Prepare to lose some sleep this week, as this latest edition of the New Releases Roundup is spotlighting 24 unputdownable titles from YA faves like Walter Dean Myers, Kathryn Lasky, Jordan Sonnenblick and Alice Hoffman. High on our radars is SCARLETT FEVER, Maureen Johnson's sequel to the hilarious SUITE SCARLETT; Rachel Ward's creepy debut, NUM8ERS; the edgy RIKER'S HIGH by Paul Volponi; and THE RESISTANCE, Gemma Malley's futuristic thriller now out in paperback.New Releases for January 31
Hardcover
DOPE SICK by Walter Dean Myers (Amistad)
The itch starts when things get too heavy for Lil J. Skin popping or stealing pain pills from his mom help him relax. But Lil J's focus is wandering because money is short, and his man Rico knows a way to make some quick cash. It's supposed to be an easy deal, but it isn't so simple when the buyer is an undercover cop.
With a gunshot wound to the arm, Rico in jail, and a police officer clinging to life, Lil J is starting to get dope sick. He'd do anything to change the last twenty-four hours, and when he stumbles into an abandoned crack house, it actually might be possible. . . .
Walter Dean Myers weaves elements of magical realism into a harrowing story about drug use, violence, alternate perceptions of reality, and second chances.
New releases for February 1st
Hardcover
AFTER EVER AFTER by Jordan Sonnenblick (Scholastic Press)
Jeffrey isn't a little boy with cancer anymore. He's a teen who's in remission, but life still feels fragile. The aftereffects of treatment have left Jeffrey with an inability to be a great student or to walk without limping. His parents still worry about him. His older brother, Steven, lost it and took off to Africa to be in a drumming circle and "find himself." Jeffrey has a little soul searching to do, too, which begins with his escalating anger at Steven, an old friend who is keeping something secret, and a girl who is way out of his league but who thinks he's cute.
THE CLONE CODES by Patricia C. McKissack, Fredrick McKissack and John McKissack (Scholastic Press)
The Cyborg Wars are over and Earth has peacefully prospered for more than one hundred years. Yet sometimes history must repeat itself until humanity learns from its mistakes. In the year 2170, despite technological and political advances, cyborgs and clones are treated no better than slaves, and an underground abolitionist movement is fighting for freedom. Thirteen-year-old Leanna's entire life is thrown into chaos when The World Federation of Nations discovers her mom is part of the radical Liberty Bell Movement.
After her mother's arrest for treason, Leanna must escape as she is chased by a ruthless bounty hunter. Soon Leanna finds herself living among the Firsts, and nothing will ever be the same again. But what does The World Federation want with the daughter of a traitor? So much is uncertain. Danger hides everywhere. Fear takes over. With help from unlikely sources, Leanna learns the origin of The Liberty Bell Movement and how its members may have answers about her past-and her new reality.
As family secrets are revealed, Leanna must face startling truths about self-identity and freedom. Through time travel, advanced technologies, and artificial intelligence, this exhilarating adventure asks what it means to be human and explores the sacrifices an entire society will make to find out.
Acclaimed authors Patricia C. McKissack and Frederick L. McKissack have collaborated with their son, John to deliver a novel that is as suspenseful as it is searing.
NUM8ERS by Rachel Ward (The Chicken House/Scholastic)
Ever since she was child, Jem has kept a secret: Whenever she meets someone new, no matter who, as soon as she looks into their eyes, a number pops into her head. That number is a date: the date they will die. Burdened with such awful awareness, Jem avoids relationships. Until she meets Spider, another outsider, and takes a chance. The two plan a trip to the city. But while waiting to ride the Eye ferris wheel, Jem is terrified to see that all the other tourists in line flash the same number. Today's number. Today's date. Terrorists are going to attack London. Jem's world is about to explode!
SCARLETT FEVER by Maureen Johnson (Point)
Ever since Mrs. Amberson, the former-aspiring-actress-turned-agent, entered Scarlett Martin's life, nothing has been the same.
She's still in charge of the Empire Suite in her family's hotel, but she's now also Mrs. Amberson's assistant, running around town for her star client, Chelsea --- a Broadway star Scarlett's age with a knack for making her feel insignificant.
Scarlett's also trying to juggle sophomore year classes, her lab partner who is being just a little TOO nice, and getting over the boy who broke her heart.
In the midst of all this, her parents drop a bombshell that threatens to change her New York life forever...
Paperback
ALBATROSS by Josie Bloss (Flux)
He was music, everything else was noise.
Everyone at Tess's new school warns her that Micah is bad news --- a heartbreaker. And a girl named Daisy is acting like she owns him. Still, Tess can't ignore her attraction to this brooding, brilliant, friendless emo guy who can turn on the charm --- or heart-shredding scorn --- at a moment's notice. Starting over in a new town after her parents' split isn't easy for Tess, and Micah feels like her first real connection. But then their bond suddenly feels like shackles.
Caught in an obsessive triangle of jealousy and co-dependence, can Tess learn to break away and find herself again?
FABULOUS by Simone Bryant (Kimani)
There's no such thing as being too rich, too popular or too fabulous…
Pace Academy is an exclusive private school catering to the rich, pampered and beautiful. And Starr, Dionne and Marisol are its ruling elite, with an endless supply of designer clothes, platinum credit cards --- and drama….
Starr is planning a spectacular Sweet Fifteen party…but it may be unforgettable for all the wrong reasons.
Dionne stepped out of the hood and into Pace's inner circle, even though her parents are struggling to pay for their lavish new lifestyle.
Marisol is the daughter of a baseball star whose wealth and fame might just tear her family apart.
Now all three girls are about to learn that the price of being fabulous can sometimes be too high, even for the Pace-setters…
GREEN ANGEL by Alice Hoffman (Scholastic Press)
Left on her own when her family dies in a terrible disaster, fifteen-year-old Green is haunted by loss and by the past. Struggling to survive physically and emotionally in a place where nothing seems to grow and ashes are everywhere, Green retreats into the ruined realm of her garden. But in destroying her feelings, she also begins to destroy herself, erasing the girl she'd once been as she inks darkness into her skin. It is only through a series of mysterious encounters that Green can relearn the lessons of love and begin to heal enough to tell her story.
THE IRON KING by Julie Kagawa (Harlequin)
Meghan Chase has a secret destiny --- one she could never have imagined…
Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school…or at home.
When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.
But she could never have guessed the truth --- that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face…and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.
LIGHT BENEATH FERNS by Anne Spollen (Flux)
I have this strange sense that my silence is preparing me for something I can't name...
Elizah Rayne is nothing like other fourteen-year-old girls. More interested in bird bones than people, she wraps herself in silence. Trying to escape the shadow of her gambler father, Elizah and her mother move into an old house that borders a cemetery. All her mother wants is for them to have "normal" lives. But that becomes impossible for Elizah when she finds a human jawbone by the river and meets Nathaniel, a strangely hypnotic boy who draws Elizah into his dreamlike and mysterious world.
Only by forgetting everything she knows can Elizah understand the truth about Nathaniel --- and discover an unimaginable secret.
THE SECRET STORY OF SONIA RODRIGUEZ by Alan Lawrence Sitomer (Disney Jump at the Sun)
Sonia Rodriguez was born in the United States, but her parents are Mexican immigrants who came to California before she was born. Her father has three Social Security numbers, her mother is pregnant (again), and neither of them speak English. Sonia's mother spends most of her time in bed, watching soap operas, and letting Sonia clean up after her brothers. Sonia's father works dutifully to support his family, but he knows that his daughter's dreams are bigger than making tamales for family get-togethers. When Sonia attempts to put school work before her familia, her mother decides that it's time for Sonia to visit her grandmother in Mexico to learn "the ways of the old world." While in Mexico, Sonia spends time with her wise grandmother and her cousin Maria who teach her that while familia is important, the most important thing is to follow your heart. Sonia returns to the States determined to succeed in school, but the birth of her new twin siblings, inappropriate advances from her drunk uncle (Drunkle), and a forbidden relationship with an El Salvadorian boy push school to the back burner. If only Sonia can find the time to cook dinner, secretly meet with her boyfriend, avoid her Drunkle, AND finish her homework, she just might be able to graduate from high school...
TWO GIRLS OF GETTYSBURG by Lisa Klein (Bloomsbury USA)
Lizzie and Rosanna are cousins. But when the Civil War breaks out, Lizzie finds herself committed to the cause of the Union, while Rosie is swept up in the passions of the old south. Torn in their alliances, each girl finds herself grappling with the brutality of war, and the elusive promise of love, until the battle at Gettysburg brings them together once again.
WHEREVER NINA LIES by Lynn Weingarten (Point)
Nina was beautiful, wild, and adored by her younger sister, Ellie. But one day, Nina disappeared. 2 years later, everyone has given up hope that Nina will return, but Ellie knows her sister is out there. If only Ellie had a clue where to look.Then she gets one, in the form of a mysterious drawing. Determined to find Nina, Ellie takes off on a crazy, sexy cross-country road trip with the only person who believes she's got a chance --- her hot, adventurous new crush. Along the way, Ellie finds a few things she wasn't planning on. Like love. Lies. And the most shocking thing of all: the truth.
The book contains interior black-and-white illustrations, since the sister's drawings play a crucial role in the story.
New Releases for February 2nd
Hardcover
DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS by C. J. Omololu (Walker Books for Young Readers)
Everyone has a secret. But Lucy’s is bigger and dirtier than most. It’s one she’s been hiding for years --- that her mom’s out-of-control hoarding has turned their lives into a world of garbage and shame. She’s managed to keep her home life hidden from her best friend and her crush, knowing they’d be disgusted by the truth. So, when her mom dies suddenly in their home, Lucy hesitates to call 911 because revealing their way of life would make her future unbearable --- and she begins her two-day plan to set her life right.
With details that are as fascinating as they are disturbing, C. J. Omololu weaves an hour-by-hour account of Lucy’s desperate attempt at normalcy. Her fear and isolation are palpable as readers are pulled down a path from which there is no return, and the impact of hoarding on one teen’s life will have readers completely hooked.
IN A HEARTBEAT by Loretta Ellsworth (Walker Books for Young Readers)
When a small mistake costs sixteen-year-old Eagan her life during a figure-skating competition, she leaves many things unreconciled, including her troubled relationship with her mother. From her vantage point in the afterlife, Eagan reflects back on her memories, and what she could have done differently, through her still-beating heart.
When fourteen-year-old Amelia learns she will be getting a heart transplant, her fear and guilt battle with her joy at this new chance at life. And afterwards when she starts to feel different --- dreaming about figure skating, craving grape candy --- her need to learn about her donor leads her to discover and explore Eagan’s life, meeting her grieving loved ones and trying to bring the closure they all need to move on.
Told in alternating viewpoints, IN A HEARTBEAT tells the emotional and compelling story of two girls sharing one heart.
LOCKDOWN by Walter Dean Myers (Amistad)
When I first got to Progress, it freaked me out to be locked in a room and unable to get out. But after a while, when you got to thinking about it, you knew nobody could get in, either.
It seems as if the only progress that's going on at Progress juvenile facility is moving from juvy jail to real jail. Reese wants out early, but is he supposed to just sit back and let his friend Toon get jumped? Then Reese gets a second chance when he's picked for the work program at a senior citizens' home. He doesn't mean to keep messing up, but it's not so easy, at Progress or in life. One of the residents, Mr. Hooft, gives him a particularly hard time. If he can convince Mr. Hooft that he's a decent person, not a criminal, maybe he'll be able to convince himself.
Acclaimed author Walter Dean Myers offers an honest story about finding a way to make it without getting lost in the shuffle.
THE LONG WAY HOME by Andrew Klavan (Thomas Nelson)
Charlie West went to bed one night an ordinary high school student. He woke up a hunted man. Terrorists are trying to kill him. The police want to arrest him for the stabbing death of his best friend. He doesn't know whose side he's one or who he can trust. With his pursuers closing in on every side, Charlie makes his way back to his hometown to find some answers. There, holed up in an abandoned mansion, he's joined by his friends in a desperate attempt to discover the truth about a murder he can't remember --- and the love he can never forget.
Paperback
AURELIE: A FAERIE TALE by Heather Tomlinson (Square Fish)
Once upon a time, three children and a little river dragon were the best of friends --- until a promise was broken. Now they are almost grown up and barely speaking to one another. With her country in turmoil, Aurelie is sent on a peacekeeping mission. But how can she prevent a war when she can’t even make her friends get along? Heartsick at losing her dearest companions, especially the handsome Garin, Aurelie finds comfort in her secret, late-night trips to fairyland. But a princess can’t hide from her duties forever. Her country needs her, and so do her friends --- whether they know it or not.
THE RESISTANCE by Gemma Malley (Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books)
The year is 2140. Peter and Anna are living freely on the Outside, trying hard to lead normal lives, but unable to leave the terror of the Declaration --- and their experiences as surpluses --- completely behind them. Peter is determined to infiltrate Pharma Corporation, which claims to have a new drug in the works; "Longevity +" will not just stop the ravages of old age, it might just reverse the aging process. But what Peter and Anna discover behind the walls of Pharma is so nightmarish it makes the prison of their childhood seem like a sanctuary: for it seems the only way to regain youth is to harvest the young.
New Releases for February 4th Hardcover
ASHES by Kathryn Lasky (Viking Juvenile)
Thirteen-year-old Gabriella Schramm’s favorite pastime is reading. With Adolf Hitler slowly but unstoppably rising to power, Gaby turns to her books for comfort while the world around her changes dramatically: The streets become filled with soldiers, Gaby’s sister’s boyfriend raises his arm in a heil Hitler salute, and the Schramms’ family friend Albert Einstein flees the country. When Gaby’s beloved books come under attack, she fears she may have to leave behind the fiction --- and the life --- she has always cherished.
MY BOYFRIENDS’ DOGS by Dandi Daley Mackall (Dutton Juvenille)
If only boys were more like dogs.
On a stormy night in St. Louis, Bailey Daley finds refuge in an after-hours diner. Bailey, a girl with three dogs in tow, wearing a soaking-wet prom dress, obviously has a story to tell. See, she wants what every girl wants from her boyfriend: enthusiasm, loyalty, and unconditional love. And Bailey is always falling in love --- with boys, and with their dogs. And each of her dogs came from a relationship that didn’t quite work out. But don’t worry: in this fun, clean romance, true love is never far away --- it just waits until you stop looking for it.
RIKERS HIGH by Paul Volponi (Viking Juvenille)
Martin was sitting on the front stoop of his apartment building minding his own business when he was arrested for something he didn’t even mean to do. Five months later, he’s still locked up on Rikers Island, in a New York City jail. Just when it seems things couldn’t get much worse, Martin is caught between two warring prisoners, and his face is slashed. Now he’ll be forever marked with a prison scar. One good thing comes from the attack: Martin is transferred to a different part of Rikers where inmates are required to attend high school. If Martin opens up to a teacher who really seems to care, perhaps he’ll learn a lesson more valuable than any taught in class.
An award-winning author, Paul Volponi is uniquely qualified to tell Martin’s story because he taught on Rikers Island for six years. He originally wrote RIKERS for an adult audience. The book has been revised for young adults and is being republished as RIKERS HIGH.
A STAR ON THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME by Brenda Woods (Putnam Juvenille) If you could get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for anything at all, what would it be? This writing assignment, given out in Ms. Hart’s tenth-grade creative writing class, sparks a group of nine students each to tell his/her own story. Readers are introduced to Jake and Shante’s interracial romance, Carlos’ fear of deportation, and Sunday’s determination after being sexually assaulted. These teens persevere through hardship and heartache, laughter and love, and in the end, their voices shine through inspiring journal entries that answer the question in unusual and unexpected ways. Once again, Brenda Woods shows a keen understanding of the teenage psyche, as she did in EMAKO BLUE winner of the 2005 IRA Children’s Choice Young Adult Fiction Award.
Paperback
A MATCH MADE IN HIGH SCHOOL by Kristin Walker (Razorbill/Penguin Young Readers Group)
Fiona can be hard to get along with: she's a little prickly, clueless, opinionated, and unrelenting. When a course on marriage, a requirement for graduation, forces her to wed Todd, a male cheerleader, she is flabbergasted. They are the worst match on the planet, and she just knows this will be torture. To make matters worse, her best friend announces that she is in love with Fiona's lifelong crush, and that she finds Fiona too self-absorbed. Fiona is, of course, hurt, and left without a friend on whom she can rely. However, her senior year is also filled with hilarious situations. As she deals with her trials and tribulations, Fiona learns a great deal about herself and about how to interact with other people. While the book is laugh-out-loud funny in some places, it also gives readers time to pause and think about priorities, relationships, and making the most of trying situations.
