By:
On:
In: This is interesting
With: 0 Comments

Publisher’s Weekly reports… BookExpo America 2010: Big Children’s Books of the Show By John A. Sellers with reporting by Diane Roback, Joy Bean, and Claire Kirch Jun 04, 2010  The BEA convention may have been shorter than in years past, but there was no shortage of major titles at the show last week. “It’s been a good show, bigger than I thought it would be,” said Mary Albi of Egmont USA, while Robert Kempe of Seven Footer Press called it “BEA on steroids,” due to the compressed two-day schedule.    Much of the buzz centered on works of fiction, including books like Ally Condie’s MatchedRead More →

By:
On:
In: This is interesting, Young Adult Book Reviews
With: 0 Comments

Publisher’s Weekly reports… BEA 2010: Bare Truths About Hot YA Titles for Fall By Judith Rosen Jun 04, 2010 Six editors touted their favorite fall teen reads at the YA Editors Buzz panel during BEA with what can best be described as naked passion – the tone set by a story from Jennifer Weis from St. Martin’s about how she came to acquire Infinite Days by debut author Rebecca Maizel.  Weis read the book, about a 500-year-old vampire who chooses to become human again, the day the manuscript arrived from agent Matt Hudson of the William Morris Agency. “There was a lyricism to this author’sRead More →

By:
On:
In: On the Edge, Romance (YA), Young Adult Book Reviews
With: 0 Comments

The Tension of Opposites, by debut author Kristina McBride, balances on the razor thin line between numerous opposites: pain and relief; expectation and reality; choice and fate; caution and recklessness; love and hate; and selflessness and selfishness. Noelle was abducted from her sleepy Midwestern town two years ago. And ever since, her best friend Tessa’ life has been on hold. Guarded, isolated and basically living in suspended animation, now-sophomore Tess won’t allow herself the life that Noelle can’t have.  Her only outlet and solace has been her love of photography.  When the novel begins, Noelle has escaped her captor and been able to get himRead More →

By:
On:
In: Historical Fiction, Historical Fiction (YA), Middle Grade Reviews, Multicultural, Multicultural (YA), Young Adult Book Reviews
With: 1 Comment

2 new YA titles that will release in June explore the challenges of building a new life in America after fleeing the turmoil in the country of one’s childhood.   Inspired by true refugee experiences, these two novels are interesting and thought-provoking explorations of challenge, change, and resilience. The Red Umbrella by debut novelist Christina Diaz Gonzalez is set in 1961, when Lucia’s carefree life in a small Cuban coast town is about to change. She’s 14 and dreams of her school-crush, her 15th birthday celebration, and of one day travelling to Paris.  But when Castro’s revolutionary soldiers come to her town, everything changes: people are arrested and executed; neighbors spy on neighbors; freedomsRead More →

By:
On:
In: Random Thoughts and Musings
With: 0 Comments

Seems like forever ago that I had a chance to sit down and write a book review! I’ve got a stack of books that I’ve enjoyed since my last post in April, and notes aplenty to write reviews; I’ve just been sidetracked and busy with end of the year quotes and orders for our customers (thank you!), authors’ visits (Gayle Forman, Patrick Carman, Deb Caletti, Ridley Pearson, & Jenny Han – thanks for coming, you were all great!), and a quick trip to meet my new niece. And PBC’s 5th Birthday was May 18, 2010! So, I promise reviews and more regular posts are coming. WithRead More →

By:
On:
In: Author Appearances, Sci Fi & Fantasy, This is interesting
With: 0 Comments

Guess who’s coming to Phoenix? Richard Harland will be visiting Phoenix on May 28th, 2010. Visiting all the way from Australia, his presentation would be enjoyed by all middle school students. To host Richard at your school, please call Jade Corn at 602-740-5637. There is no charge for Richard’s presentation. About the Book: Worldshaker Col Porpentine knows his place in the world; at the top. He is a child of privilege, born into the Upper Class. When he is named as successor to his grandfather, the Supreme Commander if the juggernaut Worldshaker, his bright future has never been more assured. But when a Filthy girlRead More →

By:
On:
In: On the Edge, Young Adult Book Reviews
With: 0 Comments

I just finished reading Ellen Hopkins’ book Tricks and I must say, it is one of the most intense books I have ever cracked open. Being a long term Ellen Hopkins fan, I’ve read all of her previous books and knew without a doubt that this one would be just as intriguing. Tricks is a story about 5 teenagers who fall into the death grips of prostitution for several different reasons. Hopkins did a superb job in making each character come to life and seem as real as someone sitting right next to you. Tricks is filled with so much emotion and heartache that it isRead More →

By:
On:
In: Multicultural (YA), On the Edge, Young Adult Book Reviews
With: 0 Comments

Continuing his tradition of writing well-crafted, thought-provoking, gripping novels for teens that blend fiction with tough reality, Paul Volponi’s latest, Rikers High, is another knock out.  With a deceptively simple plot, following Forty’s last 2 weeks in juvenile detention on NY’s Rikers Island, the book is full of wry observations, authentic characters, street slang, and sensitivity. 17 year old Martin Stokes (inmate in bed #40 in the mod, so he takes the name Forty) has been on Riker’s Island for 5 months awaiting trial on a trumped up steering charge.  Frustrated with his court appointed lawyer and the numerous delays in the judicial system, Forty is bound for court onRead More →

By:
On:
In: Young Adult Book Reviews
With: 0 Comments

Stephanie Hemphill’s lyrical novel in poems, Things Left Unsaid, beautifully chronicles Sarah’s junior year in high school when she leaves behind her goody-goody image and tumbles into a complex and destructive friendship with Robin.  When the novel opens in August, Sarah already feels anxious and unhappy about the school year ahead: she’s having problems with her SAT prep; good grades, activities, and extra-curriculars that she once excelled at no longer hold her interest; and her friendships are feeling strained and competitive. When she starts hanging out with chain-smoking, black-clad, angry-grrl Robin, and Sarah quickly slides into apathy, conflict, and rebellion.  And then Robin pushes things too far andRead More →