Fall 2009
Sent
The Nine Pound Hammer
Leaving the Bellweathers
A Pearl Among Princes
The Everafter
The Little Dump Truck
Cookie
Cat O' Nine Tails
Bad News for Outlaws
Whoo Goes There?
Who Will I Be, Lord?
Singing for Mrs. Pettigrew
That's Good! That's Bad! on Santa's Journey
Bunion Burt
Claim to Fame
Sent (Simon & Schuster / Aug 2009)
By Margaret Peterson Haddix ➤
"I think it's probably safe to say, given when you should have landed, that you're...um..."
"Tell me!"
"I think, right now, you're the king of England."
Thirteen-year-olds Jonah and Chip are reeling from the news that they're both missing children from history, kidnapped from their proper time period. Before they can fully absorb this revelation, a time purist named JB zaps Chip and another boy, Alex, back to the fifteenth century, where they supposedly belong. Determined not to lose their friends, Jonah and his sister, Katherine, grab Chip's arms just as he's being sent away. The result? Jonah and Katherine also end up in the fifteenth century, where they decidedly do not belong.
Chip's true identity is Edward V, king of England, and Alex is his younger brother, Richard, Duke of York. But Chip is convinced that his uncle, Richard of Gloucester, plans to kill them and seize the throne for himself.
JB promises that if the kids can "fix time," he will allow them to return to the present day. But how can they possibly return home safely when history claims that Chip and Alex were murdered?
In a riveting tale that climaxes on the battlefield at Bosworth, master storyteller Margaret Peterson Haddix brings readers back in time to an unforgettable moment in history and plunges them into the adventure of a lifetime.
By Margaret Peterson Haddix ➤
"I think it's probably safe to say, given when you should have landed, that you're...um..."
"Tell me!"
"I think, right now, you're the king of England."
Thirteen-year-olds Jonah and Chip are reeling from the news that they're both missing children from history, kidnapped from their proper time period. Before they can fully absorb this revelation, a time purist named JB zaps Chip and another boy, Alex, back to the fifteenth century, where they supposedly belong. Determined not to lose their friends, Jonah and his sister, Katherine, grab Chip's arms just as he's being sent away. The result? Jonah and Katherine also end up in the fifteenth century, where they decidedly do not belong.
Chip's true identity is Edward V, king of England, and Alex is his younger brother, Richard, Duke of York. But Chip is convinced that his uncle, Richard of Gloucester, plans to kill them and seize the throne for himself.
JB promises that if the kids can "fix time," he will allow them to return to the present day. But how can they possibly return home safely when history claims that Chip and Alex were murdered?
In a riveting tale that climaxes on the battlefield at Bosworth, master storyteller Margaret Peterson Haddix brings readers back in time to an unforgettable moment in history and plunges them into the adventure of a lifetime.
The Nine Pound Hammer (Random House / Aug 2009)
By John Claude Bemis ➤
It is the age of trains and Reconstruction. Twelve-year-old Ray is haunted by the strangest memories of his father, whom Ray swears could speak to animals. Now an orphan, Ray jumps from a train going through the American South and falls in with a medicine show train and its stable of sideshow performers. The performers turn out to be heroes, defenders of the wild, including the son of John Henry. They are hiding the last of the mythical Swamp Sirens from an ancient evil known as the Gog, who, in any time, desires dominion. In this age, he takes the form of a captain of industry, a cold and calculating champion of the machine.
Why the Gog wants the Siren, they can't be sure, but they know it has something to do with rebuilding a monstrous machine that John Henry gave his life destroying years before. This new machine, even more insidious than his previous creation, will allow the Gog to bend all of humanity to his will and spread darkness throughout the world. With John Henry gone, it falls to a new generation of heroes to take up the fight.
By John Claude Bemis ➤
It is the age of trains and Reconstruction. Twelve-year-old Ray is haunted by the strangest memories of his father, whom Ray swears could speak to animals. Now an orphan, Ray jumps from a train going through the American South and falls in with a medicine show train and its stable of sideshow performers. The performers turn out to be heroes, defenders of the wild, including the son of John Henry. They are hiding the last of the mythical Swamp Sirens from an ancient evil known as the Gog, who, in any time, desires dominion. In this age, he takes the form of a captain of industry, a cold and calculating champion of the machine.
Why the Gog wants the Siren, they can't be sure, but they know it has something to do with rebuilding a monstrous machine that John Henry gave his life destroying years before. This new machine, even more insidious than his previous creation, will allow the Gog to bend all of humanity to his will and spread darkness throughout the world. With John Henry gone, it falls to a new generation of heroes to take up the fight.
Leaving the Bellweathers (Egmont USA / Sept 2009)
By Kristin Clark Venuti ➤
It's the Addams Family meets Cheaper By the Dozen in this hilarious debut novel.
Every family has a black sheep. The Bellweathers are a family of black sheep. Spider loves dangerous animals. Ninda plays bagpipes, and the triplets Spike, Brick and Sassy wreak havoc on their quaint lighthouse home in the town of Eel-Smack-by-the-Bay. The Bellweathers' stoic butler, Tristan Benway—eager to escape this madness—is penning a tell-all memoir, but as he helps the children through their scrapes, he begins to wonder if he really does want to leave the Bellweathers.
By Kristin Clark Venuti ➤
It's the Addams Family meets Cheaper By the Dozen in this hilarious debut novel.
Every family has a black sheep. The Bellweathers are a family of black sheep. Spider loves dangerous animals. Ninda plays bagpipes, and the triplets Spike, Brick and Sassy wreak havoc on their quaint lighthouse home in the town of Eel-Smack-by-the-Bay. The Bellweathers' stoic butler, Tristan Benway—eager to escape this madness—is penning a tell-all memoir, but as he helps the children through their scrapes, he begins to wonder if he really does want to leave the Bellweathers.
A Pearl Among Princes (Dial Books / Sept 2009)
By Coleen Murtagh Paratore ➤
Welcome to the island where princes learn to be charming.
Gracepearl Coal is the cook's daughter on Miramore, the island all princes visit for their summer program in the Charming Arts. Each year, the princes-in-training arrive on gallant seacraft, guided by captains trained to navigate the island's treacherous waters. Passage on one of these boats is the only method to leave the island—thus betrothal to a royal is the only way for Pearl to find her far-off destiny, the one that's started haunting her dreams. Luckily, this year's crop of princes include some promising prospects, but how will Pearl leave behind her ailing father or—hardest of all—marry a boy other than her long-time beloved, Mackree…who now finds it too painful to even speak to her?
By Coleen Murtagh Paratore ➤
Welcome to the island where princes learn to be charming.
Gracepearl Coal is the cook's daughter on Miramore, the island all princes visit for their summer program in the Charming Arts. Each year, the princes-in-training arrive on gallant seacraft, guided by captains trained to navigate the island's treacherous waters. Passage on one of these boats is the only method to leave the island—thus betrothal to a royal is the only way for Pearl to find her far-off destiny, the one that's started haunting her dreams. Luckily, this year's crop of princes include some promising prospects, but how will Pearl leave behind her ailing father or—hardest of all—marry a boy other than her long-time beloved, Mackree…who now finds it too painful to even speak to her?
The Everafter (Balzer + Bray / Sept 2009)
By Amy Huntley ➤
2010 William C. Morris Debut YA Award Finalist
Madison Stanton doesn't know where she is or how she got there. But she does know this—she is dead. And alone in a vast, dark space. The only company Maddy has in this place are luminescent objects that turn out to be all the things she lost while she was alive. And soon she discovers that, with these artifacts, she can reexperience—and even change—moments from her life.
Her first kiss.
A trip to Disney World.
Her sister's wedding.
A disastrous sleepover.
In reliving these moments, Maddy learns illuminating and frightening truths about her life—and death.
By Amy Huntley ➤
2010 William C. Morris Debut YA Award Finalist
Madison Stanton doesn't know where she is or how she got there. But she does know this—she is dead. And alone in a vast, dark space. The only company Maddy has in this place are luminescent objects that turn out to be all the things she lost while she was alive. And soon she discovers that, with these artifacts, she can reexperience—and even change—moments from her life.
Her first kiss.
A trip to Disney World.
Her sister's wedding.
A disastrous sleepover.
In reliving these moments, Maddy learns illuminating and frightening truths about her life—and death.
The Little Dump Truck (Henry Holt & Co. / Sept 2009)
By Margery Cuyler ➤
Meet Hard Hat Pete and his little dump truck as they haul stones and rocks, carry debris, and unload at the landfill. It’s hard work, but the little dump truck is ready for action.
Preschool children will revel in the day-to-day activities of this mighty dump truck. The lyrical text, bright pictures, and sturdy pages are just right for budding truck enthusiasts.
By Margery Cuyler ➤
Meet Hard Hat Pete and his little dump truck as they haul stones and rocks, carry debris, and unload at the landfill. It’s hard work, but the little dump truck is ready for action.
Preschool children will revel in the day-to-day activities of this mighty dump truck. The lyrical text, bright pictures, and sturdy pages are just right for budding truck enthusiasts.
Cookie (Roaring Brook Press / Sept 2009)
By Jacqueline Wilson ➤
Cookie is plain and shy, not the confident, popular girl her father wanted when he named her Beauty Cookson. Her mother helps her cook up a clever scheme to change her image—but, as usual, Dad doesn't approve, and this time his anger reaches frightening new heights. Will Cookie find the strength to stand up for herself? Honest and emotionally resonant, Cookie faces tough issues with the unflinching directness and unflagging tenderness that make Jacqueline Wilson one of today's most admired—and popular—authors for young people.
By Jacqueline Wilson ➤
Cookie is plain and shy, not the confident, popular girl her father wanted when he named her Beauty Cookson. Her mother helps her cook up a clever scheme to change her image—but, as usual, Dad doesn't approve, and this time his anger reaches frightening new heights. Will Cookie find the strength to stand up for herself? Honest and emotionally resonant, Cookie faces tough issues with the unflinching directness and unflagging tenderness that make Jacqueline Wilson one of today's most admired—and popular—authors for young people.
Cat O' Nine Tails (Roaring Brook Press / Sept 2009)
By Julia Golding ➤
Cat is finally living a life of luxury—and so bored she's going out of her mind. But then she and her friends are kidnapped and forced to work on a ship bound for the New World. With a mystery to solve and survival at stake, Cat must use her wits to save herself and her friends.
By Julia Golding ➤
Cat is finally living a life of luxury—and so bored she's going out of her mind. But then she and her friends are kidnapped and forced to work on a ship bound for the New World. With a mystery to solve and survival at stake, Cat must use her wits to save herself and her friends.
Bad News for Outlaws (Lerner / Sept 2009)
By Vaunda Micheaux Nelson ➤
2010 Coretta Scott King (Author) Book Award Winner
Sitting tall in the saddle, with a wide-brimmed black hat and twin Colt pistols on his belt, Bass Reeves seemed bigger than life. Outlaws feared him. Law-abiding citizens respected him. As a peace officer, he was cunning and fearless. When a lawbreaker heard Bass Reeves had his warrant, he knew it was the end of the trail, because Bass always got his man, dead or alive. He achieved all this in spite of whites who didn't like the notion of a black lawman. Born into slavery in 1838, Bass had a hard and violent life, but he also had a strong sense of right and wrong that others admired. When Judge Isaac Parker tried to bring law and order to the lawless Indian Territories, he chose Bass to be a deputy U.S. Marshall. Bass would quickly prove a smart choice. For three decades, Bass was the most feared and respected lawman in the territories. He made more than 3,000 arrests, and though he was a crack shot and a quick draw, he only killed fourteen men in the line of duty. The story of Bass Reeves is the story of a remarkable African American and a remarkable hero of the Old West.
By Vaunda Micheaux Nelson ➤
2010 Coretta Scott King (Author) Book Award Winner
Sitting tall in the saddle, with a wide-brimmed black hat and twin Colt pistols on his belt, Bass Reeves seemed bigger than life. Outlaws feared him. Law-abiding citizens respected him. As a peace officer, he was cunning and fearless. When a lawbreaker heard Bass Reeves had his warrant, he knew it was the end of the trail, because Bass always got his man, dead or alive. He achieved all this in spite of whites who didn't like the notion of a black lawman. Born into slavery in 1838, Bass had a hard and violent life, but he also had a strong sense of right and wrong that others admired. When Judge Isaac Parker tried to bring law and order to the lawless Indian Territories, he chose Bass to be a deputy U.S. Marshall. Bass would quickly prove a smart choice. For three decades, Bass was the most feared and respected lawman in the territories. He made more than 3,000 arrests, and though he was a crack shot and a quick draw, he only killed fourteen men in the line of duty. The story of Bass Reeves is the story of a remarkable African American and a remarkable hero of the Old West.
Whoo Goes There? (Roaring Brook Press / Sept 2009)
Illustrated by Bert Kitchen ➤
Whoo goes there? Whoo? In this mystical story of hunter and hunted, an owl listens for little creatures scurrying far below. Mouse? Squirrel? Rabbit? Or something else entirely? Stunning illustrations plus hypnotic text take readers on a suspenseful journey through night and nature.
Illustrated by Bert Kitchen ➤
Whoo goes there? Whoo? In this mystical story of hunter and hunted, an owl listens for little creatures scurrying far below. Mouse? Squirrel? Rabbit? Or something else entirely? Stunning illustrations plus hypnotic text take readers on a suspenseful journey through night and nature.
Who Will I Be, Lord? (Random House / Oct 2009)
By Vaunda Micheaux Nelson ➤
A lyrical story about how looking back is helpful when you start looking forward.... A young girl thoughtfully considers her family tree and the vibrant ancestors who populate it. As each family member’s story is revealed, her quiet meditation—about what kind of person she’ll be when she grows up—transforms into a testament to the importance of sharing family stories. The simple, elegant narrative combined with Sean Qualls’s evocative art makes for a wonderful read-aloud experience.
By Vaunda Micheaux Nelson ➤
A lyrical story about how looking back is helpful when you start looking forward.... A young girl thoughtfully considers her family tree and the vibrant ancestors who populate it. As each family member’s story is revealed, her quiet meditation—about what kind of person she’ll be when she grows up—transforms into a testament to the importance of sharing family stories. The simple, elegant narrative combined with Sean Qualls’s evocative art makes for a wonderful read-aloud experience.
Singing for Mrs. Pettigrew (Candlewick Press / Oct 2009)
By Michael Morpurgo ➤
One of today’s greatest storytellers explores the craft of writing in this collection of stories and essays by Michael Morpurgo.
Here is a literary journey that roams from the warmth of Provence in "Meeting Cézanne" to the war-torn town of "I Believe in Unicorns;" from the music-filled streets of Venice in "The Mozart Question" to the quiet English marshes of Michael Morpurgo’s hometown in "Singing for Mrs. Pettigrew."
Complementing each tale is an original essay revealing the inspiration behind the story or offering a peek into the intricacies of the author’s craft. Readers and writers alike will be intrigued by this unique collection from a teller of tales who has captured hearts around the world.
By Michael Morpurgo ➤
One of today’s greatest storytellers explores the craft of writing in this collection of stories and essays by Michael Morpurgo.
Here is a literary journey that roams from the warmth of Provence in "Meeting Cézanne" to the war-torn town of "I Believe in Unicorns;" from the music-filled streets of Venice in "The Mozart Question" to the quiet English marshes of Michael Morpurgo’s hometown in "Singing for Mrs. Pettigrew."
Complementing each tale is an original essay revealing the inspiration behind the story or offering a peek into the intricacies of the author’s craft. Readers and writers alike will be intrigued by this unique collection from a teller of tales who has captured hearts around the world.
That's Good! That's Bad! on Santa's Journey (Henry Holt & Co. / Oct 2009)
By Margery Cuyler ➤
On Christmas Eve, Santa sets off to deliver presents to a little boy. But between a snowstorm, an icy roof, and a dusty chimney, things don’t go as expected.
Get ready to laugh out loud as Mr. Claus trips on a cat, bumps his head on a table, and rips his pants. There’s never a dull moment for this accident-prone Santa. That’s bad. No, that’s good!
By Margery Cuyler ➤
On Christmas Eve, Santa sets off to deliver presents to a little boy. But between a snowstorm, an icy roof, and a dusty chimney, things don’t go as expected.
Get ready to laugh out loud as Mr. Claus trips on a cat, bumps his head on a table, and rips his pants. There’s never a dull moment for this accident-prone Santa. That’s bad. No, that’s good!
Bunion Burt (Simon & Schuster / Nov 2009)
By Marsha Hayles ➤
Will anything cure Bunion Burt's achin' feet?!
By Marsha Hayles ➤
Will anything cure Bunion Burt's achin' feet?!
Claim to Fame (Simon & Schuster / Nov 2009)
By Margaret Peterson Haddix ➤
Lindsay can hear anything anyone says about her, anywhere in the world, in Margaret Peterson Haddix's compelling teen novel Claim to Fame.
By Margaret Peterson Haddix ➤
Lindsay can hear anything anyone says about her, anywhere in the world, in Margaret Peterson Haddix's compelling teen novel Claim to Fame.