All Books
Synopsis: FLEDGLING was a finalist in the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Contest and is
inspired by the author's own daughter who was born with heart defects.
Look for Prodigy, book 2 of the Shapeshifter Chronicles, Prodigy- available now!
Look for Emergent, book 3 of the Shapeshifter Chronicles, Prodigy- available May 2014!
Book Description:
Set apart from other eighteen year olds, Ana Hughes knows she is different. A life threatening heart condition smothers her future and she yearns to feel normal. Her hopes are pinned on a
fresh start in a remote town far from her native Colorado. Among the locker filled hallways in Clark Bend High, Ana keeps to the shadows, not wanting to draw attention to her violet tinged lips and wilted silhouette. And she almost succeeds, until she meets Chance Morgan.
Struggling to keep up appearances, she soon suspects Chance is hiding something as well. His
animal-like senses, miraculous healing ability and peculiar reaction to her Thunderbird necklace compels Ana to question if there's more to the stories about his Navajo ancestry. Without any other explanation, she fears he is playing tricks on her. But the truth may prove too much for Ana's delicate heart...
Excerpt from FLEDGLING:
"Ana continued fading in and out of awareness. Relinquishing to the nothingness that engulfed her, she had the impression of movement. She heard heavy breathing, which she determined wasn't coming from her, sounding more like snorting. She sensed herself hanging,
her body limp, unwilling to forfeit control back to her wandering mind. As though she was observing everything from a distance, it felt like she was at the end of a darkened hallway, being pulled back into a hollow chasm. Inky fingers entwined her mind until there was nothing left."
Bonus Materials:
A special code is provided at the back of the book, for 'the lost chapter' from Fledgling. Be sure to check it out.
Suggested reading age- 13 years and up. It is recommended that parents participate
in book selections to decide whether a book is appropriate for their children.
inspired by the author's own daughter who was born with heart defects.
Look for Prodigy, book 2 of the Shapeshifter Chronicles, Prodigy- available now!
Look for Emergent, book 3 of the Shapeshifter Chronicles, Prodigy- available May 2014!
Book Description:
Set apart from other eighteen year olds, Ana Hughes knows she is different. A life threatening heart condition smothers her future and she yearns to feel normal. Her hopes are pinned on a
fresh start in a remote town far from her native Colorado. Among the locker filled hallways in Clark Bend High, Ana keeps to the shadows, not wanting to draw attention to her violet tinged lips and wilted silhouette. And she almost succeeds, until she meets Chance Morgan.
Struggling to keep up appearances, she soon suspects Chance is hiding something as well. His
animal-like senses, miraculous healing ability and peculiar reaction to her Thunderbird necklace compels Ana to question if there's more to the stories about his Navajo ancestry. Without any other explanation, she fears he is playing tricks on her. But the truth may prove too much for Ana's delicate heart...
Excerpt from FLEDGLING:
"Ana continued fading in and out of awareness. Relinquishing to the nothingness that engulfed her, she had the impression of movement. She heard heavy breathing, which she determined wasn't coming from her, sounding more like snorting. She sensed herself hanging,
her body limp, unwilling to forfeit control back to her wandering mind. As though she was observing everything from a distance, it felt like she was at the end of a darkened hallway, being pulled back into a hollow chasm. Inky fingers entwined her mind until there was nothing left."
Bonus Materials:
A special code is provided at the back of the book, for 'the lost chapter' from Fledgling. Be sure to check it out.
Suggested reading age- 13 years and up. It is recommended that parents participate
in book selections to decide whether a book is appropriate for their children.
Publication Date: 01/15/12
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: Delves into the perilous world of a black teen hockey phenom in 1968, during the highly charged Civil Rights era. Jessie leaves home for New Hampshire, despite misgivings of his parents and girlfriend Rose, to pursue his dreams at an elite, formerly all-white prep school, which he hopes will put him on the path to the Ivy League and NHL. He is realistic about encountering racist fans and opponents at his new school, but finds that he's in the most danger from his own teammates and coach, who clearly despises him based only on the color of his skin. Full of exciting on-ice action and heart-wrenching realism, Cracking the Ice will have readers rooting for Jessie as he fights for what any standout student and athlete deserves.
Publication Date: 01/15/12
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Historical Fiction
Synopsis: Amira has a pretty good life on the peaceful island of Penglai. She has amazing powers and abilities. She's friends with the animals and creatures around her. And, of course, she's immortal. But she's also the only person on Penglai, which makes her more than a little lonely.
One quiet day, a magical tortoise named M'lan appears and whisks her out to sea. He needs her help to rescue Raiden--a mortal--from angry sea spirits. She's never met a mortal before, and once she sees Raiden, she finds a strange attraction to him. She returns with him to his homeland in Dragon Hollow, where powerful dragons have protected his people for millennia.
She quickly discovers that life in the mortal world is very different. Warlords and bandits battle in unending warfare. People get hurt. Some die. And her arrival upsets the balance that's kept Dragon Hollow safe. She struggles to understand and trust others. Do they really care for her or do they just need her help? Why do the dragons hate her? Can she believe and even love Raiden or is he deceiving her? And what about trusted M'lan--is even he turning against her?
In the end, she has to decide whether or not to risk her own destruction to save the people of Dragon Hollow. And she discovers hidden powers and passions, long dormant within her.
One quiet day, a magical tortoise named M'lan appears and whisks her out to sea. He needs her help to rescue Raiden--a mortal--from angry sea spirits. She's never met a mortal before, and once she sees Raiden, she finds a strange attraction to him. She returns with him to his homeland in Dragon Hollow, where powerful dragons have protected his people for millennia.
She quickly discovers that life in the mortal world is very different. Warlords and bandits battle in unending warfare. People get hurt. Some die. And her arrival upsets the balance that's kept Dragon Hollow safe. She struggles to understand and trust others. Do they really care for her or do they just need her help? Why do the dragons hate her? Can she believe and even love Raiden or is he deceiving her? And what about trusted M'lan--is even he turning against her?
In the end, she has to decide whether or not to risk her own destruction to save the people of Dragon Hollow. And she discovers hidden powers and passions, long dormant within her.
Publication Date: 01/14/12
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: Amira has a pretty good life on the peaceful island of Penglai. She has amazing powers and abilities. She's friends with the animals and creatures around her. And, of course, she's immortal. But she's also the only person on Penglai, which makes her more than a little lonely.
One quiet day, a magical tortoise named M'lan appears and whisks her out to sea. He needs her help to rescue Raiden--a mortal--from angry sea spirits. She's never met a mortal before, and once she sees Raiden, she finds a strange attraction to him. She returns with him to his homeland in Dragon Hollow, where powerful dragons have protected his people for millennia.
She quickly discovers that life in the mortal world is very different. Warlords and bandits battle in unending warfare. People get hurt. Some die. And her arrival upsets the balance that's kept Dragon Hollow safe. She struggles to understand and trust others. Do they really care for her or do they just need her help? Why do the dragons hate her? Can she believe and even love Raiden or is he deceiving her? And what about trusted M'lan--is even he turning against her?
In the end, she has to decide whether or not to risk her own destruction to save the people of Dragon Hollow. And she discovers hidden powers and passions, long dormant within her.
One quiet day, a magical tortoise named M'lan appears and whisks her out to sea. He needs her help to rescue Raiden--a mortal--from angry sea spirits. She's never met a mortal before, and once she sees Raiden, she finds a strange attraction to him. She returns with him to his homeland in Dragon Hollow, where powerful dragons have protected his people for millennia.
She quickly discovers that life in the mortal world is very different. Warlords and bandits battle in unending warfare. People get hurt. Some die. And her arrival upsets the balance that's kept Dragon Hollow safe. She struggles to understand and trust others. Do they really care for her or do they just need her help? Why do the dragons hate her? Can she believe and even love Raiden or is he deceiving her? And what about trusted M'lan--is even he turning against her?
In the end, she has to decide whether or not to risk her own destruction to save the people of Dragon Hollow. And she discovers hidden powers and passions, long dormant within her.
Publication Date: 01/14/12
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Synopsis: The Flying Beaver Brothers are back, and this time they're hot on the trail of another eco-villain: Fish Stix Environmental Manufacturing. When Fish Stix sets up shop, most of the islanders are thrilled. After all, Fish Stix are the most popular, best-selling sticks around AND they're good for the environment! But this eco-friendly facade is just a cover for a nefarious plot involving dirty money, fish who walk on dry land, and a great big smoking volcano. It's up to the dauntless beaver brothers to set things right—and they better do it fast or the island's forests are history! Now if only Bub can stop napping and they can all make enough pancakes to save the day. . . .
This second installment to Max Eaton's new graphic series ups the ante in terms of both action and humor. The Flying Beaver Brothers are poised to take off as beloved comicbook heros.
This second installment to Max Eaton's new graphic series ups the ante in terms of both action and humor. The Flying Beaver Brothers are poised to take off as beloved comicbook heros.
Publication Date: 01/10/12
Age Level: 5 - 8
Genre: Manga/Graphic Novel
Synopsis:
Read about Brendan, a biracial boy who loves science, and his middle school adventures in this sequel to the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Author Award-winner Brendan Buckley’s Universe and Everything in It.
Brendan Buckley is headed to middle school on a whole new adventure. When his alternative energy idea gets him paired with new girl Morgan Belcher for the national science competition, Brendan is skeptical. But their partnership clicks, and they embark on a methane-producing experiment involving bottles, balloons, and the freshest cow manure they can find.
As Brendan spends more time on the experiment, he has a lot of big questions: Does his police detective dad really think he’s a science-nerd whimp? Will he and Khalfani, his best friend and Tae Kwon Do sparring partner, remain best friends? And can Brendan prove that his scientific pursuits really could be world-changing?
*Brendan is both nerdy and immensely likable. . . . The prickliness between Brendan and his father is handled with particular deftness.”—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, Recommended
"Middle schoolers and science projects make for enjoyable combustible fiction. . . . The role of racism and family history is key in shaping these multifaceted characters. . . . appealing Brendan should keep readers fully engaged."—Kirkus Reviews
“Children will enjoy the ups and downs of Brendan’s sixth-grade year and wait eagerly for his future exploits.”—School Library Journal
“The complexity of the characters and the strength of Brendan’s family sets the book apart, as does Brendan’s biracial identity.”—Booklist
Publication Date: 01/10/12
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fiction
Synopsis: Eden Newman must mate before her 18th birthday in six months or she'll be left outside to die in a burning world. But who will pick up her mate-option when she's cursed with white skin and a tragically low mate-rate of 15%? In a post-apocalyptic, totalitarian, underground world where class and beauty are defined by resistance to an overheated environment, Eden's coloring brands her as a member of the lowest class, a weak and ugly Pearl. If only she can mate with a dark-skinned Coal from the ruling class, she'll be safe. Just maybe one Coal sees the Real Eden and will be her salvation her co-worker Jamal has begun secretly dating her. But when Eden unwittingly compromises her father's secret biological experiment, she finds herself in the eye of a storm and thrown into the last area of rainforest, a strange and dangerous land. Eden must fight to save her father, who may be humanity's last hope, while standing up to a powerful beast-man she believes is her enemy, despite her overwhelming attraction. Eden must change to survive but only if she can redefine her ideas of beauty and of love, along with a little help from her "adopted aunt" Emily Dickinson.
Publication Date: 01/10/12
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Romance
Synopsis: In the in between are the Nameless; names are for masters and they have none. They live in the Nameless realm; between being saved and being destroyed. They are Fallen.
One Nameless spends his time watching humans in New York City and, in his endless eternity of boredom, becomes intrigued by a drunk named Aurick Pantera. One day Aurick, a reckless gambler, is about to be killed by a gang over his debts. Nameless feels sorry for him, and possesses his body to save his life. He then decides that he rather likes being in a human body; the chance to taste, smells, and touch. He uses Aurick’s body to fulfill all of his wildest dreams – become a rock star, have a successful psychiatric practice, and pursue star journalist Helena Way.
Until, three years after possessing Aurick, the other Fallen take notice of these random achievements and begin appearing to Aurick. They are tired of waiting in Nameless and are ready to start a war—their only chance to cease this painful eternity of waiting and either be saved or be released. Aurick is stuck in the middle. Join the ranks and finally be released to Null for atrocities against mankind, or can his love for Helena, his budding friendships, and his growing concern for all humans grant him salvation?
One Nameless spends his time watching humans in New York City and, in his endless eternity of boredom, becomes intrigued by a drunk named Aurick Pantera. One day Aurick, a reckless gambler, is about to be killed by a gang over his debts. Nameless feels sorry for him, and possesses his body to save his life. He then decides that he rather likes being in a human body; the chance to taste, smells, and touch. He uses Aurick’s body to fulfill all of his wildest dreams – become a rock star, have a successful psychiatric practice, and pursue star journalist Helena Way.
Until, three years after possessing Aurick, the other Fallen take notice of these random achievements and begin appearing to Aurick. They are tired of waiting in Nameless and are ready to start a war—their only chance to cease this painful eternity of waiting and either be saved or be released. Aurick is stuck in the middle. Join the ranks and finally be released to Null for atrocities against mankind, or can his love for Helena, his budding friendships, and his growing concern for all humans grant him salvation?
Publication Date: 01/10/12
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
Synopsis: Amazon Best Books of the Month for Kids, January 2012: The Mighty Miss Malone is one Deza Malone--dedicated student and member of a close-knit family whose motto is “we are a family on a journey to a place called Wonderful.” Unfortunately, the Great Depression is taking a toll that journey, and when Deza’s father leaves in search of work, the rest of the family soon has no choice but to follow. Despite the hardships, loss, and racism that defined the times, Deza never loses faith in her dreams or flags in her devotion to bringing her family together again. Perseverance and kindness serve Deza well, and her story is a welcome new journey into familiar territory from award-winning author Christopher Paul Curtis. --Seira Wilson
Publication Date: 01/10/12
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Historical Fiction
Synopsis: The summer of 1898 is filled with ups and downs for 11-year-old Moses. He's growing apart from his best friend, his superstitious Boo-Nanny butts heads constantly with his pragmatic, educated father, and his mother is reeling from the discovery of a family secret. Yet there are good times, too. He's teaching his grandmother how to read. For the first time she's sharing stories about her life as a slave. And his father and his friends are finally getting the respect and positions of power they've earned in the Wilmington, North Carolina, community. But not everyone is happy with the political changes at play and some will do anything, including a violent plot against the government, to maintain the status quo.
One generation away from slavery, a thriving African American community—enfranchised and emancipated—suddenly and violently loses its freedom in turn of the century North Carolina when a group of local politicians stages the only successful coup d'etat in US history.
One generation away from slavery, a thriving African American community—enfranchised and emancipated—suddenly and violently loses its freedom in turn of the century North Carolina when a group of local politicians stages the only successful coup d'etat in US history.
Publication Date: 01/10/12
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Historical Nonfiction
Synopsis: Meet Ace and Bub, the flying beaver brothers! Ace loves extreme sports and is always looking for a new adventure. Bub loves napping and, well, napping. But when penguins threaten to freeze Beaver Island for "resort and polar-style living," the brothers put their talents to work saving their tropical island paradise. Can they save Beaver Island from environmental destruction? And can they do it in time to still win the annual Beaver Island Surfing Competition?
Publication Date: 01/10/12
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
Synopsis: Born in Northern Nevada in 1950, Black Cloud is a black-and-white mustang colt. He loves roaming free with the rest of his herd, playing with the other foals, and learning the ways of wild horses. But when humans intrude on this wandering life, Black Cloud's world is changed forever. Like Black Beauty, this moving novel is told in first person from the horse's own point of view and includes an appendix full of photos and facts about mustangs and the history of the laws protecting them.
Publication Date: 01/10/12
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
Synopsis: What begins as a training run with sled dogs turns into a race against time for Tatum and her new friend, a Siberian Yupik boy named Cole. When a freak blizzard hits this remote island off the coast of Alaska, the duo seeks shelter overnight in a dilapidated hunting cabin. Their harrowing ordeal goes from bad to worse when wind-driven snow forces them to risk an alternate route. Stranded in the untamed wilderness, they must rely on each other—as well as their faithful huskies—to survive sub-zero temperatures and bone-numbing exhaustion. Worse still, their food supply is dangerously low. The most daunting decision comes when the strongest dog runs away. One person must go for help, while one must stay behind. Either way, they'll both be alone in the wild for an uncertain amount of time.
Publication Date: 01/10/12
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Nonfiction
Synopsis: Here's the third entry in Claudia Mills' charming middle-grade series. Mason Dixon survived the school choir. He survived adopting his now-beloved dog named, uh, Dog. But now he faces his biggest challenge yet: joining the local basketball team. Not by choice, of course. Not only do his parents encourage it, but his dad even volunteers to be his coach. Now, with his best pal Brody and a team of misfits even worse at basketball than him (if that's possible), Mason must try to rally to beat his arch-rival, the school bully Dunk. Just another day-in-the-life of a disaster-prone fourth grader.
Publication Date: 01/10/12
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
Synopsis: "If May is a brave, stubborn fighter, the short, free-verse lines are one-two punches in this Laura Ingalls Wilder-inspired ode to the human spirit." — Kirkus Reviews, Starred
I've known it since last night:
It's been too long to expect them to return.
Something's happened.
May is helping out on a neighbor's Kansas prairie homestead—just until Christmas, says Pa. She wants to contribute, but it's hard to be separated from her family by 15 long, unfamiliar miles. Then the unthinkable happens: May is abandoned. Trapped in a tiny snow-covered sod house, isolated from family and neighbors, May must prepare for the oncoming winter. While fighting to survive, May's memories of her struggles with reading at school come back to haunt her. But she's determined to find her way home again. Caroline Starr Rose's fast-paced novel, written in beautiful and riveting verse, gives readers a strong new heroine to love.
I've known it since last night:
It's been too long to expect them to return.
Something's happened.
May is helping out on a neighbor's Kansas prairie homestead—just until Christmas, says Pa. She wants to contribute, but it's hard to be separated from her family by 15 long, unfamiliar miles. Then the unthinkable happens: May is abandoned. Trapped in a tiny snow-covered sod house, isolated from family and neighbors, May must prepare for the oncoming winter. While fighting to survive, May's memories of her struggles with reading at school come back to haunt her. But she's determined to find her way home again. Caroline Starr Rose's fast-paced novel, written in beautiful and riveting verse, gives readers a strong new heroine to love.
Publication Date: 01/10/12
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
Synopsis: Oil is not pretty, but it is a resource that drives the modern world. It has made fortunes for the lucky few and provided jobs for millions of ordinary folks.
Thick and slippery, crude oil has an evil smell. Yet without it, life as we live it today would be impossible. Oil fuels our engines, heats our homes, and powers the machines that make the everyday things we take for granted, from shopping bags to computers to medical equipment. Nations throughout the last century have gone to war over it. Indeed, oil influences every aspect of modern life. It helps shape the history, society, politics, and economy of every nation on earth.
This riveting new book explores what oil is and the role this precious resource has played in America and the world.
Thick and slippery, crude oil has an evil smell. Yet without it, life as we live it today would be impossible. Oil fuels our engines, heats our homes, and powers the machines that make the everyday things we take for granted, from shopping bags to computers to medical equipment. Nations throughout the last century have gone to war over it. Indeed, oil influences every aspect of modern life. It helps shape the history, society, politics, and economy of every nation on earth.
This riveting new book explores what oil is and the role this precious resource has played in America and the world.
Publication Date: 01/10/12
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Nonfiction