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Taken at Dusk
C. C. Hunter
Synopsis:

Step into Shadow Falls, a camp for teens with supernatural powers. Here friendship thrives, love takes you by surprise, and our hearts possess the greatest magic of all.

Kylie Galen wants the truth so badly she can taste it. The truth about who her real family is, the truth about which boy she's meant to be with―and the truth about what her emerging powers mean. But she's about to discover that some secrets can change your life forever…and not always for the better.

Just when she and Lucas are finally getting close, she learns that his pack has forbidden them from being together. Was it a mistake to pick him over Derek? And it's not just romance troubling Kylie. An amnesia-stricken ghost is haunting her, delivering the frightful warning, someone lives and someone dies. As Kylie races to unravel the mystery and protect those she loves, she finally unlocks the truth about her supernatural identity, which is far different―and more astonishing―than she ever imagined.

Publication Date: 04/10/12
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
Amaranthine
Tricia Rigli
Synopsis: Amaranthine is a tale of the dark side of desire. Crimson Wilkinson is a seemingly normal high school senior who, bored with life, finds her kicks in reading a popular vampire series. But her boredom is well remedied when she becomes an active part in the very true vampire stories the world thought were fiction and falls in love with their author, Nicholae Albaric, the dangerously gorgeous and sweetly lonely vampire celebrity. The rush she once so longed for becomes a burden as Crimson discovers she has a rare gene that makes the carrier extremely powerful once they are made into a vampire, and she is targeted as the vampire community's number-one most wanted, some who want to kill her before she can become a threat and others who want to use her powers to their own ends.
Publication Date: 04/10/12
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
Alice-Miranda on Vacation
Jacqueline Harvey
Synopsis: Girls who are fans of Judy Moody, Matilda and Clementine will love Alice-Miranda, the  precocious and endearing heroine whose adventures continue in book #2 of the Alice-Miranda series. 

Alice-Miranda Highton-Smith-Kennington-Jones has survived her first semester at boarding school. Now she's headed home for break—and she's invited Jacinta Headlington-Bear, the school's second-best tantrum thrower, to join her. The two girls are looking forward to a fun mini-vacation. Nothing too eventful! But a cranky boy is causing mischief, a movie star has come to visit, and a stranger is snooping around. Add a naughty pony, a hint of romance, and a dastardly scheme, and Jacinta and Alice-Miranda might have a more exciting time than they ever expected. . . .
Publication Date: 04/10/12
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fiction
Julie Rayzor - Romance, Adventure, Zombies
Richard Howes, Richard Howes
Synopsis: What do you do when you're 17, in a fortress surrounded by a zombie apocalypse, and your boyfriend is outside and lost? If you're Julie Rayzor, you lock and load. Reviews: “Crisp, fast-paced action novel... Writing style is very impressive... usually found in male adventures, yet his heroine is a woman in love... he pulls off the balancing act between realistic feminine energy and highly effective tough combat... Successfully blends all three genres: sci-fi, a love story, and a war story, and it works on all three levels... Great dialogue in this entertaining novel... Elmore Leonard type: short, character-revealing, and advancing the story conflict. And conflict is everywhere... I will not give away any secrets in the plot... I won’t tell you about the train scenes, wow, you’ll have to discover those yourself. I will say that the love story kicks in like an afterburner...” says John Hill, Author and Screenwriter of "Quigley Down Under", and "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" (uncredited), "LA Law" and "Quantum Leap". 17 year-old Julie is caught between a world of zombies outside of "Fort Tulsa" and a life of drama inside. When everything she loves in life is stolen away; her soldier-boyfriend missing-in-action; troubles with Jill, her best friend; Felix, a nerdy medical researcher fawning over her; plus a broken leg in a cast to weigh her down, she has to join the zombie war to fight or be killed. When she learns of a plan to rescue her boyfriend and save the city, she uncovers a dark secret - a secret that she must keep hidden deep inside until she can complete the most dangerous task of her life. The sequel, Rayzor-Wire, is in production. Zombies zombies zombies, killing zombies, Zombie brains, brains, horror, Zombie horror, zombie books, How to zombie, how to zombie in books, how to be a zombie, how to be a zombie in books, how to kill zombies, how to survive zombie, how to survive zombie apocalypse, how to speak zombie, how to speak zombie - a guide for the living, zombie infection, zombie survival, zombie survival kit, zombie attack, zombie attack weapons, zombie romance, zombie romance in kindle store, zombie romance in books, zombie apocalypse, infection. zombie apocalypse in kindle store, zombie in books, zombie in games, zombie in toys, zombie apocalypse, zombie apocalypse survival kit, zombie apocalypse survival gear, zombie war, zombie plan, Julie Razor, Razor. infecti The hunger games, World War Z, Zombie survival Guide, Zombies zombies zombies, killing zombies, Zombie brains, brains, zombie infection. horror, Zombie horror, zombie books, How to zombie, how to zombie in books, how to be a zombie, how to be a zombie in books, how to kill zombies, how to survive zombie, how to survive zombie apocalypse, how to speak zombie, how to speak zombie - a guide for the living, zombie survival, zombie survival kit, zombie attack, zombie attack weapons, zombie romance, zombie romance in kindle store, zombie romance in books, zombie apocalypse, zombie apocalypse in kindle store, zombie in books, zombie in games, zombie in toys, zombie apocalypse, zombie apocalypse survival kit, zombie apocalypse survival gear, zombie war, zombie plan, Julie Razor, Razor. The hunger games, World War Z, Zombie survival Guide, zombie infection, Zombies zombies zombies, killing zombies, Zombie brains, brains, horror, Zombie horror, zombie books, How to zombie, how to zombie in books, how to be a zombie, how to be a zombie in books, how to kill zombies, how to survive zombie, how to survive zombie apocalypse, how to speak zombie, how to speak zombie - a guide for the living, zombie survival, zombie survival kit, zombie attack, zombie attack weapons, zombie romance, zombie romance in kindle store, zombie romance in books, zombie apocalypse, zombie apocalypse in kindle store, zombie in books, zombie ga
Publication Date: 04/10/12
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
Flip
Martyn Bedford
Synopsis: “Flip is captivating from beginning to end, with rich characters and a fascinating mystery. . . . Highly recommended!” --James Dashner, author of the Maze Runner series

What does it mean to have a soul whose will to live knows no limits?

One morning fourteen-year-old Alex wakes up to find himself in the wrong bedroom, in an unfamiliar house, in a different part of the country. Six months have disappeared overnight. The family at the breakfast table? Total strangers.

And when he looks in the mirror, another boy's face stares back. A boy named Philip, known as Flip. Unless Alex finds out what's happened and how to get back to his own life, he'll be trapped forever inside a body that belongs to someone else.

Martyn Bedford's debut novel for young adults is fearless and fast-paced, a riveting psychological thriller about a boy coming undone in the most extraordinary of circumstances.

Praise for Flip

A Junior Library Guild Selection
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

"The mysteries are countless: What is a soul? Where does it go when its human host ceases to function? Bedford adeptly sweeps the existential curtain aside and tackles these heavy questions as the tension soars." --Kirkus Reviews, Starred
Publication Date: 04/10/12
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
Lucy and CeCee's How to Survive in Middle School
Synopsis: Time to put the freak-out on pause because outgoing, boy-crazy Lucy Pringle and shy, studious, bespectacled CeCee Cruz have the goods on how to make middle school the best three years ever! Lucy and CeCee-the official self-proclaimed Madison Heights Middle School experts on how to deal with haters, hormones, and hot lunch dilemmas-are ready to demystify swirlie urban legends and dish about academic and social topics. They're keeping it real, lacing diary entries with their own daily escapades regarding skater slacker boyfriend crushes, BFF shopping trips to the mall, and BEE (Bitter Eternal Enemies) text wars. The two seventh graders swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth . . . so help them Good Fairy of Popularity. In this handbook, two girls who have already survived boyfriends, sleepovers, nerd crushes, detentions, and runaway pimples share helpful hints and lingo lessons that will help tweens not only survive, but thrive while navigating through all the gory glory of middle school.  Check out Lucy and CeCee's official website at tweengirlsrule.blogspot.com.  Winner of Editor's Choice, Rising Star, Young Adult Honorable Mention - San Francisco Festival of Books, Paris Festival of Books, and New York Festival of Books.
Publication Date: 04/05/12
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
Spaceheadz with Super Hampster Grip(SPHDZ 3)
Shane Prigmore, Jon Scieszka
Synopsis: The SPHDZ are about to reach their recruitment quota—and that’s when the real story STARTS!

Michael K. and the gang only have 100 SPHDZ left to sign up. But something is about to go horribly wrong that will change EVERYTHING forever. 

What if the 3.14 million and one brainwaves aren’t for saving the world at all? What if Agent Umber finally catches up with the SPHDZ? What if the AAA Chief has a new plan? What if Fluffy can speak...baby? New twists and new turns await readers. And in the end, Michael K. may not know whom he can trust anymore.... The third book in the out-of-this-world series is full of twists and turns—and a bigger mystery is about to be revealed! 
Publication Date: 04/03/12
Age Level: 5 - 8
Genre: Fiction
The Summer Before Boys
Nora Raleigh Baskin
Synopsis: “Vivid and moving. I loved it.” —Rebecca Stead, Newbery-winning author of When You Reach Me

Julia and Eliza are best friends, so when Julia’s mom is sent to serve in Iraq, it makes perfect sense for her to spend the summer with Eliza and her parents. Any other time, Julia would be thrilled to be there. But on top of worrying about her mom, Julia develops her first real crush. The gap between Julia and Eliza keeps widening—until Eliza does something drastic to win back her best friend.

In her follow-up to the award-winning Anything But Typical, Nora Baskin Raleigh has written a powerful, touching story about friendship, first love, and how the people who are farthest away from us are sometimes the ones we need the most.
Publication Date: 04/03/12
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
Tracks
Diane Lee Wilson
Synopsis: Can the railroad that is uniting America bridge the gap between two boys from different backgrounds?

Shortly after the Civil War, Malachy laces on his father’s boots and travels to the American West to work on the transcontinental railroad that will unite the country. In addition to the challenge of the physically grueling work, Malachy also has to adjust to working with Chinese men and boys, whom he views with suspicion and contempt. Despite everything, Malachy gets by with his love for his fierce new dog, Brina, and Blind Thomas, the most hardworking and loyal railroad horse around.

But after a Chinese boy is blamed for stealing a bag of coins, Malachy begins to reconsider his prejudices—because Malachy is the real thief, and his conscience is uneasy. He begins to notice the many ways in which the Chinese workers are mistreated. And when real danger threatens, Malachy needs to find the courage to step up and do what’s right.

Diane Lee Wilson’s atmospheric writing vividly depicts the western landscape of America in the 1860s, bringing readers alongside Malachy—and his beloved horse and dog—as he navigates a bumpy moral terrain, and discovers a friendship he never knew was possible.
Publication Date: 04/03/12
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
The Metamorphosis of Kaden Parsons
Synopsis: The Metamorphosis of Kaden Parsons is about a boy who is bullied at school following the loss of his mother and mid-year transfer to a new school. As a new single-parent, his dad must learn how best to help his son while fighting the guilt of not knowing. Using the amazing transformation of the Monarch butterfly as a metaphor, Kaden's journey reveals who he really is and launches his dad on a quest to become the father his son needs him to be.

The conversation starters at the end of the book help busy parents to personalize the major themes of the story--which include bullying and the power of standing up, love and loss, and single parenting--to their own family values and experiences.
Publication Date: 04/02/12
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
The Metamorphosis of Kaden Parsons
Synopsis: The Metamorphosis of Kaden Parsons is about a boy who is bullied at school following the loss of his mother and mid-year transfer to a new school. As a new single-parent, his dad must learn how best to help his son while fighting the guilt of not knowing. Using the amazing transformation of the Monarch butterfly as a metaphor, Kaden's journey reveals who he really is and launches his dad on a quest to become the father his son needs him to be.

The conversation starters at the end of the book help busy parents to personalize the major themes of the story--which include bullying and the power of standing up, love and loss, and single parenting--to their own family values and experiences.
Publication Date: 04/02/12
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fiction
Steal That Base!
Eric Wight, Kurtis Scaletta
Synopsis:

Chad’s got the summertime blues: his parents want him to be home by midnight (no extra innings) and eat healthier (no corn dogs). His friend, Abby, has bobblehead issues. And then there’s pinch hitter Sammy Solaris. But Sammy has problems of his own. He has a big swing but is too slow. If he can’t speed up his running and stealing, he’ll be off the team. There’s got to be something Chad can do to save the day . . . with a little help from Dylan, a baseball card, and that porcupine!

Publication Date: 04/01/12
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fiction
Cat Girl's Day Off
Kimberly Pauley
Synopsis:

Nat Ng comes from a family of the super-Talented: levitation, lie-detecting, chameleon-like blending into one s surroundings. Her Class D (as in dumb) Talent of talking to cats isn t something they ever discuss and she d rather no one ever knew about it anyway. Her life would be over if she became forever known as Cat Girl.

But when Nat s celebrity-addicted best friends show her a viral Internet video of a celebrity blogger being attacked by her own cat, it s only Nat who can see the true story. To solve the mystery and prevent a murder or two, Nat and her friends must race through Ferris Bueller s Chicago from movie set locations (such as Wrigley Field) to the suburbs, accompanied by wise-cracking cats. Perhaps Cat Girl might save the day after all!

Publication Date: 04/01/12
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
The Game of Pirate (eBook)
Synopsis: When fifteen year old orphan Jack Hampton pays a final visit to Captain Jones in prison, he doesn't expect to spend the next few months aboard the Firebird with a crew of rugged pirates, the fearsome, mysterious Madame Helena and a manuscript full of puzzling clues. An exciting tale of pirates, treasure, treachery and adventure: all somehow tangled up with the loss of the Curchan Ruby and an unusual board game, the Game of Pirate. Those who loved reading Treasure Island will also love this book.
Publication Date: 04/01/12
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
Waverley
Ian Duncan, Claire Lamont, Peter Garside, Sir Walter Scott
Synopsis: The first historical novel and an international bestseller

Sir Walter Scott was one of the bestselling novelists of the nineteenth century and is credited with establishing the historical novel. His first novel, Waverley (1814), tells the story of Edward Waverley, a naïve young man who is posted to Scotland with his regiment. Edward must decide whether he will follow the civilization he has always known, or be drawn into an older world of honor. This edition is based on the authoritative Edinburgh version edited by Peter Garside.

For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
Publication Date: 03/27/12
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
Chomp
Carl Hiaasen
Synopsis: Amazon Best Books of the Month for Kids, April 2012: Carl Hiaasen taps into a pop culture phenomenon in Chomp by taking on the popularity of reality television shows with one of his own, “Expedition Survival!.” The Florida Everglades provide the perfect backdrop for a reality survival show and Mickey Cray, a wild animal wrangler, and his son Wahoo are hired to keep the pampered Expedition Survival! star from accidentally killing himself with the local wildlife. The Cray’s are joined by a girl on the run from her abusive father and adventure, laughter, and even a mysterious disappearance follow. The eccentric characters and wacky humor that make Hiaasen’s adult books so much fun to read carry over to the pages of Chomp and Wahoo’s voice of reason in the cacophony of unpredictable adults is an appealing dynamic for young readers. --Seira Wilson

Amazon Exclusive: Q&A with Author Carl Hiaasen

Q. What do you enjoy most about writing for kids versus writing for adults?

A. The best part about writing for kids is the piles of letters I get. Grown-ups might stop you in an airport and tell you they like the novels, but kids will sit down and write a three-page letter, complete with illustrations. They're sharp and perceptive, and they really love the irreverent point of view in the books.

Q. Chomp pokes fun at a survivalist reality TV show--what do you think about America’s obsession with “reality” TV?

A. Reality television taps into the same human impulse that makes you slow down on the highway to gawk at a six-car pile-up. Everybody does it and nobody wants to admit it. Beside Jon Stewart, the best comedy on television is Finding Bigfoot and some of these other reality shows. Infested! is another good one, particular the bedbug episode.  

Q. As a native Floridian, what is the most exotic animal you’ve encountered?

A. Poisonous snakes, gators, crocs, iguanas, black widow spiders, all that stuff. I tried to raise a couple of wild raccoons, which I would not recommend. I also used to breed rat snakes, which are beautiful animals. Even though Chomp takes place in the Everglades, I wouldn't call it a scary place--not nearly as scary as the lobby of the Orlando airport on a day when the Disney tours arrive.

Q. In Chomp, both Mickey and Wahoo are fearless when it comes to snakes and other wild beasts (and nutty people, for that matter)--do you have any animal phobias?

A. Yeah, I'm not crazy about chihuahuas. My Labrador and I will go two or three blocks out of our way to avoid one. For some reason they always want to chew my ankles off.

Q. You named the two kids in Chomp after fish--Wahoo and Tuna--how did that come about?

A. I just thought it would be cool to name a boy after Wahoo McDaniel, who played for the Dolphins when I was a kid. I'm not sure whether he was named after the fish, or after the wild noises he made when he was a pro wrestler. As for Tuna, it's just a fun name that looks good on the page. "Big Tuna" is what they used to call Bill Parcells, the former Giants coach. He looks nothing like a tuna, by the way.

Q. Did you know when you started writing that you would include a character who is being abused by a parent?

A. My novels don't have wizards and dragon-hunters, just ordinary kids in the ordinary world. And the reality, sadly, is that some kids go home every night wondering if their mother or father is going to hurt them. That's Tuna's world, and I didn't have any qualms about portraying it that way. In Scat I had a character whose dad comes back very badly injured from Iraq. Again, that's real life for thousands and thousands of families in this country.

Q. Can we assume you are going to keep writing for kids (we hope)?

A. Hoot was going to be my one and only novel for kids, but now I'm sort of hooked on writing them. Young readers are just the coolest audience, and I feel so lucky that my novels have been so well-received. I don't see myself quitting. It's too much fun.

Q. You clearly have the single word title thing going for your kids’ books, is that just something you started with and stuck to, or is there more to the story?

A. The novels for young readers have one-word titles because I want to distinguish them from the grown-up novels, which all have two-word titles like Skinny Dip and Strip Tease. It was a conscious decision. I have a son in middle school (and also grandchildren), and none of them are ready to read the Big Person novels yet. The one-word title lets the booksellers (and the parents) know that those are the kid-safe books.

Q. What has been your most memorable moment as an author?

A. I was at a book-signing in Boulder, Colorado, when a very nice woman told me she'd named her cancerous tumor after a character in one of my novels. It was quite astonishing. I was flattered (who wouldn't be?) but also a bit rattled. The happy ending was that her surgery had been successful and she was totally recovered.

Publication Date: 03/27/12
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction

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