The Spring 2007 Book Sense Children's Picks

1. THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET, by Brian Selznick (Scholastic, $22.99, 9780439813785 / 0439813786, Available in March) "The triple talents of Brian Selznick come into full play in this spellbinding mystery, which is presented through both narrative and original drawings. This story of a talented orphan boy, a bookish girl, and an old man with a mysterious past hidden in the early days of filmmaking will hold the reader's interest to its grand finale. This is an imaginative winner, with a special appeal for boys." --Jan Owens, Millrace Books, Farmington, CT

2. UN LUN DUN, by China Mieville (Del Rey, $17.95, 9780345495167 / 0345495160) "Un Lun Dun is where the lost things go: umbrellas blown away in a storm, bicycles left too long chained to a railing, and last year's hip gadgets gathering dust in the basement. Two young girls find their way there in apparent fulfillment of an ancient prophecy. Fortunately, nothing goes as expected, and readers are treated to a much more creative, witty, and refreshing adventure because of it. This will be a favorite of teen book clubs, adult fantasy book clubs, and adventurous readers of any age." --Rich Rennicks, Malaprop's Bookstore / Cafe, Asheville, NC

3. THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY, by Trenton Lee Stewart (Little, Brown, $16.99, 9780316057776 / 0316057770, Available in March) "Dozens of gifted kids respond to a mysterious ad in the newspaper and go through several magical tests, but only four prove themselves worthy of the Mysterious Benedict Society -- and become top-secret spies. Stewart's oddball characters and youth-empowering message is worthy of Roald Dahl -- don't miss any of the action!" --Jill Saginario, Powell's Books, Portland, OR

4. WHO'S HIDING?, by Saturo Onishi (Kane / Miller, $14.95, 9781933605241 / 1933605243, Available in March) "Everyone -- not just children -- picks up this book in our store! Readers pick from 18 different, wonderfully drawn animals to answer such questions as 'Who has horns?' and, of course, 'Who's hiding?' What fun to watch kids and their parents read this book." --Mary McHale, Fox Tale Books, New Durham, NH

5. DANCE BY THE LIGHT OF THE MOON, by Joanne Ryder, Guy Francis (Illus.) (Hyperion, $15.99, 9780786818204 / 0786818204) "Guy Francis' colorful and engaging illustrations make this lively picture book a winner! The combination of verse and visuals keeps you on your toes as you dance the night away with Buffalo Flo and friends at Farmer Snow's barnyard party." --Kari Valente, Beach Books, Seaside, OR

6. TAMAR: A Novel of Espionage, Passion, and Betrayal, by Mal Peet (Candlewick, $17.99, 9780763634889 / 0763634883) "Upon her grandfather's death, a teenage girl finds a box he left for her filled with clues and secret codes about his life of espionage during WWII. A thoughtful account of the lives of those in Holland who clandestinely fought the Nazis' overwhelming presence and power, this is a tragic story of love, betrayal, and the madness of war." --Diane Capriola, Little Shop of Stories, Decatur, GA

7. NO MORE PACIFIER, by Ricki Booker, Selena Kassab (Illus.) (Change Is Strange, $12.95, 9780975590232 / 0975590235) "As a grandmother, I only wish this book had been around for the last generation! A great tool for parents of binky babies. Enjoyable and useful." --Linda D. Richardson, Sherlock's Tomes, Pitman, NJ

8. CRACKER!: The Best Dog in Vietnam, by Cynthia Kadohata (Atheneum, $16.99, 9781416906377 / 1416906371) "Newbery Medal-winner Cynthia Kadohata has written a history-rich novel about Vietnam as seen through the eyes of a dog, Cracker, and her handler, Rick. Both need to learn to trust each other, and themselves, to get home safely. Totally engrossing." --Joanne Smith, The Velveteen Rabbit Bookshop, Fort Atkinson, WI

9. LEMONADE MOUTH, by Mark Peter Hughes (Delacorte, $15.99, 9780385733922 / 0385733925, Available in March) "Here's your chance to hear straight from the members of the hit band Lemonade Mouth how the group got its start in high school detention one afternoon. Can a pickup band full of misfits make a difference and save their favorite lemonade vending machine? You may think you're tired of high school transformation books, but Mark Peter Hughes fills this story with creativity and humor." --Rose & Betsy Keith, Troubadour Books, Boulder, CO

10. DUCK AT THE DOOR, by Jackie Urbanovic (HarperCollins, $16.99, 9780061214387 / 0061214388) "When Max the Duck comes knocking on the door, he decides that winter isn't what he thought it would be. The story of animal friendship is endearing and sweet." --Shelly Plumb, Harleysville Books, Harleysville, PA

A GOOD DAY, by Kevin Henkes (Greenwillow, $16.99, 9780061140181 / 006114018X, Available in March) "It's the little things, like little yellow bird's lost tail feather, that are upsetting. But, setbacks don't have to ruin the day -- in fact they can lead to something wonderful. A lovely book, and Kevin Henkes' illustrations have never been better." --Lori Kauffman, Brookline Booksmith, Brookline, MA

I'M NOT GOING OUT THERE!, by Paul Bright, Ben Cort (Illus.) (Good Books, $16, 9781561485352 / 1561485357) "We loved this book about childhood fears. With rhyme and rhythm that is fast and fun, it's one that children will want to read repeatedly. The illustrations are very bright and interesting with loveable characters." --Katie Bobowski, Browsing Bison Books, Deer Lodge, MT

THE VERY BEST BED, by Rebekah Raye (Tilbury House, $16.95, 9780884482840 / 0884482847) "Exquisite watercolor paintings take the reader through the woods and beside the ocean as we follow a squirrel who is looking for a place to sleep. This gentle, progressive story could easily become the 'must-read' for preschoolers going to sleep." --Shirley Mullin, Kids Ink, Indianapolis, IN

AND WHAT COMES AFTER A THOUSAND?, by Anette Bley (Kane / Miller, $15.95, 9781933605272 / 1933605278) "A sad but touching story about love, friendship, and loss that I really liked. A very good book for a child grieving the loss of a pet, friend, or family member." --Matt Knarian, Reading & Rhythm, Bad Axe, MI

EPOSSUMONDAS SAVES THE DAY, by Coleen Salley, Janet Stevens (Illus.) (Harcourt, $16, 9780152057015 / 0152057013) "When a great huge Louisiana snapping turtle threatens Epossumondas' birthday party, quick thinking is necessary. This great title has wonderful read-aloud language, improbable situations, and fanciful illustrations." --Kay Bough, Bay Books, Bay St. Louis, MS

ONE WINTER'S DAY, by M. Christina Butler, Tina Macnaughton (Illus.) (Good Books, $16, 9781561485321 / 1561485322) "After Little Hedgehog loses his home in a terrible storm, he bundles up in his warm hat, scarf, and mittens and heads to Badger's house. But along his journey, he meets several animal friends in need. This is a great book to teach children about the gift of sharing and the great rewards of caring for others." --Jennifer Hardacre, The Bookshop, Venice, FL

PIRATES DON'T CHANGE DIAPERS, by Melinda Long, David Shannon (Illus.) (Harcourt, $16, 9780152053536 / 0152053530, Available in March) "David Shannon and Melinda Long's first collaboration (How I Became a Pirate) was a big hit in our store. Pirate books are still very popular, and their new title is every bit as hilarious and swashbuckling as the first." --Kimberly Diehm, The Neverending Story, Las Vegas, NV

POLO: The Runaway Book, by Regis Faller (Roaring Brook, $16.95, 9781596431898 / 159643189X) "Be prepared to enter into a wordless fantasy world as you open this enchanting book! Polo's new book is snatched away by a strange little creature, with Polo in hot pursuit, through one fanciful dreamscape after another. One of the most imaginative books I've seen in a long time!" --Harvada Elisberg, The Children's Bookshop, Appleton, WI

SLUGS IN LOVE, by Susan Pearson, Kevin O'Malley (Illus.) (Marshall Cavendish, $16.99, 9780761453116 / 0761453113) "What could be more romantic than slugs in love? And this pair is unique in that they pursue each other through slime-written poetry! Kevin O'Malley's art complements the fun text and helps make this a great book." --Janice Card, BYU Bookstore, Provo, UT

WOLF! WOLF!, by John Rocco (Hyperion, $15.99, 9781423100126 / 1423100123, Available in March) "I instantly fell in love with this twisted take on a favorite fairy tale. Ripe with beautiful illustrations, Rocco's account of the boy who cried wolf will have children and parents alike smiling." --Lauren Lanza, Square Books, Oxford, MS

THE ZOO, by Suzy Lee (Kane / Miller, $15.95, 9781933605289 / 1933605286, Available in March) "We're excited to see how our customers will respond to this amazingly illustrated picture book. A visit to the zoo never looked so fun!" --Kimberly Diehm, The Neverending Story, Las Vegas, NV

ATTACK OF THE TURTLE, by Drew Carlson (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, $16, 9780802853080 / 0802853080) "Here is a good historical adventure story I can heartily recommend for boys. Nate is only 14 and doesn't know how he can help the war effort when his cousin David Bushnell recruits him to help with a science project. Before Nate knows it, the success of a Revolutionary War mission rests on his shoulders!" --Keri Holmes, The Kaleidoscope: Our Focus Is You, Hampton, IA

BLADE OF FIRE: The Icemark Chronicles, by Stuart Hill (Chicken House, $18.99, 9780439841221 / 0439841224) "Twenty years have passed, and Queen Thirrin and Oskan must again prepare to defend Icemark. This sequel to the riveting Cry of the Icemark will not disappoint: action, great battles, warriors of every species and gender, flying ships, striped horses, warlocks, witches -- something for everyone!" --Margaret Brennan Neville, The King's English, Salt Lake City, UT

EMMA-JEAN LAZARUS FELL OUT OF A TREE, by Lauren Tarshis (Dial, $16.99, 9780803731646 / 0803731647, Available in March) "Emma-Jean Lazarus believes wholly in the power of logic, but logic has very little to do with the lives of her seventh-grade peers. A chance encounter in the girl's bathroom leads Emma-Jean to believe she can use her powers of reason and deduction to help others, but this means beginning to live in the messy world she has avoided for so long, where outcomes cannot be predicted by equations." --Lori Kauffman, Brookline Booksmith, Brookline, MA

FEATHERS, by Jacqueline Woodson (Putnam, $15.99, 9780399239892 / 0399239898, Available in March) "A delicate examination of the things that make us human, whole, and hopeful, this novel makes the world feel a bit smaller, reducing it to the size of one loving family, one small classroom, and a series of singular moments, each light as a feather." --Alison Morris, Wellesley Booksmith, Wellesley, MA

GREAT ANCIENT EGYPT PROJECTS YOU CAN BUILD YOURSELF, by Carmella Van Vleet (Nomad, $14.95 paper, 9780977129454 / 0977129454) "This is a very cool educational book full of projects that will teach kids, and their parents or teachers. I will be recommending this to my local teachers and homeschooling parents for sure." --Amy Ellis, Front Street Books, Alpine, TX

JUST FOR ELEPHANTS, by Carol Buckley (Tilbury House, $16.95, 9780884482833 / 0884482839) "After working with elephants for many years in zoos and circuses, Carol Buckley, with Scott Blais, created a sanctuary in Tennessee for elephants where they could roam freely and not be asked to perform. Following the journey of one older elephant to the sanctuary, the author explains elephant loyalties, family structure, and habits. A story that highlights the difference two caring individuals can make." --Shirley Mullin, Kids Ink, Indianapolis, IN

MR. CHICKEE'S MESSY MISSION, by Christopher Paul Curtis (Wendy Lamb Books, $15.99, 9780385327756 / 0385327757) "If you read only one kid's book this year make it Mr. Chickee's Messy Mission! Join the Flint Future Detectives -- Steven, Russell, and Richelle -- in another adventure as they search for Rodney Rodent on the 'other side.'" --Rosalind Schumann, Maria's Bookshop, Durango, CO

ON THE WINGS OF HEROES, by Richard Peck (Dial, $16.99, 9780803730816 / 0803730810) "Amid the sacrifices, World War II times weren't all bad for young Davy: There was tricking the trick-or-treaters with his dad, listening to baseball games on the radio, getting his first bicycle (recycled, of course) and, above all, idolizing his older brother, a B-17 pilot. Did I say I love Richard Peck's books? Well, here's another!" --Diana Carroll, Quail Ridge Books, Raleigh,

THE SECRET HISTORY OF TOM TRUEHEART, by Ian Beck (Greenwillow, $16.99, 9780061152108 / 0061152102) "A world within a world and fairy-tale adventures get Tom's six hero brothers into trouble. Only a Trueheart can save them, so it is up to Tom, the last Trueheart son, and his buddy, a talking crow, to rescue these wayward heros. An enchanting and exciting book." --Ellen Perry, Browsing Bison Books, Deer Lodge, MT

SWORDBIRD, by Nancy Yi Fan (HarperCollins, $15.99, 978006113099 / 0061130990) "Nancy Yi Fan introduces us to a bird world of discord, inhabited by warring cardinals and blue jays and accompanied by her own detailed line drawings. The goal is peace and freedom, and the vehicle is courage and friendship. A delightful debut!" --Mary Ann Fraser, Sage Book Store, Shelton, WA

AN UNLIKELY FRIENDSHIP: A Novel of Mary Todd Lincoln and Elizabeth Keckley, by Ann Rinaldi (Harcourt, $17, 9780152055974 / 0152055975) "On the night of Abraham Lincoln's assassination, Mary Todd Lincoln called frantically for her dressmaker and confidant, Lizzie Keckley. In spite of their different backgrounds, these women -- who had both endured painful tragedies -- became the closest of friends. Who knew history could be this fascinating?" --Cathy Berner, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX

WARRIORS: The New Prophecy #6: Sunset, by Erin Hunter (HarperCollins, $16.99, 9780060827694 / 0060827696) "Fans of the Warriors series will be pleased to see the newest volume in this continuing saga. Soon after the cats reached their new home by the lake, ThunderClan's medicine cat received an ominous warning from StarClan. This is a series that appeals to both boys and girls, and, while it has elements of fantasy, it will also interest readers who enjoy action / adventure stories." --Marilyn Racette, Book Ends, Winchester, MA

CUPID: A Tale of Love and Desire, by Julius Lester (Harcourt, $17, 9780152020569 / 015202056X) "Love, especially immortal love, has never run smoothly, and Lester's retelling of the myth of Cupid and Psyche emphasizes that, above all else. Complete with meddling by Psyche's sisters and Cupid's mother, Aphrodite, the couple struggles to fall in love. Along the way, Lester makes mythology accessible and entertaining to a whole new audience." --Cathy Berner, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX

CURES FOR HEARTBREAK, by Margo Rabb (Delacorte, $15.99, 9780385734028 / 0385734026) "At first glance, this is another teenage girl's coming-of-age story. But by setting it against the backdrop of Mia's mother's sudden death and her father's subsequent heart attack, Margo Rabb gives the story depth, purpose, and a beautiful poignancy." --Cathy Berner, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX

FLORA SEGUNDA: Being the Magickal Mishaps of a Girl of Spirit, Her Glass-Gazing Sidekick, Two Ominous Butlers (One Blue), a House with Eleven Thousand Rooms, and a Red Dog, by Ysabeau S. Wilce (Harcourt, $17, 9780152054335 / 0152054332) "A great story about choosing your own destiny in a world where tradition is the rule. A story of friendship, magic, and self-discovery." --Kendra Scott, Booksmart, Morgan Hill, CA

HARLEM SUMMER, by Walter Dean Myers (Scholastic, $16.99, 9780439368438 / 043936843X, Available in March) "Myers plunks you onto the steamy hot streets of a 1925 Harlem summer. A job at The Crisis, an African-American magazine, introduces 16-year-old Mark Purvis to the worlds of Langston Hughes, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Ethel Waters, but when he decided to try and earn some fast cash he finds his life on the line with city gangsters. Humorous and full of real-life characters, Myers' engaging tale both entertains and instructs." --Jane Morck, Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park, WA

HOW TO GET SUSPENDED AND INFLUENCE PEOPLE, by Adam Selzer (Delacorte, $15.99, 9780385733694 / 0385733690) "For his class project, eighth-grader Leon decides to make a film that tackles the topic of sex-ed. Inspired by Fellini, he titles his film La Dolce Pubert and infuriates his teacher, who censors the film. Soon he is drawn into a community debate on censorship and the issue of who can decide how far is too far?" --Cathy Berner, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX

THE OPPOSITE OF MUSIC, by Janet Ruth Young (Atheneum, $15.99, 9781416900405 / 1416900403) "In crisp, poetic, and memorable prose, Janet Ruth Young tells the story of how 15-year-old Billy and his family work to help his father, who is suffering from severe depression. This intelligently written first novel deals realistically with a very timely and serious subject." --Amanda MacNaughton, Paulina Springs Book Company, Sisters, OR

THE STONE LIGHT: The Dark Reflections Trilogy, Book Two, by Kai Meyer (Margaret K. McElderry / S&S, $16.95, 9780689877896 / 0689877897) "The long-awaited sequel to The Water Mirror is equally bizarre and engrossing. As Serafin, master thief, tries to guard Venice from the Pharaoh's men and mummy-warriors, Merle finds herself on the back of a flying obsidian lion headed toward the entrance of the underworld. The separated friends must live by their wits and courage to save the ones they love." --Mara Lynn Luther, Chapter One Book Store, Hamilton, MT

TRUE TALENTS, by David Lubar (Starscape, $17.95, 978076530977 / 0765309777, Available in March) "Quite simply, I loved True Talents, David Lubar's latest about Eddie 'Trash' Thalmeyer and his friends from Edgeview Alternative School, who all have special 'hidden' talents. Part thriller, part fantasy, the story is fresh and smart, and it does a remarkable job of capturing the many facets of teenage life, while constantly raising the stakes to keep readers on edge." --Sarah Todd, Children's Book World, Haverford, PA

WILDWOOD DANCING, by Juliet Marillier (Knopf Books for Young Readers, $16.99, 9780375833649 / 0375833641) "Juliet Marillier takes threads of many different folktales and weaves them together to create something wholly original. Fans of Libba Bray will adore this story of headstrong girls, mysterious realms, vampires, fairies, and true love." --Jennifer Laughran, Books Inc., San Francisco, CA

The unique power of the written word to entertain, inspire, and touch a young reader is strengthened even further when a special book is shared with others. Not surprisingly, the number of reading groups for children and teens is steadily growing nationwide. Some are composed of young readers and parents, older family members, or caregivers. Others are composed of only young readers, especially teens. In any case, the enjoyment of a great book grows, along with friendship and insight.

Finding the right book for a young person's reading group is sometimes difficult. Very often, readers turn to independent booksellers in their communities for great book suggestions -- which is exactly what we did.

Listed below is a wide range of books recommended by independent booksellers in the Book Sense program nationwide, and it is based on successful use in reading groups sponsored by their stores. (And a very special thanks to Becky Anderson of Anderson's Bookshops in Naperville, Illinois, and Collette Morgan of Wild Rumpus in Minneapolis, Minnesota.)

• AKIMBO AND THE LIONS, by Alexander McCall Smith, LeUyen Pham (Illus.) (Bloomsbury, $9.95, 9781582346878 / 1582346879)
• CLEMENTINE, by Sara Pennypacker, Marla Frazee (Illus.) (Hyperion, $14.99, 9780786838820 / 0786838825)
• THE GIGGLER TREATMENT, by Roddy Doyle (Scholastic, $4.99 paper, 9780439163002 / 0439163005)
• THE GOLD-THREADED DRESS, by Carolyn Marsden (Candlewick, $5.99 paper, 9780763629939 / 0763629936)
• LEGEND OF CAPTAIN CROW'S TEETH, by Eoin Colfer, Glenn McCoy (Illus.) (Miramax, $4.99 paper,
  9780786855056 / 0786855053)
• THE MAGICIAN'S BOY, by Susan Cooper, Serena Riglietti (Illus.) (Aladdin, $6.99 paper, 9781416915553 / 1416915559)
• THE MUSHROOM CENTER DISASTER, by N.M. Bodecker, Erik Blegvad (Illus.) (MacAdam / Cage, $14.95, 9781931561983 / 1931561982)
• NED MOUSE BREAKS AWAY, by Tim Wynne-Jones, Dusan Petricic (Illus.) (Groundwood, $5.95 paper, 9780888995940 / 0888995946)
• REGGIE, by Eve Bunting, D. Brent Burkett (Illus.) (Cricket Books, $16.95, 9780812627466 / 0812627466)
• WINGWALKER, by Rosemary Wells and Brian Selznick (Hyperion, $15.99, 9780786803972 / 0786803975)

• CHICKEN BOY, by Frances O'Roark Dowell (Aladdin, $5.99 paper 9781416934820 / 1416934820)
• A DROWNED MAIDEN'S HAIR: A Melodrama, by Laura Amy Schlitz (Candlewick, $15.99, 9780763629304 / 0763629308)
• THE GOOSE GIRL, by Shannon Hale (Bloomsbury, $8.95 paper, 9781582349909 / 1582349908)
• HURT GO HAPPY, by Ginny Rorby (Starscape, $17.95, 0765314428 / 9780765314420)
• IDA B ... AND HER PLANS TO MAXIMIZE FUN, AVOID DISASTER, AND (POSSIBLY) SAVE THE WORLD, by Katherine Hannigan (Harper Trophy, $5.99 paper 9780060730260 / 0060730269)
• JIM THORPE, ORIGINAL ALL-AMERICAN, by Joseph Bruchac (Dial, $16.99, 9780803731189 / 0803731183)
• THE LOOKING GLASS WARS, by Frank Beddor (Dial, $17.99, 9780803731530 / 0803731531)
• PETER AND THE STARCATCHERS, by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson (Disney, $7.99 paper, 9780786849079 / 078684907X)
• THE SHADOW THIEVES, by Anne Ursu (Atheneum, $16.95, 9781416905875 / 1416905871)
• SILVERWING, by Kenneth Oppel (Aladdin, $5.99 paper, 9780689825583 / 0689825587)
• SKELLIG, by David Almond (Yearling, $6.50 paper, 9780440416029 / 0440416027)
• SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS, by Arthur Ransome (Godine, $14.95 paper, 9780879235734 / 087923573X)
• THE EAR, THE EYE, AND THE ARM, by Nancy Farmer (Puffin, $6.99 paper, 9780140376418 / 0140376410)

• BIG MOUTH & UGLY GIRL, by Joyce Carol Oates (Harper Tempest, $7.99 paper, 9780064473477 / 0064473473)
• BRIAR ROSE, by JaneYolen (Tor, $6.99 paper, 9780765342300 / 0765342308)
• THE HOUSE OF THE SCORPION, by Nancy Farmer (Simon Pulse, $7.99 paper, 9780689852237 / 0689852231)
• HOW I LIVE NOW, by Meg Rosoff (Wendy Lamb Books, $7.99 paper, 9780553376050 / 0553376055)
• I CAPTURE THE CASTLE, by Dodie Smith (St. Martin's, $13.95 paper, 9780312201654 / 0312201656)
• LOOKING FOR ALASKA, by John Green (Puffin, $7.99 paper, 9780142402511 / 0142402516)
• NEW MOON, by Stephenie Meyer (Megan Tingley Books / Little, Brown, $17.99, 9780316160193 / 0316160199)
• RULE OF THE BONE, by Russell Banks (Harper Perennial, $13.95 paper, 9780060927240 / 0060927240)
• THE RULES OF SURVIVAL, by Nancy Werlin (Dial, $16.99, 9780803730014 / 0803730012)
• SAMURAI SHORTSTOP, by Alan Gratz (Dial, $17.99, 9780803730755 / 0803730756)
• THE SPARROW, by Mary Doria Russell (Ballantine, $14.95 paper, 9780449912553 / 0449912558)
• THURSDAY'S CHILD, by Sonya Hartnett (Candlewick, $7.99 paper, 9780763622039 / 0763622036)
• TWILIGHT, by Stephenie Meyer (Megan Tingley Books / Little, Brown, $8.99 paper, 9780316015844 / 0316015849)
• WAIT FOR ME: A Novel, by An Na (Putnam Juvenile, $15.99, 9780399242755 / 0399242759)