Reviewed by: Peter
"It is about a 12 year old boy who becomes a taukunaut (Chinese astronaut). It also is happy, funny, and has some suspense."

Reviewed by: Naomi
"It is very fast-paced, filled with raw emotions, and is incredibly though provoking. A definite tear-jerker."



The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place, Book 1: The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood
(Balzer & Bray, hardcover, $15.99)

Reviewed by: Lithia
"It is a very interesting read. It raises questions about fate and destiny that you, along with the protagonist, are begging to be answered by the end of the book, but still keeps you enthralled with the story."

Reviewed by: Brendan
"It's funny, it has a lot of action, it's easy to read, and it has good drawings. I really liked this book!"

Reviewed by: Willa
"It is very moving and beautifully written, and all the characters have a certain depth to them that I can't really explain It has the kind of beginning that hooks you in so you can't put it down until you find out what happens, and the plot is very much like that of the original 'Twelve Dancing Princesses,' but much more elaborate and exciting."

Reviewed by: Rae
"The Shifter is a heart-warming story that draws you in from the very first page. It is fast-paced and exciting, yet leaves out no detail. This is a great book that everyone should read."

Before I Fall
by Lauren Oliver
(HarperCollins, hardcover, $17.99)

AUTOGRAPHED COPIES AVAILABLE HERE!

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In Lauren Oliver's debut young adult novel Before I Fall, high schooler Sam Kingston must re-live the day of her death seven times. She's a popular girl with a tight-knit group of friends and a high-status boyfriend. When she loses everything by dying in a car accident, she has the opportunity to make changes in herself and her life by re-living her final day on earth. At first I thought this book would be predictable - a teenage version of Groundhog Day. I was quickly proven wrong. I was impressed with Sam's transformation - the plot takes twists and turns that are unexpected and memorable. Published by HarperTeen, I'd recommend this book to readers age 14 and up.


The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin
by Josh Berk
(Knopf, hardcover, $16.99)

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In The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin, a new young adult novel by Josh Berk, Will Halpin, a chubby, deaf high schooler, is the coolest kid in class. Just kidding. He is, in fact, an instant outcast at his new school. He doesn't speak, for fear of "sounding deaf," but he's an excellent lip reader and a great observer. He writes copious notes about his classmates in his notebook, trying to figure out the social dynamic in his new school. He is quickly befriended by another outcast, Devon Smiley, a skinny nerd who prides himself in his ability to finger-spell. When the school quarterback mysteriously falls down a mine shaft during a school visit to a local coal mine, Will and Devon decide to solve the case Hardy Boys-style. This is a strong debut with a great protagonist. It's really interesting to have a deaf kid's perspective on public high school and see the ways he communicates with others. The book is hilarious and perfect for readers who have graduated from Carl Hiaasen's kids' books.


The Last Summer of the Death Warriors
by Francisco X. Stork
(Arthur A. Levine, hardcover, $17.99)

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Francisco X. Stork, author of last year's stunning young adult debut novel Marcelo in the Real World returns with his second book. In The Last Summer of the Death Warriors, published by Arthur A. Levine Books and recommended for ages 14 and up, we meet an interesting cast of characters: Pancho, a quiet young man who has lost his family and is full of anger; D.Q., a brave young cancer patient who is facing his disease by writing the "Death Warrior Manifesto"; and Marisol, the girl that they both love. Stork has the ability to write deep characters and keep the plot moving at a rapid pace. 


Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse
by Marilyn Singer, illustrated by Josée Masse
(Dutton, hardcover, $16.99)

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Mirror Mirror, a new fairy tale book in verse by Marilyn Singer, with illustrations by Josée Masse, is quite special. The verse in this book is reversible - each poem is shown twice - one from top to bottom, and once from bottom to top. It's amazing how each has meaning and changes the point of view of the poem.