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March 10, 2015

This Bookreporter.com Special Newsletter spotlights a book coming out today. Read more about it, and enter our Spring Preview Contest by Wednesday, March 11th at 11:59am ET for a chance to win one of five copies of DEAD WAKE: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson, which is now in stores. Please note that each contest is only open for 24 hours, so you will need to act quickly!

Editorial Content for The Winner's Crime

Contributors

Reviewer (text)

Brianna Robinson

Have you ever read a novel that took your breath away? That is what THE WINNER’S CRIME by Marie Rutkoski and its predecessor, THE WINNER’S CURSE, does to readers. Rutkoski’s writing is so stunning that every sentence is a gift, allowing fans to hang onto them and pause as they take in the deeper meaning of each word. The story is so carefully crafted and impressive that I was honestly amazed and left wondering, “Where have these books been all my life?” Read More

Teaser


Following your heart can be a crime.
 
A royal wedding is what most girls dream about. It means one celebration after another: balls, fireworks, and revelry until dawn. But to Kestrel it means living in a cage of her own making. As the wedding approaches, she aches to tell Arin the truth about her engagement: that she agreed to marry the crown prince in exchange for Arin’s freedom. But can Kestrel trust Arin? Can she even trust herself? For Kestrel is becoming very good at deception. She’s working as a spy in the court. If caught, she’ll be exposed as a traitor to her country. Yet she can’t help searching for a way to change her ruthless world...and she is close to uncovering a shocking secret. 
 
This dazzling follow-up to The Winner’s Curse reveals the high price of dangerous lies and untrustworthy alliances. The truth will come out, and when it does, Kestrel and Arin will learn just how much their crimes will cost them.

Promo

Following your heart can be a crime.
 
A royal wedding is what most girls dream about. It means one celebration after another: balls, fireworks, and revelry until dawn. But to Kestrel it means living in a cage of her own making. As the wedding approaches, she aches to tell Arin the truth about her engagement: that she agreed to marry the crown prince in exchange for Arin’s freedom. But can Kestrel trust Arin? Can she even trust herself? For Kestrel is becoming very good at deception. She’s working as a spy in the court. If caught, she’ll be exposed as a traitor to her country. Yet she can’t help searching for a way to change her ruthless world...and she is close to uncovering a shocking secret. 
 
This dazzling follow-up to The Winner’s Curse reveals the high price of dangerous lies and untrustworthy alliances. The truth will come out, and when it does, Kestrel and Arin will learn just how much their crimes will cost them.

About the Book

Following your heart can be a crime.
 
A royal wedding is what most girls dream about. It means one celebration after another: balls, fireworks, and revelry until dawn. But to Kestrel it means living in a cage of her own making. As the wedding approaches, she aches to tell Arin the truth about her engagement: that she agreed to marry the crown prince in exchange for Arin’s freedom. But can Kestrel trust Arin? Can she even trust herself? For Kestrel is becoming very good at deception. She’s working as a spy in the court. If caught, she’ll be exposed as a traitor to her country. Yet she can’t help searching for a way to change her ruthless world...and she is close to uncovering a shocking secret. 
 
This dazzling follow-up to The Winner’s Curse reveals the high price of dangerous lies and untrustworthy alliances. The truth will come out, and when it does, Kestrel and Arin will learn just how much their crimes will cost them.

Editorial Content for The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B

Contributors

Reviewer (text)

Cheyenne C., Teen Board Member

Life is not going so smoothly for Adam Spencer Ross.  First and foremost, he has OCD --- his life revolves around counting and ordering until everything in his mind feels “just right,” and he must perform a particular set of rituals before going through certain doors. Read More

Teaser

Adam Spencer Ross is almost fifteen, and he’s got his hands full confronting the everyday problems that come with having divorced parents and a stepsibling. Add to that his obsessive-compulsive disorder and it’s just about impossible for him to imagine ever falling in love. Adam’s life changes, however, the instant he meets Robyn Plummer: he is hopelessly, desperately drawn to her. But is it possible to have a normal relationship when your life is anything but?

Promo

Adam Spencer Ross is almost fifteen, and he’s got his hands full confronting the everyday problems that come with having divorced parents and a stepsibling. Add to that his obsessive-compulsive disorder and it’s just about impossible for him to imagine ever falling in love. Adam’s life changes, however, the instant he meets Robyn Plummer: he is hopelessly, desperately drawn to her. But is it possible to have a normal relationship when your life is anything but?

About the Book

Deep, understated, and wise, this engaging YA novel, winner of the Governor General’s Award in Canada, is about more than the tough issue of teens dealing with obsessive-compulsive order. It also has romance, and a whodunit element that will keep readers guessing. Perfect for readers who love Eleanor & Park!
 
Adam Spencer Ross is almost fifteen, and he’s got his hands full confronting the everyday problems that come with having divorced parents and a stepsibling. Add to that his obsessive-compulsive disorder and it’s just about impossible for him to imagine ever falling in love. Adam’s life changes, however, the instant he meets Robyn Plummer: he is hopelessly, desperately drawn to her. But is it possible to have a normal relationship when your life is anything but?
 
Filled with moments of deep emotion and unexpected humor, The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B explores the complexities of living with OCD and offers the prospect of hope, happiness, and healing.

Editorial Content for Masterminds

Contributors

Reviewer (text)

Benjamin Boche

Welcome to Serenity, New Mexico, the city where everyone is happy, the children are above average and there is never a reason to leave. The inhabitants think themselves fortunate to live in a place where, unlike the rest of the world, there is no murder, deceit and corruption. In fact, Serenity just might be too good to be true. Read More

Teaser

Eli Frieden lives in the most perfect town in the world: Serenity, New Mexico. Honesty and integrity are valued above all. The 30 kids who live there never lie --- they know it's a short leap from that to the problems of other, less fortunate places. Then one day Eli bikes to the edge of the city and something unexpected happens. Eli convinces his friends to help him investigate, and soon it becomes clear that nothing is as it seems. The clues mount to reveal a shocking discovery, connecting their community to some of the greatest criminal masterminds ever known. The kids realize they can trust no one --- least of all their own parents.

Promo

Eli Frieden lives in the most perfect town in the world: Serenity, New Mexico. Honesty and integrity are valued above all. The 30 kids who live there never lie --- they know it's a short leap from that to the problems of other, less fortunate places. Then one day Eli bikes to the edge of the city and something unexpected happens. Eli convinces his friends to help him investigate, and soon it becomes clear that nothing is as it seems. The clues mount to reveal a shocking discovery, connecting their community to some of the greatest criminal masterminds ever known. The kids realize they can trust no one --- least of all their own parents.

About the Book

Action-packed and full of unexpected twists, this new series from New York Times bestselling author Gordon Korman is perfect for young fans of James Patterson and John Grisham.

Eli Frieden lives in the most perfect town in the world: Serenity, New Mexico. In this idyllic place, every lawn is perfectly manicured and everyone has a pool and a tree house. Honesty and integrity are valued above all else. The thirty kids who live there never lie --- they know it's a short leap from that to the awful problems of other, less fortunate places.

Eli has never left Serenity . . . Why would he ever want to? Then one day he bikes to the edge of the city limits and something so crazy and unexpected happens, it changes everything. Eli convinces his friends to help him investigate further, and soon it becomes clear that nothing is as it seems in Serenity. The clues mount to reveal a shocking discovery, connecting their ideal crime-free community to some of the greatest criminal masterminds ever known. The kids realize they can trust no one --- least of all their own parents.

Editorial Content for Flunked

Contributors

Reviewer (text)

Christine M. Irvin

I seem to have a knack for reading and reviewing books based on fairy tale characters, and FLUNKED is no exception! In Jen Calonita’s new Fairy Tale Reform School series, Gilly is a cobbler’s daughter. She lives with her parents and five siblings in an old, patched-up boot. Her father works hard to make a living for his family. He should be wealthy, as he is the person who invented the glass slipper Cinderella wore to the ball, but due to circumstances beyond his control, he is no longer authorized to make that particular kind of footwear. Read More

Teaser

 

Gilly's sentenced to three months at Fairy Tale Reform School where all of the teachers are former (super-scary) villains like the Big Bad Wolf, the Evil Queen, and Cinderella's Wicked Stepmother. Harsh. But when she meets fellow students Jax and Kayla, she learns there's more to this school than its heroic mission. There's a battle brewing and Gilly has to wonder: can a villain really change?

Promo

Gilly's sentenced to three months at Fairy Tale Reform School where all of the teachers are former (super-scary) villains like the Big Bad Wolf, the Evil Queen, and Cinderella's Wicked Stepmother. Harsh. But when she meets fellow students Jax and Kayla, she learns there's more to this school than its heroic mission. There's a battle brewing and Gilly has to wonder: can a villain really change?

About the Book

Gilly wouldn't call herself wicked, exactly...but when you have five little brothers and sisters and live in a run-down boot, you have to get creative to make ends meet. Gilly's a pretty good thief (if she does say so herself).
 
Until she gets caught.
 
Gilly's sentenced to three months at Fairy Tale Reform School where all of the teachers are former (super-scary) villains like the Big Bad Wolf, the Evil Queen, and Cinderella's Wicked Stepmother. Harsh. But when she meets fellow students Jax and Kayla, she learns there's more to this school than its heroic mission. There's a battle brewing and Gilly has to wonder: can a villain really change?

Editorial Content for Witherwood Reform School

Contributors

Reviewer (text)

Rebecca Czochor

When Tobias and Charlotte Eggers are dropped off at the gates of a creepy reform school, they're sure it's a mistake. After all, it was only a slight misunderstanding that made their dad so angry that he drove them all night to this spot. Surely he'll be right back. But when he doesn't come, Tobias and Charlotte are forced to enter Witherwood Reform School, where things start to get a little strange. There are strange beasts lurking outside, creepy teachers and students who seem to have forgotten where they came from or why they're there. Read More

Teaser

After a slight misunderstanding involving a horrible governess, oatmeal, and a jar of tadpoles, siblings Tobias and Charlotte Eggars find themselves abandoned by their father at the gates of a creepy reform school. Evil mysteries are afoot at Witherwood, where the grounds are patrolled by vicious creatures after dark and kids are locked in their rooms. Charlotte and Tobias soon realize that they are in terrible danger --- especially because the head of Witherwood has perfected the art of mind control.

Promo

After a slight misunderstanding involving a horrible governess, oatmeal, and a jar of tadpoles, siblings Tobias and Charlotte Eggars find themselves abandoned by their father at the gates of a creepy reform school. Evil mysteries are afoot at Witherwood, where the grounds are patrolled by vicious creatures after dark and kids are locked in their rooms. Charlotte and Tobias soon realize that they are in terrible danger --- especially because the head of Witherwood has perfected the art of mind control.

About the Book

After a slight misunderstanding involving a horrible governess, oatmeal, and a jar of tadpoles, siblings Tobias and Charlotte Eggars find themselves abandoned by their father at the gates of a creepy reform school. Evil mysteries are afoot at Witherwood, where the grounds are patrolled by vicious creatures after dark and kids are locked in their rooms. Charlotte and Tobias soon realize that they are in terrible danger --- especially because the head of Witherwood has perfected the art of mind control.

If only their amnesiac father would recover and remember that he has two missing children. If only Tobias and Charlotte could solve the dark mystery and free the kids at Witherwood --- and ultimately save themselves.

Editorial Content for The Imaginery

Contributors

Reviewer (text)

Corinne Fox

Did you ever have an imaginary friend growing up? Well, this book answers that question and then takes it to a whole new level, inviting readers into an exciting and vibrant world where imaginary characters exist in a sub-world, and only those with powerful minds can view them. A. F. Harrold’s THE IMAGINARY focuses on a young girl named Amanda and her imaginary friend, Rudger, who happily spend their afternoons going on adventures in worlds all their own. But all this is disrupted when a sinister man named Mr. Read More

Teaser

Rudger is Amanda Shuffleup's imaginary friend. Nobody else can see Rudger --- until the evil Mr. Bunting arrives at Amanda's door. Mr. Bunting hunts imaginaries. Rumor has it that he even eats them. And now he's found Rudger.

Soon Rudger is alone, and running for his imaginary life. He needs to find Amanda before Mr. Bunting catches him-and before Amanda forgets him and he fades away to nothing. But how can an unreal boy stand alone in the real world?

Promo

Rudger is Amanda Shuffleup's imaginary friend. Nobody else can see Rudger --- until the evil Mr. Bunting arrives at Amanda's door. Mr. Bunting hunts imaginaries. Rumor has it that he even eats them. And now he's found Rudger.

Soon Rudger is alone, and running for his imaginary life. He needs to find Amanda before Mr. Bunting catches him-and before Amanda forgets him and he fades away to nothing. But how can an unreal boy stand alone in the real world?

About the Book

Rudger is Amanda Shuffleup's imaginary friend. Nobody else can see Rudger --- until the evil Mr. Bunting arrives at Amanda's door. Mr. Bunting hunts imaginaries. Rumor has it that he even eats them. And now he's found Rudger.

Soon Rudger is alone, and running for his imaginary life. He needs to find Amanda before Mr. Bunting catches him-and before Amanda forgets him and he fades away to nothing. But how can an unreal boy stand alone in the real world?

In the vein of CORALINE, this gripping take on imaginary friends comes to life in a lush package: beautiful illustrations (10 in full color) by acclaimed artist Emily Gravett, a foiled and debossed case cover, printed endpapers, and deckled page edges.

Editorial Content for The Keepers: The Box and the Dragonfly

Contributors

Reviewer (text)

Emma Kantor

Curiosity --- and misreading a billboard --- leads Horace F. Andrews to the House of Answers, a vast warehouse that contains extraordinary objects waiting to be claimed. Twelve-year-old Horace is instructed by the warden to choose an item, but really it is the wooden box that chooses Horace. He feels an instant connection to the box, which only strengthens as he discovers its capabilities. Drawing from both science and fantasy, Ted Sanders’ debut series evokes an immediate sense of wonder and engagement in readers. Read More

Teaser

When Horace finds the Box of Promises in the curio shop, he quickly discovers that ordinary-looking objects can hold extraordinary power. From the enormous, sinister man shadowing him to the gradual mastery of his newfound abilities to his encounters with Chloe --- a girl who has an astonishing talent of her own --- Horace follows a path that puts the pair in the middle of a centuries-old conflict between two warring factions in which every decision they make could have disastrous consequences.

Promo

When Horace finds the Box of Promises in the curio shop, he quickly discovers that ordinary-looking objects can hold extraordinary power. From the enormous, sinister man shadowing him to the gradual mastery of his newfound abilities to his encounters with Chloe --- a girl who has an astonishing talent of her own --- Horace follows a path that puts the pair in the middle of a centuries-old conflict between two warring factions in which every decision they make could have disastrous consequences.

About the Book

From the moment Horace F. Andrews sees the sign from the bus --- a sign with his own name on it --- everything changes. The sighting leads him underground, to the House of Answers, a hidden warehouse full of mysterious objects. But there, he finds only questions.
 
What is this curious place? Who is the girl with the astonishing talent? Who are the strange, secretive people who entrust him with a rare and immensely powerful gift? And, most importantly, what is he to do with it?
 
THE BOX AND THE DRAGONFLY is the first in a four-book fantasy series that blends science fiction and fantasy in a world in which everything is more than it seems and where friendship and loyalty have the greatest power of all.

Editorial Content for Firstborn

Book

Contributors

Reviewer (text)

Norah Piehl

When I was younger, my imagination was completely captivated by wolves. I remember reading Jean Craighead George's JULIE OF THE WOLVES and, later, NEVER CRY WOLF by Farley Mowat, marveling at the power and mystery of these elusive creatures. Now, in FIRSTBORN, Tor Seidler brings wolves to life for a whole new generation. Read More

Teaser

Blue Boy, the alpha male of his pack, is the largest wolf many have ever seen, and his dream is to have a firstborn son who will take after him in every way. But Lamar is not turning out the way his father hoped. Lamar likes to watch butterflies. He worries if his younger siblings fall behind in the hunt. He has little interest in peacocking in front of other clans. Blue Boy grows increasingly dismayed at Lamar’s lack of wolf instincts, and then Lamar does the intolerable: he becomes attracted to a coyote. While the other infractions can be begrudgingly tolerated, this one cannot, and the unity of the pack is in jeopardy. Lamar wants to make his family happy, but is doing what is expected of him worth losing the only true friend he’s ever had?

Promo

Blue Boy, the alpha male of his pack, is the largest wolf many have ever seen, and his dream is to have a firstborn son who will take after him in every way. But Lamar is not turning out the way his father hoped. Lamar likes to watch butterflies. He worries if his younger siblings fall behind in the hunt. He has little interest in peacocking in front of other clans. Blue Boy grows increasingly dismayed at Lamar’s lack of wolf instincts, and then Lamar does the intolerable: he becomes attracted to a coyote. While the other infractions can be begrudgingly tolerated, this one cannot, and the unity of the pack is in jeopardy. Lamar wants to make his family happy, but is doing what is expected of him worth losing the only true friend he’s ever had?

About the Book

A young wolf seeks the bravery to be himself in this lyrical homage to challenging societal stereotypes, from the author of National Book Award Finalist MEAN MARGARET and THE WAINSCOTT WEASEL.

Wolves. Predators of the wild. Stalkers of the forests. Born into rankings and expected to live up to their roles. Blue Boy, the alpha male of his pack, is the largest wolf many have ever seen, and his dream is to have a firstborn son who will take after him in every way. But Lamar is not turning out the way his father hoped. Lamar likes to watch butterflies. He worries if his younger siblings fall behind in the hunt. He has little interest in peacocking in front of other clans. Blue Boy grows increasingly dismayed at Lamar’s lack of wolf instincts, and then Lamar does the intolerable: he becomes attracted to a coyote. While the other infractions can be begrudgingly tolerated, this one cannot, and the unity of the pack is in jeopardy. Lamar wants to make his family happy, but is doing what is expected of him worth losing the only true friend he’s ever had?

Editorial Content for Finding the Worm

Contributors

Reviewer (text)

Benjamin Boche

Julian Twerski figures something has gone horribly wrong when the entire 34th avenue gang --- Lonni, Eric, Beverly, Howard, Shlomo and himself --- are called down to the school counselor’s office in the middle of morning. Miss Medina informs them that their friend Quentin --- who has been in and out of the hospital for the past month --- has a cancerous brain tumor and that they need to support him during this difficult time. This wasn’t exactly the news Julian wanted to hear. Read More

Teaser

Trouble always seems to find thirteen-year-old Julian Twerski. First it was a bullying incident, and now he’s been accused of vandalizing a painting. The principal doesn’t want to suspend him again, so instead, he asks Julian to write a 200-word essay on good citizenship. Julian writes 200 no’s instead, and so begins an epic struggle between Julian and his principal.

Promo

Trouble always seems to find thirteen-year-old Julian Twerski. First it was a bullying incident, and now he’s been accused of vandalizing a painting. The principal doesn’t want to suspend him again, so instead, he asks Julian to write a 200-word essay on good citizenship. Julian writes 200 no’s instead, and so begins an epic struggle between Julian and his principal.

About the Book

It’s not a test unless you can fail...
 
Trouble always seems to find thirteen-year-old Julian Twerski. First it was a bullying incident, and now he’s been accused of vandalizing a painting. The principal doesn’t want to suspend him again, so instead, he asks Julian to write a 200-word essay on good citizenship. Julian writes 200 no’s instead, and so begins an epic struggle between Julian and his principal.
 
Being falsely accused is bad enough, but outside of school, Julian’s dealing with even bigger issues. His friend Quentin has been really sick. How can life be fair when the nicest guy in your group has cancer? Julian’s faith and friendships are put to the test...and the stakes have never been higher.