Being a teacher, one of the valuable benefits of being a member of a professional organization and being able to attend teacher/librarian professional association conferences/conventions, beyond attending sessions to learn more about aspects of my profession, is visiting the exhibit hall and talking to publishers about what books they have coming out that might work for my students to bring into my classroom. Sometimes I go in with specific genres/topics in mind where I’m trying to find titles to fit certain units we’re planning. Sometimes there are some titles I’m just really looking forward to reading and want to be able to read and share with my students, other teachers and librarians, and on the blog. Sometimes I come across titles I hadn’t heard of yet, but by seeing it/hearing about it from the publisher reps, I learn about books that could be great for others to know about too that I might not have found any other way. All times I feel very lucky if they’re offered to me at no extra cost (usually the ARCs), but many times they’re books for purchase (especially if it’s an author signing) at a discounted cost from other ways of purchasing (I still easily spent a couple hundred dollars on books over the course of 2 1/2 days). This was an excellent chance to increase my knowledge of what the current titles for fall/winter are as well as a way to help enhance my teaching through getting books I can share with my students. There were also lots of authors there that I was able to get signed books from and talk to about what my students think of their books and how I use them in the classroom, which always seems to be something they enjoy hearing about. And, extra bonus, I bought books to get personally signed by the authors for my nieces and nephew for their Christmas presents, too (part of the reason my picture book list is so long).

In light of all of that, I like to do a post after attending a conference so others, who weren’t able to attend, can see what books are new or upcoming that may be ones they’d want to know about also. At this conference, I got a bunch of young adult titles, lots of middle grades titles (fantasy seems to be the big genre trend right now!), and some awesome picture books that I can’t wait to use with my students! I didn’t pick up everything I saw (there was so much and it doesn’t all fit what I’m looking for), but if it was a title I’d heard of that was already on my to-read list, or the summary sounded good or like it would interest my students, I would decide if I wanted to carry it. If you want to know any more about a particular title that sounds interesting to you, just let me know!
*I’m not doing pictures this time because many of the titles were already sent out on loan to my twitter teacher and librarian friends who weren’t able to make it this year. The whole list is here on goodreads if you’d rather (you can also see which ones I’ve already read and rated).

Picture Books
I WANT MY HAT BACK by Jon Klassen
BLACKOUT by John Rocco
ME…JANE by Patrick McDonnell
THE FANTASTIC FLYING BOOKS OF MR. MORRIS LESSMORE by William Joyce, ilus. Joe Bluhm
WAG! by Patrick McDonnell
INTERRUPTING CHICKEN by David Ezra Stein
A HOME FOR BIRD by Philip C. Stead
BEAR HAS A STORY TO TELL by Philip C. Stead, ilus. Erin Stead
BULLY by Patricia Polacco
TOO TALL HOUSES by Gianna Marino
THE INSOMNIACS by Karina Wolf, ilus. Brothers Hilts
TALLULAH’S TUTU by Marilyn Singer, ilus. Alexandra Boiger
TALLULAH’S SOLO by Marilyn Singer, ilus. Alexandra Boiger
THE LIBRARY by Sarah Stweart, ilus. David Small
THE QUIET PLACE by Sarah Stweart, ilus. David Small
A FLOWER IN THE SNOW by Tracey Corderoy, ilus. Sophie Allsopp
UNSPOKEN: A STORY FROM THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD by Henry Cole (a beautifully powerful wordless picture book)
EACH KINDNESS by Jacqueline Woodson, ilus. E.B. Lewis
HELEN’S BIG WORLD: THE LIFE OF HELEN KELLER by Doreen Rappaport, ilus. Matt Tavares
ANDREW DREW AND DREW by Barney Saltzberg
ISABELLA: GIRL ON THE GO by Jennifer Fosberry, ilus. Mike Litwin
THE BOY WHO CRIED ALIEN by Marilyn Singer, ilus. Brian Biggs

Graphic Novels
SMILE by Raina Telgemeier
DRAMA by Raina Telgemeier
ICHIRO by Ryan Inzana
CARDBOARD by Doug TenNapel

Middle Grades
IF YOU WERE A CHOCOLATE MUSTACHE (poetry book) by J. Patrick Lewis, ilus. Matthew Cordell
KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES by Shannon Messenger
WONDER by R.J. Palacio
THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ME by Karen Rivers
THE SPINDLERS by Lauren Oliver
STARRY RIVER OF THE SKY by Grace Lin
ALMOST HOME by Joan Bauer
THE FIRE CHRONICLE (sequel to THE EMERALD ATLAS) by John Stephen
PRAIRIE EVERS by Ellen Airgood
THE CAVENDISH HOME FOR BOYS AND GIRLS by Claire Legrand
THE VOYAGE OF LUCY P. SIMMONS by Barbara Mariconda
FREAKLING by Lana Krumwiede
BECAUSE OF SHOE AND OTHER DOG STORIES ed. Ann M. Martin
THREE TIMES LUCKY by Shelia Turnage
MIRA’S DIARY: LOST IN PARIS by Marissa Moss
IRON HEARTED VIOLET by Kelly Barnhill
GEEKS, GIRLS, AND SECRET IDENTITIES by Mike Jung
JUMP INTO THE SKY by Shelley Pearsall
THE CLOAK SOCIETY by Jeramey Kraatz
THE TEMPLETON TWINS HAVE AN IDEA by Ellis Weiner
THE VENGEKEEP PROPHECIES by Brian Farrey
IN A GLASS GRIMMLY (A TALE DARK & GRIMM #2) by Adam Gidwitz
KEEPING SAFE THE STARS by Shelia O’Connor
ZEUS AND THE THUNDERBOLT OF DOOM by Joan Holub
THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN by Katherine Applegate

Young Adult
THE LETTER Q: Queer Writers’ Notes to their Younger Selves
PRODIGY (sequel to LEGEND) by Marie Lu
THE RAVEN BOYS by Maggie Stiefvater
ENDANGERED by Eliot Schrefer
THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN by Sherman Alexie
EVERY DAY by David Levithan
THE DIVINERS by Libba Bray
DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE by Laini Taylor
HOLLYWEIRD by Terri Clark
SAFEKEEPING by Karen Hesse
MAGISTERIUM by Jeff Hirsch
WHO I KISSED by Janet Gurtler
THE LOST GIRL by Sangu Mandanna (came highly recommended as an overlooked midlist)
BREATHE by Sarah Crossan
SKINNY by Donna Cooner
THE FORSAKEN by Lisa M. Stasse
WHAT’S LEFT OF ME by Kat Zhan
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT by Colleen Clayton
STEALING PARKER by Miranda Kenneally
SWEET SHADOWS (sequel to SWEET VENOM) by Tera Lynn Childs
THE DARK UNWINDING by Sharon Cameron
QUARANTINE: THE LONERS by Lex Thomas
STARLING by Lesley Livingston
MONSTROUS BEAUTY by Elizabeth Fama
HEAVEN (HALO #3) by Alexandra Adornetto
THE RUNNING DREAM by Wendelin van Draanen
CHOKE by Diana Lopez
THE PREGNANCY PROJECT by Gaby Rodriguez
CALL THE SHOTS (SWIM THE FLY #3) by Don Calame
BECAUSE IT IS MY BLOOD (sequel to ALL THESE THINGS I’VE DONE) by Gabrielle Zevin
SCARLET (sequel to CINDER) by Marissa Meyer
THE CROWN OF EMBERS (sequel to THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS) by Rae Carson
THE LOST CODE (The Atlanteans #1) by Kevin Emerson
CREWEL by Gennifer Albin
UNRAVEL ME (sequel to SHATTER ME) by Tahereh Mafi [Since I knew this was a much-coveted title, I put it out on twitter to see if anyone was interested in a mini-tour. So, it’s going on a 13 city “Sisterhood of the Traveling ARC” mini-tour to teachers and librarians I talk with on twitter who weren’t able to attend. Each will read it, jot their thoughts inside, and then send it on. I’ll be posting a follow-up on the whole thing in a few months when I get it back.]

Many, many, many thanks to the awesomeness that is the reps at HarperCollins (&Walden Pond Press), Little Brown & Co, Penguin, Simon & Schuster, Sourcebooks, Disney Hyperion, Scholastic, Random House, Candlewick, and Macmillan!!!

They are so great to us teachers, librarians, and education professionals, and in a profession where it is so important to be surrounding kids with books, it’s a huge benefit. It’s always fun to talk to the reps and find out what titles they’re excited about, and what books they have coming up that may fit with my curricular needs. And, since I’m also a blogger besides being a teacher, I know they hope that I will help spread the word about these titles as well. So, that’s what this recap is all about. I also had many twitter teacher friends request the list so they know what titles to be on the lookout for too. I hope this is helpful to you, and if you want to know anything more specific about any of the titles, feel free to ask away! Happy reading! (You can see the entire list of books I brought home from IRA2012 on my goodreads shelf as well.) (*Note: I’m not doing pictures because it would take up a lost of loading time!)

Graphic Novels
(Love the author signings of the graphic novels because they all doodle & they were super-fun!)
ZITA THE SPACEGIRL by Ben Hatke
LEGENDS OF ZITA THE SPACEGIRL by Ben Hatke -September 4
BAKE SALE by Sara Varon
ASTRONAUT ACADEMY: ZERO GRAVITY by Dave Roman
TEEN BOAT! by Dave Roman -May 8

Coming Soon – Middle Grades
ISLAND OF SILENCE (THE UNWANTEDS 2) by Lisa McMann -September 4
AUDITION & SUBTRACTION by Amy Dominy Fellner -September
DEAR BLUE SKY by Mary Sullivan -August 2
A MUTINY IN TIME (INFINITY RING #1) by James Dashner -September 28
CAPTURE THE FLAG by Kate Messner -July 1
UNGIFTED by Gordon Korman -August 21
GODS AND WARRIORS by Michelle Paver -August 28
GAME CHANGERS Book 1 by Mike Lupica -May 8
THE GREAT UNEXPECTED by Sharon Creech -September 4
FLOORS #2: 3 FLOORS BELOW by Patrick Carman -September 1
AN ACCIDENTAL ADVENTURE: WE GIVE A SQUID A WEDGIE by C. Alexander London-June 14

Coming Soon – Young Adult
STRUCK by Jennifer Bosworth -May 8
LAST RITE by Lisa Desrochers (Final book in PERSONAL DEMONS trilogy) -May 8
UNDERWORLD (ABANDON 2) by Meg Cabot -May 8
RIFT by Andrea Cremer (NIGHTSHADE Prequel) -August 7
UNWHOLLY by Neal Shusterman (UNWIND Trilogy #2) -August 28
BURN FOR BURN by Jenny Han & Siobhan Vivian -September 18
SOMETHING LIKE NORMAL by Trish Doller -June 19
COLD FURY by T.M. Goeglein -July 24
MEANT TO BE by Lauren Morrill -November 13
ORIGIN by Jessica Khoury -September 4
NO SAFETY IN NUMBERS by Dayna Lorentz -May 29
A BAD DAY FOR VOODOO by Jeff Strand -June 5
52 REASONS TO HATE MY FATHER by Jessica Brody -July 3
SOULBOUND by Heather Brewer -July 5
RUSH FOR THE GOLD: MYSTERY AT THE OLYMPICS by John Feinstein -May 22
THE RAFT by S.A. Bodeen -August 21
EVE AND ADAM by Katherine Applegate & Michael Grant -October 2
SMASHED by Lisa Luedeke -August 21
THRONE OF GLASS by Sarah J. Maas -August 7
FALLING KINGDOMS by Morgan Rhodes -December 11
PROMISED (BIRTHMARKED #3) by Caragh M. O’Brien -October 2
ROMEO REDEEMED (JULIET IMMORTAL sequel)by Stacey Jay -October 9
SHADOW AND BONE by Leigh Bardugo -June 5
BURNING BLUE by Paul Griffin -October 25
DEAD TIME by Anne Cassidy -May 22
THE SPACE BETWEEN US by Jessica Martinez -October 16
DEAD CITY by James Ponti -October 2
DEADLY PINK by Vivian Vande Velde -July 10

Available Now – Middle Grades
FAKE MUSTACHE by Tom Angleberger
THE DRAMA YEARS: Real Girls Talk About Surviving Middle School by Haley Kilpatrick
SUMMER OF THE GYPSY MOTHS by Sara Pennypacker
13 HANGMEN by Art Corriveau
ISLAND OF THIEVES by Josh Lacey

Available Now – Young Adult
WHILE HE WAS AWAY by Karen Schreck
BORN WICKED by Jessica Spotswood
THE VICIOUS DEEP by Zoraida Cordova
THE LIST by Siobhan Vivian
NOT THAT KIND OF GIRL by Siobhan Vivian
UNWIND by Neal Shusterman
EXPOSED by Kimberly Marcus
ARTICLE 5 by Kristen Simmons
MICHAEL VEY: THE PRISONER OF CELL 25 by Richard Paul Evans
THE CATASTROPHIC HISTORY OF YOU AND ME by Jess Rothenberg
LEXAPROS AND CONS by Aaron Karo
WHEN YOU REACH ME by Rebecca Stead
DYING TO KNOW YOU by Aidan Chambers
ALL THE RIGHT STUFF by Walter Dean Myers
I AM A SEAL TEAM SIX WARRIOR by Howard E. Wasdin and Stephen Templin
THE ESPRESSOLOGIST by Kristina Springer
SLAYERS by C.J. Hill
THE COMING OF THE DRAGON by Rebecca Barnhouse

Picture Books/Teaching Books
HOLOCAUST POETRY by Hilda Schiff
THE DOT by Peter H. Reynolds
ISH by Peter H. Reynolds
GUYKU by Peter H. Reynolds
IT’S DUFFY TIME! by Don and Audrey Wood -October 1
A GOLD STAR FOR ZOG by Julia Donaldson -July 1

Bought

LOVE AND LEFTOVERS by Sarah Tregay

PERCEPTION (sequel to CLARITY) by Kim Harrington

It’s been a little quiet around here for the last week since I was on spring break and I traveled to South America to help my mom celebrate starting her next decade with a culinary and wine tour through Chile and Argentina. I just got back to the States this morning and had some exciting packages waiting for me, so wanted to share, and let you know why it’s been so quiet. 

For Review

INSURGENT by Veronica Roth 
ARC sequel to DIVERGENT, which, hello?!, if you haven’t read it yet, why not?!) So, so, so excited for this one and thankful to HarperTeen and the lovely editor for this one (who, by the way, also edited INSIGNIA by S.J. Kincaid coming out in July-you can read my review here) who is showing her talent at finding great authors and putting out action-packed books!

RED KNIT CAP GIRL by Naoko Stoop
F&G Galley of a new picture book – I’m hoping to start adding a monthly-ish picture book review of titles I love to use with my students.  Thanks Little, Brown School & Library!

Won

THE VICIOUS DEEP by Zoraida Cordova
A mermaid tale from a male point-of-view. Looking forward to reading this one. Thanks to SourceBooks!

Library Check Out

POSSESSION by Elana Johnson
I’ll be starting my dystopian unit with my students soon, and I was asked to be on a blog tour for the sequel, SURRENDER, so I needed to get this one to the top of my to-read pile.
 

I haven’t done an IMM for awhile because I’ve been so busy with teaching responsibilities, and I’ve been doing a lot of ebooks and netgalleys – and I’m finding it hard to keep track of those for posting, but I want to get back at it, and I got what I think will be an awesome book this week, so here it is. 

For Review

THE HERO’S GUIDE TO SAVING YOUR KINGDOM by Christopher Healy
I was lamenting my drastic lack of books with boy appeal that I’ve read over the last six months, and asked for recommendations on twitter, and Kate Messner said this one was really good. With Kate’s rec and the fact that it is a Walden Pond Press title (and they have a strong track record for middle grades books for me) I was excited to get a copy. This one is coming in May. Thanks WPP!

*If you want to see my whole list of books that were recommended for boy appeal, it’s here on goodreads.

The biggest news is that I finally broke down and got an ereader this weekend and a new Nook means NetGalley! It was so fun to see the books I could preview (especially because I now get to check them out first to see if they’ll work for my students before buying for my classroom). This is going to be great for travel!

For Review (egalley edition)

GODDESS INTERRUPTED (sequel to THE GODDESS TEST) by Aimee Carter
Really liked the first one, so excited to see what happens now. Coming in March. 

I AM (NOT) THE WALRUS by Ed Briant
Sounds like this one could have lots of boy appeal. Coming in July.

THE PRINCESSES OF IOWA by M. Molly Backes
Sounds like a great contemp. Coming in May.

NEW GIRL by Paige Harbison
Sounds like an intriguing story. Releases January 31st.








For Review (Middle Grades edition)

SCARY SCHOOL by Derek the Ghost

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE by S.R. Johannes

For Review

FRESHMAN YEAR & OTHER UNNATURAL DISASTERS by Meredith Zeitlin
Thanks to G.P. Putnam’s Sons (a division of Penguin Young Readers Group)!





Bought

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green 
My super-awesome Wisconsin Bloggers/Librarians/Writers Book Club‘s January pick. I told you they are awesome! And, have you seen goodreads? I don’t think I’ve ever seen a book with a higher average rating. Can’t wait to get to it, but hope my high expectations can be met!

RED GLOVE (The Curse Workers Book 2) by Holly Black
I was intrigued, but a little confused by WHITE CAT (although, I’m pretty sure I was supposed to be because Cassel is), but the I got an ARC of BLACK HEART at the NCTE Convention, and I keep hearing how amazing the series is, so I want to finish it now that I can read all three in a row.

For Review

INSIGNIA by S.J. Kincaid
Coming in July 2012, this sci-fi dystopian by a debut author sounds like it could be a big hit with my students. And, I’ll get to meet the author at NCTE next weekend, so I’m anxious to start the book and see how it is so I can talk with her about it to bring some perspective back to my students. Oh, and it’s edited by the same editor who did Veronica Roth’s amazing DIVERGENT, so I’m even more excited to read it! Thanks HarperCollins!

Bought

OyMG by Amy Fellner Dominy
Have heard great things about this one and the premise sounds so good, plus the author is a former teacher. Can’t wait to finally read it.

For Review

CHAINED (ARC) by Lynne Kelly
A multicultural middle grades title releasing on May 8th that will be part of my Class of 2K12 review/author interview series coming next year.




Picture Books: 
Since it’s National Picture Book month, I thought I’d highlight a few I got this week.

BOOKSPEAK! Poems About Books by Laura Purdie Salas
Recommended on twitter by @donalynbooks and I loved it! All poems about books and I can’t wait to use it with my students!

I WANT MY HAT BACK by Jon Klassen
Had fun reading this one with students and debating my conflicted feelings on twitter with @colbysharp and @mentortexts who made the recommendation to get it

GIRAFFES CAN’T DANCE by Giles Andreae
This is an older one that I discovered and it just seemed so cute-with a nice anti-bullying message and great rhyming

For Review

THE FOURTH STALL PART II by Chris Rylander
This sequel to THE FOURTH STALL releases February 7, 2012. I know my students are really excited for this one as they loved the first! Many thanks to Walden Pond Press for this ARC!

For Review

THE RIVALS by Daisy Whitney
ARC releasing on February 6, 2012 – Sequel to THE MOCKINGBIRDS, which was one of my Best Books of 2010 (and one of my students’ as well)! Daisy is awesome and entertaining and talented and more people should read her book! I’m excited to get see where she takes this group next.

Bought

BEAUTIFUL CHAOS by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
Third book in the Caster Chronicles series after BEAUTIFUL CREATURES and BEAUTIFUL DARKNESS, both of which I loved. They are gothic and southern and magical.

Won

THE SCORPIO RACES (ARC) by Maggie Stiefvater
from the fabulously wonderful Lori at Pure Imagination (who also did my blog design)!

ALL THESE THINGS I’VE DONE by Gabrielle Zevin
from Beth at A Foodie Bibliophile in Wanderlust (another great English teacher)

EVERY YOU, EVERY ME by David Levithan
from Random Buzzers

Borrowed
A very kind blogger friend offered to let me borrow a couple of her ARCs of some titles I’ve been wanting to read. Just get bookish people together and the sharing comes out!

LEGEND by Marie Lu
Excited to read this dystopian coming out in November!

CROSSED by Ally Condie
I loved MATCHED, so hope I will enjoy the sequel.

Gifted to Me

THE DEATH CURE by James Dashner
The final book in THE MAZE RUNNER trilogy – my students will be excited! The ARC was given to me by a fabulous new bookish friend who actually works at a local indie – good person to know

Bought

LIESL & PO by Lauren Oliver
Bought her newest middle grades book at her talk and signing in the area. I love Lauren Oliver’s writing! It was so great to see Lauren in person and get to know her a little – did you check out my video interview with her that was posted yesterday?

Scholastic Book Order
I did my first Scholastic Book Club order of the year, and my students ordered lots of books! That’s always exciting, and they ordered enough to get me so many bonus points that I was able to get a box full of books (25!) to add to the classroom library. Scholastic has some great titles this fall – some that I already knew I wanted and some that are new to me!

The books:
RIP TIDE (DARK LIFE #2) by Kat Falls
THE UNDERDOGS by Mike Lupica (his newest title)
DEADLY by Julie Chibbaro
VIRALS by Kathy Reichs
FIRST KILL: THE SLAYER CHRONICLES Book 1 (The start of the Vladimir Tod companion series) by Heather Brewer
DEAD IS NOT AN OPTION  (DEAD IS THE NEW BLACK book 5) by Marlene Perez
THE LATTE REBELLION by Sarah Jamila Stevenson
MY BIG MOUTH: 10 SONGS I WROTE THAT ALMOST GOT ME KILLED by Peter Hannan
OUT OF MY MIND by Sharon M. Draper (This one came highly recommended at the YA Lit Conference, so I was excited to see it highlighted in the Scholastic catalog)
THIRTEEN REASONS WHY by Jay Asher (had to get more copies to replace my original ones that were falling apart!)
THE LIMIT by Kristen Landon
SHIMMER by Alyson Noel sequel to RADIANCE
DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS by C.J. Omololu
POWERLESS by Matthew Cody
RACING IN THE RAIN: MY LIFE AS A DOG by Garth Stein (The teen version of THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN)
THE ELEVENTH PLAGUE by Jeff Hirsch
EPITAPH ROAD by David Patneaude
ASHES, ASHES by Jo Treggiari
BRUISER by Neal Shusterman
THE BATBOY by Mike Lupica
BITTER MELON by Cara Chow
A TALE DARK AND GRIMM by Adam Gidwitz
PROPHECY OF THE SISTERS by Michelle Zink
THE MEDUSA PLOT: The 39 Clues Cahills vs. Vespers #1 by Gordon Korman

Bought
Some preorders arrived this week! It’s so fun when I forget that I ordered a book and it just shows up.

THE SON OF NEPTUNE (Heroes of Olympus #2) by Rick Riordan 
I, and my students, love these books! Everyone wants to be the first to check it out once it’s in the classroom – I have to read it first otherwise I won’t see it again until June!

VANISH (FIRELIGHT #2) by Sophie Jordan
I really enjoyed the first book in this series on draki, so am excited to see what happens with Jacinda next.

LOLA AND THE BOY NEXT DOOR by Stephanie Perkins
I loved ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS so much that I will read anything by Stephanie Perkins…and from what I’m hearing, I’m going to love this one more.






For Review

WINTERTOWN by Stephen Emond
This one sounds really intriguing and has a little mixed media with it. Releasing December 5th. Thanks again to Little, Brown School & Library!

Sometimes being a teacher/blogger has it’s upsides, like when I get some books from the school/library divisions of publishers to share with my students like I did this week. Unfortunately, the downside is that being a teacher, I haven’t had much time to read so far in the first 2 1/2 weeks of school, but I’m hoping to change that trend soon. I’m guessing some of my students will be getting their eyes on these books before I will.

Bought
I went to a local indie bookstore for a Simone Elkeles signing (awesome!), and since I already had all of her books, I made sure to buy some others to help support them bring in authors.

DARTH PAPER STRIKES BACK by Tom Angleberger
I loved THE STRANGE CASE OF ORIGAMI YODA and it’s a fantastic humorous middle grades book, so I’m definitely looking forward to reading this sequel and then passing it right on to my students.

DEAD END IN NORVELT by Jack Gantos
This one just sounded really good and was on the recommendation shelf at the store. When I went up to the counter, the bookseller told me it will be great.

For Review

BOY21 (ARC) by Matthew Quick
Releasing March, 2012. Thanks to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers School & Library!

WHY WE BROKE UP (ARC) by Daniel Handler
Releasing in January, 2012. This one sound really intriguing and unique & came with fun postcards! Thanks to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers School & Library! 

THE FINGERTIPS OF DUNCAN DORFMAN by Meg Wolitzer
Middle grades debut and scrabble? Sounds interesting. Thanks to Penguin Young Readers Group School & Library!

DARWEN ARKWRIGHT AND THE PEREGRINE PACT by A.J. Hartley
Love when they send a title I haven’t heard of that sounds like it will be a good middle grade story. Thanks to Penguin Young Readers Group School & Library!

Won

FURY (ARC) by Elizabeth Miles
Heard a lot about this one, and now have to tie in mythology with my reading class, so look forward to reading this one. Won from Sash & Em.

 
The next four are all from Farrah Penn‘s Epic ARC Giveaway.

WITHER (The Chemical Garden #1) by Lauren DeStefano
I’ve wanted to read this one for awhile, so I was excited to win one

DOWN THE MYSTERLY RIVER (ARC) by Bill Willingham

JUNONIA by Kevin Henkes

PRETTY BAD THINGS (ARC) by C.J. Skuse

For Review

LIE by Caroline Bock
Thanks St. Martin’s Griffin!

FAR FROM THE WAR by Jeffrey David Payne
Review requested from Roche Harbor Books.

DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE by Laini Taylor 
Thanks to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers School & Library!

SHUT OUT by Kody Keplinger
Thanks to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers School & Library!

BIGGER THAN A BREAD BOX (ARC) by Laurel Snyder
Signed up for Laurel’s Skype tour and since I was one of the first 30, I got an advanced copy of the book she’ll be talking about. Thanks to Random House!

SUDDEN FLASH YOUTH: 65 Short-Short Stories
I’m looking forward to seeing how I might be able to use these in my classroom as possible read alouds for reader’s workshop. Thanks to Persea Books!

Won

WANT TO GO PRIVATE? by Sarah Darer Littman
Won from The Contemps Challenge (have you checked them out yet?) Signed book and bookmark. Thank you, Sarah!

Bought

THE FOX INHERITANCE by Mary E. Pearson
Follow-up book to THE ADORATION OF JENNA FOX from a couple years ago. A fantastic book if you haven’t read it yet!

THE POWER OF SIX by Pittacus Lore
Sequel to I AM NUMBER FOUR which my students devoured so I had to get this one.

Won

THE NEAR WITCH by Victoria Schwab 
Won from Buried in Books‘ Ash to Nash Giveaway
Heard a lot of good things about this one, so I’m looking forward to reading it.

 
For Review (for Book Divas)

AMEN, L.A. by Cherie Bennett and Jeff Gottesfeld

PAISLEY HANOVER ACTS OUT by Cameron Tuttle

Bought

CHAIN REACTION by Simone Elkeles 
The third book in the Fuentes Brothers stories came out this week. I enjoyed the first two (as did many of my students), PERFECT CHEMISTRY and RULES OF ATTRACTION, so I defintely want to read the third book.

For Review:

HADES by Alexandra Adornetto
ARC – book releases August 30th – Sequel to HALO (which I haven’t read yet but have wanted to)
Thanks to Feiwel and Friends (a Macmillian Children’s imprint)!




Thanks to Walden Pond Press for these awesome lower middle-grades books!

BREADCRUMBS by Anne Ursu
ARC – Book releases on September 27th  
I’ve been hearing lots of positive praise for this one from well-respected educators, so I’m excited to read it!

THE BILLIONAIRE’S CURSE (The Archer Legacy: Book One) by Richard Newsome
Sounds like a fun middle grades mystery series.

THE EMERALD CASKET (The Archer Legacy: Book Two) by Richard Newsome

GUYS READ: THRILLER by Jon Scieszka
ARC – Book releases on September 20th.
This series are great compilations of ten short stories told in various formats from favorite young reader authors.






If you haven’t heard of Walden Pond Press yet, they’re an awesome new source for middle grades books – you should check them out! “Walden Pond Press is a collaboration between HarperCollins and Walden
Media, the studio responsible for such films as THE LION, THE WITCH AND
THE WARDROBE, BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA, CHARLOTTE’S WEB, and HOLES. We are
publishing the next generation of middle-grade classics—fast-paced,
funny, engaging, compulsively readable stories, by well-established
authors and new, exciting talent.” (Description from: WaldenPondPress.blogspot.com)

SISTERS RED by Jackson Pearce
One I’ve been wanting to read for awhile, so I was glad to win a signed paperback from @WellReadWife of Young Adult Smash

For Review

THE SOULKEEPERS by GP Ching
The second book in this series is coming out in the fall, and GP (a 2011 debut author) was looking for bloggers to review it. This one had good reviews, so I thought I’d give it a try. She sent me a copy of the first book so that I can read it first.

 
GLOW (Sky Chasers #1) by Amy Kathleen Ryan
ARC – Book releases September 13th. Thanks St. Martin’s Griffin!

DUST & DECAY (ARC) by Jonathan Maberry
Sequel to ROT & RUIN releases August 30th. Thanks Simon & Schuster!

Bought

WILDEFIRE by Karsten Knight
Had to buy it on the release day after seeing so many strong reviews of it + it sounds so unique and good!

SUPERNATURALLY by Kiersten White
Of course I had to get the sequel to PARANORMALCY!

THE STRANGE CASE OF ORIGAMI YODA by Tom Angleberger
I’ve heard really good things about this humorous middle grade (with boy appeal) and the sequel is out soon, so I wanted to check it out.

Won 

SASS & SERENDIPITY (ARC) by Jennifer Ziegler
From PJ Hoover, author of SOLSTICE, from a giveaway on her blog. She sent it to me with a bunh of bookmarks and trading cards for her book. Thanks PJ!

(All the rest are from the awesome authors of The Contemps Challenge – have you visited them yet? If not, go…now…I’ll wait.)

SMALL TOWN SINNERS by Melissa Walker
Hearing good things about this one. Thanks Melissa!

SHARKS & BOYS by Kristen Tracy
Signed hardcover with personalized note – Thanks Kristen!

THE DAY BEFORE by Lisa Schroeder
It’s a free verse novel! Personalized signed hardcover – Thanks Lisa!

The DUFF by Kody Keplinger
Signed paperback – Thanks Kody!

Traded

ABANDON (ARC) by Meg Cabot
Traded for from Katie at Katie’s Book Blog – Thanks Katie!








Bought

THE WOLVES OF MERCY FALLS Box Set (SHIVER, LINGER, FOREVER) by Maggie Stiefvater
Since I was going to Maggie’s signing, and I needed to get the newest final book in the series (FOREVER), and my copies of the first two were falling apart from so many students reading them in my classroom, and the covers are some of the most beautiful that I’ve ever seen, I decided to just get the box set so I could have my own personalized set to keep nice for myself.

AU REVOIR, CRAZY EUROPEAN CHICK (ARC) by Joe Schreiber
This one’s coming out in October and it sounds like it will be an action-packed, funny, quick read. Probably a good one to promote to boys-billed as Ferris Bueller meets La Femme Nikita.

Won this from Dawn Metcalf, author of LUMINOUS (released July 7th), from a contest on her blog. She sent along lots of fun swag with the book – bookmarks (signed ones are on the right) and two fun pins from Gae Polisner’s THE PULL OF GRAVITY (a May debut author release this year) another book I’m anxious to read because I’ve heard lots of positive reviews of it.
Thanks Dawn!

A LONG, LONG SLEEP (ARC) by Anna Sheehan
This is a debut author book releasing on August 9th. It’s another dystopian, so I’m really interested to read it. Won from a giveaway hosted by Meredith over at Mint Tea and a Good Book.

BORROWED
I did a swap loan with the lovely @TaraMQ of www.fictionfolio.com who had some great BEA books she was willing to loan out in exchange for borrowing my ARCs of Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer and Shine by Lauren Myracle. I love the book blogging community sharing the love of books!

DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE (ARC) by Laini Taylor
This book is coming September 27th and I’ve heard nothing but fabulous things about it, so I’m looking forward to getting into this new fantasy book.

SHATTER ME (ARC) by Tahereh Mafi
This is another one that everyone was talking about after BEA and the cover was revealed this week so the book blogs and twitter (and MTV!) were all abuzz on Thursday. So glad I’m getting to read it early as you know I love a good dystopian! Releases November 15th.


Thank you so much Tara!