first title in the exciting new Planet Girl series features 17 injeanious projects that transform old jeans into stylish and functional new clothes and stuff. Not only are these projects bank-account friendly—they're environmentally friendly, too! How injeanious is that? Tired jeans are revived with funky cuffs or a waistband. Dreary denim is reborn as skirts, halter tops, slippers, purses, carry-all bags, wallets or bolsters. Illustrated step-by-step instructions for these and many other projects show girls how to make their jeans look better the second time around. Ellen Warwick has been crafting since she could hold a pair of scissors. Ellen is the author of Stuff for Your Space. She lives in Toronto. Bernice Lum lives in Toronto with her dog in a little house full of spare jeans and books—22 of which she has illustrated, including Stuff for Your Space.

The Jumbo Book of Gardening Written by Karyn Morris Illustrated by Jane Kurisu Ages 8 and up ISBN: 1-55074-690-1 Price: $14.95 Kids Can Press (March 2000) Create a wildlife garden full of birds, bees and butterflies. Grow your own tasty fruits and vegetables. Fill a flowerbed with native plants. This book covers everything kids need to know about how to be a good gardener—in their backyard, on their balcony, or in their schoolyard. Find out how to: • garden naturally • grow your own tomatoes • build a composter • build a sunflower fort • attract butterflies • design a fairy garden • construct a toad garden • make a scarecrow • plan a peace garden • create a wildflower meadow

Mallory vs. Max Written by Laurie Friedman Illustrated by Tamara Schmitz Ages 7-10 ISBN: 1-57505-863-4 Price: $5.95 Carolrhoda Books/Lerner Publishing Group Spunky, 8-year old Mallory McDonald is very unhappy when her parents decide to get her older brother, Max, a dog. Why would her parents agree to such a thing? When they finally get the puppy, it's worse than Mallory imagined. Everyone loves Champ and he and Max are getting all of the attention. What will Mallory do?

Mosquito Bite Written by Alexandra Siy Illustrated by Dennis Kunkel Ages 7-10 ISBN: 1-57091-592-X Price: $6.95 Charlesbridge On a hot summer night, a girl cries out, Ready-or-not-here-I-come! And the game is on. A boy hides behind an old tire that used to be a swing and waits silently, hoping not to be caught. He is also sought by another predator: Culex, the common house mosquito. She is in search of blood to nourish the hundreds of eggs in her body. Culex's story unfolds amid black-and-white photos of children playing a game of hide-and-seek. Incredible close-up photographs taken with an electron microscope highlight the details of a mosquito's life as it grows from egg to larva to adult. These photomicrographs are so detailed you can see the tiny scales that feather the wings of the intrepid Culex.

No More Nice, No More Nasty Written by Amy MacDonald Illustrated by Cat Bowman Smith Ages 8-12 ISBN: 0-374-45511-2 Price: $7.95 Farrar, Straus and Giroux / Sunburst Paperbacks Two books in one in a clever format for a great low price! This two-in-one flip book contains two complete novels. In No More Nice, eleven-year-old Simon meets his eccentric Great Aunt Matilda and Uncle Philbert, who have very different ideas about what good manners are. In the sequel, No More Nasty, Aunt Mattie returns as a substitute teacher for Simon's rambunctious class, using her unique way of looking at things to make learning fun.

The Octave of Angels Written by Margaret McAllister Ages 9 and up ISBN: 0802852408 Price: $8.00 Eerdmans Books for Young Readers From the author of The Mistmantle Chronicles comes this gripping story of mystery and discovery, of acceptance and redemption, set in a land of misty moors and ancient abbeys. When Calum and his family move into his great-aunt's house in Beckerton, England, he is eager to join in with village life. He especially looks forward to the local festival, the Octave of Angels. But not all the villagers welcome strangers, and Calum soon discovers that the village's dark secret involves his own family. Afraid that the people in Beckerton may never really accept him, Calum tries to solve the mystery. But what is the connection between the Octave of Angels and the death of a young gypsy girl on the moors a hundred years ago? If Calum does find out the truth, will anyone believe him?

One True Friend Written by Joyce Hansen Ages 9-14 ISBN: 0-618-60991-1 Price: $6.95 Clarion Books Sometimes Amir feels as if Doris is his only friend. They met when Amir was living in a foster home on 163rd Street, before the search for his real family took him away from the Bronx and all the way to Syracuse. Amir now lives with a foster family there along with his younger brother Ronald, but he's determined to find his four other siblings and reunite them all. Doris's letters give him the encouragement and support to continue his search—until one letter brings up painful memories of his past. Questions about what a family really is and what's best for Ronald make Amir feel more alone than ever. But even during the toughest times, one true friend can make all the difference. Read more about Doris and Amir in The Gift-Giver and Yellow Bird and Me. "A warm and gentle treatment of a kid's struggle to find a family." —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Roaring 20 Written by Margaret Whitman Blair Illustrated by photos Ages 10 and up ISBN: 0792253892 Price: $21.95/29.95 Canadian National Geographic Society/National Geographic Society Adventure, excitement, and fearlessness take wing in the dramatic true story of the twenty aviatrixes who set off on the first Women's Cross-Country Air Derby. Readers will thrill to the feats of "the roaring twenty," the daredevil pilots who pioneered women's aviation in this 2800-mile race from Santa Monica to Cleveland in 1929. This cross-country odyssey was the first of its kind: nine days of grueling endurance.The nation became enthralled by such colorful characters as the stunt flyer Florence Pancho Barnes, former wing-walker Phoebe Omlie, and New York society rebel Opal Kunz. The experienced adventurer Marvel Crosson—one of the early favorites—until her mysterious disappearance. Americans eagerly followed the drama, charmed, then shocked, as the race left a twisting trail of intrigue in its slipstream. Relive the intense competition and the death-defying dangers: stormy weather, mechanical challenges, typhoid fever, and even the suspicion of sabotage. The views of a condescending and often hostile press are recounted, as well as the heroines' glamorous appearances at balls and banquets during their soaring nine-day escapade. This real-life tale also provides a bird's-eye view of a feverish period in American social history, as women redefined their roles throughout the "roaring '20s" and the country partied through the Jazz Age before the Depression. Superbly illustrated with fifty evocative duotone photographs, and featuring a detailed National Geographic map of the route, this is a book to capture the imagination and dreams of young girls from to coast.

Sea Critters Written by Slyvia A. Earle Illustrated by Photos by Wolcott Henry Ages 6-9 ISBN: 0-7922-5584-4 Price: $6.95 National Geographic Beginning readers encounter a fascinating array of sea "critters" representing the major categories of life on Earth. Children will meet a gigantic barrel sponge, eerie looking nudibranches, and a tentacled cuttlefish. They observe sea squirts, moray eels, and a human diver. The stunning full color photos, art, maps, and simple text will spark curiosity and appeal to a child's sense of wonder.

The Soccer Machine Written by David Bedford Illustrated by Keith Brumpton Ages 7-11 ISBN: 1-933605-00-6 Price: $4.95 Kane/Miller Book Publishers 8-0? How could The Team lose 8-0? Easily! Harvey's team always loses. Professor Gertie, Harvey's neighbor, can't really understand it, but her game-winning inventions for The Team just haven't helped. (Her Bouncy Boots were too bouncy and her Smoke Machine was too smoky.) Now she thinks she has the perfect solution: Mark 1, the Soccer Machine. He has a metal body covered with Squidgy Skin, a top speed of 45 miles per hour—and he's programmed to win! But will this latest invention really work? Can The Team actually win? Book #1 in The Team series

Transformed Written by Bill Slavin Illustrated by Bill Slavin Ages 8 to 12 ISBN: 1-55337-179-8 Price: $24.95 Kids Can Press (October 2005) CDs start out as sand. Blackboard chalk comes from tiny sea creatures. Every single product in the world is made from elements found in nature. Discover how nature is transformed into more than sixty things we eat, drink, play with, wear or use every day. Technology changes constantly, but the stages raw materials go through to become finished objects remain much the same. On every page of this book, these processes are described and illustrated step by step. The text and artwork combine playfulness with encyclopedic attention to detail. This unique and fascinating book will inform and entertain every step of the way. Includes a glossary, index and further resources to help children, parents and teachers. Bill Slavin has illustrated numerous books for Kids Can Press, including Drumheller Dinosaur Dance, Stanley's Party and the Good Times Travel Agency series. Bill lives with his partner, fellow illustrator Esperança Melo, in Millbrook, Ontario.

Top of the League Written by David Bedford Illustrated by Keith Brumpton Ages 7-11 ISBN: 1-933605-01-4 Price: $4.95 Kane/Miller Book Publishers The Team is on top! They only need one more point to win the league championship and a trip to soccer camp! But when Darren, the goalkeeper, misses an easy save, the rest of The Team are furious. Even Professor Gertie and Mark 1 are fighting. In fact, they're all fighting—and losing! Is this the end of The Team? Can Professor Gertie's inventions help? Or will Harvey need to come up with something totally different in order to save The Team? Book #2 in The Team series

Under A Stand Still Moon Written by Ann Howard Creel Ages 10 and up ISBN: 0-974648183 Price: $8.95 Brown Barn Books On their mesas and plains, an ancient people once built great dwellings and places of worship and for many generations, farmed, hunted, traded and worshipped the mighty gods. This is the story of Echo, born in a lucky month when the moon stood still. Her greatest joy is being free to explore the world around her village. But she must also learn the dreary work she is destined to do as a wife and mother. Set in prehistoric Southwestern United States around 900 A.D., in this story of life and death and desire, a girl becomes a young woman who must use her power and strength against the terrifying events and changes in her world. "Under A Stand Still Moon could easily be this generation's Island of the Blue Dolphins. It was a real page-turner for me, at 192 pages; I was sorry it was over so soon. It is intriguing historical fiction, set in the Southwestern United States around 900AD." —New England Children's Booksellers Assoc. A Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People 2006—The National Council for Social Studies and the Children's Book Council ForeWord Magazine's 2005 Book of the Year, Young Adult Fiction Award Finalist

Why Do Dogs Have Wet Noses? Written by Stanley Coren Ages 8 to 12 ISBN: 1-55337-657-9 Price: $12.95 Kids Can Press (April 2006) Did you know that dogs can outrun an Olympic sprinter and "speak" three languages? Or that they can tell when storms are coming and even predict earthquakes before they happen? These are just a few of the doggone fascinating facts to discover in this ultimate companion book for young dog owners and admirers. World-renowned dog expert and author Dr. Stanley Coren knows our four-legged friends better than anyone, and this book is jam-packed with stories and photographs to engage and delight children. Dr. Stanley Coren is the author of numerous best-selling books about dogs, and many other topics, and is a Professor of Psychology at the University of British Columbia. He lives with an old cavalier King Charles spaniel named Banshee, a Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever named Dancer and a young beagle named Darby. In addition to studying dog behavior and writing books about dogs, Dr. Coren is an instructor with the Vancouver Dog Obedience Training Club. He has been interviewed on numerous television programs, including The Oprah Winfrey Show.

World History Biographies: Leonardo da Vinci Written by John Philips Ages 8-11 ISBN: 079225385X Price: $17.95/25.95 Canadian National Geographic Society/National Geographic Society The success of Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code proves the enduring legacy of this most enigmatic figure of the Renaissance. Author John Phillips's powerful narrative conjures up the man who was a scientist, a painter, an architect, a military engineer, an inventor, and a musician. Phillips's extensively researched biography provides an engaging view of the master of the Renaissance. Although he completed only 13 solo paintings in his lifetime and died in 1519, Leonardo left a rich legacy of learning in scores of notebooks. These included the first detailed drawings of the human anatomy, pioneering notes on the structure and growth of plants,and even detailed diagrams of machinery from which modern-day engineers have constructed prototypes. His 15th-century imagination envisaged tanks and helicopters,and he even used mirror (or backward) writing to protect his ideas. The genius of Leonardo da Vinci continues to inspire and to intrigue each new generation of students throughout the world. Period artwork, quotes by and about da Vinci, photographs of art and artifacts, and a timeline running throughout the book make this work a perfect choice for students seeking a true biography.

The Year They Won Written by Gerard Purciello Ages 10 and up ISBN: 0-974648159 Price: $8.95 Brown Barn Books "The Boston Red Sox' spectacular comeback in the 2004 World Series which they won, breaking the eighty-six year Curse that descended upon the team when they sold their ace player Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees, has spawned several books in recent months. The Year They Won, by Gerard Purciello, an ardent Boston Red Sox fan, is an imaginative and entertaining novel targeted for the age group ten and up. . . . The author has created memorable characters, bringing alive their dreams, fanatical enthusiasm for sports, easy camaraderie, and friendly banter. His vivid descriptions of summer season and school vacation remind adults of their own childhoods and make children still in school waiting for vacation jealous. Superbly crafted and a hilarious read from first to last, The Year the Won is a sure win-win for baseball fans, especially Red Sox die-hards." —BookWire Review "The story centers around four 12-year-olds in Belmont, where Purciello grew up, who decide to fix the World Series so their beloved Sox can win it for the first time in 20 years. . . . Purciello couldn't resist the lure of the annual torture that Sox fans had endured, and he began to build his book around it. But, as the storyline changed, so did the fortunes of the real life Red Sox. Always superstitious, some have taken to calling his book 'the book that broke the curse. . . .'" —Christopher Moore / Daily News staff

Yellow Bird and Me Written by Joyce Hansen Ages 9-14 ISBN: 0-618-61116-9 Price: $6.95 Clarion Books Losing a best friend is the worst thing that can happen to you. At least, that's how Doris feels when her best friend, Amir, moves away. He's only been in Syracuse for a few weeks, but it seems like forever, and writing letters just isn't the same. None of Doris's friends on 163rd Street can take Amir's place, especially not that silly Yellow Bird. Everyone knows Bird's a clown, but he keeps bugging Doris to help him with his reading problem. Amir says Doris needs to look inside Yellow Bird to see who he really is. And it seems she has no choice but to help—because you can't let your best friend down. Read more about Doris and Amir in The Gift-Giver and One True Friend.

•  Picture Books and Younger Readers
•  Middle Readers
•  Young Adult
•  Graphic Novels
•  Download the entire list as a PDF (190KB)

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