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)

Young Adult

All's Fair in Love, War, and High School Written by Janette Rallison Ages 12 and up ISBN: 0-8027-7725-6 Price: $6.95 Walker Books for Young Readers Sixteen-year-old Samantha Taylor is used to having things go her way. She's head cheerleader and has all the right friends and a steady stream of boyfriends. But when she tanks the SATs, her automatic assumptions about going to college don't appear to be so automatic anymore. She determines that her only hope for college admission is to win the election for student body president. Unfortunately, with her razor wit and acid tongue she's better suited to dishing out insults than winning votes. Will she win the election and find a dream date for the prom?

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.

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.

Going for the Record Written by Julie Swanson Ages 12 and up ISBN: 0802852734 Price: $8.00 Eerdmans Books for Young Readers Seventeen-year-old Leah Weiczynkowski, about to begin her senior year of high school, is on the brink of realizing her dream—playing soccer for the under-eighteen national team, her gateway to the World Cup and the Olympics. Everything she's worked for in her young life has been about this moment. She can't wait to tell her dad, her biggest fan and her faithful chauffeur to games and practices. Unfortunately, her dad, Pete Weiczynkowski, has news of his own. Going for the Record addresses Leah's passion for her sport, her love for her father, and her growing recognition of her father's faith and bravery. Loosely based on the author's own experience, Going for the Record is a coming-of-age story on a number of levels, as Leah must question everything that's mattered most to her and how she will define herself in the future.

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.

Hole In My Life Written by Jack Gantos Ages 14 and up ISBN: 0-374-43089-6 Price: $8.00 Farrar, Straus and Giroux / Sunburst Paperbacks In this Printz Award Honor Book, popular author Jack Gantos tells a personal story with a universal theme-learning from one's mistakes and thriving in the face of adversity. As Mr. Gantos explains, "I wrote the book because I made mistakes, paid my dues, recovered, and moved on to succeed at what I had always wanted to do-write books." This story, which the author calls "a violation-to-redemption personal journey," is a compelling and intimate firsthand account of his experience with drugs, prison, and his drive to become an author-a dream that began to take shape at a young age and was not deterred during his trying experience in prison.

The Isabel Factor Written by Gayle Friesen Ages 12 and up ISBN: 1-55337-738-9 Price: $6.95 Kids Can Press (September 2005) When the fearless Zoe breaks her arm during a fall, Anna must brave summer camp—and her first year as a Counselor In Training—without her best friend. Going it alone is not something Anna is ready for. Cruising along in Zoe's shadow had been comfortable, but now Anna is out in the full glare of the sun. There's no hiding from harsh truths, and plenty of people to point them out. Take Karim, the swim instructor, who has suddenly turned gorgeous but obviously hates Anna. And Anna's new friend and cabinmate Isabel—rainbow hair, sharp tongue, and no boundaries. Then when Zoe shows up, plaster cast and all, Anna has to face another hard truth: things have changed between them and there's no going back into the shadows. But where can Anna hide when just being herself isn't nearly enough? Gayle Friesen's previous novels, Janey's Girl, Men of Stone and Losing Forever, have won critical praise and numerous awards. All three were chosen by the New York Public Library for its Books for the Teen Age List. Gayle lives in Delta, British Columbia, with her husband and two children.

Lilith Written by George MacDonald Ages 12 and up ISBN: 0802860613 Price: $12.00 (paper) Eerdmans Books for Young Readers "What George MacDonald does best is fantasy—fantasy that hovers between the allegorical an the mythopoeic. And this, in my opinion, he does better than any man." —C. S. Lewis Litith, George MacDonald's most famous fairy tale, transports readers through a looking glass into a haunting world filled with lessons about the ultimate mystery of evil

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

Phantastes Written by George MacDonald Ages 12 and up ISBN: 0802860605 Price: $12.00 (paper) Eerdmans Books for Young Readers In October 1857, George MacDonald wrote what he described as "a kind of fairy tale, in the hope that it will pay me better than the more evidently serious work." This was Phantastes—one of MacDonald's most important works; a work which so overwhelmed C. S. Lewis that a few hours after he began reading it he knew he "had crossed a great frontier." The book is about the narrator's (Anodos) dream-like adventures in fairyland, where he confronts tree-spirits and the shadow, sojourns to the palace of the fairy queen, and searches for the spirit of the earth. The tale is vintage MacDonald, conveying a profound sadness and a poignant longing for death.

Riding Out the Storm Written by Claudia Jones Ages 12 and up ISBN: 0-7387-0867-4 Price: US$8.95/CAN$11.95 Llewellyn (April 2006) Fifteen-year-old Emily is too busy thinking about the life she's living to wonder if she has had past lives. Between taking care of her horse Moonie, keeping up with homework, and fending off the school bully who picks on her best friend for being chubby, Emily has enough on her plate. It is only after she nearly drowns in the pool at her middle school that she begins having recurring nightmares that lead her to think that this life may not be her first. Riding out the Storm is a modern tale that chronicles a young girl's journey into recalling a past-life and how she copes with the outcome. Spiritual and believable, this novel features a charismatic narrator who learns to listen to the signals around her and trust her instincts. Along her journey, Emily finds herself anxious to learn all she can about reincarnation, and she discovers the value of reaching out to (not entirely unfamiliar) strangers to repair relationships long interrupted.

The Separated The First of the Tales of Terre Written by Troon Harrison Ages 12 and up ISBN: 0-976812614 Price: $12.95 Brown Barn Books The evil Lord Maldici's powers are growing, and darkness looms over the magical land of Verde. Three sixteen-year-olds must discover their own strength and their magical abilities in time to win the battle for their land. Award-winning author Troon Harrison opens a door to a brilliant rainbow tapestry of sea battles, witchcraft, exotic creatures, young love and war in this fantasy; set in an Italian Renaissance-like world all too beautiful, mysterious and cruel. Excerpt: "If the book is true, the greatest power lies in the Keeper's protection," the girl reminded her father now. "We must find out whether this is myth or truth. I will leave Genovera today. If there is a Keeper and a beast, I will find them and bring them here. The two beasts will be united, twice as strong. You will claim their power for your own uses. We'll crush the forces in the south and the whole land of Verde will be ours. You will become Emperor, for already Verde is the most powerful of nations. The riches of the world will come to our door; foreign princes will kiss my feet." The sorcerer nodded, his dark hands clenched on the arms of the chair, his white teeth bared. "It will be a great victory, with great power," he snarled. "Go, you witch. Find them, the Keeper and the beast, if they exist in the mountains. Bring them back alive. . . ."

Thick Written by Colin Neenan Ages 12 and up ISBN: 0-974648191 Price: $6.95 Brown Barn Books Thick is a tragic story about a gentle, young boy named Nick, who is caught up in an all too violent world. He cannot control the horrible things that happen around him—until he finds a gun —and uses it. Thick—an intense, suspenseful story for people who have a hard time finding a book they want to read. It is today's The Outsider by SE Hinton—with special appeal to Reluctant Readers. Excerpt from Thick: "I did it. I know I told you that when you were here, Ms. Lawson, but I want to say it again. I did it. I pulled the trigger. I shot someone. Dead. I killed someone. Nothing is going to change that. I pulled the trigger, and the gun went off, bang! It was loud, I was surprised at how loud a gun was, like someone wants to hurt your ears. And then there was blood. I knew there would be a lot of blood, just like in the movies. But this was real blood. Real blood with a real blood smell. I did not know blood would smell." "A well written, authentic and very moving story about a teenaged boy, domestic violence, and the all too real tragedy of guns." —Anthony Land, Chief of Police, Weston, CT

The Turning Written by Gillian Chan Ages 12 and up ISBN: 1-55337-576-9 Price: $6.95 Kids Can Press (March 2005) Sixteen-year-old Ben Larsson is angry. Following his mother's death, his estranged father has dragged him to England, hoping that a fresh start in a new country will repair their damaged relationship. Ben is determined that this will never happen. Then, Ben's life is consumed by unexplained events. A complete stranger attacks him. The school outcast, a strange girl named Yvonne who talks to herself, follows him around like a stray puppy, insisting that Ben has been "marked." He finds a bizarre twig image of himself on his doorstep. What is happening? Who or what is behind this? Meanwhile, an ancient force is luring Ben into the woods nearby. Will the knowledge he finds there bring back order to his life or complicate it in ways unimaginable? Gillian Chan is the author of Glory Days and Other Stories, The Carved Box, and A Foreign Field. She lives in Dundas, Ontario, with her husband and son.

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

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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