Summer Reading Extravaganza 2007

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

•  Picture Books and Younger Readers
•  Middle Readers
•  Young Adult
•  Download the entire list as a PDF (to come)

Young Adult

21 Proms Written by various Ages 12 and up ISBN: 0-439-89029-2 Price: $8.99 Point/Scholastic Inc. In a collaboration that brings together an impressive array of 21 authors, Levithan and Ehrenhaft have produced a collection worthy of exploration. Ranging from sad to funny to truly disastrous, these memorable stories mark that oh-so-important right of passage for many teenagers. Starting with dress-hating, heel-hating, bra-hating Emilie in Elizabeth Craft's You Are a Prom Queen, Dance Dance Dance; moving on to Daniel Ehrenhaft's Better Be Good to Me, in which aging Zack remembers his prom and being in love with his best friend's girlfriend; and ending with rebel chicks Maggie and Carly, who throw the ultimate anti-prom party in John Green's The Great American Morp, readers are drawn into a wide cross section of prom nights from both male and female perspectives. A celebration of all that is good, bad, and sometimes unforgettable about these events, this fast-paced but carefully strung anthology speaks of pink dresses, tuxedos, first kisses, unrequited love, and the thrill of taking love to its ultimate climax. Clever writing featuring many unexpected twists and turns, as well as a stunning display of each writer's razor-sharp wit, makes this an enjoyable read. Older teens will flock to this book, which undoubtedly features some of the best teen fiction writers of our era. School Library Journal Starred Review

Annie On My Mind Written by Nancy Garden Ages 12 and up ISBN: 978-0-374-40011-8 / 0-374-40011-3 Price: $8.00 Farrar Straus and Giroux Books for Young Readers Celebrating the 25th anniversary of its publication this summer, Nancy Garden's landmark novel Annie On My Mind tells the story of two teenage girls whose friendship grows into love. Despite pressures from family and at school, they vow to be true to each other and their feelings. Publishers Weekly recently called Nancy Garden "an icon in the field of gay and lesbian writing." She is the recipient of the Margaret A. Edwards Award and the Robert Downs Intellectual Freedom Award.

The Apprenticeship of Lucas Whitaker Written by Cynthia DeFelice Ages 10 and up ISBN: 978-0-374-40014-9 / 0-374-40014-8 Price: $6.95 Sunburst Paperbacks/Farrar Straus and Giroux Books for Young Readers In this paperback edition of the ALA Notable Book, twelve-year-old Lucas becomes a doctor's apprentice in 1849, trying to discover a cure for consumption after the disease claims his family. In its Starred review, School Library Journal said, "Readers will experience a period when even a doctor's knowledge was very limited, and through Lucas's eyes, will come to realize how fear and desperation can make people willing to try almost anything." Cynthia DeFelice has written many acclaimed novels for children, including contemporary and historical fiction and mysteries such as Under the Same Sky and The Ghost of Cutler Creek.

Blue Lipstick Written by John Grandits Illustrated by John Grandits Ages 10 & up ISBN: 978-0-618-85132-4 Price: $5.95 Clarion Books A fifteen-year-old girl named Jessie voices typical—and not so typical—teenage concerns in this unique, hilarious collection of poems. Her musings about trying out new makeup and hairstyles, playing volleyball and cello, and dealing with her annoying younger brother are never boring or predictable. Who else do you know who designs her own clothes and writes poetry to her cat? Jessie's a girl with strong opinions, and she isn't shy about sharing them. Her funny, sarcastic take on high school life is revealed through concrete poetry: words, ideas, type, and design that combine to make pictures and patterns. The poems are inventive, irreverent, irresistible, and full of surprises—just like Jessie—and the playful layout and ingenious graphics extend the wry humor. Want more concrete poetry? Try John Grandits's Technically, It's Not My Fault, which chronicles the adventures of Jessie's younger brother, Robert.

Blue Moon Written by Hila Feil Ages 12 and up ISBN: 0-15-205933-4 Price: $6.95 Harcourt Paperbacks/Harcourt Trade Publishers Sophisticated sixteen-year-old New Yorker Julia is not expecting much excitement when she leaves the city to spend the summer as an au pair on Cape Cod. But when plans are made to remodel the dilapidated old house where she is staying, strange things begin to happen. Julia and her young charge, Molly, suspect the house is being haunted by the ghost of Molly's deceased mother, Maria. But after a frightening incident on the night of the blue moon, Julia and Molly realize they must stop chasing down the spirit of the mysterious Maria and live in the present.

Call Me the Canyon Written by Ann Howard Creel Ages 12 up ISBN: 9780976812647 Price: $8.95 Brown Barn Books Madolen yearns to discover life in the world outside the red walls of her canyon. As an adopted daughter of a Mormon family and then as a canyon guide for a handsome young Easterner, she finds love. But can his love be what she wants? in the background, the lure of gold and and dangerous beauty of the West's great canyons and mountains always beckon . . . along with the voices of Madolen's ancestors—the Old Ones—and the call of Madolen's own canyon. A love story and a great historical novel.

Clue of the Linoleum Lederhosen Written by M. T. Anderson Illustrated by Kurt Cyrus Ages 10 and up ISBN: 0-15-205407-3 Price: $5.95 Harcourt Paperbacks/Harcourt Trade Publishers After their last laser-beam-filled adventure, Lily, Jasper, and Katie have flown off for a restful stay at a distant mountain lodge. What a coincidence when they find the lodge teeming with characters from other middle-grade series novels, including the dashing Manley Boys and the boy-crazy Cutesy Dell twins. And when the Hooper Quints go missing, it looks like their vacation is over. Could this all be part of a nefarious plot involving duct tape and Bavarian folk pants? Katie, Jasper, and Lily might be the only ones around who have the chops to solve this challenging mystery!

Dancing with Elvis Written by Lynda Stephenson Ages Ages 14 and up ISBN: 9780802853004 Price: $8.00 Eerdmans Books for Young Readers It's 1956, and ever since she and her mother rescued Angel Musseldorf from her abusive parents, Frankilee Baxter has been miserable. In addition to being more pretty, popular, and talented than Frankilee, Angel moves in, steals Frankilee's clothing, and begins dating the boy Frankilee likes. At the same time, Frankilee's community is struggling with the issue of school integration. What keeps Frankilee going is her fantasy about Elvis Presley rescuing her from life in Clover, Texas. But this restless teenager is a realist and doesn't wait around for things to get worse. She devises a plan to get rid of Angel, begins a local Elvis fan club, and works to promote integration. What Frankilee doesn't bargain for is becoming involved in a burglary, an elaborate kidnapping scheme, and a shooting. With humor and heart, Dancing with Elvis tells of one young woman's coming of age in the South during a time of change in America's history.

Dangerous Skies Written by Suzanne Fisher Staples Ages 10 and up ISBN: 978-0-374-41670-6 / 0-374-41670-2 Price: $6.95 Farrar Straus and Giroux Books for Young Readers Raised together like brother and sister, Buck (white) and Tunes (black) have come to trust that even in a place where race can mean so much, their friendship will endure. But when Tunes is implicated in the murder of a friend, Buck discovers that he cannot change the deeply ingrained prejudices of his family and community. In its Starred review, Publishers Weekly said, "Like To Kill a Mockingbird, this masterfully crafted story boldly conveys uncomfortable truths about society while expressing the innocence of children." The title was selected as an ALA Best Book for Young Adults. Suzanne Fisher Staples is the author of many acclaimed books for young readers, including Under the Persimmon Tree and the Newbery Honor Book Shabanu.

Date Him or Dump Him? Written by A Choose Your Boyfriend Book by Cylin Busby Ages 10 and up ISBN: 1-59990-083-1 Price: $ Bloomsbury Children's Books Is it a summer fling or the real thing? Only you can decide! Last summer, you were just another camper at Camp Butterfield. But this year, everything's different because you're finally a junior counselor! There is so much to look forward to, like having your pick of cabins and bonding with your young campers, not to mention A LOT of cute guys. But besides the prospect of pairing up with your crush for lifeguard training, or flirting with another counselor on a white-water rafting trip, there are snakes to get rid of, poison ivy to avoid, and plenty of trails to follow—all leading to love . . . you hope! If you've ever wondered "What if . . . ?" when it comes to boys and dating, Date Him or Dump Him? is a fun, interactive series that lets you navigate the ups and downs of the dating scene. Maybe you'll get the guy, maybe you won't—or maybe you'll decide you don't want him after all. And remember: with more than twenty possible endings, if he's not the boy of your dreams, you can always go back and choose another one!

Exiled Written by Kathleen Karr Ages 10 and up ISBN: 9780761452911 Price: $6.95 Marshall Cavendish Ali is a young camel in Egypt when he is captured by humans. Determined to "work, but never surrender," he earns a reputation as a disobedient animal and is sold to an American colonel. The year is 1856 and Ali soon finds himself in Texas as part of the U.S. Camel Corps. Crossing the landscape of 19th century America, Ali learns to balance his pride with the needs of his new companions, and slowly matures into a noble creature. Compellingly written from the camel's point of view, this unusual book offers a fresh and unusual perspective on a little-known slice of American history.

The Extraordinary Adventure of Alfred Kropp Written by Rick Yancey Ages 12 and up ISBN: 1-59990-044-0 Price: $7.95 Bloomsbury Children's Books Alfred Kropp is just trying to survive high school when he is tricked into stealing the legendary sword of King Arthur and his life takes a turn for the extraordinary. Befriended by an ancient order of knights in hot cars, chased by thugs on motorcycles, and closely watched by a mysterious international organization, Alfred Kropp undertakes a modern-day quest to unravel a thousand-year-old mystery, but can he return the sword to its rightful place before it is too late? This captivating novel is both an exhilarating adventure and the winning tale of an unlikely hero who saves the world . . . by accident.

Fireworks Written by various Ages 15 and up ISBN: 0-439-90300-9 Price: $8.99 Point/Scholastic Inc. Four of today's bestselling, most beloved authors for teens, Niki Burnham, Erin Haft, Sarah Mlynowski, and Lauren Myracle, come together to deliver a sassy, sexy collection of summertime love stories. Hot sun. Soft white sand. Bejewled flip-flops. Crashing surf. That shirtless blond lifeguard . . . Summertime is the essence of sexiness, sass, and fun. In this juicy collection, four fabulous, bestselling teen authors each show us a different side of summer romance, from the first flush of a seaside crush to the sting of a breakup on a traveling teen tour. Get out your sunscreen, slip on your shades, and prepare to be dazzled by these sizzling stories.

Going for the Record Written by Julie A. Swanson Ages 13 and up ISBN: 9780802852731 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 dying 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 Highest Tide Written by Jim Lynch Ages 12 and up ISBN: 1-59990-116-1 Price: $7.95 Bloomsbury Children's Books It is not unusual for thirteen-year-old Miles O'Malley to sneak out and explore the tidal flats of Puget Sound by moonlight. When he discovers a rare sea creature one night, he becomes a local phenomenon hounded by people curious as to whether he is an observant boy or an unlikely prophet. But mostly Miles is just a kid on the verge of growing up, infatuated with the girl next door, worried that his bickering parents will divorce, and struggling to keep his world intact. In this captivating novel, we witness dramatic changes for Miles and the coastline that he adores over the course of one unforgettable summer.

Hollywood Hills Written by Aimee Friedman Ages 13 and up ISBN: 0-439-79282-7 Price: $8.99 Point/Scholastic Inc. Hollywood, here they come. The girls from French Kiss and South Beach are back- this time in the Hollywood Hills for celebrity sightings, sizzling nightlife, and endless shopping. Alexa: She's stopped believing in love at first sight . . . but can a Hollywood heartbreaker make her look twice? Holly: When a collision with destiny pulls her heart in two directions, which path will she choose? Either way, this trip will change everything. With one week to go before graduation, Alexa and Holly take off on a whirlwind trip to L.A. Can they handle the drama?

Inside Girl Written by J. Minter Ages 12 and up ISBN: 1-59990-086-6 Price: $8.95 Bloomsbury Children's Books Flan Flood is determined to be more than just Patch Flood's little sister when she begins her freshman year at Stuyvesant High, a huge public school downtown. When she meets a new group of friends that could help her become a new person, Flan has to convince them that she's just an ordinary girl, like they are. This becomes nearly impossible when her very not normal friends Liesel, Philippa, and Sara-Beth Benny move in! Can Flan keep the Inside Girls hidden, find a new high school boy to date, and get her new friends to accept her? Featuring Flan Flood, long a favorite character of the original Insider novels, Inside Girl offers a fresh, young, and girl-centric perspective that is perfect for early teen readers.

Keeper Written by Mal Peet Ages 10 and up ISBN: 9780763632861 Price: $6.99 Candlewick Press When Paul Faustino of LA NACION flips on his tape recorder for an exclusive interview with El Gato—the phenomenal goalkeeper who single-handedly brought his team the World Cup—the seasoned reporter quickly learns that this will be no ordinary story. Instead, the legendary El Gato narrates a spellbinding tale that begins in the South American rainforest, where a ghostly but very real mentor, the Keeper, emerges to teach a poor, gawky boy the most thrilling secrets of the game. A seamless blend of magic realism and exhilarating soccer action, this evocative novel will haunt readers long after the story ends.

Keesha's House Written by Helen Frost Ages 12 and up ISBN: 978-0-374-40012-5 / 0-374-40012-1 Price: $8.00 Farrar Straus and Giroux Books for Young Readers In this paperback edition of the Michael L. Printz Honor Book, seven teens facing such problems as pregnancy, closeted homosexuality, and abuse each describe, in poetic forms, what caused them to leave home—and where they found home again. An author's note explains the poetic forms used, the sestina and the sonnet. In a Starred review, School Library Journal exclaimed, "Frost has taken the poem-story to a new level."

Kiki Strike Written by Kirsten Miller Ages 10 to 14 ISBN: 1-59990-092-0 Price: $7.95 Bloomsbury Children's Books Welcome to the world of Kiki Strike. . . . Life will never be the same for Ananka Fishbein after she ventures into an enormous sinkhole near her New York City apartment. Ananka knows she has stumbled upon a big secret, but she has no idea exactly how big. Not only does she discover the Shadow City beneath Manhattan's bustling streets, she meets the mysterious Kiki Strike, a black-clad, Vespa-riding, café-au-lait-drinking girl who seems to appear and vanish like magic. A million rats, delinquent Girl Scouts, and a secret underground labyrinth combine in this remarkable novel about a darker side of New York City you have only just begun to know about . . .

Love, Cajun Style Written by Diane Les Becquets Ages 14 and up ISBN: 1-59990-030-0 Price: $7.95 Bloomsbury Children's Books For Lucy Beauregard, falling in love isn't something she has planned. In fact, there are a whole lot of things she hasn't planned, like her two best friends getting their first tastes of love, or the confusing flurry in her own heart stirred by a handsome—and much older—stranger. And then there's the arrival of Dewey, a boy unlike anyone she's ever known. In one sweltering summer, Lucy not only discovers herself but soars into love, Cajun style. Diane Les Becquets serves up a humorous helping of love, growing up, the resilience of friendship, and—oh, yes—uses for hot sauce that are sure to make your mama blush!

Miss American Pie Written by Margaret Sartor Ages adult and teen ISBN: 1-59691-201-4 Price: $11.95 Bloomsbury Crafted from diaries, notebooks, and letters of photographer Margaret Sartor, this deeply personal yet universally appealing story moves with ease between the seemingly trivial concerns of hairstyles and boys to deeper questions of faith and identity. Funny and poignant, heartbreaking and profound, Miss American Pie tackles the decade's issues with humor, frankness, and unexpected insight.

A Northern Light Written by Jennifer Donnelly Ages 14 and up ISBN: 0-15-205310-7 Price: $8.95 Harcourt Paperbacks/Harcourt Trade Publishers Sixteen-year-old Mattie Gokey has big dreams but little hope of seeing them come true. Desperate for money, she takes a job at the Glenmore, where hotel guest Grace Brown entrusts her with the task of burning a secret bundle of letters. But when Grace's drowned body is fished from the lake, Mattie discovers that the letters could reveal the grim truth behind a murder. Set in 1906 against the backdrop of the murder that inspired Theodore Dreiser's An American Tragedy, Jennifer Donnelly's astonishing debut novel effortlessly weaves romance, history, and a murder mystery into something moving, and real, and wholly original.

Orange is the New Pink Written by Nina Malkin Ages 12 and up ISBN: 0-439-89965-6 Price: $8.99 Point/Scholastic Inc. New York City, here she comes! Babylon Edison is headed for a summer gig at Orange, the most fabulous magazine around. She and her fellow editors will be planning stories, running photo shoots, interviewing the hottest stars, and scoping out the coolest trends. Babyl is ready for anything . . . but she doesn't expect the intense rivalries, or the added drama of a simmering crush. With the entire city at their feet, and plenty of hot boys within reach, the girls are in for the most exciting and scandalous summer of their lives.

Players Written by Joyce Sweeney Ages 12 and up ISBN: 9780761452362 Price: $6.95 Marshall Cavendish /Marshall Cavendish Corey's high school basketball team begins the season poised for the all-city championship, and when Noah joins the team, the title really seems to be in reach. But then a series of tragic circumstances begins to knock players off the team. Corey believes it's more than just coincidence, and all signs point toward Noah and his unflinching ambition to be the star. Can Corey overcome his own weaknesses and save his team from sabotage? Or will he be the next target?

Princess Academy Written by Shannon Hale Ages 9 and up ISBN: 1-59990-073-4 Price: $7.95 Bloomsbury Children's Books High on the slopes of rocky Mount Eskel, far from the valleys where gardens are green and lush, Miri's family pounds a living from the stone of the mountain itself. But Miri's life will change forever when word comes that the king's priests have divined her small village the home of the future princess. All eligible girls must attend a makeshift academy to prepare for royal lowlander life. At the school, Miri finds herself confronting bitter competition among the girls and her own conflicted desires to be chosen. Yet when danger comes to the academy, it is Miri, named for a tiny mountain flower, who must find a way to save her classmates—and the chance for the future that each of them is determined to secure as her own. Experience the magic of the Newbery Honor and New York Times bestseller lauded for its lyrical language, strong female protagonist, and lush storytelling.

Ribbons of the Sun Written by Harriet Hamilton Ages 12 to adult ISBN: 9780976812623 Price: $8.95 Brown Barn Books "In my village, we grow flowers. When their buds start to open and they are most beautiful, we take them to Santa Maria del Sol and sell them in the marketplace." Twelve-year-old Rosa longs to go with her father to the city to sell flowers, and when that day comes, she can barely contain her excitement. But joy turns to despair when the Indian girl realizes the real reson for her trip to the city—her father has been forced to sell her into service as a maid. Assaulted and humiliated by the patron, she is thrown out on the city streets to fend for herself. Alone and without hope, her beliefs shattered, Rosa learns to survive and triumph in this emotionally violent by deeply spiritual coming of age story. A Foreword Magazine Book of the Year Award Finalist.

Seeker Written by William Nicholson Ages 12 and up ISBN: 0-15-205866-4 Price: $7.95 Harcourt Paperbacks/Harcourt Trade Publishers When his brother is exiled from the Nomana without any explanation, sixteen-year-old Seeker sets off on a journey to rescue him—and to find out what really happened. Along the way, he meets two other young people who are on quests of their own, and in a shocking turn of events, the three are soon caught up in a harrowing and bloody race to save the Nomana—and themselves—from destruction.

Sophie Pitt-Turnbull Discovers America Written by Dyan Sheldon Ages 12 and up ISBN: 9780763632953 Price: $7.99 Candlewick Press The summer her mother announces that they won't be taking their usual holiday in France, sixteen-year-old Sophie Pitt-Turnbull is aghast—so much so that when Mummy's old art-school chum in New York suggests they trade daughters for the summer, Sophie feels her prayers have been answered. Unfortunately, there are a few details Mummy neglects to tell her. . . . Get ready for a comical case of culture clash as an uptight British teen finds herself deep in the heart of working-class Brooklyn—and finally dares to have an adventure worth writing home about.

A Sudden Silence Written by Eve Bunting Ages 7 and up ISBN: 0-15-205868-0 Price: $6.95 Harcourt Paperbacks/Harcourt Trade Publishers Jesse Harmon is tortured by guilt because he survived the hit-and-run accident that killed his brother, Bry. His guilt is compounded when he finds he is attracted to Bry's girlfriend, Chloe. Together Jesse and Chloe try to track down the drunk driver who killed Bry—but discovering the driver's identity leads to other disturbing truths.

To Catch a Pirate Written by Jade Parker Ages 12 and up ISBN: 0-439-02694-6 Price: $6.99 Point/Scholastic Inc. Ahoy, hotties! When sixteen-year-old Annalisa Townsend's ship is set upon by pirates in search of her father's treasure, one of the crew, James Sterling, discovers her in the hold. When he moves to take her necklace, she begs him not to, as it is all she has left of her mother. He accepts a kiss in exchange. "A fair trade, m'lady," he tells her. A year later, Annalisa is intent on hunting down the pirates and reclaiming the other treasures they stole. But when she finally catches up with the wretched James Sterling and takes theyoung pirate captive, she finds she is in danger of him stealing something more valuable this time: her heart.

•  Picture Books and Younger Readers
•  Middle Readers
•  Young Adult
•  Download the entire list as a PDF (to come)

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