The holiday season is in full swing, but there hasn't been a lot of downtime to celebrate. With the flurry of holiday parties (check out my turquoise tree at the office), finishing up projects for this year and getting ready for 2010, I didn't have much time for making gifts this holiday season (I love to knit!). My younger son asked for A LOT of books, thus shopping for him was easy. In fact, I found at least one book for everyone on my list in the bookstore. How are you doing with your shopping? Remember to keep our What to Give/What to Get Guide in mind for great last-minute gift suggestions for your friends and family. Of course, you can also use the guide for additions to your own wish list (there's still time!). And for great seasonal stories, we have our 2009 Holiday Roundup, which is full of books that are perfect for whatever holiday you may be celebrating this month.

As 2009 come to a close, we bring you two very special year-end features. For the first time ever on Kidsreads.com, we asked our reviewers to let us know what some of their favorite books of the year were. Click here to see their lists and see if you agree with their selections. Also, we invite you to take a look at the author interviews that were featured throughout the year on Kidsreads.com. This is a great way to catch up on the discussions you may have missed --- and to re-read what some of your favorite authors had to say about their books.

This month, Kidsreads.com talked with Matthew Cody, the author of POWERLESS. He filled us in on what inspired the story and how he came up with his characters' super powers. If you could have any super power for Christmas, what would it be? Read our interview, review and an excerpt for some ideas!

Congratulations to the winners of our MAIN STREET #1: WELCOME TO CAMDEN FALLS Giveaway! Now you can start from the beginning of Ann M. Martin's Main Street series and work your way up to the newest book, MAIN STREET #8: SPECIAL DELIVERY. Read an excerpt from SPECIAL DELIVERY, and click here for our review.

Kathryn Lasky tells us a story of survival, courage and love in her new book, WOLVES OF THE BEYOND #1: LONE WOLF. Faolan, an abandoned wolf pup, beats all odds and proves that you can never underestimate the power of strong will and perseverance. You can read an excerpt from LONE WOLF here.

Also in stores are two great books for boys. The new Alex Rider novel, CROCODILE TEARS by Anthony Horowitz, is available, the latest addition to a series that follows a young teen who happens to be a secret agent. MILLION-DOLLAR THROW by Mike Lupica tells the story of Nate, a boy who has the opportunity to win one million dollars if he can throw a target-hitting ball at a New England Patriots game.

For more great gift and reading suggestions, check out our Cool New Books and New in Paperback roundups and our latest reviews --- which include graphic novel and manga titles. And don't forget to vote in our poll about how many books you read in 2009, and check out what's coming soon in 2010!

Happy reading, happy holidays, and happy new year!

Carol Fitzgerald for Kidsreads.com

CROCODILE TEARS: An Alex Rider Novel by Anthony Horowitz
Nearing his 15th birthday, Alex Rider may finally be leaving behind the role of secret agent. That is, until he manages to find himself tangled in a genetic engineering plot that threatens millions of lives. Once Alex gets involved, you know you can expect thrills, chills and bloodthirsty crocodiles. Reviewed by Benjamin Boche.

-Click here to read our Alex Rider series feature.
-Click here to play the updated Alex Rider trivia game.

MILLION-DOLLAR THROW by Mike Lupica
Nate Brodie wins the chance to throw a pass through a target at a New England Patriots game for one million dollars. Nate, who’s the biggest Tom Brady fan, should be excited. But things have been tough lately. His dad is now unemployed and his family is losing their home. It’s no secret that the money would go a long way. So all Nate feels is pressure --- and just when he needs it most, his golden arm begins to fail him. Reviewed by Sarah Sawtelle.

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 Kathryn Lasky’s bio.

As 2009 comes to a close, we invite you to take a look at the author interviews that were featured throughout the year on Kidsreads.com. This is a great way to catch up on the discussions you may have missed --- and to re-read what some of your favorite authors had to say about their books.

Curious about what books will be released in the months ahead? Then be sure to check out our Coming Soon section on Kidsreads.com. Currently we have titles for January through April listed. Please note that we have not included every book coming out, but rather some that caught our eye --- and that we thought should catch yours as well.

November and December's roundup of Cool New Books includes CROCODILE TEARS, the highly anticipated eighth installment in Anthony Horowitz's action-packed series starring teenage superspy Alex Rider; MILLION-DOLLAR THROW, Mike Lupica's newest sports novel about a 13-year-old who wins the chance to throw a pass through a target at a New England Patriots game for one million dollars; IN TOO DEEP by Jude Watson, book six in The 39 Clues series that finds Amy and Dan on the trail of secrets their grandmother Grace never would have wanted them to know; LONE WOLF, Kathryn Lasky's story of a courageous wolf pup who rises up to change the Wolves of the Beyond forever; the latest additions to the Fancy Nancy and Amelia Bedelia series of picture books; and THE EVER BREATH, a fast-paced tale from Julianna Baggot in which two young siblings are involved in an epic battle to save not just one world, but two.

November and December’s roundup of New in Paperback titles includes LONG SHADOWS, Erin Hunter’s fifth Warriors: Power of Three book that finds three young cats having to put their powers to the ultimate test to save the Clans from destruction; MERCY WATSON TO THE RESCUE and MERCY WATSON GOES FOR A RIDE, the first two installments in Kate DiCamillo’s series starring the porcine wonder whose favorite food is hot buttered toast; THE SÉANCE by Iain Lawrence, a murder mystery set during the Roaring Twenties in which a boy discovers a dead man in Harry Houdini's Burmese Torture Tank; IGNATIUS MACFARLAND: FREQUENAUT!, the first book in a series by Paul Feig that features a seventh grader who decides to build a rocket after being teased one too many times at school; and THIS IS THE DREAM, a picture book that sweeps readers along on a compelling journey through American history to show how far we have come in attaining freedom and justice for all.

Kidsreads.com Reviews:

THE GIANT-SLAYER by Iain Lawrence
When Laurie Valentine's only friend, Dickie Espinosa, contracts polio, she is devastated. As she spins an ongoing fantasy adventure for his and his fellow patients' entertainment, Laurie's fable and real life interweave --- in an original and emotionally powerful read. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

SKULDUGGERY PLEASANT: THE FACELESS ONES by Derek Landy
Those pesky Faceless Ones just won’t go away. Detective Skulduggery Pleasant and his 14-year-old assistant, Valkyrie Cain, are on the case to stop the destruction of the world --- again. The usual (or unusual) cast of characters lends a hand, but you won’t see this ending coming! Reviewed by Benjamin Boche.

OGGIE COODER, PARTY ANIMAL! by Sarah Weeks
Oggie Cooder returns! This time he has received an invitation to Donnica Perfecto's swimming party, but while Oggie yearns to go swim in her pool, she's scheming to keep him from actually attending. Can there be a happy ending? Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

LOOKING FOR MARCO POLO by Alan Armstrong
In his award-winning debut novel, WHITTINGTON, Alan Armstrong told the historical story of London mayor Dick Whittington and his cat through the voice of one of that cat’s descendants. In LOOKING FOR MARCO POLO, Armstrong again integrates history, fantasy and fiction, this time in the more exotic and evocative setting of Venice. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

THE FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX: Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist, Book One written by R. L. LaFevers and illustrated by Kelly Murphy
Ten-year-old Nathaniel Fludd comes from a long line of Beastologists --- except he doesn’t know it yet. When his parents go missing, Nate hooks up with his Aunt Phil and immediately discovers that mythological beasts actually exist. However, he isn’t sure he’s ready to tackle such a dangerous profession. Reviewed by Benjamin Boche.

A PEARL AMONG PRINCES by Coleen Murtagh Paratore
Gracepearl has lived her entire life on the small but beautiful island of Miramore, which has the honor of hosting the annual training program for young princes. While Gracepearl loves her home and her family and friends, deep down she feels a strong yearning to travel beyond the treacherous seas. The only way to leave the island is to marry one of the princes in training. But that would mean turning her back on her heart’s true love. Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.

THE UNUSUAL MIND OF VINCENT SHADOW by Tim Kehoe
Vincent Shadow’s unusually creative mind truly separates him from other kids his age. His top-secret attic lab is crammed with toy prototypes, and he has a sketchbook filled with drawings of toys he still wants to build. So when a chance encounter with an eccentric toy inventor offers him the opportunity to become a toy inventor extraordinaire, Vincent realizes it’s time to get serious about toys. Reviewed by Joy Held.

RAIDERS’ RANSOM by Emily Diamand
It’s the 23rd century, and much of what used to be the United Kingdom is now underwater. Lilly helps her grandmother, and the rest of her village, by venturing out into her fishing boat with her best mate, Cat. But then one day, Lilly and Cat return to find that raiders have attacked the village and kidnapped the Prime Minister’s daughter. They set out to rescue her, armed with an ancient artifact for ransom --- a valuable computer with a sarcastic attitude. Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.

-Click here to read our Kidsreads.com reviews.

Graphic Novel Review:

CASPER THE FRIENDLY GHOST 60th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL
Casper the Friendly Ghost first flunked out of ghost finishing school 60 years ago. This new collection presents two of his earliest comic books, full of short stories that are all kid-friendly. Reviewed by John Hogan.

Manga Review:

VERMONIA #1: QUEST FOR THE SILVER TIGER written and illustrated by YOYO
Best friends Mel, Doug, Naomi and Jim are about to have their simple world turned upside down. When the evil General Uro from Vermonia kidnaps Mel, it is up to her friends to travel to another world to rescue her. It is there, in the Turtle Realm, they discover that they are the reincarnations of Queen Frasinella’s four most trusted ministries. Only they can restore the balance between Earth, the Turtle Realm and Vermonia. Reviewed by Courtney Kraft.

-Click here to read our graphic novel and manga reviews.

How many books did you read in 2009?

1-25
26-50
51-75
76-100
More than 100
None
Not sure