Best Books 2006
Selected by Trevelyn Jones, Luann Toth, Marlene Charnizon, Daryl Grabarek, and Joy Fleishhacker
-- School Library Journal, 12/1/2006
Fiction reigned in 2006. On this list of 68 titles, you will find contemporary issues wrapped in emotionally charged, power-packed plots; fresh, original fantasy; unusual coming-of-age novels; gripping historical fiction; and downright funny family stories. Nonfiction included some fascinating introductions to the natural world, unusual treatments of standard topics, and a compelling account of a topic that in less competent hands would be a dust-collecting shelf sitter. The arts made a strong showing, with dazzling introductions to Dizzy Gillespie, Robert Johnson, and Langston Hughes and a stunning graphic novel from a classically trained ballerina. There are fewer picture books on the list this year, but we love the ones that are here. They all have memorable protagonists starring in stories brimming with child appeal.
We think this is a really terrific list of titles. We hope you will read them, recommend them to the young people you serve, booktalk them, and share them with your colleagues and teachers. The month in which the review appeared in SLJ follows each annotation.—T. J.
ANDERSON, M. T. The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation: Volume I: The Pox Party. Candlewick. Tr $17.99. ISBN 0-7636-2402-0.
Gr 9 Up–A black youngster raised and educated in a household of philosophers in pre-Revolutionary War Boston learns that despite his seemingly privileged life, he’s actually a slave–and the subject of a scientific experiment to quantify the intelligence of Africans. This articulate, profound, and chilling novel delves into issues of freedom, humanity, and self-realization. (Oct.)
BANKS, Kate. Max’s Words. illus. by Boris Kulikov. Farrar/Frances Foster Bks.Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-39949-2.
PreS-Gr 2–Envious of his brothers’ all-consuming hobbies, a boy finds his calling in collecting words that he clips from newspapers and magazines and then configures into stories. A clever tale made even more inventive (and humorous) by the artist’s imaginative creations. (Sept.)
BEST, Cari. Sally Jean, the Bicycle Queen. illus. by Christine Davenier. Farrar/Melanie Kroupa Bks. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-35386-2.
K-Gr 2–After outgrowing her beloved bicycle, an avid young pedal pusher is left without wheels until she realizes that she has the know-how and stick-to-itiveness to transform old parts into a spiffy new ride. Bright-hued illustrations and lively text soar along with this high-spirited heroine. (May)
BOYCE, Frank Cottrell. Framed. HarperCollins. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-06-073402-7; PLB $17.89. ISBN 0-06-073403-5.
Gr 6-9–When their family-run garage goes bust, it is up to Dylan, his sisters, and their Mam to turn things around. The arrival of a crew from London’s National Gallery with priceless artworks to be stored in their remote Welsh town provides entrepreneurial opportunities. An endearing if unconventional story of family values told with great wit and charm. (Aug.)
BROOKS, Kevin. The Road of the Dead. Scholastic/The Chicken House. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-439-78623-1.
Gr 8 Up–Even before his sister’s body is found on the moors, 14-year-old Ruben Ford instinctively knows that she is dead, and he and his 17-year-old brother, tough guy Cole, set off to find her killer. Well-developed characters and plenty of visceral detail make this a gripping read, but its real strength is the brothers’ tender relationship. (Apr.)
BRUCHAC, Joseph. Wabi: A Hero’s Tale. Dial. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-8037-3098-5.
Gr 5-8–A great horned owl falls in love with an Abenaki Indian girl and takes the human form of his ancestors, only to be ostracized by the fearful villagers. A riveting journey of self-discovery, fueled by powerful feelings of love. (Apr.)
CARBONE, Elisa. Blood on the River: James Town 1607. Viking. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-670-06060-7.
Gr 5-7–Samuel Collier, insightful page to Captain John Smith, brings telling perspective to this story that begins aboard the Susan Constant as it wends its way to the New World. A masterful blend of fact and fiction, and characters real and imagined. (July)
CHILD, Lauren. But Excuse Me That Is My Book. illus. by author. Dial. RTE $16.99. ISBN 0-8037-3096-9.
PreS-Gr 2–Lola is devastated when her favorite library book is not on the shelf, and it’s up to big brother Charlie to help her find a suitable substitute. With spot-on dialogue and Popsicle-colored collages, this satisfying tale speaks volumes to young bibliophiles. (Apr.)
CHILD, Lauren, adapt. The Princess and the Pea. photos. by Polly Borland. illus. by adapter. Hyperion. RTE $16.99. ISBN 0-7868-3886-8.
K-Gr 5–Told in language both flowery and fun, this tongue-in-cheek adaptation of an Andersen classic stars a true-love-seeking prince, his royally opinionated parents, and an independent and, of course, impeccably pedigreed beauty. A beguiling tale, artfully illustrated with photos of detailed dioramas that have the dazzle of theatrical sets. (Mar.)
DICAMILLO, Kate. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. illus. by Bagram Ibatoulline. Candlewick. Tr $18.99. ISBN 0-7636-2589-2.
Gr 3-6–An unfeeling, arrogant china rabbit falls into the sea and begins a long journey that brings him heartbreak, misery, and, finally, love. A tender story that encompasses all of the emotions that make us human. (Feb.)
DRAPER, Sharon M. Copper Sun. S & S/Atheneum. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-689-82181-6.
Gr 8 Up–A 15-year-old Ashanti girl endures physical torture and unspeakable sorrow as she is torn away from her homeland and transported to the Carolinas as a slave. The cruel realities of plantation life and her ensuing friendship with a white indentured servant form the basis of this powerful novel about hope in the face of horrific inhumanity. (Jan.)
EILENBERG, Max, retel. Beauty and the Beast. illus. by Angela Barrett. Candlewick. RTE $17.99. ISBN 0-7636-3160-4.
Gr 2-4–An elegant retelling of the fairy-tale classic reset in the 19th century. Sweeping landscapes that play with light and shadow and dramatically posed figures lend this timeless tale a cinematic and affecting aura. (Dec.)
FISHER, Valorie. How High Can a Dinosaur Count?: And Other Math Mysteries. illus. by author. Random/Schwartz & Wade Bks. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-375-83608-X; PLB $18.99. ISBN 0-375-93608-4.
Gr 1-4–Playful alliterative queries challenge young mathematicians to hone their skills as they wrangle with word problems. Intriguing photo collages help children visualize the various scenarios, often offering clues. Quirky and fun. (Feb.)
FLEISCHMAN, Sid. Escape!: The Story of the Great Houdini. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Tr $18.99. ISBN 0-06-085694-9; PLB $19.89. ISBN 0-06-085095-7.
Gr 4-8–Erstwhile magician Fleischman delves into the who, what, and why of the fabulous early-20th-century trickster whose name is still a household word. Contemporary photos and the author’s commentary round out an enthralling, “you-are-there” experience. (Aug.)
FRADIN, Judith Bloom & Dennis Brindell Fradin. 5,000 Miles to Freedom: Ellen and William Craft’s Flight from Slavery. National Geographic. Tr $19.95.ISBN 0-7922-7885-2; PLB $29.90. ISBN 0-7922-7886-0.
Gr 5-9–Against the backdrop of Southern plantation life and Northern abolitionist fever, the daring and dangerous escape of an enslaved husband and wife is told in gripping detail. Reproductions of broadsheets, archival photos, maps, and published news accounts add interest and information. (May)
FREEDMAN, Russell. The Adventures of Marco Polo. illus. by Bagram Ibatoulline. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine Bks. RTE $17.99. ISBN 0-439-52394-X.
Gr 5-9–An illuminating text captures the highlights of this 13th-century traveler’s astonishing 27-year journey, including tales of shark- and pirate-infested waters, roaming bandits, and never-before-seen wonders. Intricate artwork, along with period maps and miniatures, takes readers on a thrilling expedition. (Nov.)
FREEDMAN, Russell. Freedom Walkers: The Story of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Holiday House. Tr $18.95. ISBN 0-8234-2031-0.
Gr 4-6–The converging stories of the leaders of the yearlong boycott that gave birth to the Civil Rights Movement unfold with precision and confidence in Freedman’s skillful hands. A stirring tribute to the determination, courage, and dignity of Montgomery’s African-American community. (Nov.)
FROST, Helen. The Braid. Farrar/Frances Foster Bks. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-30962-0.
Gr 8 Up–The intertwined stories of two Scottish sisters who were separated by circumstances and who live on opposite sides of the Atlantic in the 1850s is presented in alternating narrative poems. An elegantly told, timeless tale of love, devotion, and family ties. (Oct.)
GARDEN, Nancy. Endgame. Harcourt. Tr $16. ISBN 0-15-205416-2.
Gr 9 Up–Fifteen-year-old Gray is bullied, taunted, and physically abused, until he finally cracks and starts shooting. Opening with his murder trial and concluding with his sentencing, this novel is a tense, suspenseful look at what happens when adults refuse to get involved and help a kid in trouble. (May)
GOING, K. L. Saint Iggy. Harcourt. Tr $17. ISBN 0-15-205795-1.
Gr 9 Up–Iggy Corso, born addicted to crack, is now 16 and without parental support. When he gets suspended from school, an older friend’s wealthy mother tries to come to his aid but creates a whole new set of problems for him. Told with gritty and evocative detail, this compelling narrative relates one kid’s desperate attempts to make a difference. (Sept.)
HARDINGE, Frances. Fly by Night. HarperCollins. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-06-087627-1; PLB $17.89. ISBN 0-06-087629-8.
Gr 5-9–Mosca escapes from her cruel uncle and takes to the road with Eponymous Clent, a quick-thinking, silver-tongued scoundrel. Complex, riveting, and totally original, this fantasy has as its foundation the power of words and the impact of books. (July)
HENKES, Kevin. Lilly’s Big Day. illus. by author. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-074236-4; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-074237-2.
K-Gr 2–When Lilly’s teacher announces his wedding plans, the young mouse knows she is destined to be his flower girl. Henkes’s spot-on drawings capture the youngster’s stubbornness and her vulnerability as well as Mr. Slinger’s anxious discomfort and diplomatic solution. (Apr.)
HIMMELMAN, John. Chickens to the Rescue. illus. by author. Holt. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-8050-7951-3.
PreS-Gr 2–Farmer Greenstalk’s family is plagued by minor mishaps, but, never fear, his unflappable fowl are ready to rush in and save the day. Himmelman’s uproarious artwork abounds with laugh-out-loud details as the plucky pullets perform each task with efficiency and élan. (Oct.)
HOPKINSON, Deborah. Up before Daybreak: Cotton and People in America. Scholastic Nonfiction. Tr $18.99. ISBN 0-439-63901-8. (June)
Gr 4-8–Through the voices of enslaved people, mill children, and sharecroppers, Hopkinson recounts the history of the cotton industry in the United States and its profound effects on the lives of those who toiled in its fields and factories. Archival images bring their words home.
JENKINS, Emily. Toys Go Out: Being the Adventures of a Knowledgeable Stingray, a Toughy Little Buffalo, and Someone Called Plastic. illus. by Paul O. Zelinsky. Random/Schwartz & Wade Bks. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-375-83604-7; PLB $18.99. ISBN 0-375-93604-1.
K-Gr 3–Three personified playthings, the obvious darlings of their six-year-old owner, undertake small escapades that reveal big things about friendship, self-perception, and one’s place in the world. Told with disarming naïveté, this sweetly illustrated tale sparkles with insight and amiable humor. (Sept.)
JOHNSON, Harriet McBryde. Accidents of Nature. Holt. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-8050-7634-4.
Gr 8 Up–Jean, who has cerebral palsy, has always viewed herself as “normal.” However, when she attends a summer camp for teens with disabilities, a new friend inspires her to question her perceptions and see herselfand the world with open eyes. A thought-provoking book written with razor-sharp wit and honesty. (May)
KLASS, David. Firestorm. Farrar/Frances Foster Bks. Tr $17. ISBN 0-374-32307-0.
Gr 8 Up–In this breakneck-paced eco-thriller, 17-year-old Jack Danielson rudely learns that he is not an all-American teen, but is a visitor from the future who has been sent to save the planet–if he can stay alive. An exhilarating and often philosophical read, laced with humorous insight into the human condition and affairs of the heart. (Sept.)
KNUDSEN, Michelle. Library Lion. illus. by Kevin Hawkes. Candlewick. RTE $15.99. ISBN 0-7636-2262-1.
PreS-Gr 2–Miss Merriweather allows a lion to remain in the library as long as he behaves, but when she is accidentally injured, the big cat must break the rules–and risk his privileges–to summon help. Expressive, soft-hued paintings illustrate this affectionate tale of friendship and devotion. (Aug.)
KRULL, Kathleen. Isaac Newton. illus. by Boris Kulikov. Viking. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-670-05921-8.
Gr 5-7–What he lacked in social graces, this stubborn and peevish man made up for in brains. In absorbing detail, Krull examines the life of the lonely, abandoned child and obsessive, eccentric genius whose work and theories revolutionized scientific thought. (Mar.)
LARSON, Kirby. Hattie Big Sky. Delacorte. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-385-73313-5; PLB $17.99. ISBN 0-375-90332-4.
Gr 6-8–An orphaned teen is determined to prove up on her late uncle’s homestead claim in Montana. Her down-to-earth, often funny narrative voice captures the pioneer spirit as she grapples with financial hardships, uncooperative animals, and a deadline of 10 months to cultivate 40 acres. (Nov.)
LEVINE, Gail Carson. Fairest. HarperCollins. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-06-073408-6; PLB $17.89. ISBN 0-06-073409-4.
Gr 6 Up–Awkward and unattractive Aza has an amazing voice, and, in a kingdom of singers, is highly admired. When she meets the beautiful but tone-deaf new queen, she is bullied into using her voice to deceive the kingdom. A handsome prince, a gallant gnome, and a kindly king round out this enchanting story. (Sept.)
LEWIS, J. Patrick. Black Cat Bone: The Life of Blues Legend Robert Johnson. illus. by Gary Kelley. Creative Editions. Tr $19.95. ISBN 1-56846-194-1.
Gr 6 Up–This poetic paean to the “Godfather of the Blues” provides bits and snatches of what’s known about the musician’s short life and what’s become legend. Dark, brooding mixed-media images, a prose foreword and endnote, and excerpts of Johnson’s lyrics complete this poignant tribute to the man’s enduring legacy. (Dec.)
LOOK, Lenore. Ruby Lu, Empress of Everything. illus. by Anne Wilsdorf. S & S/Atheneum/Anne Schwartz Bks. RTE $15.95. ISBN 0-689-86460-4.
Gr 1-3–The exuberant second grader befriends her deaf cousin, newly arrived from China, in what turns out to be a mutual learning experience involving sign language, vegetables, summer school, and friendship. A nifty chapter book about an earnest, if slightly misguided, heroine. (July)
LUPTON, Hugh & Daniel Morden. The Adventures of Odysseus. illus. by Christina Balit. Barefoot. Tr $19.99. ISBN 1-84148-800-3.
Gr 3-7–A fluid text and sumptuous artwork capture the drama of the hero’s journey and the many trials he faces on the way. This is a handsome and evocative introduction to the classic tale. (Nov.)
LYGA, Barry. The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl. Houghton. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-618-72392-7.
Gr 9 Up–A love of comics and an active disdain for everyone else in their high school unites two troubled teens. An irreverent and poignant portrayal of a tentative but invaluable friendship, the creative process, and the power of art to save lives. (Nov.)
MCCARTHY, Meghan. Aliens Are Coming!: The True Account of the 1938 War of the Worlds Radio Broadcast. illus. by author. Knopf. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-375-83518-0; PLB $18.99. ISBN 0-375-93518-5.
Gr 3-6–This delightfully wacky combination of radio play and broadcasting history tells the story of the widely believed invasion of the East coast by extraterrestrials. Broad painterly strokes in shades of black and white set the stage, and the scripted scenes burst into vivid color. (Apr.)
MCLEOD, Bob. SuperHero ABC. illus. by author. HarperCollins. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-074514-2; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-074515-0.
K-Gr 2–From Astro-Man to the Zinger, McLeod presents a lustrous lineup of caped crusaders and their amazing alphabet-inspired abilities. Alliteration abounds as the staccato text describes heroic high jinks, and the comic-book-style artwork explodes with nonstop action and hilarious hyperbole. (Feb.)
MARCUS, Leonard S., ed. & comp. The Wand in the Word: Conversations with Writers of Fantasy. Candlewick. RTE $19.99. ISBN 0-7636-2625-2.
Gr 5 Up–In spellbinding interviews with 13 word wizards, Marcus draws out sometimes- humorous, sometimes-harrowing childhood anecdotes, traces myriad influences and inspirations, and extracts gems of wisdom about the genre. An incisive and insightful fantasy primer. (May)
MONTGOMERY, Sy. Quest for the Tree Kangaroo: An Expedition to the Cloud Forest of New Guinea. photos. by Nic Bishop. Houghton. Tr $18. ISBN 0-618-49641-6.
Gr 4-9–With thrilling immediacy, readers are taken high into the cloud forest to search for these rare and elusive creatures. The nuts and bolts of the expedition, scientific information gathering, and the flora and fauna of the remote locale are detailed in the lucid text and dramatically presented photographs. (Dec.)
MORRISON, Taylor. Wildfire. illus. by author. Houghton/Walter Lorraine Bks. Tr $17. ISBN 0-618-50900-3.
Gr 4-8–An illuminating look at a ferocious force of nature, its fundamental role in the forest ecosystem, and the courageous individuals who battle blazes. Morrison takes readers into the smoldering danger with quotes from the fire line and informative, incandescent paintings. (May)
MURDOCK, Catherine Gilbert. Dairy Queen. Houghton. Tr $16. ISBN 0-618-68307-0.
Gr 7-10–When an athletic farm girl is roped into training her rival high school’s quarterback, she is totally turned off by this seemingly pompous rich kid. By the time the final whistle sounds, though, she has learned a lot from him about herself, her family, and her peers. Witty, wise, and totally engaging. (Apr.)
PATENT, Dorothy Hinshaw. The Buffalo and the Indians: A Shared Destiny. illus. by William Muñoz. Clarion. Tr $18. ISBN 0-618-48570-8.
Gr 4-8–This fascinating and copiously illustrated history makes it clear that the white man’s attempt to eradicate the buffalo became a way to eliminate the Indian, whose existence and fate were entwined with that of this majestic creature. (Aug.)
PENNYPACKER, Sara. Clementine. illus. by Marla Frazee. Hyperion. RTE $14.99. ISBN 0-7868-3882-5.
Gr 2-4–Clementine’s “spectacularful” ideas and boundless energy consistently land her in trouble, but this creative and enthusiastic eight-year-old always manages to rise above her problems. With childlike acuity and vivacious drawings, this cheery chapter book introduces an irrepressible and irresistible heroine. (Oct.)
PINKNEY, Jerry. The Little Red Hen. illus. by author. Dial. RTE $16.99. ISBN 0-8037-2935-9.
PreS-Gr 4–Tongue-tingling language, snappy artwork, and a lightly delivered moral make this sunny rendition of a folktale favorite a read-aloud charmer. Summer-hued paintings portray the feathered heroine and her indolent barnyard neighbors with realism and sparkling personality. (May)
PITZER, Susanna. Not Afraid of Dogs. illus. by Larry Day. Walker. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-8027-8067-9; RTE $17.85. ISBN 0-8027-8068-7. LC 2005027500.
PreS-Gr 3–Daniel insists that he isn’t afraid of dogs–he just doesn’t like them–but readers will realize the truth immediately. It’s only when his aunt’s frightened pup needs him during a terrifying thunderstorm that he has a change of heart. A winsomely illustrated, true-to-life delight. (July)
RAMPERSAD, Arnold & David Roessel, eds. Langston Hughes. illus. by Benny Andrews. Sterling. PLB $14.95. ISBN 1-4027-1845-4.
Gr 4 Up–An overview of the poet’s life and his writing introduces this collection of 26 poems, each of which is accompanied by an animated folk-art illustration. The colorful mix of striking verbal and visual images reinforces the poet’s place in the pantheon of distinctive American voices. (May)
REEVE, Philip. Larklight: A Rousing Tale of Dauntless Pluck in the Farthest Reaches of Space. illus. by David Wyatt. Bloomsbury. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-59990-020-3.
Gr 6-10–When their home is taken over by elephant-sized white spiders, siblings Art and Myrtle embark on a wild sci-fi pirate adventure. An outrageous, clever story about a house that roams through space, delivered with a light touch but layered with Victorian sensibility and social commentary on the acceptance of diversity. (Nov.)
ROY, Jennifer. Yellow Star. Marshall Cavendish. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-7614-5277-X.
Gr 5-9–Syvia was four when the Nazis invaded Poland, and this powerful free-verse narrative follows her through the war years, spent with her family in the Lodz ghetto. She endured mind-numbing stretches of time in hiding, lived with hunger and fear, and survived only through luck and her parents’ cunning. (July)
SHUSTERMAN, Neal. Everlost. S & S. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-689-87237-2.
Gr 8 Up–A series of accidents has thrown two teens together in Everlost, a limbolike world filled with places and things that no longer exist. They meet Mary Hightower, a guru for lost kids who reside in Manhattan’s Twin Towers, and try to make sense of what being an Afterlight is all about. The existential musings are blended into an exciting, wildly imagined adventure full of pirates, airships, and high-diving horses. (Oct.)
SIEGEL, Siena Cherson. To Dance: A Ballerina’s Graphic Novel. illus. by Mark Siegel. S & S/Atheneum/Richard Jackson Bks. RTE $17.95. ISBN 0-689-86747-6; pap. $9.99. ISBN 1-4169-2687-9.
Gr 4-7–This is a first-rate personal narrative about the childhood pursuit of an all-consuming passion, the realities of life at the barre, and the excitement of dancing professionally until age 18. The dynamic art is a perfect partner to the fluid and graceful story. (Nov.)
SÍS, Peter. Play, Mozart, Play! illus. by author. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-06-112181-9; PLB $17.89. ISBN 0-06-112182-7.
K-Gr 2–With the slightest of texts and boldly imaginative black-line and watercolor illustrations rendered in a variety of perspectives, Sís playfully introduces one of the music world’s most well-known child prodigies. (May)
SMEE, Nicola. Clip-Clop. illus. by author. Boxer Bks., dist. by Sterling. Tr $18.95. ISBN 1-905417-09-8.
PreS–A good-natured Mr. Horse heeds the call of his riders as Cat, Dog, Pig, and Duck urge him to pick up speed, and the inevitable but harmless spill is followed by cries of “Again!” The spare, repetitive text and playful watercolors make this perfect preschool fare. (June)
SMITH, Lane. John, Paul, George & Ben. illus. by author. Hyperion. RTE $16.99. ISBN 0-7868-4893-6.
Gr 2-5–In this entertaining romp through American history, Smith shamelessly fuses fact and fabrication to concoct boyhood tidbits about the Founding Fathers that comically exemplify their most famous attributes. Gleeful pen-and-ink and collage artwork evokes the era and shows the lads’ outlandish antics. (Mar.)
STANLEY, Diane. Bella at Midnight. illus. by Bagram Ibatoulline. HarperCollins. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-077573-4; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-077574-2.
Gr 5-8–A girl supposedly of lowly birth uses her powers to change the destiny of the kingdom and save the prince sheloves. Treachery, romance, and magic all blend harmoniously in this rousing modern fairy tale. (Mar.)
STEVENSON, Robert Louis. The Moon. illus. by Tracey Campbell Pearson. Farrar. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-35046-9.
PreS-K–Luminous paintings twinkle with nocturnal wonders and familial affection as a father and son take a boat trip to explore nighttime mysteries before returning home to snuggle into bed. Pearson’s whimsical visual narrative elucidates and enhances Stevenson’s 19th-century poem. (Sept.)
STURTEVANT, Katherine. A True and Faithful Narrative. Farrar. Tr $17. ISBN 0-374-37809-6.
Gr 7 Up–Defying 17th-century conventions (and her father’s wishes), Meg is determined to become an author, so when a would-be suitor returns to London after surviving a harrowing ordeal, she secretly agrees to write his story and soon finds herself reconsidering the truth found in words–and in her heart. A richly imagined tale with an unforgettable teenage heroine. (May)
TODD, Mark & Esther Pearl Watson. Whatcha Mean, What’s a Zine?: The Art of Making Zines and Mini-Comics. illus. by authors. Houghton/Graphia. pap. $12.99. ISBN 0-618-56315-6.
Gr 6 Up–With their roots in the chapbook and pamphlet, these independent handmade publications retain a decidedly fresh, witty, and often irreverent spirit. The authors take would-be zinesters through the creation process, providing lots of examples and tips, and a look at what the artform is all about. (Aug.)
TURNER, Megan Whalen. The King of Attolia. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-06-083577-X; PLB $17.89. ISBN 0-06-083578-8.
Gr 7 Up–In a slick political and personal maneuver, the former Thief of Eddis has married the Queen of Attolia and must convince her court and her countrymen that he is a competent and caring ruler. This rich and multilayered novel, the third about Eugenides, is told with verve, and will create legions of fans for the newly minted and largely misunderstood monarch. (Feb.)
VAN LEEUWEN, Jean. Benny & Beautiful Baby Delilah. illus. by LeUyen Pham. Dial. RTE $16.99. ISBN 0-8037-2891-3.
PreS-K–When Benny’s new sister gets all the attention, he feels rejected and angry, but she finally wins her way into his heart. On-target dialogue and realistic emotions of a no-longer-only, paired with very funny illustrations of doting relatives and an out-of-sorts protagonist, make this one a standout. (Mar.)
WALKER, Paul Robert. Remember Little Bighorn: Indians, Soldiers, and Scouts Tell Their Stories. National Geographic. Tr $17.95. ISBN 0-7922-5521-6; PLB $27.90. ISBN 0-7922-5522-4.
Gr 4-8–Though they could claim victory over the U.S. government, this 1876 battle marked the end of a way of life for Native Americans. Walker’s outstanding, meticulously researched account of the historic two-day confrontation is accompanied by superb period photos and drawings and crystal-clear maps of the site. (Oct.)
WEATHERFORD, Carole Boston. Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom. illus. by Kadir Nelson. Hyperion/Jump at the Sun. RTE $15.99. ISBN 0-7868-5175-9.
Gr 2-5–As she flees north, Harriet’s prayers for strength and reassurance are answered by the resounding voice of God, who inspires her, comforts her, and never leaves her side. Illustrated with breathtakingly realistic, emotion-packed paintings, this lyrically told story proclaims Tubman’s determination, spirituality, and rock-solid faith. (Oct.)
WERLIN, Nancy. The Rules of Survival. Dial. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-8037-3001-2.
Gr 9 Up–Matt and his younger sisters are terrorized by their mother’s volatile temperament while the other adults in their lives look the other way–until a sympathetic stranger becomes the impetus for change. Terse, tense, and terrifying, this psychological drama shows how one victim of abuse comes to terms with his childhood. (Sept.)
WIESNER, David. Flotsam. illus. by author. Clarion. RTE $17. ISBN 0-618-19457-6.
K-Gr 4–When a curious boy discovers an old-fashioned camera that has washed ashore, little does he suspect the wonders that it holds. Told with knockout illustrations and unsurpassed inventiveness, this wordless tale reveals how deeply mysterious and mutually connected are our lives. (Sept.)
WINTER, Jonah. Dizzy. illus. by Sean Qualls. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine Bks. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-439-50737-5.
Gr 3-8–From abused child to genius jazzman, this biography of the bebop trumpeter harmonizes rhyming text in varying fonts with dynamic mixed-media art for a rousing portrayal of the musician’s life, personality, and work. “Cooooooool.” (Oct.)
WOLF, Allan. Immersed in Verse: An Informative, Slightly Irreverent & Totally Tremendous Guide to Living the Poet’s Life. illus. by Tuesday Mourning. Sterling/Lark. PLB $14.95. ISBN 1-57990-628-1.
Gr 6 Up–Wolf implores novice poets to pay attention to the sights, sensations, and situations around them and to transform what they notice into pithy observations. The chatty text and colorful cartoon art mesh to create a spirited and enticing guide for budding wordsmiths. (June)
YANG, Gene Luen. American Born Chinese. illus. by author. Roaring Brook/First Second. pap. $18.95. ISBN 1-59643-152-0. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7 Up–This heartfelt coming-of-age story, illlustrated with crisp cartoon panels, blends traditional Chinese fables and legends with modern humor and school yard dynamics. An engaging graphic novel that addresses issues of racism, sterotyping, and spirituality.
YORINKS, Arthur. Mommy? paper engineering by Matthew Reinhart. illus. by Maurice Sendak. Scholastic/Michael di Capua Bks. Tr $24.95. ISBN 0-439-88050-5.
K-Gr 4–A sweet-faced tyke toddles into a haunted house, meets menacing monsters, and conquers each one with a playful prank–before locating his sought-after parent (Frankenstein’s bride). A three-dimensional thriller with frightfully funny illustrations and an imperturbable, and absolutely lovable, protagonist. (Sept.)
ZUSAK, Markus. The Book Thief. Knopf. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-375-83100-2; PLB $18.99. ISBN 0-375-93100-7.
Gr 9 Up–Death narrates this brilliantly conceived, vividly realized World War II-era novel set in a small German town. He closely follows the plight of one child raised by foster parents through the rise of the Nazi regime and the horrors of the war that follows, and details the solace and redemption that the girl finds in the books that she comes to possess. (Mar.)
Best Adult books for High School Students
This year’s list of Best Adult Books for High School Students was selected through the joint efforts of reviewers who worked with Jackie Gropman and Susan Woodcock for many years when the column was centered in Fairfax, VA, and the group now working with me in Berkeley, CA. Both groups have examined the year’s reviewed books looking for the best in terms of literary style, fine characterization, well-told truths, and unusual insights that will engage teen readers. This year’s list is dedicated to the memory of Susan Woodcock.–Francisca Goldsmith
Blackwell, Unita. Barefootin’: Life Lessons on the Road to Freedom. Crown. Tr $23. ISBN 0-609-61060-0.
Blackwell, the granddaughter of a murdered farm worker, grew up to be the first black woman mayor in the state of Mississippi. This Civil Rights veteran shows how personal responsibility must be accompanied by social support for an individual to become successful. (Sept.)
Cook, K. L. The Girl from Charnelle: A Novel. Morrow. Tr $24.95. ISBN 0-06-082965-6.
The affair between a 16-year-old girl and her father’s poker buddy in a small Texas town, in 1960, is filled with suspense, tragedy, and heartache. An unforgettable coming-of-age story. (June)
Cotterill, Colin. Disco for the Departed. Soho. Tr $23. ISBN 1-56947-428-1.
A Laotian coroner, who is also a spirit host, investigates a possible crime scene at the presidential compound in a remote province while his lab assistant, a capable worker with Down syndrome, sets off on a harrowing journey in order to keep his word to the doctor. This seamless story offers an engrossing mystery, a bit of mysticism,and unusually well-rendered and engaging characters.(Sept.)
Dornstein, Ken. The Boy Who Fell Out of the Sky: A True Story. Random. Tr $23.95. ISBN 0-375-50359-5.
Seventeen years after his older brother, David, died in the airline bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland, Dornstein turns to David’s notebooks as a resource to draw out a life lost young and unexpectedly. Both brothers demonstrate skill and warmth as artists of the written word. (July)
Grenville, Kate. The Secret River. Canongate. Tr $24. ISBN 1-84195-797-6.
Sentenced to servitude in Australia after being convicted of theft in 19th-century England, a young man eventually gains his freedom and becomes a homesteader. Unwillingly, he is drawn into an increasingly violent clash between British and Aborigine cultures. (Oct.)
Hager, Thomas. The Demon under the Microscope: From Battlefield Hospitals to Nazi Labs, One Doctor’s Heroic Search for the World’s First Miracle Drug. Harmony. Tr $24.95. ISBN 1-4000-8213-7.
This fascinating account shows how the discovery and early uses of sulfa drugs dramatically changed the treatment of wartime wounded, and informed the protocols by which modern drug testing is undertaken. Military and medical history are melded into a singular narrative. (Nov.)
Jacobson, Sid & Ernie Colón. The 9/11 Report: A Graphic Adaptation. illus. by authors. Hill & Wang. Tr $30. ISBN 0-8090-5738-7; pap. $16.95. ISBN 0-8090-5739-5.
Interpreting the official report from the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States in graphic-novel format provides a wide range of readers with the opportunity to understand and consider the Commission’s findings. (Dec.)
Karpyshyn, Drew. Path of Destruction: A Novel of the Old Republic. Del Rey. Tr $25.95. ISBN 0-345-47736-7.
Yoda’s Rule of Two—master and apprentice—is provided with a satisfying history for Star Wars fans. For readers who aren’t as familiar with this universe, Karpyshyn offers an excellent introduction through its backstory for the important character of Darth Bane. (Nov.)
Kashua, Sayed. Let It Be Morning. tr. from Hebrew by Miriam Shlesinger. Black Cat. pap. $13. ISBN 0-8021-7021-8.
Arab-Israelis caught between political affiliations are honestly and compellingly represented in this fast-paced story about a young journalist and family man who returns to his small village after years in Tel Aviv. (Sept.)
McKillip, Patricia A. Harrowing the Dragon. Ace. 2005. Tr $23.95. ISBN 0-441-01360-0.
Elegant, often humorous, prose explores the nature of love, friendship, wisdom, and change in these 15 tales of science fiction and magic, and clever retellings of familiar fairy tales. (Mar.)
Marston, Edward. The Princess of Denmark: An Elizabethan Theater Mystery Featuring Nicholas Bracewell. Minotaur. Tr $24.95. ISBN 0-312-35618-8.
Told from the viewpoint of the book holder in an Elizabethan acting troupe, this story moves swiftly and credibly as the actors are caught in a plot of murder, love, and deception. (Nov.)
Min, Katherine. Secondhand World. Knopf. Tr $23. ISBN 0-307-26344-4.
An insightful and engaging Korean American high school student struggles with her perceptions of herself, her parents’ seeming rejection of her as an individual, and the increasing expectations made of her by another outsider, an albino boy. (Oct.)
Miró. Asha. Daughter of the Ganges: A Memoir. Atria. Tr $24. ISBN 0-7432-8672-3.
Adopted from an Indian orphanage by Spanish parents, the author visited her birth country as a teenager and later returned to make a documentary film as she sought any evidence of her roots. Crossing cultures and choices of media with which to investigate her past, Miró offers considerable insight on how adoption affects one’s sense of identity. (Nov.)
Mitchell, David. Black Swan Green. Random. Tr $23.95. ISBN 1-4000-6379-5.
Teens are sure to recognize someone they know in the character of the 13-year-old who battles his stammer, navigates the social hierarchy of his schoolmates, and watches the slow disintegration of his parents’ marriage. Anachingly credible, month-by-month account of growing up in a small English town in 1982. (July)
O, Seyeong. Buja’s Diary. tr. from Korean by Moon-ok Lee & Nicholas Devernay. NBM. 2005. pap. $19.95. ISBN 1-56163-448-4.
Thirteen short stories by a master of manhwa (comics) offer an excellent introduction to O’s various black-and-white art styles as well as insight into contemporary Korea’s culture and history. (Mar.)
Rall, Ted. Silk Road to Ruin: Is Central Asia the New Middle East? NBM. Tr $22.95. ISBN 1-56163-454-9.
Cartoon journalist Rall explored the former USSR states up close and with daring personal encounters. His narrative report is incisive, insightful, and complete with graphic novella asides. (Dec.)
Roberts, Jason. A Sense of the World: How a Blind Man Became History’s Greatest Traveler. HarperCollins. Tr $26.95. ISBN 0-00-716106-9.
Blind since the age of 25, James Holman became a well-recognized and admired figure of the early 19th century. His inspiring story of personal accomplishment and unusual (for the time) interest in cultural exploration fell into obscurity until Roberts rediscovered Holman’s journals, by serendipity, more than 150 years later. (Sept.)
Robinson, Kim Stanley. Fifty Degrees Below. Bantam. 2005. Tr $25. ISBN 0-553-80312-3.
In the throes of a deadly, intense climate shift, scientists, governmental agencies, and large corporations all play a role in trying to avert a global disaster. Second in an exciting futuristic trilogy, this captivating eco-adventure may serve many readers as a wake-up call to the serious strains that we put on Earth. (Mar.)
Safina, Carl. Voyage of the Turtle: In Pursuit of the Earth’s Last Dinosaur. Holt. Tr $27.50. ISBN 0-8050-7891-6.
Safina lovingly portrays the migrations, needs, and challenges to the continued presence of Leatherback, Green, and Loggerhead turtles that inhabit both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. (Nov.)
Verne, Jules. The Meteor Hunt: The First English Translation of Verne’s Original Manuscript. tr. from French by Frederick Paul Walter & Walter James Miller. Univ. of Nebraska. Tr $29.95. ISBN 0-8032-4677-3; pap. $15.95. ISBN 0-8032-9634-7.
This newly recovered and restored manuscript by the 19th-century French science-fiction novelist feels fresh and contemporary. Two rival astronomers make the discovery that a giant meteor is hurtling toward us—and it is composed of gold! (Dec.)
Webb, Linda. Beatles Art: Fantastic New Artwork of the Fab Four. Boxigami. pap. $29.95. ISBN 0-9754176-2-2.
With 150 pieces of art by 100 artists inspired by the work and lives of these ever-popular musicians, this volume will inspire teens just beginning to discover the scope and influence of the group and its individual members. (Sept.)
Wilson, Christopher. Cotton. Harcourt. 2005. Tr $24. ISBN 0-15-101123-0.
This imaginative tragicomedy in which one individual experiences life as a black boy, a white man, a white woman, and a black woman in the space of 30 years challenges readers to examine what truly defines our humanity. (Feb.)
Zoellner, Tom. The Heartless Stone: A Journey through the World of Diamonds, Deceit, and Desire. St. Martin’s. Tr $24.95. ISBN 0-312-33969-0.
The grim reality of the politically charged labor, fanciful marketing, and secretive industry established by diamond merchants and myths that they propagated are presented in this warts-and-all exposé that will attract teens in search of honesty over romantic hype. (Sept.)
