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March 2015
What's New: Deb Picks!
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 All the Bright Placesby Jennifer Niven
Theodore Finch is fascinated by death, and he constantly thinks of ways he might kill himself. But each time, something good, no matter how small, stops him. Violet Markey lives for the future, counting the days until graduation, when she can escape her Indiana town and her aching grief in the wake of her sister's recent death. When loner Finch and popular Violet meet high up on the ledge of the bell tower at school, it's unclear who saves whom. And when they pair up on a project to discover the "natural wonders" of their state, both Finch and Violet make more important discoveries: it's only with Violet that Finch can be himself--a weird, funny, live-out-loud guy who's not such a freak after all. And it's only with Finch that Violet can forget to count away the days and start living them. But as Violet's world grows, Finch's begins to shrink. What could be a depressing novel is saved by Violet's search for happiness and happy places, and Finch's ability to help her find those places. This is an intense, gripping novel perfect for fans of Gayle Forman, Jay Asher, Rainbow Rowell, and John Green. Ages 14 and up. (Knopf, $17.99) Reviewed by Debbie
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 Time out of Time # 1: Beyond the Doorby Maureen Doyle McQuerry
Beyond the Door, the first in a series from Maureen Doyle McQuerry, weaves a wonderful coming-of-age story with elements of fantasy and mythology. With his love of school and the game of Scrabble, Timothy James feels that the only person who really understands him is his older sister, Sarah, and he's fairly certain nothing interesting will ever happen to him. But one night, while his parents and sister are away, he sees something that changes everything: mythical creatures in his own living room! Soon, a mystery of unparalleled proportions begins to unfold, and Timothy has to team up with his sister and the school bully, Jessica, in the name of the Light in order to defeat the powers of the Dark. A secret code runs throughout the book that readers can decipher to learn more about their favorite characters and legends. Book 2 in the series The Telling Stone is due May 12th. Ages 8 to 12, and older as I really enjoyed the mythology in this one. (Amulet,$16.95) Reviewed by Debbie.
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 Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
In the kingdom of Goredd, dragons and humans live and work side by side - while below the surface, tensions and hostility\ies simmer. The newest member of the royal court, a uniquely gifted musician named Seraphina, holds a deep secret of her own. One that she guards with all of her being. When a member of the royal family is brutally murdered, Seraphina is drawn into the investigation alongside the dangerously perceptive (and dashing) Prince Lucien. But as the two uncover a sinister plot to destroy the wavering peace of the kingdom, Seraphina's struggle to protect her secret becomes increasingly difficult... while its discovery could mean her very life. The sequel, Shadow Scale, is available now & I look forward to reading it. Ages 12 and up. (Random House, $10.99, Shadow Scale $18.99). Reviewed by Debbie
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 Looking for Alaska: Special 10th Anniversary Edition
by John Green
Even if you have already read Looking for Alaska, you still may want this new hardcover edition. It's a 10th anniversary edition with a new introduction by the author. And we have a limited number of signed copies. 12 and up. (Dutton, $19.99)
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 Lego Chain Reactionby Klutz
LEGOŽ Chain Reactions is packed full of ideas, instructions, and inspiration for 10 LEGO machines that spin, swing, pivot, roll, lift, and drop. Each machine alone is awesome, but put them together and you get incredible chain reactions. Then, combine the machines in any order you like to create your own chain reactions. The Klutz team of experts worked with educators and 11-year-olds to invent the machines, then wrote a book that teaches the skills (and some of the physics behind the fun) kids need to create their own amazing chain reaction machines. The book includes 33 special LEGO elements that combine with basic bricks from your collection to make your machines go. But don't worry that you won't have the right bricks; The Klutz team worked with the folks at LEGO to make sure you'll need only the most common bricks, and that there are plenty of substitutes. All ages. (Klutz, $21.99)
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 Winter Walk by Virginia Brimhall Snow
Slide, step, and stomp through the snow with "Grammy" as she takes her grandkids on a winter adventure. As they explore the woods, they spot a cardinal, learn why some trees are green all year, and build a tall snowman. At the end of the day, they learn how to build a pinecone bird feeder. This is a beautiful book to share with youngsters ages 5 to 9. It may be a little late this season, but you will want to enjoy this book and the wonderful illustrations with younger readers. (Gibbs Smith Publishing,$16.99) A Diane Fix pick!
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 The Fourteenth Goldfishby Jennifer L. Holm
Eleven-year-old Ellie has never liked change. She misses fifth grade. She misses her old best friend. She even misses her dearly departed goldfish. Then one day a strange boy shows up. He's bossy. He's cranky. And weirdly enough . . . he looks a lot like Ellie's grandfather, a scientist who's always been slightly obsessed with immortality. Could this pimply boy really be Grandpa Melvin? Has he finally found the secret to eternal youth? A way to reverse aging? With a lighthearted touch and plenty of humor, Jennifer Holm celebrates the wonder of science and explores fascinating questions about life and death, family and friendship, immortality . . . and possibility. Ages 8-12. (Random House,$16.99) Reviewed by Debbie
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