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A Princess of Roumania
Synopsis: This is a truly magical tale, full of strangeness, terrors and wonders. Many girls daydream that they are really a princess adopted by commoners. In the case of teenager Miranda Popescu, this is literally true. Because she is at the fulcrum of a deadly political battle between conjurers in an alternate world where "Roumania" is a leading European power, Miranda was hidden by her aunt in our world, where she was adopted and raised in a quiet Massachusetts college town.
The narrative is split between our world and the people in Roumania working to protect or to capture Miranda: her Aunt Aegypta Schenck versus the mad Baroness Ceaucescu in Bucharest, and the sinister alchemist, the Elector of Ratisbon, who holds her true mother prisoner in Germany. This is the story of how Miranda -- with her two best friends, Peter and Andromeda -- is brought back to her home reality. Each of them is changed in the process and all will have much to learn about their true identities and the strange world they find themselves in.
This story is a triumph of contemporary fantasy.
Publication Date: 08/01/05
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Adventure
The Web:Lightstorm
Peter F. Hamilton
Synopsis: Welcome to the infinite worlds of The Web
Ghostly lights out on the marsh have been the subject of tales and rumors for as long as anyone can remember. Thirteen-year-old Aynsley suspects that the "lightstorms" are connected to a problem at the nearby power company. The company is trying to keep it a secret, but someone in authority needs to be told--and Aynsley is the one to do it. With the help of a network of friends across the world, Aynsley knows he just might be able to use The Web to get past the company security to find out exactly what's going on. But the Web works both ways. If Aynsley can get to the company, then the company can get to him. And the company has a way of dealing with intruders....
Publication Date: 08/01/05
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Adventure
The Sea Singer
Craig Moodie
Synopsis: Craig Moodie's finely crafted adventure novel tells the story of twelve-year-old Finn, who stows away to search for his lost father and brothers. It's a journey that brings storms, shipwreck, tense encounters with the inhabitants of an unexplored continent -- and a coming of age for Finn, who will in the end, face his father as a young man and a Viking. Dramatic and beautifully told, The Sea Singer is a first-rate literary sea story.

Publication Date: 08/01/05
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Adventure
The Deerslayer
Bruce L. R. Smith, James Fenimore Cooper
Synopsis: &&LDIV&&R&&LDIV&&R&&LDIV&&R&&LI&&RThe Deerslayer&&L/I&&R, by &&LB&&RJames Fenimore Cooper&&L/B&&R, is part of the &&LI&&RBarnes & Noble Classics&&L/I&&R&&LI&&R &&L/I&&Rseries, which offers quality editions at affordable prices to the student and the general reader, including new scholarship, thoughtful design, and pages of carefully crafted extras. Here are some of the remarkable features of &&LI&&RBarnes & Noble Classics&&L/I&&R: <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />&&LDIV&&RNew introductions commissioned from today's top writers and scholars Biographies of the authors Chronologies of contemporary historical, biographical, and cultural events Footnotes and endnotes Selective discussions of imitations, parodies, poems, books, plays, paintings, operas, statuary, and films inspired by the work Comments by other famous authors Study questions to challenge the reader's viewpoints and expectations Bibliographies for further reading Indices & Glossaries, when appropriateAll editions are beautifully designed and are printed to superior specifications; some include illustrations of historical interest. &&LI&&RBarnes & Noble Classics &&L/I&&Rpulls together a constellation of influences―biographical, historical, and literary―to enrich each reader's understanding of these enduring works.&&L/DIV&&R&&L/DIV&&R&&L/DIV&&R&&LDIV&&R &&L/DIV&&R&&LDIV&&R“Live by your own council. Be brave in the face of the unknown. Be always fair.”&&LBR&&R-Natty Bumppo, &&LI&&RThe Deerslayer&&L/I&&R&&LBR&&R&&LBR&&ROne of the greatest heroes in American literature, Natty Bumppo is the rugged frontiersman of &&LB&&RJames Fenimore Cooper&&L/B&&R’s &&LI&&RLeatherstocking Tales&&L/I&&R, a series of five novels that includes &&LI&&RThe Last of the Mohicans&&L/I&&R and &&LI&&RThe Deerslayer&&L/I&&R. Although the final volume to be written, &&LI&&RThe Deerslayer&&L/I&&R is the first in the chronology of Natty Bumppo’s life, depicting the character as a young man testing himself in the wilderness, and against enemies, for the first time.&&LBR&&R&&LBR&&RSet in the 1740’s just as the French and Indian wars have begun, the novel opens as Natty Bumppo―known as Deerslayer―and his friend Hurry Harry travel to Tom Hutter’s house in upstate New York. Hurry plans to marry Tom’s beautiful daughter Judith, while Deerslayer has come to help his close friend Chingachgook save his bride-to-be, Wah-ta-Wah, from the Huron Indians. When war breaks out, and Hurry and Tom are captured by Indians, Deerslayer must go on his first warpath to rescue them.&&LBR&&R&&LBR&&ROne of the earliest novels to be considered truly “American," &&LI&&RThe Deerslayer&&L/I&&R is a masterpiece of suspense, adventure, and romance.&&L/DIV&&R&&LDIV&&R &&L/DIV&&R&&LDIV&&R&&LDIV&&R&&LB&&RBruce L. R. Smith&&L/B&&R is a fellow at the Heyman Center for the Humanities at Columbia University. He is the author or editor of sixteen scholarly books, and he continues to lecture widely in the United States and abroad.&&L/DIV&&R&&L/DIV&&R&&L/DIV&&R
Publication Date: 07/01/05
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Adventure
The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs
Synopsis: When Eben McAllister reads about the Seven Wonders of the World, he longs to escape the small farming community of Sassafras Springs and do some exploring f his own. No one else ever seems to want to leave Sassafras however -- not even his best pal, Jeb -- and so, for now, Eben figures he's stuck on the farm with Pa and Aunt Pretty until he grows up.
All that changes when his pa, tired of Eben's moping, challenges him to find Seven Wonders in Sassafras Springs that can stang up to the real Seven Wonders of the World. And if he does? Then Eben will get the adventure he's been craving for -- a trip out West. Eben doesn't reckon he'll have any luck -- he can't think of even one thing that would be called "interesting," let along wonderous, in Sassafras, but he figures he'll give it a try; there's nothing else to do in Sassafras anyway.
While his mission puzzles and annoys some of his friends and neighbors, Eben perseveres, little knowing that he is in for a big surprise. For what with a singing saw, a floating table, and a truth-telling loom (just to name a few), the Wonders Eben will discover among his neighbors, friends, and family will give him the adventure of a lifetime...without his ever leaving home.
Told in a down-home narrative with glimmers of magical realism woven throughout, and illustrated with sumptuous drawings by Matt Phelan, Betty G. Birney's tale about a boy's journey of discovery reminds us all that extraordinary things can happen in the most ordinary of places...even in Sassafras Springs.
Publication Date: 07/01/05
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Adventure
The Brave Apprentice
P. W. Catanese
Synopsis: "Seven at one blow!" That's what they say about the Brave Little Tailor -- he killed seven foes with one blow. But no one can prove it's even true. Besides, that took place a long time ago, and the Brave Little Tailor is now an old man. So what happens when an army of angry trolls invades his kingdom?
Meet Patch Ridlin. He's a tailor's simple apprentice in the remote village of Crossfield. He's a hard worker who's never wanted for much, except maybe a little adventure. But when he rescues his friend Osbert from an aging and decrepit troll, Patch finds himself something of a town hero. Word of his bravery quickly spreads throughout the countryside, and Patch is summoned to the king's castle. King Milo needs his help to wage war on a gang of trolls threatening to destroy the kingdom.
Soon Patch finds himself engaged in an all-out battle against the trolls. With only the help of a fool named Simon and a maddening riddle, can Patch figure out the troll's fatal flaw? Or is the kingdom destined to perish?
Publication Date: 07/01/05
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Adventure
Lord of the Libraries
Synopsis: In The Destruction of the Books, the Vault of All Known Knowledge was destroyed and its learned caretaker abducted , leaving the forces against darkness without resource and leadership.

The world as they know it and all that is good are now threatened by the same shadows that have oppressed the continent beyond the sea.

The only hope for enlightenment and salvation lies in a lowly librarian adventurer named Juhg who unknowingly brought about the cataclysm. He now must save the day by seeking out his master and another store of knowledge that has been held in secret. In doing so, Juhg will unlock the mysteries of the past so as to allow the emergence of a new guardian....

The Lord of the Libraries.
Publication Date: 07/01/05
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Adventure
The Burying Beetle
Ann Kelley
Synopsis: It was after I ate King that everything started to go wrong in our entire family, as if someone had put an evil spell onto us, a hex - like a bad fairy godmother had said at my birth, when you are eleven you are going to be struck by a sorrow so big it will be like a lightning bolt. There will be grief like a sharp rock in your throat. Twelve-year-old Gussie was born with a rare, life-threatening heart disease, but it hasn't hampered her curiosity. When she reads about the Burying Beetle, which has the unusual habit of burying dead birds, mice, and other small animals by digging away the earth beneath them, it becomes her mission to find one. As she searches the Cornish coast for the elusive insect, Gussie learns be like the Burying Beetle, to bury things past and to live.
Publication Date: 07/01/05
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Adventure
Souls of the North Wind
Chrissy McVay
Synopsis: Iksik ran to his cousin's side, grabbing up the wolf head harpoon. At the curve in the trail a large shadow cascaded over the rocks. 'They heard the loud panting of the beast just before it rounded the corner, staring straight at them. A light breeze brought the overwhelming stench of its body. It was the smell of a beast that slept in its own filth. The long shaggy hair covering its massive chest was layered with the dried blood of old kills "Entertaining and educational, this book would be an excellent learning tool for teachers and should be a part of every school library" Shirley Roe, Allbooks Review' Reminiscent of Jack London's Call of the Wild, her writing combines a gentleness of touch with a fine eye for detail' McVay's largeness of heart'is what really enhances a unique storytelling style that will burrow into readers' hearts "Patrice TappeeRapid River Art Magazine - Asheville, N. C. 'Souls of the North Wind'is an exceptional book' five thumbs up. Lillian Cauldwell - author of Sacred Honor' 'remnant of the stories we all read as children about growing up, about being ourselves, and about questioning stereotypes" Tami Brady - author of The Complete Being 'I dare anyone to put this book down. The author brings you on the adventure of the two Inuit cousins just as if you were there with them" C. Gale Perkins - Author of The Baby's Cross
Publication Date: 06/25/05
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Adventure
The Nobodies
Peter Ferguson, N. E. Bode
Synopsis:

THE NOBODIES

Fern Drudger's quirky adventures continue in this delightful sequel to The Anybodies. She goes to Camp Happy Sunshine Good Times and is bombarded by desperate messages from people who call themselves the Nobodies. But who are the Nobodies, and what do they want from Fern?

Publication Date: 06/14/05
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Adventure
Steel Magic
Andre Norton
Synopsis:

A final stand for Avalon...
Sara, Greg, and Eric Lowry are exploring the woods near their uncle's Hudson Valley estate when they are magically transported to the land of Avalon. There they meet Huon, Warden of the West. When he tells them that the forces of darkness have stolen the three talismans that protect Avalon-King Arthur's sword, Excalibur; Merlin's ring; and Huon's horn-the children set off on a quest to find the three tokens of power. For Avalon stands as a wall between the Dark and the mortal world. And if Avalon falls, so does Earth....

Publication Date: 06/13/05
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Adventure
Soul Stealer
Martin Booth
Synopsis: When an enemy of Sebastian’s father reappears in order to find the ancient book of spells in the hopes of stealing millions of souls, it is up to Pip and Tim to help their friend find the disguised evil-doer and botch his plans before it's too late.
Publication Date: 06/01/05
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Adventure
Far from Burden Dell
Chris Coppel
Synopsis: Amy, a pampered young Golden Retriever, is stolen by ruthless smugglers from her home in rural England and taken to a grim London prison. A bold escape with her fellow prisoners--a weepy but learned Spaniel, two stalwart Dobermans, a vain Afghan, and an ingenious Yorkshire Terrier, takes the friends through the perils of London, from crossing busy streets, escaping a vicious pack of rats in the pitch-black London Underground, rushing from Harrod's Food Court, running over London Bridge, hiding out in Hyde Park, to racing from the guards at Buckingham Palace, always pursued by their criminal captors. But can the courageous, often terrified, friends escape recapture and their grim prison, as well as capture by the police--and possibly the dog pound--to find their way home? Ages 10 and up.
Publication Date: 05/30/05
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Adventure
Cirque du Freak: Killers of the Dawn
Synopsis: Outnumbered, outsmarted and desperate, the hunters are on the run, pursued by the vampaneze, the police, and an angry mob. With their enemies clamoring for blood, the vampires prepare for a deadly battle. Is this the end for Darren and his allies?
Publication Date: 05/11/05
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Adventure
Warriors: The New Prophecy: Midnight
Synopsis: Darkness, air, water, and sky will come together...

The wild cats of the forest have lived in peace and harmony for many moons -- but a doom that will change everything is coming. Strange messages from their warrior ancestors speak of terrifying new prophecies, danger, and a mysterious destiny.

All the signs point to young warrior Brambleclaw as the cat with the fate of the forest in his paws. But why would the son of wicked cat Tigerstar be chosen to be a hero? And who are the other cats mentioned in the prophecy? All Brambleclaw knows for sure is that the strength and courage of the greatest warriors will be needed now, as the quest to save the Clans begins.

...and shake the forest to its roots.
Publication Date: 05/10/05
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Adventure
Arthur and the Minimoys
Synopsis: Luc Besson, writer, director and producer of The Fifth Element and La Femme Nikita, makes his children's book debut with this over-the-top middle-grade fantasy first published in France.

Ten-year-old Arthur and his grandmother are doing just fine on their own -- except for that Grandpa has been missing in Africa for four years and a developer villain is evicting them from their own house. Things sour further when antique dealers haul away all of Grandpa's priceless African artifacts and books. Arthur is certain that his grandfather must have left some hidden message somewhere that will reverse their current downward spiral. He hopes to discover some way to enter the world of the beautiful, red-haired, blue-eyed African Princess Selenia that he saw in his grandfather's sketches; member of a tiny (less-than-an-inch-tall) tribe called the Minimoys that he suspects might live in Grandma's garden. But how, when Grandpa's attic has been stripped of clues?

Besson's story contains many of the elements of a good, suspenseful children's adventure, but it is often over told, employs an abundance of facile plot solutions, and loses threads and themes in a long, dizzying action-adventure sequence that abruptly ends as "to be continued." Still, it's hard to resist a likeable hero-protagonist, treasure maps, the promise of rubies, and a land of warring tiny people. Let the hype begin! The sequel Arthur and the Forbidden City is due in fall 2005, and Arthur, a computer-animated movie based on the books, is due out in 2006, with Madonna voicing the part of Princess Selenia. (Ages 8 to 12) --Karin Snelson

Publication Date: 05/10/05
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Adventure

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