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Belladonna
Mary Finn
Synopsis: A lyrical coming-of-age story about a boy, a girl, and a horse - and how a chance encounter can lead to a life of intrigue and learning, a life beyond imagining. (Age 11 and up)

When Thomas Rose first spots the girl hidden by the roadside, she looks as drab as a lark, with only her red kerchief giving her away. But French Hélène, who goes by "Ling," is no ordinary bird. Tiny Ling enchants Thomas with her wild spirit and tales of a circus where she danced atop her beloved horse, Belladonna. But the horse has been sold, and Ling must fetch her back. Now Thomas’s life as a clever but unschooled wheelwright’s son is about to change. Their search leads to painter George Stubbs, who euthanizes ailing animals in order to study their anatomy. Stubbs draws eerie horses that stride as if they could move out of the paper world into the real one - but he assures his young friends that their horse is safe at a nearby estate. As Ling and Thomas devise a risky plan to recover Belladonna, Stubbs hires Thomas as an apprentice, teaching him to read and write as well. In this fascinating story, Mary Finn incorporates a real eighteenth-century artist into a beautifully imagined tale of adventure and young romance.
Publication Date: 06/14/11
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Historical Fiction
Passion
Lauren Kate
Synopsis:

Luce would die for Daniel.

And she has. Over and over again. Throughout time, Luce and Daniel have found each other, only to be painfully torn apart: Luce dead, Daniel left broken and alone. But perhaps it doesn’t need to be that way. . . .

Luce is certain that something—or someone—in a past life can help her in her present one. So she begins the most important journey of this lifetime . . . going back eternities to witness firsthand her romances with Daniel . . . and finally unlock the key to making their love last.

Cam and the legions of angels and Outcasts are desperate to catch Luce, but none are as frantic as Daniel. He chases Luce through their shared pasts, terrified of what might happen if she rewrites history.

Because their romance for the ages could go up in flames . . . forever.

Sweeping across centuries, Passion is the third novel in the unforgettably epic Fallen series.

Publication Date: 06/14/11
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fantasy
The Lost Crown
Sarah Miller
Synopsis: Olga, Tatiana, Maria, and Anastasia.  Like the fingers on a hand -- first headstrong Olga; then Tatiana, the tallest; Maria the most hopeful for a ring; and Anastasia, the smallest. These are the daughters of Tsar Nicholas II, grand duchesses living a life steeped in tradition and privilege.  They are each on the brink of starting their own lives, at the mercy of royal matchmakers.  The summer of 1914 is that precious last wink of time when they can still be sisters together -- sisters that link arms and laugh, sisters that share their dreams and worries, and flirt with the officers of their imperial yacht.

But in a gunshot the future changes -- for these sisters and for Russia.

As World War I ignites across Europe, political unrest sweeps Russia. First dissent, then disorder, mutiny -- and revolution. For Olga, Tatiana, Maria and Anastasia, the end of their girlhood together is colliding with the end of more than they ever imagined.

At the same time hopeful and hopeless, naïve and wise, the voices of these sisters become a chorus singing the final song of Imperial Russia. Impeccably researched and utterly fascinating, this novel by acclaimed author Sarah Miller recounts the final days of Imperial Russia with lyricism, criticism and true compassion.
Publication Date: 06/14/11
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Historical Fiction
Paper Covers Rock
Jenny Hubbard
Synopsis: Michael L. Printz Honor Award-winning author of And We Stay Jenny Hubbard’s powerful debut novel.
 
“One of the best young adult books I’ve read in years.”—PAT CONROY
 
“Paper Covers Rock is dazzling in its intensity and intelligence, spell-binding in its terrible beauty.” —KATHI APPELT, author of the Newbery Honor Book The Underneath
 
Sixteen-year-old Alex has just begun his junior year at a boys’ boarding school when he fails to save a friend from drowning in a river on campus. Afraid to reveal the whole truth, Alex and Glenn, who was also involved, decide to lie. But the boys weren’t the only ones at the river that day . . . and they soon learn that every decision has a consequence.
 
A William C. Morris Debut Award Finalist
A Booklist Editors’ Choice
A Horn Book Fanfare
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
A Publishers Weekly Flying Start Author
A Booklist Top 10 First Novel for Youth
An ABC Top 10 New Voices Selection
 
* “The poignant first-person narration is a deftly woven mixture of confessional entries, class assignments, poems, and letters. . . . [A] tense dictation of secrets, lies, manipulation, and the ambiguity of honor.” —The Horn Book Magazine, Starred
 
* "In the tradition of John Knowles’s A Separate Peace. . . . A powerful, ambitious debut.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred
 
* "Those who are looking for something to ponder will enjoy this compelling read.” —School Library Journal, Starred
 
* “This novel introduces Hubbard as a bright light to watch on the YA literary scene.” —Booklist, Starred
Publication Date: 06/14/11
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
When Life Gives You O.J.
Erica S. Perl
Synopsis: For years, 10-year-old Zelly Fried has tried to convince her parents to let her have a dog. After all, practically everyone in Vermont owns a dog, and it sure could go a long way helping Zelly fit in since moving there from Brooklyn. But when her eccentric grandfather Ace hatches a ridiculous plan involving a "practice dog" named OJ, Zelly's not so sure how far she's willing to go to win a dog of her own. Is Ace's plan so crazy it just might work . . . or is it just plain crazy?

Erica S. Perl weaves an affectionate and hilarious tale that captures the enduring bond between grandparents and grandchildren.  Even when they're driving each other nuts.
Publication Date: 06/14/11
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
Mistress of the Storm
Synopsis: Verity Gallant is a lonely little girl who doesn't quite fit in. But when a mysterious stranger hands her an ancient book, everything changes. Suddenly it's up to her to solve the riddle of an ancient pledge and protect her family from the evil Mistress of the Storm. What hope does she have against a witch so powerful she can control the wind and create storms at will? Luckily, Verity does not have to face her enemy alone. As events begin to spiral out of control, she finds two loyal and steadfast friends to stand by her side.

The Storm is coming. And it will change Verity's life forever.
Publication Date: 06/14/11
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fantasy
The Mistaken Masterpiece
Michael D. Beil
Synopsis: The perfect series for kids who loved THE LEMONADE WAR series and are ready for more mysteries!

"With wit, cunning, snappy dialogue and superior math skills, The Red Blazer Girls represent the best of girl-detectives while still feeling relatable and real. Nancy Drew would be right at home with this group." -- Huffington Post's 15 Greatest Kid Detectives List

Sophie, Margaret, Becca, and Leigh Ann are back in an all-new Red Blazer Girls caper. In the third installment, Sophie is nose to fist with her arch-rival, Livvy, all while taking care of movie-star Nate Etan's dog, when Father Julian hires the Blazers to help him authenticate a painting. Mayhem and mystery follows as the girls attempt to uncover the truth. Oh, and, uh, Sophie's friend-who-is-not-a-boyfriend, Raf, is back. . . .

Michael Beil, a New York City high school English teacher and life-long mystery fan, delivers a middle-grade caper that's perfect for middle-grade readers who have finished THE LEMONADE WAR series and are ready for more advanced mysteries!
Publication Date: 06/14/11
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Mystery
You'll Like It Here (Everybody Does)
Synopsis: While Meggie and David Blue are from another planet, they're a lot like Earth kids, with similar hopes and dreams, and can't wait to grow up. BUT they also have GROSSLY UNIQUE qualities, such as blue streaks in their hair that pop up randomly and language skills that sound like nothing on this planet. The story takes these alien kids, along with their mother and grandfather, by accident, to a far planet in which the society is not only oppressive but hostile to individual freedom. People are kept submissive through drugs and brainwashing. The Blues, who have spent time in free societies recognize the upside-down-ness of this world. They're almost helpless to do anything, but do what they can, plan their escape, and vow to help others.
Publication Date: 06/14/11
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
The Chamber of Five
Michael Harmon
Synopsis: In a private-school conspiracy novel, 16-year-old Jason Weatherby knows exactly why he's at the Lambert School for the Gifted. And it's not for his brains. His dad is an influential state senator. It's this same connection that lands him a spot on the secretive Chamber of Five, the elite group of students who run the school with a shadow government, tapping into the same lines of powers as their parents. When he's asked to physically assault and ruin the reputation of another student as part of his initiation, Jason sees firsthand the depravity of the Chamber—and decides to work from the inside to take it down. But Jason taps into a conspiracy—and school secrets—far more insidious than he could ever have imagined. From award-winning author Michael Harmon comes a taut, thrillingly paced novel about the perils of privilege. Can one bold student set things right?
Publication Date: 06/14/11
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
Running Wide Open
Lisa Nowak
Synopsis: Cody Everett has a temper as hot as the inside of a combustion chamber, and it's landed him at his uncle's trailer, a last-chance home before military school. But how can he take the guy seriously when he calls himself Race, eats Twinkies for breakfast, and pals around with rednecks who drive in circles every Saturday night?

What Cody doesn't expect is for the arrangement to work. Or for Race to become the friend and mentor he's been looking for all his life. But just as Cody begins to settle in and get a handle on his supercharged temper, a crisis sends his life spinning out of control. Everything he's come to care about is threatened, and he has to choose between falling back on his old, familiar anger or stepping up to prove his loyalty to the only person he's ever dared to trust.

"Nowak capably depicts a realistic, likable teenager with typical teenager flaws.... An endearing story about a teenager, his mentor, and what a difference true, unselfish love can make." ~ Kirkus Reviews

Named one of BookBub's "6 Seriously Awesome YA Books Even Adults Can Get Into."

"The roar of engines practically explodes off the page in this compelling, heart-thumping debut. Cody Everett is a straight-shooter with attitude, smarts, and whip-cracking wit; he doesn't pull any punches, and neither does author Lisa Nowak. The collision of Cody and the world of stock car racing makes for a great story, one of the best I've read in a long time. Running Wide Open is a book not to be missed." ~ Christine Fletcher, author of Tallulah Falls and Ten Cents a Dance

Book 1 in the Full Throttle Series
Publication Date: 06/13/11
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
Gamers
Thomas K Carpenter
Synopsis: Two points for brushing your teeth. Ten points for keeping your room tidy. Seventy-two points for the Bioeconomic Game Design pop quiz on the ride to school in your personal FunCar. Another thirty for making every hurdle in gym class. Life is a game, unless you're not the one winning. When Gabby DeCorte, top student and reality-hacker extraordinaire, learns the truth about LifeGame, she must choose between winning and what she believes in.
Publication Date: 06/13/11
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
Why Your Parents Hate You: Speshally 4 U Teens
Synopsis: I know what you're thinking. I know what the title implies, but you have to read this book in order to understand the title. Whether you are a lost teenager seeking to be found, a parent at their wits end, a psychologist doing research, or just a person interested in the latest advice being given to an age group which continues to bewilder all the other ones from generation to generation you will find this book most interesting. I don't claim to be a doctor or to have any other medical training, but I'm telling you like it is. What I say here you aren't going to find in any other book, so brace yourself for the truth.
Publication Date: 06/12/11
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Nonfiction
Why Your Parents Hate You: Speshally 4 U Teens (eBook)
Synopsis: I know what you're thinking. I know what the title implies, but you have to read this book in order to understand the title. Whether you are a lost teenager seeking to be found, a parent at their wits end, a psychologist doing research, or just a person interested in the latest advice being given to an age group which continues to bewilder all the other ones from generation to generation you will find this book most interesting. I don't claim to be a doctor or to have any other medical training, but I'm telling you like it is. What I say here you aren't going to find in any other book, so brace yourself for the truth.
Publication Date: 06/12/11
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Nonfiction
Mermentau: Seal of the Forgotten
Devin Schvaneveldt, Zack Scanlan
Synopsis: When a heavy storm sends three teenagers on an unexpected path they have no choice but to stop in the empty town of Mermentau, Louisiana. The dim lights of an old and tattered house look to be the only place of refuge. They are greeted at the door by a badly scarred old man, named Ukuk. He rambles about Mermentau and how it was once a village of magic and mystery forced underground by man. Before they can escape the troubled host, the storm worsens. As lighting strikes and trees begin to fall, the old man’s underground shelter is the only thing that can keep them safe. They would soon find out that Ukuk would be the least of their worries. Behind the door exists a mystical world of creatures unknown. A place filled with the light of good and the most unimaginable evil. They will soon find out that things meant to be forgotten will be remembered again.
Publication Date: 06/10/11
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fantasy
War and Watermelon
Rich Wallace
Synopsis: It's the summer of 1969. We've just landed on the moon, the Vietnam War is heating up, the Mets are beginning their famous World Series run, and Woodstock is rocking upstate New York. Down in New Jersey, twelve-year-old Brody is mostly concerned with the top ten hits on the radio and how much playing time he'll get on the football team. But when he goes along for the ride to Woodstock with his older brother and sees the mass of humanity there, he starts to wake up to the world around him-a world that could take away the brother he loves.
Publication Date: 06/09/11
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Historical Fiction
Dragon Castle
Joseph Bruchac
Synopsis: Young Prince Rashko is frustrated with his family - no one does any thinking but him! The kingdom and castle seem to be in the hands of fools. So when Rashko's parents mysteriously disappear and the evil Baron Temny parks his army outside the castle walls, it is up to the young prince to save the day. But there is more to this castle and its history than meets the eye, and Rashko will have to embrace his ancestry, harness a dragon, and use his sword-fighting skills to stop the baron and save the kingdom. Along the way, he realizes that his family is not quite as stupid as he always thought.

Master storyteller Joseph Bruchac, known for his smart, gripping Native American books, here combines his signature action and adventure with a large dose of humor, which just brings this story to a whole new level.
Publication Date: 06/09/11
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fantasy

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