Abrams stands at attention for The Steadfast Tin Soldier by Cynthia Rylant, illus. by Jen Corace, a new version of the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale; The Museum by Susan Verde, illus. by Peter H. Reynolds, a picture book that celebrates visiting the museum; How to Be a Cat by Nikki McClure, in which a kitten learns all things feline; Henry’s Hand by Ross MacDonald, starring two best friends: a monster, and his right hand; and Barbed Wire Baseball by Marissa Moss, illus. by Yuko Shimizu, the true story of how Kenichi Zenimura introduced the game of baseball to Japanese internment camps during WWII.
Amulet cleanses its palate for Like Tuna on a Milkshake by Julie Sternberg, the sequel to Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie, in which Eleanor is off to summer camp; An Army of Frogs: A Kulipari Novel by Trevor Pryce, illus. by Sanford Greene, a chapter book from pro football player Pryce; In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters, about a teenage girl who sees a ghost during the frightening confusion of the 1918 flu epidemic; My Summer of Pink & Green by Lisa Greenwald, in which sisters Lucy and Sunny try to keep the Old Mill Pharmacy – now spa – running smoothly; and The Origami Yoda Doodle and Activity Book by Tom Angleberger, a companion to the Origami Yoda series.
Appleseed is shovel-ready with Dig In by April Jones Prince, illus. by Michelle Berg, in which some industrious mice have a busy day on the construction site; Animal Print Shop: I Love Your Face by Sharon Montrose, featuring detailed portraits of baby animals and text about unconditional love; Up Close by Gay Wegerif, a name-that-animal board book; and The Jellybeans Board Book by Laura Numeroff, illus. by Lynn Munsinger, a story of friendship with a ballet-recital backdrop.
Albert Whitman heads into spring with Three Bears ABC by Grace Maccarone, illus. by Hollie Hibbert, a nursery-tale-meets-concept-book project; Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln, illus. by James Daugherty, an illustrated interpretation – originally published in 1947 – of the famous speech; In Search of Goliathus Hercules by Jennifer Angus, a debut fantasy about a boy who, while traveling the world in search of the mythical titular creature, discovers he can talk to insects; Baby Parade by Rebecca O’Connell, illus. by Susie Poole, featuring babies on the move, and Mystery at Blue Ridge Cemetery by Florence Parry Heide and Roxanne Heide Pierce, illus. by Sophie Escabasse, a new Spotlight Club mystery involving rubbings from Civil War-era tombstones.
ALBERT WHITMAN TEEN
Albert Whitman Teen rolls out the welcome mat for When Love Comes to Town by Tom Lennon, starring a popular, rugby-playing teen who just happens to be gay; and debut novel Being Henry David by Cal Amistead, in which a 17-year-old finds himself at Penn Station in New York City with no memory of who he is or why his only possession is a worn copy of Walden by Henry David Thoreau.
Annick raises the curtain for Showtime: Meet the People Behind the Scenes by Kevin Sylvester, about the people who make a theatrical production hum; Bones Never Lie: How Forensics Helped Solve History’s Mysteries by Elizabeth MacLeod, featuring wonders of modern forensic science; Arabs Thought of It: Amazing Inventions and Innovations by Saima Hussain, which profiles the achievements of Arab peoples; Follow the Money: Where Does It Go? by Kevin Sylvester and Michael Hlinka, a look at the cost of everyday items; and War Brothers by Sharon McKay, a graphic novel about a boy forced to be a child soldier in Ugandan rebel leader Kony’s army.
Barefoot checks its scuba gear for A Hole in the Bottom of the Sea by Jessica Law, illus. by Jill McDonald, a cumulative tale about underwater life; A Farmer’s Life for Me by Jan Dobbins, illus. by Laura Huliska-Beith, a look at a farm family’s everyday activities; Animal Stories 3: The Hungry Wolf – A Story from North America by Lari Don, illus. by Melanie Williamson, in which a clever lamb tricks her way out of a wolf’s jaws; Ruby’s Baby Brother by Kathryn White, illus. by Miriam Latimer, in which a big sister adjusts to a new sibling’s arrival; and Chandra’s Magic Light by Theresa Heine, illus. by Judith Gueyfier, about two sisters determined to to replace the unsafe kerosene lamps in their house with solar lighting.
Bloomsbury serves for match point with The Academy, a new series by tennis star Monica Seles set at a sports academy for super-talented and super-rich; Chick ’n’ Pug Meet the Dude by Jennifer Sattler, in which a big mutt ambles onto the turf of pals Chick and Pug; Jessica Day George's Wednesdays in the Tower, a sequel to Tuesdays at the Castle, about the unusual discovery Princess Celie makes in her magical citadel; The Quirks: Welcome to Normal by Erin Soderberg Downing, starring Molly, a girl who relishes her normalness among family members who have magical abilities; and Hidden by Marianne Curley, in which a girl is on the brink of discovering she is not human, but rather, a stolen angel whom the heavens want back.
BOYDS MILLS PRESS
Boyds Mills waves the checkered flag for Speed by Nathan Clement, a picture book featuring a stock car race; Last But Not Least Lola by Christine Pakkala, first in a series of chapter books starring second grader Lola Zuckerman; Shine, Baby, Shine by Leslie Staub, a picture book celebrating the parent-child bond; and Uh-Oh, Dodo by Jennifer Sattler, in which a baby dodo bird explores the world with his mother.
BOYDS MILLS PRESS/WORDSONG
WordSong is all smiles with Face Bug: Poems by J. Patrick Lewis, photos by Frederic Siskind, illus. by Kelly Murphy, which pairs close-up photos of bug faces with humorous verse; and Grumbles from the Forest: Fairy-Tale Voices with a Twist by Jane Yolen and Rebecca Kai Dotlich, illus. by Matt Hahurin, which gives the points of view of the princess, the pea and all sorts of other fairy tale characters.
Candlewick goes wild for Feral Nights by Cynthia Leitich Smith, a dark fantasy adventure for teens featuring werepossum Clyde and other characters from the Tantalize quartet; Emily Windsnap and the Land of the Midnight Sun by Liz Kessler, about half-mermaid Emily’s icy and perilous journey to a strange land; The Matchbox Diary by Paul Fleischman, illus. by Bagram Ibatoulline, a picture-book immigration tale; Timmy Failure by Stephan Pastis, an illustrated middle-grade novel starring the comical title character, and Zebra Forest by Adina Gewirtz, a debut middle-grade novel in which a fugitive upends everything two siblings think they know about their family.
Nosy Crow proceeds with caution for Open Very Carefully by Nick Bromley, illus. by Nicola O’Byrne, in which a bedtime tale is interrupted by a furious crocodile; Baby and Me by Emma Dodd, spotlighting all the things one does to take care of a baby; Dinosaur Zoom! by Penny Dale, a picture book filled with dinos and vehicles of all shapes and sizes; Pip and Posy: The Big Balloon by Axel Scheffler, about Posy’s plan to cheer up Pip when he loses his big red balloon; and The Princess and the Peas by Caryl Hart, illus. by Sarah Warburton, starring a finicky eater who is diagnosed with a case of “Princessitus” and sent to live at the palace.
Templar Books blasts off with King of Space by Jonny Duddle, featuring a small child with big ambitions; Art for Baby: Faces by various artists, a collection of color images of faces by some of the world’s leading modern artists; FArTHER by Grahame Baker-Smith, in which a boy tries to realize his father’s dream of flying after his father does not return from war; Jemmy Button by Jennifer Uman and Valerio Vidali, about a native of Tierra del Fuego who was brought to England for a year to be “civilized” by the captain of the HMS Beagle; and Matilda and Hans by Yokococo, starring a pair of feline friends.
Toon Books can hardly wait for Barry’s Big Surprise by Renée French, a graphic easy-reader featuring funny pals Barry and Polarhog; and Benjamin Bear in What Goes Up Must Come Down by Philippe Coudray, the comic-strip formatted account of Benjamin Bear’s adventures walking on water, riding a square bicycle, and taking a dip under the sea.
Charlesbridge wags its tail for War Dogs: Churchill and Rufus by Kathryn Selbert, the true story of Winston Churchill and his faithful poodle companion; Global Baby Girls by The Global Fund for Children, a board book featuring photos of baby girls from around the world, which will help raise funds for charities that support girls; The Market Bowl by Jim Averbeck, an original folktale set in contemporary Camaroon; Pinch and Dash and the Terrible Couch by Michael J. Daley, illus. by Thomas F. Yezerski, in which two friends decide where a very large couch will eventually live; and Bad Girls: Sirens, Jezebels, Murderesses, Thieves and Other Female Villains by Jane Yolen and Heidi E. Y. Stemple, illus. by Rebecca Guy, profiles of 26 women from history notorious for their bad reputations.
Chronicle calls “all aboard!” for Steam Train, Dream Train by Sherri Duskey Rinker, illus. by Tom Lichtenheld, a bedtime book for train lovers; Mommy! Mommy! by Taro Gomi, in which readers follow two chicks on a barnyard search for their mother; I Scream! Ice Cream! by Amy Krause Rosenthal, illus. by Serge Bloch, a book of silly and clever wordplay; Seagulls Don’t Eat Pickles by Erica Farmer, illus. by Jason Beene, first in a new chapter book series about nine-year-old Fish Finelli, who’s challenged by a bully to find a pirate treasure; and The Falconer by Elizabeth May, the tale of a well-bred young Victorian lady leading a double life as a Falconer, a female warrior who hunts and kills faeries.
Disney-Hyperion brushes up on mnemonics for Poems to Learn by Heart by Caroline Kennedy, illus. by Jon Muth, a collection of classic poetry designed to encourage reading, memorization, and recital; A Big Guy Took My Ball!: An Elephant & Piggie Book by Mo Willems, a spin on playground bullying and comparisons; WARP: The Reluctant Assassin by Eoin Colfer, first in a new Oliver Twist meets The Matrix time-travel adventure series; Kingdom Keepers VI by Ridley Pearson, in which five guardians must thwart villains Maleficent and the Overtakers; and The Odd Squad: Bully Bait by Michael Fry, an illustrated fiction title about a team of hopeless oddballs that morphs into an empowered group ready to face whatever middle school dishes out.
Disney Press does the time warp with Tomorrowland by Michael Siglain and Bryan Q. Miller, illus. by Kelley Jones and Hi-Fi Design, featuring two science cadets in 2125 who win “golden tickets” to travel 24 hours into the future; Happy Halloween, Buddies!, first in a new tie-in series to the Disney Buddies movies starring golden retriever puppies; Monsters University Fearbook, a yearbook inspired by the Disney-Pixar film Monsters University; Blooming Bows by William Scollon, in which Aunt Minnie must repair Millie and Melody’s posy costumes before the big pageant; and Minnie & Daisy B.F.F.: Much Ado About Juliet by Calliope Glass, which finds Minnie and Daisy competing for the lead in Mouston Central’s production of Romeo and Juliet.
Eerdmans has a blueprint for spring with The Hens Build a Wall by Jean-Francois Dumont, about the chickens’ approach to dealing with an unfamiliar hedgehog; When No One Is Watching by Eileen Spinelli, illus. by David Johnson, which encourages readers to celebrate the joys of a good friendship, regardless of whether anyone’s watching; Nasreddine by Odile Weulersse, illus. by Rébecca Dautremer, a tale featuring the titular folklore character from the Middle East; A Girl Called Problem by Katie Quirk, in which a 13-year-old African girl named Shida (which means "problem" in Swahili) is determined to overcome misfortune and make a better life; and Bully.com by Joe Lawlor, about a brilliant student who is wrongly accused of cyber bullying, and then pulls out all the stops to find the real culprit.
Egmont USA greets the season with Notes from Ghost Town by Kate Ellison, starring a teen girl who is contacted by a ghost to solve his murder; BZRK, Book Two by Michael Grant, a continuation of the nano wars over the fate of free will begun in Book One; My Homework Ate My Homework by Patrick Jennings, a middle-grade novel about a girl who has far-fetched excuses for accidentally losing the class pet; and Cloneward Bound: The Clone Chronicles, Book 2 by M.E. Castle, a humorous middle-grade adventure set in Hollywood.
Enchanted Lion takes cover for Thunderstorm by Arthur Geisert, which follows the course of a Midwestern thunderstorm passing through a small farming community; Me First by Michaël, illus. by Kris Giacomo, a comic story about a duck that always wants to go ahead of everyone; and My Father’s Arms Are a Boat by Stein Erik Lunde, illus. by Øyvind Torseter, in which a boy who is unable to sleep climbs into his father’s arms and ponders the big questions of his life.
HarperCollins goes to the head of the class with The School of Good and Evil, a debut novel starring BFFs Agatha, a witch-girl, and princess-wannabe Sophie; Big Nate Flips Out by Lincoln Peirce, the fifth comic adventure novel for sixth-grade detention king Nate Wright; Seven Wonders Book 1: The Colossus Rises by Peter Lerangis, in which a 12-year-old boy with six months to live is offered a mystical reprieve; Love Wins: Teen Edition by Rob Bell, a YA adaptation of Bell’s bestseller examining questions of heaven, hell, salvation, and compassion; Requiem, the culmination of Lauren Oliver's Delirium trilogy, about a society in which love is seen as a disease; and Charlie Goes to School by Ree Drummond, illus. by Diane deGroat, in which Charlie the Ranch Dog sets up a class for his friends.
Amistad welcomes spring with Darius & Twig by Walter Dean Myers, about two Harlem teens: Twig, whose running will take him far, and Darus, a writer, who’s still seeking a dream of his own.
HARPERCOLLINS/BALZER + BRAY
Balzer + Bray knows mum’s the word with House of Secrets by Chris Columbus and Ned Vizzini, which kicks off a fantasy series about the Pagett family, their mysterious house, and a magical inheritance; That Is Not a Good Idea! by Mo Willems, the story of a hungry fox who meets a plump goose; The Fairy Bell Sisters #1: Silver Saves the Fairy Ball by Margaret McNamara, first in an illustrated early-chapter series about Tinker Bell’s five little sisters and their adventures; The Madman’s Daughter by Megan Shepherd, the debut title in a gothic suspense trilogy inspired by The Island of Dr. Moreau, starring Moreau’s daughter Juliet; and The End Games by T. Michael Martin, in which 17-year-old Michael tries to protect his younger brother from the horrors of a post-apocalyptic West Virginia.
Collins is angling for teacher’s pet with How to Read Literature Like a Professor: For Kids by Thomas C. Foster, an accessible homework helper; and Coral Reefs by Seymour Simon, an eco-friendly nonfiction picture book.
Greenwillow gets its jar ready for The Lightning Catcher by Anne Cameron, first in an action-packed tween series about friendship, the wonder of science, and extreme weather; I Represent Sean Rosen by Jeff Baron, in which middle schooler Sean Rosen sells a movie idea to a motion picture studio while pretending to be a grown-up – and his own agent; Amelia Bedelia Means Business by Herman Parish, illus. by Lynne Avril, which finds Amelia taking on lots of jobs to earn money for a new bicycle; Giant Dance Party by Betsy Bird, illus. by Brandon Dorman, about a girl who teaches a gaggle of giants how to cut a rug; and Arclight by Josin McQuein, a debut teen fantasy/thriller.
HarperFestival wriggles into spring with Diary of a Worm: Teacher’s Pet by Denise Cronin, illus. by Harry Bliss, a tale about finding the perfect birthday gift, marking Worm’s I Can Read debut; Charlie the Ranch Dog: Where’s the Bacon? by Ree Drummond, illus. by Diane deGroat, an I Can Read title in which Charlie is upset when a visiting dog takes over his turf; Pinkalicious: Pink-or-Treat by Victoria Kann, about Pinkalicious’s efforts to save her favorite candy-filled holiday from being canceled by a power-outage, and Fancy Nancy: Apples Galore by Jane O’Connor, illus. by Robin Preiss Glasser, an apple-picking adventure.
HarperTeen stocks up on eye of newt for Spellcaster by Claudia Gray, first in a new series about a young witch who battles dark forces in a small town; Wasteland by Susan Kim and Laurence Klavan, a dystopian teen novel set in the dry wasteland of Prin; Towering by Alex Flinn, a dark, modern retelling of Rapunzel; Revolution 19 by Gregg Roseblum, about a futuristic world controlled by robots; and an as yet untitled illustrated novel by Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman, based on the Zits comic strip.
HARPERCOLLINS/KATHERINE TEGEN BOOKS
Katherine Tegen Books keeps the beat with Pulse by Patrick Carman, a fantasy-adventure trilogy set in 2051 featuring teens who can move things with their minds; Septimus Heap, Book Seven: Fyre by Angie Sage, the final installment of the series, in which Jenna is crowned and Septimus realizes his destiny; Pretty Girl-13 by Liz Coley, about a 13-year-old girl who develops multiple personalities to deal with the trauma of being kidnapped and abused; Mila 2.0 by Debra Driza, first in a sci-fi thriller series about a teen who discovers she is an experiment in artificial intelligence; and Light by Michael Grant, the sixth and final book in the Gone series, which culminates in the destruction of FAYZ.
HARPERCOLLINS/WALDEN POND PRESS
Walden Pond Press dons its armor for The Hero’s Guide to Storming the Castle by Christopher Healy, illus. by Todd Harris, in which eight fairy-tale princes and princesses band together to recover an enchanted sword; Platypus Police Squad: The Frog Who Croaked by Jarrett J. Krosoczka, the debut title in a middle-grade series featuring monotreme detectives Rick Zengo and Corey O’Malley; The Fellowship for Alien Detection by Kevin Emerson, in which middle schoolers prove their theories about extraterrestrial life in our galaxy; The Girl from Felony Bay by John Thompson, about a southern girl who tries to prove the innocence of her father, who has been wrongly accused of a crime; and The Fourth Stall Part III by Chris Rylander, the final chapter in the Fourth Stall saga that finds Mac and Vince struggling to stay out of the organized crime business.
Heyday knows the moral of the story with Aesop in California by Doug Hansen, which features Hansen’s California-set retellings of Aseop’s beloved fables.
HOUGHTON MIFFLIN HARCOURT
HMH is coming up roses with Lois Ehlert’s Growing Garden Gift Set by Lois Ehlert, which contains copies of Growing Vegetable Soup, Eating the Alphabet, and Planting a Rainbow, and a bonus poster; The Little Prince 70th Anniversary Gift Set by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, containing a hardcover copy of the original book packaged with a recording of the text read by Viggo Mortensen; A Porcupine Named Fluffy by Helen Lester, illus. by Lynn Munsinger, one of the first titles in the new Laugh-Along Lessons series of 8x8 paperbacks; and Where Is Curious George?: A Look and Find Book, and Curious George Dance Party, a tie-in to the PBS animated show about the mischievous monkey.
Clarion pirouettes into fall with Tallulah’s Toe Shoes by Marilyn Singer, illus. by Alexandra Boiger, about a determined young dancer who is sure she’s ready to dance en pointe; Crankee Doodle by Tom Angleberger, illus. by Cece Bell, the comical “true” story behind a favorite, though confusing, patriotic song; The Meanest Birthday Girl by Josh Schneider, an early reader about a mean girl who gets her comeuppance when she receives an unusual birthday gift; Tides by Betsy Cornwell, a YA debut that weaves Celtic lore about selkies into a mysterious story about family secrets and love; and The Caged Graves by Dianne Slaerni, in which a young woman in 1867 returns to her hometown and discovers that her mother’s grave is in an iron cage outside the cemetery.
Graphia cranks up the oxygen tank for Breath by Jackie Morse Kessler, the final installment in the Riders of the Apocalypse series of YA fantasy titles; and Confederates Don’t Wear Couture by Kate Strohm, in which Libby tours the South with best friend Dev and a group of Civil War re-enactors.
Harcourt has a ticket to ride with The Beatles Were Fab (and They Were Funny) by Kathleen Krull and Paul Brewer, illus. by Stacy Innerst, an account of how the Fab Four’s sense of humor and musical talent inspired Beatlemania; The Center of Everything by Linda Urban, a middle-grade novel about donuts, a birthday wish, and making things right with the one you love; Dear Life, You Suck by Scott Blagden, in which Cricket Cherpin tries to figure out what to do with his life before he turns 18; Nugget and Fang, featuring the unlikely friendship between a minnow and a shark; and Frogged by Vivian Vande Velde, which gives the story of the princess and the frog a new twist.
Houghton Mifflin makes the grade with The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau, a dystopian novel in which teens are tested to see who will become society’s new leaders; Dark Triumph: His Fair Assassin Book 2 by Robin LaFevers, the further exploits of Sybella, Death’s assassin in 15th-century France; Happy Birdday, Tacky by Helen Lester, illus. by Lynn Munsinger, a celebration of the penguin character; Lenny Cyrus, School Virus by Joe Schreiber, illus. by Matt Smith, a middle-grade novel with comic illustrations starring a boy who shrinks himself to the size of an amoeba; and Animals Upside Down: A Pop-Up Book! by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page, an introduction to animals that spend quite a bit of time upside-down.
Sandpiper hits the road with Celebrating California, Celebrating Texas, Celebrating New York, and Celebrating Florida, the debut entries in the new 50 States to Celebrate series of leveled readers that highlight history, geography and tourist attractions of the various states.
Holiday House turns on the flower power with My Beautiful Hippie by Janet Nichols Lynch, about a teenage musician in 1967 Haight-Ashbury; See Me Dig by Paul Meisel, an I Like to Read title that finds some spirited dogs being chased by pirates after they dig up a treasure; The Frazzle Family Finds a Way by Ann Bonwill, illus. by Stephen Gammell, starring a disastrously forgetful family who come up with a strategy for remembering things; Dirty Gert by Tedd Arnold, a picture book about a dirt-loving girl; and Becoming Ben Franklin, about the coming of age and impressive accomplishments of one of America’s founding fathers.
Kane Press sorts out the season with The Case of the Superstar Scam by Lewis B. Montgomery, illus. by Amy Wummer, in which Milo and Jazz investigate mysterious emails that start arriving when a teen idol comes to town to film a TV show; and four new titles in the Mouse Math series by Eleanor May and Daphne Skinner, illus. by Deborarh Melmon, featuring mice Albert and Wanda, who live in the walls of a People House.
KTeen Books scans the night sky for Othermoon by Nina Berry, second in the YA Otherkin series, which blends paranormal and fantasy; Moonglow by Michael Griffo, which kicks off a YA trilogy starring Dominy Robineau, a teen cursed to become a werewolf; Invisible by Marni Bates, a look inside the world of a teen girl whose life is changed by a story she writes; A Touch of Scarlet by Eve Marie Mont, a contemporary spin on Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter; and Survivor by James Phelan, the continued adventures of Jesse, hero of the Alone trilogy, who explores New York City for answers and a way home.
Dafina ushers in the season with Sweet 16 to Life by Kimberly Reid, a third installment of the Langdon Prep series starring Chante, who tries to balance prep school life and life in the ’hood; Reality Check and an as yet untitled novel by Kelli London, two new entries to the Charly’s Epic Fiascos series, about 16-year-old Charly St. James; Get Ready for War by Ni Ni Simone and Amir Abrams, second in the Hollywood High series chronicling the glitz and scandal surrounding four seniors at a private high school in the Hollywood Hills; and Nikki Carter’s as yet untitled next entry in the Fab Life series, about two cousins experiencing the drama-filled world of hip-hop.
Kingfisher serves up a spring list with Basher Basics: Creative Writing by Simon Basher, a guide designed to encourage young writers, and Lifesize: Ocean, highlighting facts about sea creatures and images of the ocean environment. Kingfisher also introduces three new series: the Lift Me Up and Lift and Explore lines, featuring lift-the-flap interactivity; and the Picture This! Amazing Information Right Before Your Eyes books, which make complex concepts more accessible to young readers.
LEE & LOW
Lee & Low sets a spring table with Rainbow Stew by Cathryn Falwell, about colorful ingredients in Grandpa’s famous entrée; As Fast as Words Could Fly by Pamela Tuck, illus. by Eric Velasquez, in which an African-American boy uses his typing skills to face down a challenge at his predominantly white school in the 1960s south; How Far Do You Love Me? by Lulu Delacre, a celebration of the enduring love between adult and child as seen in cultures around the world; Sunday Shopping by Sally Derby, illus. by Shadra Strickland, about an African-American girl and her grandmother who use Sunday newspaper ads as a springboard for their imaginary shopping sprees; and The School the Aztec Eagles Built by Dorinda Nicholson, which recounts the role of Mexico’s Eagle force in WWII.
LEE & LOW/TU BOOKS
Tu sets the alarm for Awakening by Karen Sandler, the second title in the Tankborn teen fantasy series; and New Worlds by Shana Mlawski, a fantasy-adventure set during the Spanish Inquisition, which lands a boy on Christopher Columbus’s voyage – with a half-genie.
Carolrhoda gets nothing but net with Hoop Genius: How a Desperate Teacher and a Rowdy Gym Class Invented Basketball by John Coy, illus. by Joe Morse, a look at the inspiration behind the game; Cookie, The Walker by Chris Monroe, about a dog who decides to try walking on her hind legs; My Crocodile Does Not Bite by Joe Kulka, in which a boy brings his pet croc to school; and Something to Prove: Rookie Joe DiMaggio vs. the Great Satchel Paige by Rob Skead, illus. by Floyd Cooper, an untold story from African-American history about heroes of America’s pastime.
Carolrhoda Lab gives the thumbs up to The Twelve-Fingered Boy by John Hornor Jacobs, first in a trilogy that finds Jack and his “supernumerary digits” on the run from Mr. Quincrux; Quicksilver by R.J. Anderson, the sequel to Ultraviolet, which follows Tori’s adventures on the road with her parents; and Sin Eater’s Confession by Ilsa J. Bick, an unflinching look at what it means to be a gay teenager in America.
Darby Creek bites into the Big Apple with Mallory and Mary Ann Take New York by Laurie Friedman, illus. by Jennifer Kalis, in which fashion contest winner Mallory tries to make sure her BFF Mary Ann can share in her cool prize; Blow Out by M.G. Higgins, a new entry in the Counterattack series about an elite girls’ varsity soccer team in North Carolina; Change of Heart by Norah McClintock, which joins the Robyn Hunter Mysteries series starring a sleuthing Canadian teen; The Alliance by Gabriel Goodman, part of the Surviving Southside urban teen fiction series; and Spider Stampede by Ali Sparks, the debut title of the Switched series starring two boys who’ve been turned into bugs by a mad scientist neighbor.
Graphic Universe rounds up a search party for Your Pajamas Are Showing! by Vincent Caut, illus. by Michel-Yves Schmitt, first in the Where’s Leopold? series about a six-year-old boy who can turn invisible; William and the Lost Spirit by Gwen de Bonneval, illus. by Matthieu Bonhomme, a graphic novel that blends medieval fantasy and folklore into a coming-of-age story; The Red Ruby by Lars Jakobsen, the latest in the Mortensen’s Escapades series about a secret agent who travels through time; He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not by Robin Mayhall, illus. by Kristin Cella, a new horror-romance in the My Boyfriend Is a Monster teen graphic novel series; and The Bark in Space by Trina Robbins, illus. by Tyler Page, which joins the Chicagoland Detective Agency series about weird goings-on.
Millbrook takes the mound for Baseball Mud by David A. Kelley, illus. by Oliver Dominguez, a nonfiction picture book about the Baseball Rubbing Mud developed to take the shine off brand-new baseballs; Breezier, Cheesier, Newest, and Bluest: What Are Comparitves and Superlatives? by Brian P. Cleary, illus. by Brian Gable, a humorous word-usage guide; and several newcomers to the Cloverleaf Books – Community Helpers nonfiction series, including Dentist by Bridget Heos, illus. by Kyle Poling; Librarian by Gina Bellasario, illus. by Ed Myer; and Veterinarian by Gina Bellasario, illus. by Cale Atkinson.
Little, Brown stays up late for The Dark by Lemony Snicket, illus. by Jon Klassen, in which a boy who’s afraid of the dark tries to conquer his fear; Awesome Dawson by Chris Gall, about a boy inventor-turned-superhero who saves his town by extolling the joys of reusing, repurposing, and recycling; Loki’s Wolves by K.L. Armstrong and M.A. Marr, the debut book in the Blackwell Pages fantasy series, set during the Norse Apocalypse; Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger, a YA novel about a girl who discovers her finishing school is actually a spy training center; and Boy Nobody by Allen Zadoff, starring a teenage boy with no name or history – the perfect soldier-assassin.
LITTLE, BROWN/LB KIDS
LB Kids gallops into spring with My Little Pony: Twilight Sparkle’s Crystal Empire, an original story about the popular horse characters in a format that includes journal pages; Barnyard Baby by Elise Broach, illus. by Cori Doerrfeld, a novelty board book with rhyming text; Count My Kisses, 1, 2, 3 by Sandra Magsamen, a debut title in the I Love Learning series that features abacus-style beads and a die-cut handle; Pinwheel by Salina Yoon, an interactive novelty book with colorful spinning wheels on every spread; and Transformers Rescue Bots: Meet Chase the Police-Bot, a Level 1 reader starring Transformers that work side-by-side with the people of Earth.
Poppy is ready to play with Truth or Dare by Jacqueline Green, the first title in a new YA series about teen girls who are receiving mysterious dares; This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith, in which romance sparks when a teen movie star accidentally sends e-mail to a total stranger; How to Be a Star by M. Doty, a Surviving High School series entry about Kimi’s rise to stardom via a viral music video; Rules of Summer by Joanna Philbin, in which two very different girls become friends during a summer in glitzy East Hampton; and The Grass Is Always Greener: A Belles Novel by Jen Calonita, featuring the arrival of Izzie’s estranged Aunt Zoe.
MACMILLAN/FARRAR, STRAUS & GIROUX
FSG swigs some Pepto Bismol for The Barftastic Life of Louie Berger by Jenny Meyerhoff, a humorous middle-grade novel about friendship and stagefright; The Fury by Alexander Gordon Smith, a thriller about what happens when humans turn into bloodthirsty savages; and Boom! Boom! Boom! by Jamie Swenson, illus. by David Walker, a rhyming picture book about overcoming stormy-night fears with help from some friends.
Margaret Ferguson Books digs into spring with The Treasure of Way Down Deep by Ruth White, the sequel to Way Down Deep, in which Ruby tries to save her town by finding a legendary buried treasure; Zero Tolerance by Claudia Mills, about a middle school student facing expulsion over a misunderstanding regarding a school policy; and Papa’s Mechanical Fish by Candace Fleming, illus. by Boris Kulikov, an illustrated chronicle of Lodner Phillips’s quest to invent a submarine.
Frances Foster Books brings out the flavors of fall with Salt by Helen Frost, a novel in verse about two boys – one settler, one Native American – whose friendship is endangered by the War of 1812; Second Impact by David Klass and Perri Klass, M.D., about a boy who sustains serious head injuries while playing football, told in alternating voices by a brother-sister writing team; The Zarene Alphabet by Elizabeth Knox, in which Canny discovers that the symbols she has seen all her life are a form of magic; This Is Our House by Hyewon Yum, a story that follows a family though seasons and generations as their house becomes a home; and Please, Papa by Kate Banks, illus. by Gabi Swiatokowska, a picture book in which the polite “magic” word really does some magic.
MACMILLAN/FEIWEL AND FRIENDS
Feiwel and Friends sees red with Scarlet by Marissa Meyer, a futuristic take on Little Red Riding Hood and the second volume in the Lunar Chronicles; Oh So Tiny Bunny by David Kirk, about a small rabbit that dreams big; Kid Picker: A Kid’s Guide to Picking: From “Junk” to Found Treasure by Mike Wolfe with Lily Sprengelmeyer, a how-to book from the star of the History Channel show American Pickers; Home Sweet Horror by James Preller, illus. by Iacopo Bruno, the debut title in a new chapter-book thriller series; and Otis Dooda: Strange but True by Ellen Potter, illus. by David Heatley, an illustrated chapter book series-starter about a boy who lives in a very unusual New York apartment building.
Henry Holt floats into fall with Bubbly World by Carol Snow, in which Freesia’s carefree island life is a virtual reality; The Invented Life of Locke Jenkins by Mary Pearson, the conclusion to the Jenna Fox Chronicles; Down the Yukon: Bo at Ballad Creek by Kirkpatrick Hill, illus. by LeUyen Pham, a pioneer story set on the banks of the Yukon; Some Monsters Are Different by David Milgrim, which looks at what set monsters apart, and what they all have in common; and the second in the Grisha trilogy, the sequel to Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo.
Christy Ottaviano Books hits a high note with Sing by Joe Raposo, illus. by Tom Lichtenheld, a visual interpretation of the beloved “Sesame Street” song; Another Night at the Museum by Milan Trenc, an underwater adventure from the creator of A Night at the Museum; Who Said Women Can’t Be Doctors by Tanya Lee Stone, illus. by Marjorie Priceman, a biography of Elizabeth Blackwell, the first female medical doctor; Arnie the Doughnut Saves the Day by Laurie Keller, a chapter book starring the tasty-looking hero; and My Life as a Cartoonist by Janet Tashjian, illus. by Jake Tashjian, third in the “My Life…” series, in which Derek’s plan to help a new classmate backfires.
Priddy Books straps on a backpack for My First Day at School by Roger Priddy, a first reader book about this early childhood experience; Schoolies School House by Roger Priddy, a book that unfolds to create a school house; Pop-Up Little Lamb by Roger Priddy, a novelty title featuring five pop-ups; Sticker Doodle Do! by Roger Priddy, a mix of photographic and illustrated doodling activities packaged with 200 stickers; and Hello Baby Play and Learn Activity Center by Roger Priddy, a large-size board book that contains an interactive play bar.
Roaring Brook Press slathers on the sunscreen for Charlie Joe Jackson’s Guide to Summer Vacation by Tommy Greenwald, illus. by J.P. Coovert, in which Charlie Joe Jackson wreaks havoc at an academic camp; Freshman Year by Bridie Clark, in which the reader decides which risks the characters must take in pursuit of social status, adventure, success, and love; 100 Questions You’d Never Ask Your Parents by Elizabeth Henderson and Nancy Armstrong, a manual that offers honest, reliable answers to sex questions; How to Bicycle to the Moon and Plant Sunflowers: A Simple but Brilliant Plan in 24 Easy Steps by Mordicai Gerstein, a picture book guide; and Winterblood by Marcus Sedgwick, a tale that intertwines seven stories of passion and love separated by centuries.
MACMILLAN/ROARING BROOK/FIRST SECOND
First Second Books blasts off with Astronaut Academy: Reentry by Dave Roman, in which something is stalking the halls of the Academy and making off with the hearts of the students; Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong by Prudence Shen, illus. by Faith Erin Hicks, about two unlikely best friends who take on the cheerleaders in a no-holds-barred battle over school funding that leads to a robot death match; Odd Duck by Cecil Castellucci, illus. by Sara Varon, a tale of two duck pals who each realize they are a little odd; Poseidon by George O’Connor, new to the Olympians series; and Primates: The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Birute Galdikas by Jim Ottaviani, illus. by Maris Wicks, a non-fiction graphic novel.
Neal Porter Books jumps into the ring with Niño Wrestles the World by Yuyi Morales, a picture book featuring Niño, world champion Lucha Libre competitor; Grandma and the Great Gourd by Chitra Divakaruni, illus. by Susy Pilgrim Waters, about a grandmother who hides in a giant gourd to avoid danger; If You Want to See a Whale by Julie Fogliano, illus. by Erin E. Stead, in which a boy learns exactly what he must do to catch a glimpse of the elusive aquatic mammal; Ben Rides On by Matt Davies, a humorous story about a boy, a bully, and a bicycle; and The Things I Can Do by Jeff Mack, showcasing the book that young Jeff makes of all the things he can do all by himself.
Square Fish knows the endgame with Execution by Alexander Gordon Smith, the final title in the Escape from Furnace series; a Ninja Meerkats title by Gareth P. Jones, starring the “small, furry, deadly” critters; a reissue of Why Noah Chose the Dove by Isaac Bashevis Singer, illus. by Eric Carle, trans. by Elizabeth Shub; and reprints of Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos and Cool Cars and Trucks by Sean Kenney.
Orca makes a splash with Marine Life of the Great Bear Rainforest by Ian McAllister and Nicholas Read, a look at the diverse aquatic life in the largest rainforest in North America; Little You by Richard Van Camp, a board-book lullaby for newborns; Allegra by Shelley Hrdlitschka, a YA novel in which Allegra falls for her music teacher and must deal with the fallout, and Lauren Yanofsky Hates the Holocaust by Leanne Lieberman, about a teenage girl who rebels against her family and her faith.
Rapid Reads is on the case with Dirty Work by Reed Farrell Coleman, a Gulliver Dowd Mystery; and Sunset Key by Blake Crouch, a Letty Dobesh Mystery.
Penguin marches into spring with Puppy Parade by Jill Abramson and Jane O’Connor, a picture book about a puppy named Scout; Guppy Up! by Jonathan Fenske, about an extraordinary fish that drives and plays the drums; On a Farm by Alexa Andrews, illus. by Candice Keimig, a leveled reader about life on a farm that also contains photographs; A New Friend by Wiley Blevins, illus. by Ekaterina Trukhan, a leveled reader featuring dog and cat buddies; and Nellie Sue, Happy Camper by Rebecca Janni, illus. by Lynne Avril, in which the star of the Every Cowgirl series goes camping.
Dial can take the heat with Dragonbreath #8: Nightmare of the Iguana by Ursula Vernon, in which Danny forges into the nerdy world of his best friend’s brain to try and conquer the cause of his pal’s nightmares; Obsidian Mirror by Catherine Fisher, a sci-fi fantasy/adventure that kicks off a new trilogy; Betty Bunny Didn’t Do It by Michael Kaplan, illus. by Stephane Jorish, in which the title character learns the consequences of crying wolf; Follow Follow: A Book of Reverso Poems by Marilyn Singer, illus. by Jossee Massee, featuring a poetic form where the poem is the same when presented forward then backwards; and Al Capone Does My Homework by Gennifer Choldenko, the final book of the trilogy that began with Al Capone Does My Shirts.
Dutton is not like the others with The Different Girl by Gordon Dahlquist, in which the lone survivor of a shipwreck mysteriously arrives on an island where all the girls look identical and are tasked to learn in sync; 17 & Gone by Nova Ren Suma, about a teen who sees visions of girls who disappeared once they turned 17, and wonders whether she’s next; and The 39 Deaths of Adam Strand by Gregory Galloway, starring a bored, self-absorbed boy who commits suicide and later wakes up alive, physically unharmed – 39 times.
PENGUIN/GROSSET & DUNLAP
Grosset & Dunlap heads for the hills with What Was the Gold Rush? by Joan Holub, illus. by Tim Tomkinson, first in the new What Was…? series of easy readers that offer accounts of historical events; The Doodles of Sam Dibble by Judy Press, illus. by Michael Kline, the debut title in a chapter book series starring a mischievous third-grader who chronicles his misadventures via doodles and stories; Beast Keeper by Lucy Coats, the kick-off to a new series featuring the stable boy for the mythical creatures of Olympus; Agatha Mistery: #1 The Curse of the Pharaoh by Sir Steve Stevenson, illus. by Stefano Turconi, in which the headstrong titular character jets to exotic locales to solve mysteries; and Treasure Chest: #5 Brave Warrior by Ann Hood, which finds time-traveling twins Felix and Maisie meeting up with a young Crazy Horse in a Sioux village.
Nancy Paulsen Books is nuts about Ol’ Mama Squirrel by David Ezra Stein, about one fierce and funny mama protecting her babies; Dream Friends by You Byun, in which a shy girl’s imaginary friend gives her the courage to make a real one; Kiara Rules by Lyn Miller-Lachmann, featuring a girl with Asperger’s syndrome who struggles with tough choices when she learns the dangerous truth about her new neighbors; Everyone Sleeps by Marcellus Hall, about (almost) the entire animal world falling asleep, and Twenty-Six Pirates by Dave Horowitz, an alphabet-book companion to Twenty-Six Princesses.
Philomel is all tied up with Tangle of Knots by Lisa Graff, in which an 11-year-old orphan discovers that her fate involves an old peanut butter recipe and a thief on a mission; Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys, about a teen girl who tries to break away from the lure of the clandestine underworld of New Orleans’s French Quarter; Otis and the Puppy by Loren Long, which finds Otis the tractor facing his fear of the dark to find a lost puppy; The Invisibility Curse by Andrea Cremer and David Levithan, a romance about a boy who is invisible and the one girl who can see him; and Runner by Ben Scott, a post-apocalyptic novel in which teens must survive a near-uninhabitable Earth.
Poptropica sails into the sunset with Cryptids Island by Max Bralier, a book based on Poptropica.com’s Cryptid’s Island game, in which players earn rewards from an eccentric millionaire for finding mythical creatures.
PENGUIN/PRICE STERN SLOAN
Price Stern Sloan is over the moon for Adventure Time: Lumpy Space Princess’s Guide to Love, starring Cartoon Network’s royal purple glob from Land of Ooo; My Pet Polar Bear and My Pet Giraffe by Mark Iacolina, two board books about unusual pets doing not-so-unusual things; and The Apple and the Butterfly by Iela and Enzo Mari, a reissue of an Italian wordless picture book in which a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly.
Puffin lights a tiki torch for Stranded,by Survivior Host Jeff Probst and Chris Tebbetts, the debut title in a series about four stepsiblings who have to learn to work together when they are shipwrecked on a deserted South Pacific island; Ways of Being With by Robin Palmer, about a girl’s complicated relationship with her TV actress mom; and Demonosity by Amanda Ashby, in which Cassidy learns from the spirit of a medieval knight that she and must battle demons to keep the Black Rose safe.
Putnam bundles up for Frozen: The Other Land Chronicles, Book One by Melissa de la Cruz and Michael Johnston, a new fantasy series by this husband-wife team; Code: A Virals Novel by Kathy Reichs and Brendan Reichs, in which the Virals must find and defuse a bomb hidden in a geocache; Prodigy: A Legend Novel by Marie Lu, the high-stakes-thriller sequel to Legend; Orleans by Sherri Smith, a gritty futuristic tale set in the hostile city of the title; and The Madness Underneath by Maureen Johnson, sequel to The Name of the Star.
Razorbill has the blues with The Indigo Spell: A Bloodlines Novel by Richelle Mead, in which Sydney begins to embrace the mysterious magic within her; The Ultra Violets by Sophie Bell, about four spunky BFFs who accidentally end up on the wrong side of a genetics experiment; How to Lead a Life of Crime by Kirsten Miller, a chilling tale about an academy that turns out sociopaths; The Ruining by Anna Collomore, about a young nanny who slowly descends into madness after moving in with her employer’s deceptively perfect family; and The Ghastly Dandies Do the Classics by Ben Gibson, an illustrated compilation of classic tales retold by monsters.
Viking breaks out some polish for Tarnish by Katherine Longshore, a Tudor tale of love, lust, and power featuring a teen Anne Boleyn; The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen, in which Emeline struggles to balance the value of what she has against the allure of the wider world; Crap Kingdom by DC Pierson, about a teen boy whose dream of being whisked away to a magical fantasy world comes disappointingly true; Tea Rex: Tea Party Manners for Very Special Guests by Molly Idle, a collection of helpful and humorous tips; and Octopus Alone by Divya Srinivasan, a picture book that follows the underwater adventures of a shy cephalopod.
Random House gets heavy with The Weight of the Stars by Tessa Gratton, the first book of the Songs of New Asgard fantasy series, which features an alternate universe inspired by old Nordic religions; Dualed by Elsie Chapman, set in a world where citizens must prove their worth by killing their Alts – twins raised by other families; Giddy-Up, Daddy by Troy Cummings, about a father who gives the best horsey rides; Robot, Go Bot! by Dana Meachen Rau, a graphic novel that kicks off the Step Into Reading series’ new Comic Readers line; and Icky Ricky #1: Icky Ricky by Michael Rex, the debut title in an early chapter book about a kid whose madcap messes get him into uncomfortable situations.
Robin Corey Books breathes the rarified air up there with The Elites: Privileged Positions by Quinn Xi and Emily Flint, about a middle-class girl swept into the privileged, no-rules life when she gets a scholarship to a Swiss boarding school; Wedgieman to the Rescue by Charise Mericle Harper, illus. by Bob Shea, a Step Into Reading title that finds Wedgieman defending the local playground against a villain named Bad Dude; Not That Tutu! by Michelle Sinclair Colman, illus. by Hiroe Nakata, about a girl’s enthusiasm for her favorite article of clothing; My Mom Is the Best Circus by Luciana Navarro-Powell, which celebrates a working mom as a multitasking household wiz;, and Bean Dog and Nugget: The Ball by Charise Mericle Harper, first in a new graphic novel series for beginning readers.
Delacorte pulls out an autograph book for Starstruck by Rachel Shukert, first in a trilogy about three teen girls trying to make it to the top during the golden age of Hollywood; Hattie Ever After by Kirby Larson, a companion to Hattie Big Sky starring resilient orphan Hattie, who goes to San Francisco to follow a dream of being a newspaper reporter; Grotesque by Page Morgan, an interpretation of gargoyle lore, which kicks off a new YA trilogy; The Year of Luminous Love by Lurlene McDaniel, about three best friends planning their lives after high schooland Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, A Man Who Would Cure the World by Tracy Kidder, an adaptation for young people of Kidder’s book about the Harvard doc with a mission to transform healthcare on a global scale.
Knopf goes radio silent with Doug Unplugged, featuring a rebellious robot who wants to go outside and explore; Lunch Lady and the Video Game Villain by Jarrett J. Krosoczka, in which Lunch Lady tries to catch a crook who is disrupting the student council election; Mojo by Tim Tharp, a YA mystery thriller; Toys in Space by Mini Grey, a look at what happens when toys are left in the garden at night; and Far Far Away by Tom McNeal, a Brothers Grimm-inspired mystery thriller.
Wendy Lamb Books spices up the season with Gingersnap by Patricia Reilly Giff, in which a girl in 1944 runs away, guided by a ghostly voice; Vote by Gary Paulsen, which features goof-up Kevin Spencer’s run for class office; Zigzag #8: Zigzag Zoom by Patricia Reilly Giff, illus. by Alisdair Bright, about a challenge to see who’s the fastest runner at the afternoon center; and Calvin Coconut: Extra Famous by Graham Salisbury, illus. by Jacqueline Rogers, which finds Calvin and his pals hired as extras in a zombie movie.
RANDOM HOUSE/SCHWARTZ & WADE
Schwartz & Wade Books straps on a helmet for Everyone Can Learn to Ride a Bicycle by Chris Raschka, a simple how-to book filled with the highs and lows of trying to master this skill; Bluebird by Bob Staake, in which a shy boy befriends a brave bird; The Beginner’s Guide to Running Away from Home by Jennifer LaRue Huget, a step-by-step guide narrated by a boy who decides to fly the coop; Water in the Park: A Book About Water and the Times of the Day by Emily Jenkins, illus. by Stephanie Graegin, a look at a hot summer day at a city park; and The Mighty Lalouche by Matthew Olshan, illus. by Sophie Blackall, a historically inspired picture book about a humble postman who boxes his way to victory over fierce competition.
RUNNING PRESS KIDS
Running Press Kids plates a fall list featuring Lidia’s Kitchen Through the Seasons by Lidia Bastianich, illus. by Renée Graef, a picture book in which the chef-author shares her memories of growing up on a farm; Tiny Pie by Mark Bailey and Michael Oatman, illus. by Edward Hemingway, in which a hungry elephant comes upon a mouse doing a cooking show, complete with a pie recipe from Alice Waters; Death, Dickinson, and the Demented Life of Frenchie Garcia by Jenny Torres Sanchez, about a girl who tries to understand her crush’s suicide by retracing her steps the last night she was with him; Coda by Emma Trevayne, about a teen who fights against the Corporation that controls every aspect of his life in a high-tech, postmodern world; and The Color of Rain by Cori McCarthy, a fantasy in which 17-year-old Rain struggles with how to save herself from an underground slave trade – and her younger brother from madness.
ST. MARTIN’S GRIFFIN
Griffin crackles with Inferno by Sherrilyn Kenyon, fourth in the Chronicles of Nick series; Mystic by Alyson Noel, a new Soul Seekers title about a girl who can navigate between the worlds of the living and the dead; Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell, a debut YA novel about two misfits who fall in love; and If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch, another YA debut, starring two sisters who have been raised in a trailer deep in the forest and are suddenly thrown into the world of school, clothes, and boys.
Arthur A. Levine Books takes wing with The Bird King: An Artist’s Notebook by Shaun Tan, a book of sketches, artwork, and personal reflection; The Highway Rat by Julia Donaldson, illus. by Axel Scheffler, in which a snack-stealing bandit gets his comeuppance; The Summer Prince by Alaya Dawn Johnson, a tale of love, death, and technology set in the tropics of a futuristic Brazil; and A Corner of White (The Colors of Madeleine, Book 1) by Jaclyn Moriarty, the first title in a trilogy that features two characters exchanging letters across worlds.
Cartwheel wakes up with Good Morning, Sunshine! by Sandra Magsamen, a novelty book featuring a tasty breakfast; Can You See What I See? Out of This World by Walter Wick, the ninth search-and-find title in the series; Uh-Oh, David! Sticker Book by David Shannon, an activity title starring the mischievous little boy.
Chicken House works the runway with The Look by Sophia Bennett, about an aspiring super-model whose sister is diagnosed with cancer; Freaks by Kieran Larwood, featuring a strange cast of crime fighters including Sheba the Wolfgirl, Monkeyboy, and Sister Moon; and Muncle Trogg #2: Muncle Trogg and the Flying Donkey by Janet Foxley, a new adventure for the titular littlest giant.
Graphix plays with fire with BONE: Quest for the Spark #3 by Tom Sniegoski, illus. by Jeff Smith, in which Tom Elm and friends race against time to find the final piece of the Spark.
Orchard puts the kettle on for Sophia Grace and Rosie’s Princess Tea Party by Sophia Grace Brownlee and Rosie McClelland, featuring the precocious young cousins from England who are YouTube singing sensations and frequent Ellen DeGeneres Show guests; Lucky Ducklings by Eva Moore, illus. by Nancy Carpenter, a picture book about the rescue of five baby ducks; and The Lamb and the Butterfly by Arnold Sundgaard, illus. by Eric Carle, which finds the title characters trying to understand each other’s perspective.
Point pitches the big top for That Time I Joined the Circus by J.J. Howard, about a girl who joins a traveling circus attempting to find her estranged mother; Revenge of the Girl with the Great Personality by Elizabeth Eulberg, in which a girl who’s tired of being a wallflower, and jealous of the family time spent on her sister’s pageants, joins the beauty game; and Unbroken: A Ruined Novel by Paula Morris, about Rebecca’s return to New Orleans, where she gets drawn into a mystery involving a troubled ghost.
Scholastic Nonfiction swings for the fences with a Roberto Clemente biography by Luis Clemente, the first authorized bio of the Pittsburgh Pirate; Andrew Jenks by Andrew Jenks, the story of the documentary filmmaker and MTV star; Scholastic Discover More: Sharks and Scholastic Discover More: Puppies & Kittens by Penelope Ardon, two photographic titles for younger readers; and Profile: The Vietnam War by Daniel Polansky, featuring accounts from six critical players in the controversial war.
Scholastic Paperbacks calls the exterminator for Infestation by Timothy Bradley, in which a boys’ reform school in the desert is attacked by giant ants after an earthquake; A Dog and His Girl Mysteries Book 1: Play Dead by Jane Mason and Sarah Hines Stephens, featuring a retired police dog and his girl as a mystery solving team; Deep Dive #1: Cephalox the Cyber Squid by Adam Blade, first in a deep-sea adventure series that pits Max against four aquatic monsters; and Monstrous Stories #1: Night of the Zombie Goldfish by Dr. Roach, which kicks off a series of illustrated monster stories for early readers.
Scholastic Press expresses excitement about Exclamation Point by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illus. by Tom Lichtenheld, a tale of standing out, fitting in, and self-discovery; The Very Beary Tooth Fairy by Arthur A. Levine, illus. by Sarah S. Brannen, which begins with a curious bear’s loose tooth; Starring Jules (as Herself) by Beth Ain, about a girl who is between best friends when she gets discovered and needs someone to help her with a big audition; Battle Magic by Tamora Pierce, a new Circle adventure that takes mages Briar, Rosethorn, and Evvy to the forbidding land of Yanjing; and Hold Fast by Blue Balliett, in which a girl and her family are forced to seek help at a city shelter when her father disappears.
SIMON & SCHUSTER
Simon & Schuster pushes the ‘up’ button for Level 2 by Lenore Appelhans, a debut novel about a heroine trying to topple corrupt angels in the afterlife; Again! by Emily Gravett, featuring a young dragon and its favorite book; They Call Me a Hero by Daniel Hernandez, the story of the intern whose efforts help saved the life of U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords when she was shot in Tucson; and Chemical Garden #3 by Lauren DeStefano, the conclusion to the fantasy series.
SIMON & SCHUSTER/ALADDIN
Aladdin watches the clock for 33 Minutes: Countdown to an Epic Smackdown by Todd Hasak-Lowy, a humorous school story; Beyonders #3: Chasing the Prophecy by Brandon Mull, the final volume in the bestselling fantasy series; Girl Meets Ghost by Lauren Barnholdt, starring a 12-year-old medium; and Hardy Boys Adventures #1: Secret of the Red Arrow by Franklin W. Dixon; and Nancy Drew Diaries #1: Curse of the Arctic Star by Carolyn Keene, relaunches of these classic series.
SIMON & SCHUSTER/ATHENEUM
Atheneum seeks inner calm with Peace by Wendy Andersen Halperin, a picture book about the true path to world harmony; Panic by Sharon Draper, about one moment and one bad decision that change everything; and Red Hat by Lita Judge, a companion to Red Sled that finds a playful crew of baby animals getting into some mischief.
SIMON & SCHUSTER/BEACH LANE
Beach Lane Books makes a wish with Happy Birthday, Bunny! by Liz Garton Scanlon, about an animal celebration; and I Love You Nose! I Love You Toes! by Linda Davick, a playful appreciation of the human body for very young readers.
SIMON & SCHUSTER/LITTLE SIMON
Little Simon puts up neighborhood fliers for The Critter Club #1: Amy and the Missing Puppy by Callie Barkley, first in a new early chapter book series; Galaxy Jack #1:Hello, Nebulon by Ray O’Ryan, which begins a chapter book series starring out-of-this-world characters; and Pretty Costumes and Pretty Patterns by Hannah Davies, illus. by Beth Gunnell, two titles that encourage readers to color and customize the pages.
SIMON & SCHUSTER/WISEMAN
Paula Wiseman Books sticks out its tongue for Lick by Matthew Van Fleet, an interactive novelty book; Wee Rhymes: Baby’s First Poetry Book by Jane Yolen, illus. by Jane Dyer, a collection for babies and toddlers; and Do Not Open!: There Are Monkeys in This Book by Adam Lehrhaupt, illus. by Matthew Forsythe, a picture book filled with monkeys, alligators, and more.
SIMON & SCHUSTER/SIMON PULSE
Simon Pulse takes cover for Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger, a paranormal romance; Visions #1: Crash by Lisa McMann, first in a new YA series; Then You Were Gone by Lauren Strasnick, a suspenseful teen novel; The Program by Suzanne Young, set in a world where teen suicide is an epidemic; and Legacy of the Clockwork Key by Kristin Bailey, a romance set in Victorian London in which a teen girl unravels the mysteries of a secret society.
SIMON & SCHUSTER/SIMON SPOTLIGHT
Simon Spotlight addresses fall with Dear Know-It-All #5 by Rachel Wise, in which Samantha is thrilled with her assignment to review the school play for the school newspaper; Cupcake Diaries #12: Alexis Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice by Simon Coco, featuring the fallout from the arrival of a mean girl; and Croods Movie: The Croods Movie Novelization by DreamWorks Animation, a tie-in to the comedy feature set in the prehistoric era.
Simply Read weighs anchor for Dream Boats by Dan Bar-el, illus. by Kirsti Anne Wakelin, featuring children riding through their dreams on boats; Murilla Gorilla by Jennifer Lloyd, illus. by Jacqui Lee, the debut title about the messiest, hairiest, and hungriest detective around; and Spark by Kallie George, illus. by Genevieve Cote, about a young dragon who can’t control his fire.
Sleeping Bear walks the plank for No Pirates Allowed Said Library Lou by Rhonda Greene, illus. by Brian Ajhar, in which a pirate and a parrot turn the quiet Seabreezy Library upside down; In Andal’s House by Gloria Whelan, illus. by Amanda Hall, about a boy in India who comes from a family consider to be Untouchables by the caste system; Jasper’s Story: Saving Moon Bears by Jill Robinson and Mark Bekoff, illus. by Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen, starring a rescued Asiatic black bear; and Finnegan & Fox: The Ten Foot Cop by Helen L. Wilbur, illus. by John Manders, the story of a policeman and his horse, Finnegan, part of the NYPD Mounted Unit.
Fire needs a counter-spell for Cursed by Kate and J.R. Angelella, about a girl who comes to believe the curse on her family when she’s pulled into a world of voodoo and demons; Emblazed by Jessica Shirvington, in which Violet is forced to turn over the key to hell to one who has saved, then betrayed her; How I Lost You by Janet Gurtler, a tale about a friendship at stake the summer before two girls’ senior year; My Parent Has Cancer and It Really Sucks by Marc and Maya Silver, an advice book for teens featuring stories from real kids; and Sucks to Be Me by Geoff Herbach, in which nerd-turned-jock Felton faces life changing decisions during his senior year.
Jabberwocky fires up the oven for The Cupcake Club: Winner Bakes All by Sheryl and Carrie Berk, in which the Club competes in a Battle of the Bakers on live TV; Funny Bird by Jennifer Yerkes, about an unassuming bird who believes that adorning himself with flashy feathers will win him friends; My Epic Fairy Tale Fail by Anna Staniszewski, the follow-up to My Very UnFairy Tale Life, which finds Jenny challenged to three impossible tasks in the Land of Tales; This Journal Belongs to Ratchet by Nancy J. Cavanaugh, featuring a homeschooler’s account of her daily life; and Wonder Light by R.R. Russell, the story of a troubled girl banished to a misty, haunted island where she must save the last free unicorn herd.
Sylvan Dell goes green with Nature Recycles: How About You? by Michelle Lord, illus. by Cathy Morrison, which explores how animals in various habitats use recycled material to build homes, protect themselves, and get food; and Ferdinand’s First Summer by Mary Holland, a photo essay that chronicles a young fox’s first few months of life.
Walker waddles into spring with Penguin on Vacation by Salina Yoon, starring a penguin that plans a getaway after tiring of cold and snow; the launch of an as yet untitled series by Simone Elkeles, about the lives and loves of high school football teammates; Hysteria by Megan Miranda, in which a girl who killed her boyfriend in self-defense is suspected of a murder at her new school; Stung by Bethany Wiggins, a futuristic fantasy thriller in which a bio-engineering experiment involving honeybees goes wrong; and Regency Witches by Alyxandra Harvey, a tale set in 1804 in which three cousins discover their family lineage of witchcraft.
Zest Books saves the last dance for The Prom Book: The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need by Laruen Metz, an advice title focused on the big event; A Girl’s Guide to Fitting in Fitness by Erin Whitehead and Jennipher Walters, featuring practical tips; Super Pop: Pop Culture Lists to Help You Win at Trivia, Survive in the Wild, and Make it Through the Holidays, a collection of edifying top 10 lists; Secrets of a Straight-A Student: A Guide to Studying Better and Stressing Less by Lesley Schwartz Martin, a compendium of helpful techniques; and How to Lose Everything by Philip Matthies, the true story of four teens who find a small fortune in an abandoned house in 1994.
Zonderkidz plans an escape route with Captives by Jill Williamson, first in a series of dystopian/apocalyptic novels starring three brothers; Avenger by Heather Burch, final volume in the Halfling trilogy about half angels; Always Daddy’s Princess by Karen Kingsbury, featuring a special father-daughter relationship; The Chained Deep by Christa Kinde, second in a quartet about a girl who discovers she can see angels that live among us; and The Skull Creek Mystery by Eddie Jones, in which a young man begins to question everything around him, including his faith.