Rarely does a book come along that is so unique/sexy/dark, all the other books on the shelf hide their covers in embarassment. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin is one of those instances. First, a little background: Mara and her family move across the country to escape the horrible accident that left her in... Continue Reading →
A number of younger children's books are in the top 10 this week, but notable YA titles are Perfect by Ellen Hopkins (author of Crank and Fallout) debuting at no. 2; and Shelter by Harlan Coben, in it's second week on the list. This Week Children's Chapter Books Weeks on List 1 WONDERSTRUCK, by Brian... Continue Reading →
Another established adult author has made a successful crossover into YA: Harlan Coben with Shelter. The book features Mickey Bolitar, a character that was introduced in Coben's latest adult novel, Live Wire. Shelter--at no. 2 this week--is the first in a series to feature this teen protagonist. This Week Children's Chapter Books Weeks on... Continue Reading →
The passengers aboard the Titanic formed a social microcosm of sorts, with representatives from almost every socio-economic class. Today -- in honor of Fateful by Claudia Gray -- we'll highlight some of the celebrities who sailed first class on that doomed voyage. Millionaire John Jacob Astor IV and his wife Madeleine Force Astor (who was pregnant... Continue Reading →
Two new books entered the top 10 this week. The first is Wildwood, a middle-grade adventure novel by Colin Meloy, frontman of The Decemberists. His wife Carson Ellis did the illustrations. The second newbie is Hades by Alexandra Adornetto (of Halo fame). This Week Children's Chapter Books Weeks on List 1 THE POWER OF SIX,... Continue Reading →
Synopsis: Most high school sports teams have rivalries with other schools. At Hamilton High, it's a civil war: the football team versus the soccer team. And for her part, Lissa is sick of it. Her quarterback boyfriend, Randy, is always ditching her to go pick a fight with the soccer team or to prank their... Continue Reading →
Number Four is back in The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore. (I am Number Four also landed at number eight on this week's paperback list.) He's joined by Richelle Mead's latest, Bloodlines, a Vampire Academy spin-off. This Week Children's Chapter Books Weeks on List 1 THE POWER OF SIX, by Pittacus Lore. (HarperCollins, $17.99.)... Continue Reading →
Synopsis: Everywhere Silla Kennicott turns she sees blood. She can't stop thinking about her parents alleged murder-suicide. She is consumed by a book filled with spells that arrives mysteriously in the mail. The spells share one common ingredient: blood, and Silla is more than willing to cast a few. What's a little spilled blood if she can uncover... Continue Reading →
This week's best sellers list brings us another adult writer making the crossover into YA. Richard Paul Evans (The Christmas Box, The Letter) debuted at no. 1 this week with Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25. It's the first in a seven-book series. Yes, you read that correctly: seven. Here's more from Evans' site:... Continue Reading →
Synopsis The Near Witch is only an old story told to frighten children. If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely, and always looking for company. And there are no strangers in the town of Near. These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life. But when an... Continue Reading →
Novel Novice 