The Summer 2006 Book Sense Children's Picks

1. DAIRY QUEEN: A Novel, by Catherine Gilbert Murdock (Houghton, $16, 0618683070) "Are you ready for a refreshing, funny, and upbeat look at a 15-year-old girl's unforgettable summer? D.J. Schwenk can play football, milk cows, flunk English, and still like herself. A feel-good young adult novel -- and it's about time! --Karen Briggs, Great Northern Books and Hobbies, Oscoda, MI

2. A BRIEF CHAPTER IN MY IMPOSSIBLE LIFE, by Dana Reinhardt (Wendy Lamb Books, $15.95, 0385746989) "Sixteen-year-old Simone really does seem to have a nice, normal life. However, when her birth mother wants to squeeze in and get to know her only daughter, she doesn't think that there's any room. A change of heart changes her life as she gets to know more about her biological family and more about what the meaning of being a 'family' really is. --Becca Jones, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Lyndhurst, OH

3. THE BOOK THIEF, by Markus Zusak (Knopf, $16.95, 0375831002) "This book is truly an original. As Death narrates this sorrowful tale, told from the perspective of Liesel Meminger, a foster child living outside Munich during World War II, Zusak somehow manages to make you ache and amuse you at the same time. An amazing book that you must read. Liesel will surely be with you for life. --Beth Reynolds, Norwich Bookstore, Norwich, VT

4. THE WRIGHT 3, by Blue Balliett (Scholastic, $16.99, 0439693675) "The Chicago-based trio of middle school sleuths from Chasing Vermeer have another puzzle on their hands. This case involves a challenged art restoration project -- Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House -- and, complicating their efforts to save the house from demolition, the children's own friendship is strained to the breaking point. The illustrations by Brett Helquist are interactive with the story and add to the book's appeal. --Dianne Patrick, Snowbound Books, Marquette, MI

5. JUST LISTEN, by Sarah Dessen (Viking, $17.99, 0670061050) "This is the charming, thought-provoking, and thoroughly engaging tale of Annabel Greene, a teenager caught in the middle -- between her parents and her sisters, between people she thought were her friends, and between finding out who she is and who other people want her to be. When she gets to know Owen Armstrong, a loner who is obsessed with music -- and with telling the truth -- she starts learning to deal with the issues in her life. --Carol Schneck, Schuler Books & Music, Okemos, MI

6. FLY BY NIGHT, by Frances Hardinge (HarperCollins, $16.99, 0060876271) "A spellbinding adventure of a young girl who crosses paths with spies, smugglers, and secret societies. This is a must-read for everyone who loves the written word. --Amanda Parker, J.W. Beecroft Books & Coffee, Superior, WI

7. AMAZING LEONARDO DA VINCI INVENTIONS YOU CAN BUILD YOURSELF, by Maxine Anderson (Nomad Press, $14.95 paperback, 0974934429) "This hands-on book will be a marvelous introduction to the complex artist and inventor who defined the Renaissance. It includes clear directions and accompanying illustrations showing how to build your own camera obscura, ornithopter, and armored tank, as well as basic lessons in several art skills. --Bev Denor, LaDeDa Books, Manitowoc, WI

8. THE SEA OF MONSTERS: Percy Jackson & the Olympians, Book Two, by Rick Riordan (Miramax, $17.95, 0786856866) "The sequel to last year's smash, The Lightning Thief, sees the return of boy hero Percy Jackson, and, like Odysseus, Percy must deal with a cyclops, shipwrecks, and villains trying to steal what's his. Enormously satisfying and ridiculously well written. --Sarah Todd, Children's Book World, Haverford, PA

9. WHILE ANGELS WATCH, by Marni McGee and Tina Macnaughton (Good Books, $16, 1561485136) "This is a magnificent story of springtime. Every page is dappled with the silvery dust of angel wings as the angels teach dolphins to swim, spiders to spin, roosters to crow, and owls to fly. What a beautiful way to teach children that they will be protected! --Diane Van Tassell, Bay Books, San Ramon, CA

10. WEEDFLOWER, by Cynthia Kadohata (Atheneum, $16.95, 0689865740) "Cynthia Kadohata, Newbery Medal-winning author of Kira-Kira, wends her way gracefully and lyrically through the ugly landscape of U.S. internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II. Going beyond a simple retelling of a shameful time in our country's history, this is a must-read for intermediate readers and devotees of historical fiction. --Nooy Bunnell, Porter Square Books, Cambridge, MA

AN EGG IS QUIET, by Dianna Aston and Sylvia Long (Chronicle, $16.95, 0811844285) "This is a jewel of a picture book, combining simple yet informative text and awe-inspiring, exquisitely detailed illustrations, which celebrate the infinite varieties and wonders of the 'humble' egg. This has my vote for next year's Caldecott Medal. --Barb Bassett, The Red Balloon Bookshop, Saint Paul, MN

BATS AT THE BEACH, by Brian Lies (Houghton, $16, 061855744X) "There is something just weird enough about this book that I find it immensely appealing. Brian Lies makes his bats cuter than they are creepy, and more fun than funky. This is definitely a fun family read for the beach or vacation cabin. --Lorna Ruby, Wellesley Booksmith, Wellesley, MA

BUSY IN THE GARDEN, by George Shannon, Sam Williams (Illus.) (Greenwillow, $15.99, 0060004649) "George Shannon's latest is full of sly poems with rollicking rhythm (and terrific illustrations by Sam Williams). This one begs to be read aloud. --Mary Gleysteen, Eagle Harbor Book Company, Bainbridge Island, WA

DON'T LET THE PIGEON STAY UP LATE! by Mo Willems (Hyperion, $12.99, 0786837462) "Nothing makes me happier to present at our Story Hour than another Mo Willems Pigeon story! The range of read-aloud vocal expressions is enormous, and the pigeon's familiar wheedling makes adults and children alike laugh with abandon. --Caitlin Doggart, Where the Sidewalk Ends, Chatham, MA

FANCY NANCY, by Jane O'Connor, Robin Preiss Glasser (Illus.) (HarperCollins, $15.99, 0060542098) "Hold on to your rhinestone-studded tiaras! Make way as Nancy sashays into your life. You'd think her family would have similar personalities, but they are just the opposite. What's a diva to do? Nancy resolves to take them to 'school' on the art of fine living, and she accomplishes her goal with style. --Diana Carroll, Quail Ridge Books & Music, Raleigh, NC

HIT THE BALL, DUCK by Jez Alborough (Kane/Miller, $15.95, 1929132964) "Duck again manages to get into trouble, but with the help of his friends working together he solves his problem. A good laugh for picture book lovers and early readers. --Janet Bibeau, Storybook Cove, Hanover, MA

HOW THE MOON REGAINED HER SHAPE, by Janet Ruth Heller, Ben Hodson (Illus.) (Sylvan Dell, $15.95, 0976494345) "This imaginative telling of a Native American tale on why the moon changes her shape couples with the scientific explanations and illustrations in the back of the book to teach some basic astronomy about the earth's nearest neighbor. --Bob Spear, The Book Barn, Leavenworth, KS

HUSH LITTLE DIGGER, by Ellen Olson-Brown, Lee White (Illus.) (Tricycle Press, $12.95, 1582461600) "A fun remake of the classic song 'Hush Little Baby.' Papa sings a song to his son using all kinds of machines, such as a dump truck, asphalt spreader, and concrete grinder. This book will spark a lot of discussion, and, then, you can go on your own search for machines. --Julie Gaston, Butterfly Books, De Pere, WI

JOHN, PAUL, GEORGE & BEN, by Lane Smith (Hyperion, $16.99, 0786848936) "Such wild little boys -- who became the Fathers of their Country! John, Paul, George & Ben will bring a smile to adults, too, as they follow this outrageous 'history.' Young readers won't forget the personal take on four Revolutionary leaders. --Becky Milner, Vintage Books, Vancouver, WA

KELLY OF HAZEL RIDGE, by Robbyn Smith van Frankenhuyzen, Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen (Illus.) (Sleeping Bear Press, $17.95, 1585362689) "What makes home 'special'? Kelly spends an afternoon wandering the family farm, thinking of the history, the animals, and what her family does to nurture the place she calls home. This is a charming illustrated tale. --Becky Milner, Vintage Books, Vancouver, WA

LILLY'S BIG DAY, by Kevin Henkes (Greenwillow, $16.99, 0060742364) "Lilly's trip down the aisle is so much fun, and sooo 'Lilly'! For any would-be flower girl, this book is sure to bring a smile and a skip. --Candy Pearson, Apple Blossom Books, Oshkosh, WI

MY FATHER THE DOG, by Elizabeth Bluemle, Randy Cecil (Illus.) (Candlewick, $15.99, 0763622222) "A hilarious comparison of dad and a dog -- wow, what a resemblance! You can't help chuckling when you read this one. --Janet Bibeau, Storybook Cove, Hanover, MA

THE NIGHT PIRATES, by Peter Harris and Deborah Allwright (Scholastic, $16.99, 0439799597) "This is the story of a night of adventure for Tom, a nice little boy, who is about to meet a band of rough, tough, girl pirates. Be ready for a funny surprise ending. --Ellen Davis, Dragonwings Bookstore, Waupaca, WI

ONE, TWO, THREE, ME, by Jeremy Fitzkee and Nadia Budde (Viking, $8.99, 0670061247) "I love this new rhyming book. It's one to show everyone you know -- the perfect book, with quirky, fun art. --Lorna Ruby, Wellesley Booksmith, Wellesley, MA

OWEN & MZEE: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship, by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff, and Dr. Paula Kahumbu; photos by Peter Greste (Scholastic, $16.99, 0439829739) "Be amazed with this fascinating and heartwarming true story from Kenya of two tsunami survivors, a baby hippo who is befriended by a 130-year-old tortoise. Exclusive full-color photographs document the drama, and readers of all ages will be inspired by this reminder that in the shadow of tragedy the power of friendship shines! --Linda Trester, Butterfly Books, De Pere, WI

RAISING YOU ALONE, by Warren Hanson (Tristan Publishing, $15.95, 0972650466) "This touching and heartwarming book explains that even though children may not have both a mommy and a daddy to raise them, they are still loved just as much, and that they will always be cared for and loved. --Julie Kerop, The Turning Page, Old Lyme, CT

ROASTED PEANUTS, by Tim Egan (Houghton, $16, 0618337180) "Jackson and Sam are baseball buddies. However, only Sam makes the team, while Jackson becomes a peanut seller. But it's only with Jackson's help that Sam lives up to his reputation. --Janet Bibeau, Storybook Cove, Hanover, MA

RUSSELL AND THE LOST TREASURE, by Rob Scotton (HarperCollins, $15.99, 0060598514) "Here comes Russell the Sheep for another whimsical adventure! Revel in the unusual story and fanciful illustrations -- just looking at this silly old sheep makes me laugh. Kids adore Russell! --Myra Poe, Harry W. Schwartz Bookshop, Milwaukee, WI

SCAREDY SQUIRREL, by Mlanie Watt (Kids Can Press, $14.95, 1553379594) "What's a squirrel to do when he's scared of everything? This lighthearted story is perfect for worriers of all ages, as well as for people striking out on their own for the first time. (The innovative format includes a pros and cons list, a top secret exit plan, and the contents of Scaredy Squirrel's emergency kit.) --Dana Harper, Brystone Children's Books, Fort Worth, TX

THE SOUND OF COLORS: A Journey of the Imagination, by Jimmy Liao (Little, Brown, $16.99, 0316939927) "Jimmy Liao has written and illustrated a hopeful, empowering story about a young girl who has lost her vision. One day, when she ventures into the subway, she takes us on her quest to explore some difficult questions: What do we find beneath the surface? Where is home? When does my journey end? This story reminds us to appreciate our senses, those we depend on and those we've forgotten to use. --Jessica Deutsch, Wild Rumpus, Minneapolis, MN

SUPER FLY GUY, by Tedd Arnold (Cartwheel Books, $5.99, 0439639042) "Tedd Arnold's cartoon-like art, irreverent humor, and accessible first reader vocabulary make this a winner, particularly for boys with a budding sense of slapstick who need a confidence boost for their newly acquired reading skills. --Jody Fickes Shapiro, Adventures for Kids, Ventura, CA

TREE-RING CIRCUS, by Adam Rex (Harcourt, $16, 0152053638) "A beautifully detailed, tremendously silly, cumulative story about a tree that becomes home to three chipmunks, two sparrows, a whopping big bee, and (most of) a circus. The illustrations are a riot and echo classic pictures of an earlier era in a wonderful (old) new way. --Erik Hemming, The University Book Store, Madison, WI

THE TORTOISE AND THE HARE RACE AGAIN, byDan Bernstein, Andrew Glass (Illus.) (Holiday House, $16.95, 0823418677) "Lively illustrations accompany this hilarious, pun-filled story of the rematch race between the tortoise and the hare. Wry, contemporary references are sprinkled liberally throughout this follow-up to Aesop's original fable. Children with a sense of humor will get the message that winning isn't everything, even for the winner. --Nancy Reinhart, Butterfly Books, De Pere, WI

WILL AND SQUILL, by Emma Chichester Clark (Carolrhoda Books, $15.95, 1575059363) "This is an adorable picture book about friendship and jealousy, which seem to go hand in hand sometimes. Will and Squill share lots of things, but not the new kitten that comes into Will's life. Cute illustrations, fun text, and a happy ending make this a great read-aloud. --Kim Soyka, Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY

THE WORLD'S GREATEST ELEPHANT, by Ralph Helfer, Ted Lewin (Illus.) (Philomel, $16.99, 0399241906) "I have to tell you that The Greatest Elephant in the World is now the greatest storytime book I have read. This story of a boy and his lifelong friendship with an elephant is full of action, heart, villains, heroes, choices, and conviction. --Leslie Reiner, Inkwood Books, Tampa, FL

YELLOW ELEPHANT: A Bright Bestiary, by Julie Larios, Julie Paschkis (Illus.) (Harcourt, $16, 0152054227) "Color and sound create mood and imagery in this book of animal-themed original poems." --Rondi Brower, Blackwood & Brouwer, Kinderhook, NY

A FROG THING, by Eric Drachman, James Muscarello (Illus.) (Kidwick Books, $18.95, with companion audio CD, 0970380933) "This is a truly enjoyable tale of Frankie the Frog, who wants to fly and who finds a way, by accident, to do just that. The illustrations are soft and beautiful. --Brenda Spratt, Books on First, Dixon, IL

THE AMAZING STORY OF ADOLPHUS TIPS, by Michael Morpurgo, Michael Foreman (illus.) (Scholastic, $16.99, 043979661X) "This is a wonderful story of a 12-year-old girl and her cat in a bucolic English village that becomes the training ground for American soldiers preparing for the D-Day landing. With insight into a variety of characters, Morpurgo's story is sad and happy, with a bit of a surprise ending. Don't miss this one. --Candace Moreno, San Marino Toy & Book Shoppe, San Marino, CA

ARCHER'S QUEST, by Linda Sue Park (Clarion Books, $16, 0618596313) "Adventure, suspense, time travel, Korean history, tigers, archery, and a very likable boy named Kevin come together in this funny and suspenseful story. --Rondi Brower, Blackwood & Brouwer, Kinderhook, NY

ARK ANGEL: An Alex Rider Adventure, by Anthony Horowitz (Philomel, $17.99, 0399241523) "Anthony Horowitz has crafted more nail-biting thrills for spy fans too young for Ian Fleming, featuring the intrepid (and sometimes reluctant) teenage agent, Alex Rider. Ark Angel sets a recuperating Alex up against a gang of eco-terrorists, and perhaps an even more sinister adversary. --Rosemary Pugliese, Quail Ridge Books & Music, Raleigh, NC

BELLA AT MIDNIGHT, by Diane Stanley, Bagram Ibatoulline (Illus.) (HarperCollins, $15.99, 0060775734) "An inspiring Cinderella story reimagined. Bella, a knight's daughter, whose mother dies at childbirth, is raised by common folks. The local Prince becomes her best friend, and, even though he ignores her in front of his friends, Bella comes to his rescue. A heartwarming tale of true friendship for both children and adults. --Karen Briggs, Great Northern Books and Hobbies, Oscoda, MI

THE BOOK OF EVERYTHING, by Guus Kuijer (Arthur A. Levine Books, $16.99, 0439749182) "Nine-year-old visionary Thomas is the narrator of this remarkable novel, the child of a father who is a religious zealot filled with fear, a fear he translates into the physical discipline of his wife, feisty teenage daughter, and Thomas. When Thomas becomes friends with a next-door neighbor (reputed to be a 'witch'), he begins to chip away at the father's anger until it can no longer imprison anyone but the father himself. This novel will be enjoyed by those ages 15 and up. --Carol Chittenden, Eight Cousins, Falmouth, MA

THE BOOK OF STORY BEGINNINGS, by Kristin Kladstrup (Candlewick, $15.99, 0763626090) "In this fabulous debut, reality and fantasy are perfectly balanced, blurring the line between what is real and what is make-believe. Oscar Martin was 14 when he magically disappeared from his Iowa farmhouse. Nearly a century later, Lucy Martin is determined to find out what happened to him. This is a page-turner that is sure thrill all who dare to read it. --Lauren Lanza, Square Books, Oxford, MS

THE CLUE OF THE LINOLEUM LEDERHOSEN: M. T. Anderson's Thrilling Tales, by M. T. Anderson, Kurt Cyrus (Illus.) (Harcourt, $15, 0152053522) "Oh, joy! Another absurd, inventive, hilarious, spoof mystery-adventure from the inimitable M.T. Anderson. This one takes readers to a mountain summer lodge, which just happens to be hosting kids from other detective series. Echoes of Nancy Drew, Tom Swift, and other sleuths of past eras amuse adult readers, while kids will be laughing out loud at curious characters. --Elizabeth Bluemle, Flying Pig Children's Books, Charlotte, VT

THE CURSE OF THE BOLOGNA SANDWICH: Melvin Beederman, Superhero, by Greg Trine, Rhode Montijo (Illus.) (Holt Books for Young Readers, $5.99 paper, 0805078363) "There's a new kid superhero, plucked from an orphanage and trained to 'never say no to a cry for help.' Melvin Beederman has graduated at the top of his class, in spite of not being able to leap tall buildings in a single bound (it takes him a few tries to get it right) and not quite mastering x-ray vision (the underwear thing). Trine's fast-paced, humorous new series will capture the hearts of bright new readers. --Jody Fickes Shapiro, Adventures for Kids, Ventura, CA

THE DOOR TO TIME by Ulysses Moore (Scholastic, $12.99, 0439774381) "This story about a set of twins and their friend trying to unravel the secrets of Ulysses Moore, the previous occupant of ancient Argo Manor, is sure to ignite the imagination of some young reader -- and perhaps a few older readers as well. --Carrie Fitts, Horton's Books & Gifts, Carrollton, GA

EL LECTOR, by William Durbin (Wendy Lamb, $15.95, 0385746512) "A 'people's history' for young readers in the vein of Howard Zinn! This is a stirring coming-of-age story set among the cigar workers in the 1930s Cuban-American community in Tampa, Florida. --Carol Christensen, Hamish & Henry Booksellers, Livingston Manor, NY

THE FAIRIES OF NUTFOLK WOOD, by Barb Bentler Ullman (Katherine Tegen/ HarperCollins, $15.99, 0060736143) "This gentle, charming tale of Willa and her mom trying to put their lives back together after divorce is surprising and fresh. Neighbor Hazel Wicket shares her stories about the Nutfolk, her pies, and the ability to believe! Realistic fiction with the kind of fantasy that makes readers want to believe, too. --Margaret Brennan Neville, The King's English, Salt Lake City, UT

FLYTE: Septimus Heap, Book Two, by Angie Sage, Mark Zug (Illus.) (Katherine Tegen, $17.99, 0060577347) "The fun and exciting second book in the series, as Septimus Heap is now apprentice to Extra Ordinary Wizard Marcia Overstrand. Lots of new Magyk and adventure abound. --Kelly Peroni, High Sierra Books, Portola, CA

GEORGIE'S MOON, by Chris Woodworth (FSG, $16, 0374333068) "Seventh-grader Georgie Collins seems angry at the world. She's moved to a new town with her mom and must yet again attend a new school and make new friends. She must also cope with those who are opposed to the war in Vietnam, where her father is serving. A moving and unforgettable story. --Tish Gayle, The Blue Marble Bookstore, Fort Thomas, KY

GRIS GRIMLY'S WICKED NURSERY RHYMES II, by Gris Grimly (Baby Tattoo, $16.95, 0972938834) "Quirky, tongue-in-cheek sinister, and sly, this is a good book for kids who like their books to surprise them. This is not your mother's sweet nursery rhyme book, but one with a hip, highly visual style, which Grimly's fans will appreciate. --Maureen Palacios, Once Upon a Time, Montrose, CA

HALF-MOON INVESTIGATIONS, by Eoin Colfer (Miramax, $16.95, 0786849576) "This story of Fletcher Moon, an online graduate of a private detective academy in Washington, D.C., is a great read for children and adults alike. A fun adventure for the mystery lover. --Rosalind Schumann, Maria's Bookshop, Durango, CO

HEAT, by Mike Lupica (Philomel, $16.99, 0399243011) "Michael Arroyo's father was the first to tell him he had a great pitching arm and to share a dream that he could make it to the Little League World Series. But now things off the field have changed, and all Michael knows is that the place where he feels most at home is on the mound. A wonderful story about going after your dream. Not just for baseball fans. --Lisa Fabiano, Hearts & Stars Bookshop, Canton, MA

JUMPING THE SCRATCH, by Sarah Weeks (Laura Geringer, $15.99, 0060541091) "After getting hit in the head, Jamie's Aunt Sapphy has amnesia. While everyone is trying to help Sapphy remember, Jamie has something he's desperate to forget. Sarah Weeks treats the subject of abuse in this middle grade novel with gentleness and tact. Jamie and his family and friends will settle into your thoughts and not easily leave. --Beth Puffer, Bank Street Bookstore, New York, NY

THE KING OF ATTOLIA, by Megan Whalen Turner (Greenwillow, $17.89, 0060835788) "Turner's The Thief is a Newbery Honor book, and this sequel continues the story of Gen, the thief of Eddis, who is now king. Intrigue abounds, loyalties are tested, love is in hiding, swords are flying. This story's twists and turns will keep you reading and anxiously awaiting the next installment. --Margaret Brennan Neville, The King's English, Salt Lake City, UT

PHINEAS L. MACGUIRE ... ERUPTS!: The First Experiment, From the Highly Scientific Notebooks of Phineas L. MacGuire, by Frances O'Roark Dowell, Preston McDaniels (Illus.) (Atheneum, $15.95, 1416901957) "Finally, a hero for those third grade boys who know the true value of a pocket protector. The narration is spot-on, the illustrations are endearing, and the experiments in the back are truly an added bonus. --Beth Reynolds, Norwich Bookstore, Norwich, VT

THE PROPHET OF YONWOOD, by Jeanne DuPrau (Random House Books for Young Readers, $15.95, 0375875263) "This is a prequel to DuPrau's The City of Embers, and it is a grand stand-alone! When 11-year-old Nickie and her Aunt Crystal arrive in Yonwood to clean out her deceased grandfather's old Victorian house and put it on the market, they find a town facing abuses of power. With wonderful descriptive language, DuPrau has once again beguiled readers with 'futuristic' ideas that might be all too close to home. I loved this book. --Sue Carita, The Toadstool Bookshop, Milford, NH

THE REVENGE OF THE SHADOW KING, by Derek Benz and J.S. Lewis (Orchard Books, $10.99, 0439795745) "Four young people discover that their seemingly unexciting town of Avalon, Minnesota, has much more going on than most people realize. Benz and Lewis, by drawing on the threads of mythology, magic, Arthurian legend, fantasy, and role-playing games, have created an exciting, and highly readable adventure novel. --Dan Domike, Jackson Street Books, Seattle, WA

SHEEP, by Valerie Hobbs (FSG, $16, 0374367779) "What a sweet book this dog's autobiography is! A border collie is born on a sheep ranch and feels a true sense of purpose and value in following in his father's footsteps. When the ranch fails, the dog goes from one job to the next, with some tough times in between. But we know from the outset that all will end well, and Hobbs gives it just the right emotional weight. --Carol Chittenden, Eight Cousins, Falmouth, MA

SINGING HANDS, by Delia Ray (Clarion Books, $16, 0618657622) "In the South of 1948, 12-year-old Gussie Davis has several hurtles to face: being the 'hearing' child of deaf parents, being the daughter of a minister who is frequently away from home, and having vigilante tendencies when she sees injustice done to a deaf, black friend. Delia Ray is a master of characterization, bringing to life a fascinating array of people in Gussie's life. --Virginia Duffey, Page One Bookstore, Albuquerque, NM

SMALL STEPS, by Louis Sachar (Delacorte, $16.95, 0385733143) "Armpit, from Sachar's book Holes, is trying to turn his life around with the help of an endearing 10-year-old neighbor. But when X-Ray shows up with a get-rich-quick scheme and a chance to meet the teen idol of his dreams, Armpit's life gets very complicated. --Cam Mannino, Halfway Down the Stairs, Rochester, MI

BURNED, by Ellen Hopkins (Margaret K. McElderry, $16.95, 1416903542) "Ellen Hopkins makes this novel in verse thoroughly gripping, and the shape of the stanzas on each page magically capture the emotion of the story. This is an intense story of a teenage girl who is raised in a religious -- yet abusive -- family, and a story all young women should read. --Morgan Harris, Full Circle Bookstore, Oklahoma City, OK

KEEPER OF THE WINDS, by Jenna Solitaire (Tor Teen, $6.99 paper, 0765353571) "I loved this story of a 19-year-old young woman who finds an ancient wooden board covered with mysterious symbols. Great storyline, great writing, great characters, an unusual coming-of-age theme, and just creepy enough. --Meg Arsenault, Central Avenue Bookstores, Faribault, MN

KING DORK, by Frank Portman (Delacorte, $16.95, 0385732910) "If you've ever felt like you didn't quite fit in, you will relate to high school student Tom Henderson, whose world changes when he finds his deceased father's copy of The Catcher in the Rye. Hyperventilation-inducing comedy is woven with solemn, poignant social commentary in this amazing book -- a must-read! --Danny Harrison, The Secret Garden, Seattle, WA

NICK AND NORAH'S INFINITE PLAYLIST, by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan (Knopf, $16.95, 0375835318) "Fast-paced, witty dialogue; a hip New York setting; and about a million music references will help make this sexy he-said/she-said rock/romance/adventure a must-read for older teens. --Jennifer Laughran, Books Inc., San Francisco, CA

NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH (AND A FEW WHITE LIES), by Justina Chen Headley (Little, Brown, $16.99, 0316011282) "Patty doesn't feel at home in her own skin, being half Taiwanese, half American. When Patty is packed off to summer math camp at Stanford, we can't help but wonder: Will she learn to accept herself for who she is? Teen readers will love Patty's voice in this funny, poignant novel. --Mary Jane Beaufrand, All For Kids Books & Music, Seattle, WA

RASH, by Pete Hautman (Simon & Schuster, $15.95, 0689868014) "It is the late 21st century, when Bo Marsten is falsely accused of starting a rash in his school, and he is quickly sent to prison. Instead of serving time in jails, however, prisoners are now sold to multinational corporations as cheap labor, and Bo winds up at a pizza factory in the Canadian tundra. In this futuristic satire, National Book Award winner Pete Hautman is at his best. --Lauren Lanza, Square Books, Oxford, MS

SAMURAI SHORTSTOP, by Alan Gratz (Dial, $17.99, 0803730756) "Exciting and fun -- yet utterly moving -- Samurai Shortstop will shock you, make you laugh, and, at times, make your heart ache for the main character as he tries to understand how the ancient teachings of the samurai fit into a modern world of school and baseball. --Nicole Yasinsky, Davis-Kidd Booksellers, Memphis, TN

SCRAMBLED EGGS AT MIDNIGHT, by Brad Barkley and Heather Hepler (Dutton, $16.99, 0525477608) "For the past several years, Calliope has moved across the country with her mom, going from one Renaissance Fair to another. In North Carolina, she meets Eliot, whose father runs a religious weight-loss camp for teenagers. This is a wonderful coming-of-age novel about finding your way in the world. --Cathy Berner, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX

SHARP NORTH, by Patrick Cave (Atheneum, $16.95, 1416912223) "Futuristic action and adventure at its best! This story of futuristic England, ruled by powerful families, is smart enough for readers of all ages and has great messages about the environment and the consequences of science run amok. --Morgan Harris, Full Circle Bookstore, Oklahoma City, OK

A SUMMER OF KINGS, by Han Nolan (Harcourt, $17, 0152051082) "Set in the South during the turbulent early 1960s, this story of an unlikely friendship examines all the dynamics of family and growing up. Han Nolan caught my eye years ago, and, if you haven't discovered her richly written books, perhaps now you will. --Jonatha Foli, Copperfield's Books, Sebastopol, CA

WAIT FOR ME: A Novel, by An Na (Putnam Juvenile, $15.99, 0399242759) "With right-on-the-money realism, An Na tells the story of a first-generation Korean-American teen under too much pressure to be 'the best.' Mina makes some devastatingly wrong decisions but learns by them and ends up well. Beautifully told! --Virginia Duffey, Page One Bookstore, Albuquerque, NM

THE WARRIOR HEIR, by Cinda Williams Chima (Hyperion, $16.99, 0786839163) "At last, a fantasy book set in modern America whose story flows and does not seem contrived! Friendships combine with medieval trappings to produce a perilous adventure story that will appeal to boys and girls alike. --Jane Quinn, The Corner Shelf, Culpeper, VA