BEFORE I FALL

by Lauren Oliver
Read it if you like-Realistic Fiction with a paranormal twist
A beautifully constructed tale of one day-her very last-in the life of Samantha Kingston. As Samantha relives this last day over seven times, each day seeing her world and those in it a bit more clearly, she makes different choices that change forever both who she is and the destiny of those she loves. Fast-paced, surprising, and heart-breaking, this is a book you won't forget. Ages 12+. (978-0061726804)

HarperCollins $17.99

DARK LIFE

by Kat Falls
Read it if you like-Dystopian Fantasy
A dystopian novel set in an apocalyptic future where rising oceans have swallowed up entire regions and people have become underwater pioneers. Fifteen-year-old Ty's life is fine until Gemma, a Topsider with a secret , goes sub-sea and changes everything. A rousing adventure in an exotic setting that's a must-read for anyone who loves sci-fi. Ages 12+. (978-0545178143)

Scholastic $16.99

SPIES OF MISSISSIPPI: The True Story of the Spy Network That Tried to Destroy the Civil Rights Movement

by Rick Bowers
Read it if you like-Nonfiction and History
An unflinching look at Mississippi's violent spy network that worked covertly to undermine the Civil Rights movement that's full of immersive primary source-material.  A chilling historical message with present day implications-this is essential reading for all interested in civil rights, free speech, and the resonance with today's headlines. Ages 12+. (978-1426305955)

National Geographic $16.95

THE UNIDENTIFIED

by Rae Mariz
Read it if you like-Dystopian Fantasy
A charter school subsidized by corporations offers a mall-like "educational" setting where high-school students-constantly monitored by cameras-play virtual games and engage in social networking to earn points and gain status.  Trend-spotters enjoy corporate endorsements, while misfits and non-consumers are dropped. 15-year-old Kid, at first into the system, gets involved with a group of kids resisting the norm. A fast-paced (and distressingly plausible) dystopian novel. Ages 12+ (978-0061802089)
HarperTeen $16.99

WOLVES, BOYS, AND OTHER THINGS THAT MIGHT KILL ME

by Kristen Chandler
Read it if you like-Realistic Fiction
Kristen Chandler offers up a humorous and sincere novel about wolves (real ones), first love, fathers and daughters. KJ Carson starts out just wanting to impress a new boy when they team up to work on a newspaper column about wolves in Yellowstone Park. Her encounter with a wolf leads her into a much deeper look at what is going on in life around her. Ages 12+ (978-0670011421)

Penguin $17.99

SPLIT

by Swati Avasthi
Read it if you like-Realistic Fiction
16-year-old Jace  leaves home to track down his brother Christian, whom he hasn't seen in 5 years. Both boys are the victims of abuse by their father, a Chicago judge, and both have secrets and scars they can no longer bear alone. Avasthi has created believable characters, each fully dimensional, perfect dialogue, and a gripping plot, making this a powerful and important debut. Ages 13+ (978-0375863400)

Random House $16.99

THE FREAK OBSERVER

by Blythe Woolston
Read it if you like-Realistic Fiction
A lovely, spare young adult novel about 16-year-old Loa, who is searching for meaning and a way through her pain as she is coming to terms with her sister's death. At turns harrowing and funny, Freak Observer is one of the freshest and most gorgeously written YA books we've read in a long time. Ages 14+. (978-0761362128)
Carolrhoda/Lerner Publishing $16.95

HOLD ME CLOSER, NECROMANCER

by Lish McBride
Read it if you like-Fantasy and Paranormal
Sam is underwhelmed with his life until a harmless prank draws the attention of an evil and powerful necromancer.  What sets this paranormal novel apart is the thoughtful and sensitive portrayal of the various relationships between the characters. Of course there's also magic, kidnapping, skateboard-fu, and the most charming talking head you're likely to encounter. Hilarious and dark.  Ages 14+ (978-0805090987)
Henry Holt $16.99

THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE

by Jandy Nelson
Read it if you like-Realistic Fiction
When Lennie's beloved, outgoing older sister dies unexpectedly, she must overcome her grief, step out of her sister's shadow, and claim her own life. The words fit together to create layers of meaning and images so real you can almost touch them. A beautiful, poetic novel about loss and love and characters so vivid they practically jump off the page. Ages 14+. (978-0803734951)

Random House $17.99

THE MOCKINGBIRDS

by Daisy Whitney
Read it if you like-Realistic Fiction
Themis Academy cares more about protecting its prestigious name than it does its students. When junior Alex realizes she may have been the victim of date rape, she must decide whether or not to stand up for herself and enlist the aid of a vigilante group that seeks justice. A poignantly realistic, gripping page-turner that refreshingly shows a group of smart, ethical teens, willing to take a stand. Ages 15+. (978-0316090537)

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers ($16.99)

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About New Voices:

These New Voices books are chosen by a committee of independent children's booksellers from around the country who all belong to The Association of Booksellers for Children (ABC). Committee members picked these 20 titles after reading more than sixty submissions from a wide range of publishers. These books represent the cream of the crop of the books published by debut authors in 2010. Find out more at www.abfc.com.