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Mao-Chan
Ken Akamatsu, RAN
Synopsis: TOO CUTE!

Japan has been invaded by aliens–but this is no ordinary assault. These extraterrestrials are cute and extremely dangerous. Their mind-blowing powers are way too much for the military. Enter Mao-chan, the daughter of a great general, and her charming best friends–Japan’s only hope against this massive attack of the adorables!
Publication Date: 10/28/08
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fantasy
The Clone Elite
Steven L. Kent
Synopsis: 2514 A.D.: An unstoppable alien force is advancing on Earth, wiping out the Unified Authority’s colonies one by one. It’s up to Wayson Harris, an outlawed model of a clone, and his men to make a last stand on the planet of New Copenhagen, where they must win the battle and the war—or lose all.
Publication Date: 10/28/08
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Adventure
Kris Longknife: Intrepid
Mike Shepherd
Synopsis: Kris Longknife has been assigned to The Wasp, the best warship beyond the Rim of Human Space. But while hunting for pirates, Kris stumbles upon something. It’s a plan to kill one of the members of the aristocratic Peterwald family—and the would-be killers are setting her up as the assassin.
Publication Date: 10/28/08
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Series
Prince of Stories
Terry Pratchett, Christopher Golden, Stephen R. Bissette, Hank Wagner
Synopsis:

Over the past twenty years, Neil Gaiman has developed into the premier fantasist of his generation, achieving that rarest of combinations—unrivaled critical respect and extraordinary commercial success.  From the landmark comic book series The Sandman to novels such as the New York Times bestselling American Gods and Anansi Boys, from children’s literature like Coraline to screenplays for such films as Beowulf, Gaiman work has garnered him an enthusiastic and fiercely loyal, global following.  To comic book fans, he is Zeus in the pantheon of creative gods, having changed that industry forever.  For discerning readers, he bridges the vast gap that traditionally divides lovers of “literary” and “genre” fiction.  Gaiman is truly a pop culture phenomenon, an artist with a magic touch whose work has won almost universal acclaim.
Now, for the first time ever, Prince of Stories chronicles the history and impact of the complete works of Neil Gaiman in film, fiction, music, comic books, and beyond. Containing hours of exclusive interviews with Gaiman and conversations with his collaborators, as well as wonderful nuggets of his work such as the beginning of an unpublished novel, a rare comic and never-before-seen essay, this is a treasure trove of all things Gaiman. In addition to providing in depth information and commentary on Gaiman’s myriad works, the book also includes rare photographs, book covers, artwork, and related trivia and minutiae, making it both an insightful introduction to his work, and a true “must-have” for his ever growing legion of fans.

Publication Date: 10/28/08
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Biography
Chance Fortune in the Shadow Zone
Synopsis:

At the end of their freshman year, Chance Fortune and the Outlaws saved the universe. Though he lacks a superpower, fifteen-year-old Chance used his natural athleticism and quick wits to form his team into an effective fighting force. The Outlaws have learned to trust and rely upon one another. As the bonds of their friendship strengthen, Chance finds it more difficult than ever to conceal his true identity. When an apparent teleportation malfunction strands the team in the Shadow Zone, the Outlaws are put to the test once more. Teeming with supervillains exiled by the Brotherhood of Heroes, the Shadow Zone is a land of nightmares brought to life. And when Psy-Chick, Gothika, Iron Maiden, and Private Justice are kidnapped by the mysterious Shadowmen, Chance knows that he must set aside his doubts in order to save them.

Publication Date: 10/28/08
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Science Fiction
xxxHolic: Anotherholic
Clamp, NISIOISIN
Synopsis: Introducing the thrilling first novel set in the exotic, mysterious world of xxxHOLiC! Written by bestselling author NISIOISIN, and spectacularly illustrated by CLAMP, this original story features the ever-excitable high school student Kimihiro Watanuki, the mystifying time-space witch Yûko Ichihara, and a host of fascinating new characters.

Nothing could have thrilled Kimihiro more than stumbling upon the bizarre wish-granting shop of the beautiful but unnerving Yûko Ichihara, who solemnly promises to make the spirits plaguing Kimihiro go away just as soon as her fee–rendered in daily afternoon chores at her shop–is paid in full.

Of course, the thrill wears off as soon as Kimihiro realizes that his payment plan bears a disturbing resemblance to indentured servitude . . . eternal indentured servitude. Still he soldiers on, ready for whatever number of adventures lie ahead. But in Kimihiro’s case, three may not be the charm!

His first assignment–to procure a pair of fake eyeglasses–is exceptionally pointless, even by Yûko’s standards. Or at least it seems that way, until Kimihiro watches a woman throw herself into traffic. He soon discovers that the doors of bespectacled perception can swing both ways.

Next, when a classmate seeks help solving a mystery involving text messages from the dead, Kimihiro is glad to play Sherlock. But he must turn to Yûko to determine whether the root of the riddle is otherworldly shenanigans, deceit, or murder.

Finally, however ready, willing, and able Kimihiro thinks he is to face the most unusual of circumstances, he still finds himself completely bewildered by the stranger who chases away his darkest spirits, condemns Yûko as a craven charlatan, and offers Kimihiro a way out of his preternatural predicament–and a fortune besides.
Publication Date: 10/28/08
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Series
Love and Peaches
Jodi Lynn Anderson
Synopsis:

Together for another juicy summer, carefree Murphy, perfect Leeda, and big-hearted Birdie return to the place that allowed them to bloom. Brimming with all the charm, humor, and heart of Peaches and The Secrets of Peaches, this satisfying conclusion to Jodi Lynn Anderson's popular series reunites three unlikely best friends for a final sweet farewell.

When Murphy chose New York City, she left her first love behind. Now, a summer in Bridgewater means trading subway trains for pickup trucks and facing the boy she turned her back on.

Leeda expects her trip home to be over faster than her new Manhattan boyfriend can hail a cab—until a surprising inheritance saddles her with a huge responsibility.

Birdie's heart led her all the way to Mexico, and heartbreak brings her back to the orchard. But when the Darlington family decides to leave peach trees for palm trees, Birdie gets a crash course in letting go—and learning when to hold on.

Publication Date: 10/28/08
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
The Herion Diaries
Nikki Sixx
Synopsis: In one of the most unique memoirs of addiction ever published, Mötley Crüe's Nikki Sixx shares mesmerizing diary entries from the year he spiraled out of control in a haze of heroin and cocaine, presented alongside riveting commentary from people who were there at the time, and from Nikki himself.

When Mötley Crüe was at the height of its fame, there wasn't any drug Nikki Sixx wouldn't do. He spent days -- sometimes alone, sometimes with other addicts, friends, and lovers -- in a coke and heroin-fueled daze. The highs were high, and Nikki's journal entries reveal some euphoria and joy. But the lows were lower, often ending with Nikki in his closet, surrounded by drug paraphernalia and wrapped in paranoid delusions.

Here, Nikki shares those diary entries -- some poetic, some scatterbrained, some bizarre -- and reflects on that time. Joining him are Tommy Lee, Vince Neil, Mick Mars, Slash, Rick Nielsen, Bob Rock, and a host of ex-managers, ex-lovers, and more.

Brutally honest, utterly riveting, and shockingly moving, The Heroin Diaries follows Nikki during the year he plunged to rock bottom -- and his courageous decision to pick himself up and start living again.
Publication Date: 10/28/08
Age Level: Mature Young Adult
Genre: Biography
Stitchin' and Pullin'
Cozbi A. Cabrera, Patricia McKissack
Synopsis: MOTHER AND DAUGHTER, grandmother and granddaughter, aunt and niece, friend and friend. For a hundred years, generations of women from Gee’s Bend have quilted together, sharing stories, trading recipes, singing hymns—all the while stitchin’ and pullin’ thread through cloth. Every day Baby Girl listens, watches, and waits, until she’s called to sit at the quilting frame. Piece by piece, she puzzles her quilt together—telling not just her story, but the story of her family, the story of Gee’s Bend, and the story of her ancestors’ struggle for freedom.
Publication Date: 10/28/08
Age Level: 5 - 8
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Jars of Glass
Heather Hepler, Brad Barkley
Synopsis: After their mother is institutionalized for schizophrenia, sisters Choe and Shana deal with the disruption to their family in very different ways, but after their mother comes for a visit, it becomes clear to responsible Chloe why Shana the dreamer doesn't want her mother around anymore.
Publication Date: 10/16/08
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Adventure
Time to Smell the Roses
Michael Hoeye
Synopsis: While immersed in wedding plans, Hermux is hired to find the son of the patriarch of the DeRosenquill rose dynasty and in the process discovers a homeless teenager, fields of dying flowers, and killer bees. Reprint.
Publication Date: 10/16/08
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Mystery
Paper Towns
John Green
Synopsis:
Winner of the Edgar Award
The #1 New York Times Bestseller
Publishers Weekly and USA Today Bestseller

Millions of Copies Sold

Quentin Jacobsen has spent a lifetime loving the magnificent Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. So when she cracks open a window and climbs back into his life—summoning him for an ingenious campaign of revenge—he follows. When their all-nighter ends and a new day breaks, Margo has disappeared. But Q soon learns that there are clues—and they’re for him. Embarking on an exhilarating adventure to find her, the closer Q gets, the less he sees the girl he thought he knew.

#1 Bestselling author of The Fault in Our Stars John Green crafts a brilliantly funny and moving coming-of-age journey about true friendship and true love.

 

Publication Date: 10/16/08
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
The Smile
Donna Jo Napoli
Synopsis: Hers is the most famous portrait in the world. Here, in prose as rich as the high Renaissance, is Mona Lisa?s tale?a story of passion, intrigue, loss, and, most of all, love. Elisabetta longs for romance, though she thinks she is too plain. Then, on a fateful visit to glittering Florence, she catches the eye of the great Leonardo da Vinci, and falls for a boy named Giuliano de? Medici. It is a dangerous time to be?or be involved with?a Medici. As tragedy and chaos threaten their happiness, Elisabetta faces the bittersweet truth of love.
Publication Date: 10/16/08
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Historical Fiction
Jane of Chelsea
J J Edwards
Synopsis:

Resurrected Beauty in Historical Fantasy

Jane, weary of her long travel from Whitehall Palace, wouldn’t dream of another journey to court let alone a strange world. She has never seen talking storks, never heard of Lily’s Creek, and known nothing of Ambrosia before the clearing of the mist.

Walking on the bridges, running up the corridors, and swimming in the lake, Jane wouldn’t mind how many unusual names are stigmatized on her, nor her ignorance of the world to which she’s barely accustomed except the spiral path where unknown dangers seem lurking.
Publication Date: 10/16/08
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Adventure
Ratha's Courage
Clare Bell
Synopsis: Ratha and her clan, the Named, are sentient prehistoric big cats. In Ratha s Courage, the fifth book in the Named series, Ratha extends the use of the Red Tongue fire to a hunter tribe. One of the hunters ignites a blaze that sets off a devastating conflict between the two clans. Now Ratha must find the courage within herself to set it right.

Ratha's Courage is the newest book in the series since 1994.
Publication Date: 10/15/08
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Fiction
A Lovely Little War
Angus Lorenzen
Synopsis: Life in a World War II Japanese internment camp as seen through the eyes of a child. The setting is Santo Tomas in Manila,a notorious camp under the administration of General Yamashita who was later convicted for atrocities in the Philippines and sentenced to death.The author was sent there with his mother and sister.He tells the story as he saw it as a child filled with the novelty and excitement of the war which turned to fear and apprehension as executions and starvation became governing factors.The author was a contributor to the 2006 documentary "Victims of Circumstance" which dealt with Santo Tomas experience.
Publication Date: 10/15/08
Age Level: 12 and up
Genre: Biography

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