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2010 ALA Youth Media Awards
Each year the American Library Association (ALA) honors books and media for children and teens. Recognized worldwide for the high quality they represent, ALA awards --- including the Newbery, Caldecott, Sibert and Coretta Scott King Book Awards --- guide parents, educators, librarians and others in selecting the best materials for youth. Selected by committees composed of librarians and other literature and media experts, the awards encourage original and creative work in the field of children’s and young adult literature and media.
» Click here to see this year's winning titles and honor books. |
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Kathryn Lasky
Kathryn Lasky is the author of over 100 books for children, teens and adults, most notably the 15-part Guardians of Ga'Hoole series, as well as installments of Dear America and The Royal Diaries. In this interview with Kidsreads.com's Donna Volkenannt, Lasky discusses her latest novel, LONE WOLF --- the first chapter of a new series called Wolves of the Beyond --- and the surprising amount of research and attention to detail needed in order to write this fantasy story. She also gives some insight into her writing process, explains why she would prefer that her work provide a sense of validation for her readers rather than send them messages, and shares details about an upcoming film based on the Ga'Hoole series.
» Read our interview and the review.
Dr. Cuthbert Soup
In this interview with Kidsreads.com's Melanie Smith, Dr. Cuthbert Soup --- author and narrator of A WHOLE NOTHER STORY --- recounts the series of events that inspired him to chronicle the madcap adventures of Ethan Cheeseman and his children, and discusses the similarities between his own family and the characters in his debut. He also shares his thoughts on nurturing creativity in young minds, names a few of his favorite humor writers, and muses on the possibility of carrying on the Cheesemans' story in several sequels.
» Read our interview and the review.
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A WHOLE NOTHER STORY by Dr. Cuthbert Soup
In a story that’s like no other, you will meet: three attractive, polite, relatively odor-free children, a psychic hairless dog, top secret government agents, international superspies (one of whom happens to be a chimpanzee), corporate villains, a cowboy poet, various members of a traveling circus, and, of course, a sock puppet named Steve.
The Cheesemans are a family on the run. Mr. Cheeseman and his late wife invented a device so powerful and totally unique that all sorts of evildoers want to get their greedy hands on it. Mr. Cheeseman and his three children must keep their identities secret and stay one step ahead of the villains as they run from town to town, escape dangerous situations, and even change their names. Luckily, though they may not have the names they were born with, they do have their smarts --- and quite a bit of good luck. The Cheesemans are about to encounter a bunch of unusual but helpful characters, some of whom are far more than they appear to be.
» Click here to read a review of A WHOLE NOTHER STORY.
» Click here to read an excerpt from A WHOLE NOTHER STORY.
» Click here to read our interview with Dr. Cuthbert Soup.
» Click here to read Dr. Cuthbert Soup’s bio.
» Visit the book’s official website, www.awholenotherbook.com.
DEAR DUMB DIARY #9: THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS AREN’T FOR by Jim Benton
Making new friends is hard. How can you tell which ones will always be there for you, doing what you tell them, and giving you junk?
Jamie Kelly and BFF Isabella have finally decided that Angeline might not be totally terrible. She might even be OK to hang out with now and then. But in a group of three, someone is always the odd girl out….
» Click here to read a review of THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS AREN’T FOR.
» Click here to read an excerpt from THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS AREN’T FOR.
» Click here to read Jim Benton’s bio.
MISSILE MOUSE: THE STAR CRUSHER written and illustrated by Jake Parker
Missile Mouse, a secret agent for the Galactic Security Agency, is a risk taker and a rule breaker, which is why he’s in hot water at GSA headquarters. Then RIP, the Rogue Imperium of Planets, kidnaps a scientist who knows about the Star Crusher, a doomsday machine capable of destroying the entire universe.
Time to let loose the mouse!
Missile Mouse battles giant space slugs, corrupt agents, killer bugs, and a pair of shark-headed thugs to save the day (and the scientist!).
» Click here to read a review of MISSILE MOUSE: THE STAR CRUSHER.
» Click here to look inside MISSILE MOUSE: THE STAR CRUSHER.
» Click here to read Jake Parker’s bio.
 WOLVES OF THE BEYOND #1: LONE WOLF by Kathryn Lasky
A wolf mother has given birth, but the warm bundle snuffling next to her brings only anguish. The pup, otherwise healthy, has a twisted leg, and the mother knows what the harsh code of the pack demands. Her pup will be taken from her and abandoned on a desolate hill. The pack cannot have weakness --- the wolf mother knows that her pup is condemned to die.
But alone in the wilderness, the pup, Faolan, does not perish. This is his story --- a story of survival, of courage, and of love triumphant. This is Faolan's story, the wolf pup who rose up to change forever the Wolves of the Beyond.
» Click here to read a review of LONE WOLF.
» Click here to read an excerpt from LONE WOLF.
» Click here to read our interview with Kathryn Lasky.
» Click here to read Kathryn Lasky’s bio.
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Every February, our nation comes together to recognize the contributions of and the hardships endured by the black community. Throughout the decades, African Americans have been able to rise above the many obstacles presented before them, and through it all, they have given the world such gifts as the wisdom of Martin Luther King, Jr., the courage of Rosa Parks and the leadership of Barack Obama. We encourage you to celebrate Black History Month with these inspirational stories from near and far, past and present, fiction and nonfiction. But no matter the time or place, each story will leave you pondering a deep message about overcoming adversity, pride in one’s self, and doing what you know is right. » Click Here
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Win a Copy of NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH by Avi
A ninth-grader's suspension for singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" during homeroom becomes a national news story in this 1992 Newbery Honor Book that addresses themes of freedom, patriotism and respect.
For your chance to learn more about the hum that was heard around the world, Kidsreads.com is giving away 15 copies of NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH by Avi, which is now available in a new paperback edition.
NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH by Avi
Ninth-grader Philip Malloy has one thing on his mind: running. When a failing English grade keeps him from joining the track team, he believes his teacher, Mrs. Narwin, has it in for him. One morning during announcements, he disregards the school’s policy of observing the “The Star-Spangled Banner” in respectful silence and hums along, hoping to get transferred out of her class. Little does he know that his minor infraction will make him the subject of national media attention. What truly happened that morning in Mrs. Narwin's class? Examine the events and reach your own conclusion. But --- can you swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth?
» Click here for all the contest details.
» Click here to read a review of NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH.
» Click here to read an excerpt from NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH.
» Click here to read Avi’s bio.
Win a Copy of THE TOTAL TRAGEDY OF A GIRL NAMED HAMLET by Erin Dionne
Kidsreads.com is giving away 15 copies of THE TOTAL TRAGEDY OF A GIRL NAMED HAMLET, Erin Dionne’s second novel. This humorous, Shakespearean-inspired tale follows Hamlet, an eighth grader who yearns for a simple, normal life. But with a name like Hamlet, life is doomed to be anything but average.
THE TOTAL TRAGEDY OF A GIRL NAMED HAMLET by Erin Dionne
Hamlet Kennedy just wants to be your average, happy, vanilla eighth grader. But with Shakespearean scholar parents who dress in Elizabethan regalia and generally go about in public as if it were the 16th century, that’s not terribly easy. It gets worse when they decide that Hamlet’s genius seven-year-old sister will attend middle school with her --- and even worse when the Shakespeare project is announced and her sister is named the new math tutor. By the time an in-class recitation reveals that our heroine is an extraordinary Shakespearean actress, Hamlet can no longer hide from the fact that she --- like her family --- is anything but average.
In a novel every bit as funny as her debut, Erin Dionne has created another eighth grader whose situation is utterly unique --- but whose foibles and farces will resound with every girl currently suffering through middle school.
» Click here for all the contest details.
» Click here to read a review of THE TOTAL TRAGEDY OF A GIRL NAMED HAMLET.
» Click here to read an excerpt from THE TOTAL TRAGEDY OF A GIRL NAMED HAMLET.
» Visit Erin Dionne’s official website, www.erindionne.com.
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REDWALL by Brian Jacques
For those not in the know, Redwall is a magic place populated by animals. The book series name comes from Redwall Abbey, the community most of the characters live in. Author Brian Jacques brings to life these animals in astounding detail, making each one a true character. But don't think these books are too sweet. They are actually thrilling action-adventure stories. Jacques pits the peaceful mice, squirrels and moles who live in the Mossflower Wood and Redwall Abbey against evil animal villains --- weasels, foxes, stoats and the like --- who want to take over the Abbey and enslave its inhabitants. Good guys like Martin the Warrior (a sword-wielding mouse) triumph against baddies like Cluny the Scourge, a wicked one-eyed rat. Once you start reading, you'll be addicted to the world of Redwall!
In anticipation of the February 23rd release of THE SABLE QUEAN, we offer you a sneak peek at this newest Redwall adventure and spotlight the previous three installments of the series, including the new paperback edition of DOOMWYTE.
» HIGH RHULAIN: Read a review, excerpt and about the book.
» EULALIA!: Read a review, excerpt and about the book.
» DOOMWYTE: Read a review and about the book.
» THE SABLE QUEAN: Read an excerpt and about the book.
» Click here to read our Redwall series feature.
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GOOSEBUMPS HORRORLAND #13: WHEN THE GHOST DOG HOWLS by R.L. Stine
Twelve-year-olds Andy and Marnie had an awesome week in HorrorLand --- despite their freaky encounter with Murder the Clown and the zombie mob. Then they think they've won big when they get a FREE souvenir from HorrorLand's Chiller House. But when Andy hears howling at night and Marnie starts acting strange, they begin to rethink the gift from HorrorLand. Unlucky book #13 of the Goosebumps HorrorLand series kicks off an entirely new type of terror that will keep you guessing and quaking until book #19. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.
» Click here to play the updated Goosebumps HorrorLand trivia game.
» Click here to read our Goosebumps HorrorLand series feature.
THE KARATE MOUSE by Geronimo Stilton
Geronimo Stilton gets caught up in the World Karate Championships, thanks to the efforts of Bruce Hyena and Piccolo Tao, Bruce's super-sporty cousin. Geronimo only has a week to become real champion material. Will Geronimo manage to overcome his fears in order to win the competition? Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.
» Click here to play the updated Geronimo Stilton trivia game.
» Click here to read our Geronimo Stilton series feature.
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 Kidsreads.com’s Books into Movies feature is spotlighting a buzzworthy new film based on the first installment of one of our favorite fantasy adventure series, Percy Jackson & the Olympians by Rick Riordan. Hitting theaters on February 12th, Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief --- directed by Chris Columbus, who brought us the first two Harry Potter movies --- follows a seemingly ordinary high school student who discovers he’s the son of a Greek god and finds himself caught up in a war being fought among the other residents of Mount Olympus.
» Click here for more details about this film.
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February’s roundup of Cool New Books includes THE SABLE QUEAN, the latest Redwall saga from Brian Jacques that asks the question “Will the Redwallers risk the fate of their Abbey and all of Mossflower Wood to save their precious young ones from imprisonment?”; THE VIPER’S NEST, book six in The 39 Clues series, in which Amy and Dan flee to a distant land and trace the footsteps of their most formidable ancestor yet: a military leader of mythic proportions; THE LAST WILDERNESS, the fourth installment in Erin Hunter’s Seekers series, which finds one bear pushed to the brink of death (and saving him means venturing into the dangerous territory of the human world); SWEET AND SUNNY by Coleen Murtagh Paratore, which marks the return of Sunny Holiday, whose mission as Junior Deputy Mayor of Riverton, New York is to help create a Kid’s Day and turn it into a national holiday; and Marianne Malone’s THE SIXTY-EIGHT ROOMS, an exciting art adventure reminiscent of CHASING VERMEER and FROM THE MIXED-UP FILES OF MRS. BASIL E. FRANKWEILER. » Click Here
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February’s roundup of New in Paperback titles includes BEST FRIENDS AND DRAMA QUEENS, the third installment in Meg Cabot’s tween series starring Allie Finkle, who is excited (at first) not to be the new girl at school anymore; SUPERIOR SATURDAY, the next-to-last Keys to the Kingdom novel, which finds Garth Nix’s protagonist, Arthur Penhaligon, struggling to gain possession of the Sixth Key from its immortal guardian; THE EYE OF THE FOREST, the fifth book in P. B. Kerr's Children of the Lamp series featuring djinn twins John and Philippa Gaunt; BASEBALL GREAT, Tim Green’s first novel about America’s national pastime, in which two friends find themselves in a desperate struggle with a dangerous man who doesn’t want them to expose the nasty secrets they uncover; and JAKE RANSOM AND THE SKULL KING'S SHADOW, a breathlessly paced adventure thriller from James Rollins, whose debut for young readers plunges two siblings into a gripping chain of events as they try to solve the mystery of their parents’ disappearance. » Click Here |
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RANGER’S APPRENTICE, Book 7: ERAK’S RANSOM by John Flanagan
A few months shy of his graduation from the Ranger Corps, Will is unsure of what the future holds. Feelings are put on hold, however, as the capture of the Skandian Oberjarl, Erak, prompt Will and Halt to launch a rescue mission into the harsh desert region of Arrida. Reviewed by Benjamin Boche.
WISHING FOR TOMORROW: The Sequel to A Little Princess, by Hilary McKay
A LITTLE PRINCESS, which features the riches-to-rags-to-riches adventures of Sara Crewe, has been a children’s classic for 100 years. Picking up where Frances Hodgson Burnett left off, WISHING FOR TOMORROW is the story of what happened to the girls left behind at Miss Minchin’s Seminary for Girls after Sara’s departure. Reviewed by Sarah A. Wood and excerpted.
STEEL TRAPP: THE ACADEMY by Ridley Pearson
Steven "Steel" Trapp has been placed in an East Coast boarding school for gifted kids by his FBI agent father. He soon discovers that there's a clubby element of the faculty and upper classmen that is very secretive and protective. To his surprise, his friend Kaleigh arrives to board at the school, and it isn't long before the two realize that this is not your normal boarding school. Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.
A MILLION SHADES OF GRAY by Cynthia Kadohata
Cynthia Kadohata, author of the Newbery Medal-winning novel KIRA-KIRA, returns with a well-researched, emotionally harrowing exploration of what happened in Vietnam after the American troops pulled out. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.
RICH: A Dyamonde Daniel Book written by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
Dyamonde Daniel is excited about the local library’s poetry contest, and so is her friend Free. The prize is $100 --- just think what they could buy with that much money! But when they find out that Damaris, one of their classmates, has been living in a homeless shelter, their ideas about what it means to be rich or poor start to change. Reviewed by Christine M. Irvin.
GREEN by Laura Peyton Roberts
Laura Peyton Roberts’s latest novel is a sweet and original exploration of growing up and being true to yourself. There is plenty of adventure and wisdom in these pages, as 13-year-old Lily goes to the land of the leprechauns and tries to understand the birthright she has inherited and the position she is being asked to earn. Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.
THE EVER BREATH by Julianna Baggott
Truman and his twin sister, Camille, have just met their grandmother...and she’s a little strange. She whispers a tale about something called the Ever Breath, an amber orb that maintains the balance between our world and a dreamy one of imagination --- and evil. Soon Truman and Camille find themselves in the Breath World, a magical place where ogres clash and a mouse holds the key to a mystery. Reviewed by Kristi Olson.
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GREAT BOOKS FOR BOYS
Kidsreads.com Founder Carol Fitzgerald frequently has been told by mothers how difficult it is to get their sons to read. Some are busy participating in sports and other extracurricular activities, watching television, playing video games and surfing the Internet, while others simply don't like to read, no matter how much free time they may have.
This inspired her to enlist her son Cory, an avid reader, to compile a list of books that he thinks are great reads for boys. Included are series titles and stand-alone fiction that cover a variety of genres: fantasies, mysteries, thrillers, action/adventure novels and historical fiction. While many of these selections also will appeal to girls, they especially will capture the attention of boys, who often are much more reluctant readers.
UPDATED! We have added to our list to reflect those books that have been released since our last update in April. Among our most recent additions are THE BROOKLYN NINE by Alan Gratz, DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: DOG DAYS by Jeff Kinney, JAKE RANSOM AND THE SKULL KING’S SHADOW by James Rollins, SIMON BLOOM: THE OCTOPUS EFFECT by Michael Reisman and THIS BOOK IS NOT GOOD FOR YOU by Pseudonymous Bosch.
» Click here to see our complete list, along with the latest additions at the top of the page. |
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 Start Your Own Book Club!
Thinking about starting a Book Club? Trying to find new ideas for your Club? Wondering what the heck a Book Club is?! Never fear, Kidsreads has all the answers to your Book Club questions, and some guides to help you lead a good discussion with your friends. Book Clubs are easy to start and lot of fun, so if you love books, this is for you! |
CLASSICS AND NEW FAVES READING LISTS
Listmania! We've freshened up our Reading Lists, adding new titles to our Contemporary Favorites and Classics age categories. Be sure to check them out when you need a great book to read. |
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THE GECKO & STICKY: SINISTER SUBSTITUTE written by Wendelin Van Draanen and illustrated by Stephen Gilpin 
CALAMITY JACK written by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale , illustrated by Nathan Hale
THE SECRET SCIENCE ALLIANCE AND THE COPYCAT CROOK written and illustrated by Eleanor Davis
THE STARRY NIGHT written and illustrated by Kimjin
