Review: See How They Run: Campaign Dreams, Election Schemes, and the Race to the White House

For a hilarious yet informative book all about elections, I vote for the entertaining See How They Run: Campaign Dreams, Election Schemes, and the Race to the White House. It's chockful of eye-opening tidbits, including scandals, animals (and I'm not talking humans) elected to official offices, presidential quirks . . .and how kids can get involved in the voting process.

Book Review: Peeled

Hildy Biddle and the staff of her high school newspaper are investigating the ghostly activity at the Ludlow House. Are there really ghosts? Is there something sinister afoot? What is threatening the serenity of Banesville, New York, the Happiest Town in the Happy Apple Valley? This fun story has all the elements of a great book-mystery, intrigue, romance, ghosts, down home fun. Once you pick up Peeled, you won't put it down, unless you're in the mood for a snack. An Apple, of course.

Book Review: After Tupac & D Foster

For two years, Neeka, her friend, and D Foster are inseparable. D arrives mysteriously and leaves the same way. But for those two years, they are Three the Hard Way, best friends. While they all love Tupac Shakur, it is D who really relates to his lyrics, who feels that he knows her life. After Tupac & D Foster is a wonderful, lyrical story of three eleven-year-olds growing up and dealing with the world around them. Don't miss it.

Pandora Gets Jealous by Carolyn Hennesy

Fresh out of the box comes a fun new series of books by Carolyn Hennesy called Mythic Miss-Adventures. Aimed at tween readers, the books retell the Greek myth of Pandora's Box in a humorous way, utilizing fairly contemporary language while retaining the original setting of Ancient Greece and populating the story with gods and mortals.

As the legend goes, Pandora carried a box which contained the seven evils of mankind: envy, vanity, lying, greed, slander, pining, and hope. In the first book, Pandora Gets Jealous, a teenaged Pandora brings the ill-fated box to school for a project. After a popular classmate accidentally opens the box, Pandora meets the gods, accepts the blame, and heads out on her quest. Read my full review.

Related Booklist: It's All Greek to Me

Lobster Press books go half off

Got this in email, thought you guys might be interested:

Hello from Lobster Press, Montreal's award-winning publisher of quality book for children, tweens, and teens. We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand new website, and to celebrate (for a limited time) our books are half-off when ordered on www.lobsterpress.com!

Book Review: The Titan's Curse

It's another action packed adventure with Percy Jackson. In this third installment of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, The Titan's Curse, Percy, Grover and Thalia, along with Zoe, a Huntress must find Artemis, the Goddess of Hunting in four days so she can attend the Council of the Gods. It is imperative order to stop the re-emergence of Kronos, who is going to try and overthrow the Gods. You will be riveted to your seat as you read this.

Review: THE PENDERWICKS ON GARDAM STREET by Jeanne Birdsall

The Penderwicks on Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall can't be bound by age. It's a great read for ages eight to eighty.

So what is it about these Penderwicks, anyway? Why all the fuss and the National Book Award? Find out here!

Review: Down to the Bone

When Sister Asuncion reads Marlena's unsigned love letter to Laura out loud to the class, it sets off a chain reaction. Laura is expelled from school and kicked out of the house because Mami considers her a degenerate. But that is not the end of Laura's troubles. Marlena is forced to move back to Puerto Rico and live with her parents because her brother discovered her diary with entries about Laura. Down to the Bone by Mayra Lazara Dole beautifully recounts Laura's journey to self discovery. It is a heart warming story, full of colorful characters and true friends. Don't miss it.

Review: On the Go with Mr. and Mrs. Green

A pair of affectionate alligators star in the charmingly hilarious and big-hearted early reader chapter book, On the Go with Mr. and Mrs. Green. And the fabulous news is that it's one book in a series!

Fly by Night

Frances Hardinge's first book, Fly by Night, is truly a wonderful delight. If you're anything like me, you'll fall in love with Mosca, a 12 year-old orphan with attitude, and her pet goose Saracen, who can best be described as being a homicidal maniac (except when it comes to Mosca, of course).

Audrey, Wait! Cool Contest

Got this in from Penguin today:

Check out an Audrey, Wait! contest on Votigo (http://www.votigo.com/audreywait/) where readers can submit their own lyrics and video performance. The prize is awesome: a $1000 American Express gift card and $250 Best Buy gift card!!

Review: Tin Lizzie

The adorable picture book Tin Lizzie is an enjoyable tale about a grandfather fixing up his Model T Ford in order to take his grandkids for a ride. It also introduces young readers to the true-life problem of a world over-run by too many cars -- which makes it a doubly satisfying read.

The Winners of the Audrey, Wait! Giveaway

The entrants to the Audrey, Wait! Giveaway had to do the following:

Make up a song about your current flame OR an ex-flame OR your secret crush.

The winners, in no particular order, are:

Rosane Goerl
Angie
Meredith Foster
Geena Chau
Chelsea
Tiffany McFarlane
Jeanette
Alissa Neumayer
Ia
Sharon Jones
Ilissa
Jennifer Rembold
Jasmine Budd
Linda Ludke
Jennifer Richard

If you are one of the winners (you should have an email in your inbox), all you need to do now is email me at kim@yabookscentral.com with your email address, full name, and address. If you are under 13, I'll also need an email from your parent or guardian stating it is okay for you to accept the prize.

Given that these were songs and there were 15 winners, there really isn't space to print them all. But here's a favorite entry or two:

Rosane Goerl:
For You
One day I saw you, standing all alone,
Thought I would be able to talk to you.
Once I got the courage, it was way too late, She came up and took your breathe away.
(Chorus)
One wish, one hope, one jealous sigh
One boy, two girls, one love
Too many times I saw you standing there, Never once did I live up to my dare.
To be alone is the worst thing in the world, When I saw you my toes would always curled, I had a chance, but never spoke a word, I wish my silent voice could have been heard!
(Chorus)
I hope that she is everything you want,
She's tall and slim, and has hair of blonde, I can't help realize That I might be the right--one For you....
(Chorus)
This is for you!
The only one my heart knew!
This one is for you,
For you...

Geena Chau:
Flaming Hot
It was burning, burning.
The fumes in the air and it was so
Hot,hot, hot.
There was nothing that mattered,
and I could not care!
Oh yeah, hate and love it.
Tears dripping down
My face with anger and grief.
I had to get over it.
Get over it,
I said.
The air started clearing,
Up, up, up.
I got over it.
The fire inside me went away and a
New sensation hit.

Chelsea:
You where my crush, my one and only.
Then you cut out my heart and...CRUSHED IT!
What was I suppose to do...say I'm sorry, when I'm really not.
I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry...but I'm really NOT!
All I know is that I loved you once, but never again, never again, never again...

Winners of The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks Giveaway

The entrants to The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks giveaway had to answer the following:

What's the craziest prank you've ever pulled? (And if the answer is "none," what prank do you wish you had the guts to pull off?)

The winners, in no particular order, are:

Dana Kidle : Well, one day my older sister and her boyfriend were sunning themselves in our backyard. When they wern't looking I switched their bottle of suntan lotion with another one that had been used up. Only it wasn't empty. I half-filled it with mayonaise. It took them a little bit to figure out that what they were rubbing on their skin wasn't suntan lotion. I got in trouble, but it was worth it to make my sis smell like a sandwich! LOL

Alexis: I have never pulled any really big pranks but i like to scare my family members randomly. One time after we first moved in, my mom was standing looking into the refrigerator. i was standing behind the door and I was ready to scare her. She closed the door and I yelled boo and she was freaked out and screamed. To this day she always says she is going to get me back, but hasnt yet.

Abigail Caulder: I haven't really pulled off too many pranks in my life, mostly because I'm too chicken to really pull anything big off, but this recent April Fools Day I got a huge group of my friends by making a Myspace bulletin saying I was playing a scratch off and won $50,000. Everyone was like "OMG!!!1!!!!1111" and flipping out and then I was like "By the way Happy April Fools Day". I don't know I thought it was pretty funny.

Megan: Once I was pretending to trip while carrying a tray of food back to my table. Instead of fake tripping I actually tripped on a crack and spilled the food and drink on my friend sitting there. This was not a planned prank.

Joseph Halpern: I've never pulled off a prank although other people have pranked me but I've always wanted to put a bucket of water on top of a door and when someone opens the door it falls on them I figure that would be pretty funny and it's a classic

Liviania Smith: I, unfortunately, could never pull off a prank. I greatly admire the students at Rice University who successfully flipped a statue! I live in the "Honors Quad" of my University. There is a statue of Diana in the center that many people prank. I would like to tie balloons to her bow, but I am too bashful - I could never do it if someone saw me! Unfortunately, people are always in the Quad.

ELLSABETH POWELL: one time at this slumber party i was at me and my friends decided to break into our friends parents bank vault and steal all their money to see if they would notice. long story short i ended up with all the money at my house and the cops were like did you steal the money and i was like no and every one said it was me so we had another sleep over and i returned the money but when we went to return the money my friend screamed at the cop that was gaurding the vault and they chanced us down two flights of stairs in our night gowns all the way out side we had to run to my house and hide it was like two miles it was so much fun then we got to go back when the money was returned and no one knew it was us.

Alissa Neumayer: Honestly, if I could pull off any prank in the world, I would (somehow)convince my ex-husband that I won or inherited millions of dollars. The thought of not being entitled to the money, but the fact that he could have been, would kill him! It would take some real work, though. It wouldn't be easy to look like a millionare on a librarian's salary!

Gretsher Risatti: I never used to be a prankster but when I got married I totally changed. I love seeing my husband smile or get mad and then smile. Ha, ha. The first prank I pulled after we got married is probably really well known but it was hilarious

Every morning before my husband leaves for work he takes a shower and if I'm awake enough, i'll go into the bathroom and talk to him as he takes his shower. So one morning I brought a bucket with me into the bathroom filled with cold water. He's a video game nerd, so in the middle of his shower while telling an "exciting" story of how he got his latest achievement, I poured the cold water on top of him. So into his own story he didn't move for a second just kept talking. All of sudden he threw himself against the wall of the shower thinking the coldness was coming from the shower head. My laughing gave me away though. He doesn't turn his back towards me in the shower any more, since I pulled this a couple of times.

A recent prank I pulled, I usually stay up longer than my husband so I wrote Loser across his forehead and made little girly symbols on his cheeks (hearts, flowers, bows, etc.)....with permanent marker. The next morning he only got to lighten them a little, so he had to go like work like that. He's a laborer and there's no dress code so he was fine but since he works with really beefy, manly guys he was made fun of all day. When he came home he was pretty mad, he had a bad day....hee hee. I personally think he liked the attention. ;)

Holly: Wow, the craziest? Probably the senior prank. We went throughout the school and TPed everything and painted on the walls. It was at night and no one knew we did it until the next morning. It was great!

If you're one of the winners, email me at kim@yabookscentral.com with your full name and address. If you are under 13, I'll also need an email from your parent or guardian stating it is okay for you to accept the prize. Thanks!

Review: OH.MY.GODS. by Tera Lynn Childs

Oh. My. Gods. is a book to watch for on your next trip to the bookstore.

Phoebe Castro has always had it easy, but all that is about to change!

Review: LADY LIBERTY: A Biography, written by Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by Matt Tavares

Lady Liberty: A Biography gives a behind-the-scenes look at the international creation of the icon.

School librarians and lovers of beautiful picture books, take note!

Reivew: The Comeback Season

It's April 2008 and the Chicago Cubs haven't won a World Series for 100 years. It's also been five years since Ryan Walsh's father died in a white water rafting accident. She and her dad were avid Cubs fans. So, Ryan decides to cut classes and see a game. It is there that she meets Nick, a new student at school. They hit it off instantly and become inseparable...inseparable until the end of the semester when Nick tells her that he won't be seeing her during the summer. However, he won't tell her why. It will be through Nick that Ryan learns about life and love and family and hope. The Comeback Season is one of the season's best books. Don't miss it.

Review of Kathy Henderson's Look at You!

I loved Look At You! A Baby Body Book by Kathy Henderson, illustrated by Paul Howard. I think you'll love it too!

Meet the Ballet Sisters

I've got two upcoming reviews for Jan Ormerod's Ballet Sisters early reader series. The Duckling and the Swan and The Newest Dancer. Both are wonderfully delightful and highly recommended.

Shipment Notice: 5/12/08

The following prize books were mailed out today:

Sinera Sakayushi >> A Series of Unfortunate Events: The End
Lauren Becker >> Blood Brothers
Stephanie Armstrong >> Everything Changes
Patrick Morrison >> Fanboy (audio)
Diana Gonzalez >> Fanboy (book)
Link Isda >> Gaia Girls: Enter the Earth
Nadine-Stella Achenjang >> Mr. Touchdown
Denise Tran >> One Hot Second
Rachael Stein >> Princess Ben
Rachael Stein >> Suite Scarlett
Jonathan Ma >> Swan Kingdom
Wendi Cao >> Swan Kingdom
Josselyn Chen >> Swan Kingdom
Hatice Akcay >> Swan Kingdom
Judith Rycar >> Swan Kingdom
Nabila Chatur >> The 13th Reality
Barbara Leatham >> The Best Thing
Carli Campbell >> The Best Thing
Jane Squires >> The Best Thing
Mason Garner >> The Best Thing
Rosanne Morrison >> The Best Thing
Alyna Moosabhoy >> The Hollywood Sisters: Backstage Pass
Lauren Becker >> The Year of My Miraculous Reappearance
Rachael Stein >> Truancy
Tasha Samborski >> The Willoughbys
Taylor Freeman >> The Boy Next Door
Sherry Prasad >> The Boys Next Door
Joan Mitchell >> Titans of Chaos

Review: Double-Click for Trouble

When likeable, good-guy Eddie McCall discovers porn sites, he can't resist them. . .and this lands him in all kinds of trouble, in the enjoyable Double-Click for Trouble.

A Ton of Teen Titles

Hi everyone!

In recent weeks, I've posted many reviews of teen titles, including some new releases and some old favorites:

Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson - Maureen Johnson's sixth novel - and Scholastic debut - is not to be missed. Johnson's trademark wit is here as is her ability to capture simple truths. There are many truths to be told here about families, first loves, careers, living in New York City, and simply growing up. Read the entire review.

Feathered by Laura Kasischke - Feathered tells the story of two best friends who travel to Cancun for Spring Break. After an auspicious start, the unexpected happens, and their dream vacation turns into a nightmare which they can't simply escape by waking - which, perhaps, they cannot escape at all. Read the entire review.

Confessions of a Not It Girl by Melissa Kantor - Kudos to Melissa Kantor for giving us a teen romantic comedy that is both funny and clean. The writing is fresh and modern without relying too heavily on pop culture references, so it will stand the test of time. It will appeal to adults and teenagers alike, as Jan is G-rated enough for the younger set but she is also fumbling and quirky enough for the twentysomethings trying to make their way through. Read the entire review.

The Fortunes of Indigo Skye by Deb Caletti - This book is packed with unique, memorable folks. In Indigo and her family, Deb Caletti has created some of her most down-to-earth characters. This book is about a girl on the cusp of adulthood who actually likes her life and doesn't really want it to change that much. She would rather be poor and happy than wealthy and miserable. Read the entire review.

Wish You Were Here by Catherine Clark - From the author of The Alison Rules comes the story of an atypical family's atypical time on the road. Wish You Were Here by Catherine Clark is a fun trip, so get on the bus, stow your bags, and settle in. Read the entire review.

Enjoy!
~ Little Willow

Review: PERFECT YOU by Elizabeth Scott

Perfect You by Elizabeth Scott, the author of Bloom and the soon-to-be-released Stealing Heaven, has been reviewed by several YABC readers, all of whom have great things to say about it (including a funny observation about the book's cover in Hillary's review) . Lots of room for more reviews, though. Take a peek!

Be sure to post a review if you've read the book, and pick up a copy if you haven't.

Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist

Rachel Cohn & David Levithan make up a great authorial pairing (say that 3 times fast) in Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist. Told in alternating chapters, this is an unconventional romance featuring complicated, interesting teens.

What do YOU think people can do to help end global warming?

Got this from HBGUSA, sounds very cool...

What do YOU think people can do to help end global warming?

Tell the world by creating your own Public Service Announcement! James Patterson’s # 1 bestselling book series Maximum Ride and Do Something are both all about the power of young people to change the world - so show us your ideas. Your video might be good enough for Fall Out Boy.

Click HERE for the official rules.

The winner with the best PSA will receive: A chance to appear in a PSA professionally produced by Do Something FEATURING Fall Out Boy A trip for 2 to NY or LA Your PSA aired nationwide A $500 grant to DO SOMETHING in your own community

Not sure what you can do to help the environment? Check out DoSomething.org for some cool ideas.

First she was watched. Then she was threatened. This is her FINAL WARNING.Maximum Ride is a perfectly normal teenager who just happens to be able to fly, the result of an out-of-control genetic experiment. Max and the other members of the flock - five kids who share her remarkable ability - have been asked to aid a group of environmental scientists studying the effects of global warming. The expedition seems like a perfect combination of adventure, activism - and escape from the government forces that are watching the flock all the time. But even in Antarctica, enduring the harshest weather on our planet, Maximum Ride is an irresistible target in constant danger. For whoever controls her powers could also control the world...

DID YOU KNOW?

The U.S. is the world's leader when it comes to global warming - we are responsible for 25% of the worldwide carbon dioxide emissions today. Through various political campaigns and scientific debates, global warming has become a "hot topic" for Americans. With continued global warming, our earth will face detrimental effects including more floods and infectious diseases. Look ahead to the future - instead of waiting for this stuff to happen, why not act now to prevent it? Upload your message encouraging your friends, family, and community to get out there and Do Something about global warming today!

Star Wars: A Pop-Up Guide to the Galaxy

The force is definitely in this one -- Matthew Reinhart's Star Wars: A Pop-Up Guide to the Galaxy is a true collector's item and just plain cool.

Review: As Good as Anybody written by Richard Michelson, illustrated by Raul Colon

As Good as Anybody: Martin Luther King Jr. and Abraham Joshua Heschel's Amazing March Toward Freedom, written by Richard Michelson and illustrated by Raul Colon, is a brilliant and gorgeous picture book. Justice and equality now!

Edward Jenner: Conqueror of Smallpox

A great book for classroom use (or for doing a report), learn all about Edward Jenner: Conqueror of Smallpox from Ana Maria Rodriguez.

ALA Great Web Sites for Kids

Hey! YABC has been selected as one of the ALA's Great Web Sites for Kids! Cool, huh?

Picture Perfect

D. Anne Love's Picture Perfect tells the story of a year in the Trask family -- a year of great change and confusion where things aren't always what they seem (just like life).