 Ages 10-14 / Middle-grade - Teen Fiction / Published by Bloomsbury
Win a set of SECONDHAND CHARM by Julie Berry for your book club.
Enter to win by emailing the author (write KidsBookClubbing in the subject line).
 Dear Kids' Book Club Leader,
When I was young, I dreamed of being a doctor, but fear of clammy cadavers stalled my medical school application. I dreamed of frolicking with dolphins as a marine biologist, but fear of sharks cut that dream short.
I dreamed of writing children's books, and when I discovered writing carried almost no occupational hazards, I boldly charged ahead.
In my new fantasy novel, SECONDHAND CHARM, I relive my discarded  fantasies. Evie Pomeroy, an aspiring physician, sets out to attend University in the kingdom's capitol. But a highwayman, a shipwreck, and a palace intrigue trip her progress, while a mythic sea creature gives Evie the dolphin ride I never took, fairy-tale style.
Fantasy fans and readers who enjoyed my 2009 debut novel, THE AMARANTH ENCHANTMENT, will find adventure, danger, and a dollop of romance my second Bloomsbury novel. To win a signed book, email julie@julieberrybooks.com.
Dream fearlessly,
Julie Berry
"Julie's story was stunning."
"Berry's romantic fantasy teems with action, suspense and a bit of boy-next-door romance. A cast of strong secondary characters rounds out this mix of humor, light romance and mystery. An entertaining read -- guaranteed."
-Kirkus Reviews
Discussion Questions:
1. Evie dreams of being a physician, which fits her natural talent for healing. What are your talents? How do your talents influence your hopes and dreams for your future?
2. The first time Evie enters the water, she discovers a side of herself she never knew existed. The second time she enters it, she discovers powers she never knew she had. Have you ever discovered a side of yourself you didn't know existed? How about discovering talents you never knew were there? How did that feel?
3. Evie puts her goals on hold for friendship. What do you think of her choice? When is it okay and not okay to give up something in order to help a friend?
4. Think about Evie's relationship with Grandfather. What happens when we are afraid to tell the truth to those we love?
5. Did the end of the story surprise you? How? If you had to predict, halfway through the book, how it might go, what would your guesses be?
To find out if Julie will be in your area, to read her blog, and to get the latest news on SECONDHAND CHARM, visit the author's website.
Author call-in information: Julie is happy to call-in to or Skype with your club or visit if you live in the New England area. Email Julie to submit your request.
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Ages 9-12 / Middle-grade fiction / Published by Bloomsbury
Win a set of GIRL'S BEST FRIEND by Leslie Margolis for your book club.
Enter to win by emailing Leslie's publisher (write KidsBookClubbing in the subject line).
 Dear Reader,
Girl's Best Friend, A Maggie Brooklyn Mystery, is about a twelve-year-old girl who walks a few dogs after school and stumbles upon some mysteries along the way. I came up with the idea while walking my own scrappy mutt, Aunt Blanche, in Park Slope, Brooklyn.
Maggie Brooklyn is inspired by two of my favorite characters: Nancy Drew and Harriet the Spy.
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Like traditional sleuths, Maggie cares about truth and justice. But she's got plenty of regular-kid dilemmas, too: a secret crush on a cute boy, a sometimes-annoying twin brother, and an ex-best friend who's still super-mean. Add some missing dogs to the mix, and let the adventure begin!
One of the best things about being a writer is hearing from readers, so if you do get a chance to read Girl's Best Friend, definitely let me know what you think!
Thanks so much,
Leslie Margolis
Book reviews:
"Maggie Brooklyn is a smart, funny, capable detective, and a real kid. Sequel, please."
- Adam Rex, author of The True Meaning of Smekday
"This is my kind of book! The mystery starts on page one. Then it's surprise after surprise, with lots of twists and turns-- and chilling suspense."
-R.L. Stine
"Leslie Margolis has found the perfect mix -- a city story, a tween story, and a mystery that truly keeps you guessing."
-Gordon Korman, author of 39 Clues Book #8 and Zoobreak
"Girl's Best Friend clips the reader onto a touching, funny story-leash that twists and turns... Margolis leaves you wanting to look twice at every familiar gesture and setting."
-Blue Balliett, author of Chasing Vermeer
"While the well-crafted mysteries are foremost, it's the relatable, witty protagonist that makes this novel stand out."
-The Horn Book
Discussion questions:
1. When you observe suspicious behavior - like Maggie did when noticing the missing dogs - what is your first instinct? Ignore it or get to the bottom of it?
2. If Nancy Drew, Harriet the Spy and Maggie Brooklyn were to form a detective agency, how well do you think they'd work together? What should they name the company?
3. What would you do if you found out a friend was involved in something you knew to be wrong?
4. Who is your favorite character and why?
5. What do you hope will happen in the next installment of The Maggie Brooklyn Mysteries?
For an excerpt from GIRL'S BEST FRIEND and so much more, visit Leslie Margolis' website.
Author call-in information: Leslie Margolis is happy to call-in to - or skype with - your club. She can also meet with your group if you live in Brooklyn or NYC area. Email Leslie's publisher to submit your request.
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Ages 12 and up / Young Adult Romantic Thriller / Published by Dial Books / Penguin Group
Win a set of THE JUMBEE by Pamela Keyes for your book club.
Enter to win by emailing the author (write Kidsbookclubbing in the subject line).
 Dear Reader,
A few years ago, I saw "Phantom of the Opera," and fell in love with the main characters. Shortly after that, I moved to the Caribbean. The moment I heard my first legend of a jumbee (a West Indian phantom who wants to steal your soul), I knew what I had to do. What better combination than a jumbee teamed with the most famous phantom in the world? When writing THE JUMBEE, I used themes of compassion and honor, weaving the dramas of Shakespeare and the history of the Caribbean into one of the most compelling plotlines in modern literature.
When Esti starts high school on Cariba Island, she's fleeing the shadow of her late father - a famous actor. But on an island rife with superstition, Esti can't escape the darkness. In the black of the theater department, an alluring voice becomes her brilliant drama tutor, while in the light of day Esti struggles to resist her attraction to the gorgeous local bad boy. When shocking accidents begin to happen at school, the islanders are sure that Esti is haunted by a jumbee. What will it cost Esti - and everyone she loves - to unmask the truth?
Enjoy and keep reading!
Pamela Keyes
Book reviews:
"Drawing on both Shakespeare...and Leroux, [The Jumbee] goes down easy and is perhaps a good way to introduce...readers to themes from the classics."
-Kirkus Reviews
"A teenage actress falls for a mysterious stranger in this haunting romance, reminiscent of The Phantom of the Opera.... The lushly described exotic setting breathes new life into the classic star-crossed story line."
-Booklist
"[The Jumbee] covers the coming of age of a young girl who is searching for her own identity. It features the problems teens face from other jealous teens, the stirring of romantic interests, the difficulties of growing up....enlightens the reader about the injustice of slavery, island superstitions and crosses racial lines, without drawing notice to them.... Race is simply not an issue although it is very much a part of the book."
-Thewanderingjew.com
Discussion questions:
1. Why is it so important for Esti to make a name for herself, without using the fame of her father?
2. What motivates Esti to keep secrets from her mom and her friends?
3. What is the most compelling and unusual thing about Alan?
4. What makes Esti's relationship with Rafe different than his previous relationships?
5. When Esti has to choose between the two people she loves, what influences her the most?
To read an excerpt and keep up with me via my blog, Twitter, and Facebook, please see my website, www.pamelakeyes.com. To watch THE JUMBEE trailer, please see this link.
Author call-in information: Pamela Keyes is happy to call-in to - or skype with - your club. She can also meet with your group if you live in the southwest near Tucson, Arizona. Visit Pamela's website to submit your request.
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Ages 9 - 12 / Middle-grade fiction/ Published by Katherine Tegen Books / Harper Collins
Win a set of IMAGINALIS by J.M. DeMatteis for your book club.
Enter to win by emailing the author (write "KidsBookClubbing" in the subject line)  Dear Readers,
In 2007, the abrupt cancellation of my children's book series, Abadazad, hit me hard. I believed in our cast of characters with all my heart. And now, I thought, they're gone. Trapped in some literary limbo, beyond my reach. How will I-
Wait. Characters trapped in limbo?
What a fantastic idea for a story!
I soon found myself writing the tale of twelve year old Mehera Crosby -- whose life is upended when her favorite book series is canceled; upended even more when she discovers that the characters she so loves are alive, trapped in a deadly limbo-and it's up to her to rescue them.
IMAGINALIS is the story of every reader who ever gave his heart to a book, every dreamer who realizes that imagination is more powerful than reality. And who, through reading about magic, is inspired to discover magic and miracles in her own life, every single day.
J.M. DeMatteis
Book reviews:
"A sure-footed fantasy. Well-drawn characters, abundant action and humor, and (a) hopeful message about the power of reading and belief." -Publisher's Weekly
"Strongly recommended. An epic tale...that will thrill readers of works like The Neverending Story and Inkheart." -SFRevue Discussion questions:
1. The world of Imaginalis is sometimes more real to Mehera than reality itself and she's devastated by the cancellation of the book series. Is it a good thing to take stories that seriously or has Mehera gone too far? Has a book ever touched you so deeply -- and why?
2. Rajah Merogji tells Prince Imagos that "compassion, not brutality" is the Imaginalian way. "War and vengeance are things our people left behind centuries ago." Do you think it's possible to solve all problems peacefully? Is violence ever necessary? Is peace really possible?
3. Mehera dreams of meeting Mrs. Morice-Gilland, the author of the Imaginalis series, but, when she finally does, Mrs. Morice-Gilland isn't the person Mehera's imagined; in fact she's rude and unfriendly. Where do you think the line is between author and story? Artist and art? Is it possible for someone to create a beautiful work of art and be an unpleasant person?
Click here to read a 50 page preview, see a video interview, and to read more about J.M. DeMatteis and his work, visit his website.
Author call-in information: J.M. DeMatteis is happy to call-in to, or Skype with, your club. He also does school and library visits in the New York City and Hudson Valley/Capital Region areas. Email J.M. to submit your request.
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