Books to Be Excited About

A few weeks ago I found myself in a reading rut.  Nothing on the library's shelves excited me, and there was nothing new coming in that begged for me to take it home.

Fortunately, a recent shipment of new books and the arrival of a few holds has changed these circumstances.  I've gone from having nothing to read to being a tad overwhelmed by the good books.  Here are a few of the books I'm excited to try:

The Surprise Attack of Jabba the Puppet by Tom Angleberger
In case you haven't heard, I'm a huge Origami Yoda fan.  I'm very excited about this fourth volume to the series, and I'm curious to see how the kids as McQuarrie Middle School handle the return of Dwight to their class, along with the school's newly-imposed curriculum designed to raise their test scores.  Can Origami Yoda save the day again?

William Shakespeare's Star Wars: Verily, a New Hope by Ian Doeschter
It's Star Wars written in iambic pentameter, told in the style of one of Shakespeare's plays.  It's two of my favorite things rolled into one.  What's not to like?  I'm not exactly expecting brilliance out of this pastiche, but I am expecting to be entertained (and probably laugh lots and read especially clever/amusing passages out loud).

Of Dice and Men: The Story of Dungeons & Dragons and the People Who Play It by David M. Ewalt
I don't often read books written for an adult audience.  Much of this has to do with that fact that I work with children and teenagers, so I get really caught up in the books that are written for them.  But every so often a book for adults will catch my eye.  I'm curious to see what this author has to say about D&D - its history, its cultural significance, and the nerd subculture it has spawned.  (For the curious:  Yes, I have played Dungeons & Dragons.  Yes, I enjoyed it.  No, I'm not a complete loser.)

The Lord of Opium by Nancy Farmer
Several months ago it was announced that Farmer would be publishing a sequel to her multiple award-winning novel The House of the Scorpion, and I've been eagerly waiting on the edge of my seat for the book to be released.  That day is finally here!  It's been ten years since The House of the Scorpion was first published, but it remains one of my favorite books of all time and one that I regularly try to recommend to middle-school readers.  Sequels tend to make me anxious, but I'm still excited to see what Farmer has in store for Matt and his newly-inherited opium empire.

Song of the Quarkbeast by Jasper Fforde
I was pretty much awed by Jasper Fforde's last fantasy novel, The Last Dragonslayer.  I was so happy that Jennifer Strange would be returning for a sequel.  If you're a fantasy fan, and if you've enjoyed books by Neil Gaiman and/or Terry Pratchet, then I think that Jasper Fforde should be the next author you try.

Dancer, Daughter, Traitor, Spy by Elizabeth Kiem
In this teen novel, clairvoyance meets 1980s Soviet immigrants.  Intriguing, n'est-ce pas?  I love a combination of plot elements that you don't see every day.  Also, I'm kind of a fan of the cover art.

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
First of all, the author's name is Rainbow.  Love it.  Second, this book sounds really good:  A girl tries to survive her first year of college after her best friend outgrows their shared love of a celebrity.  Thirdly, this book has gotten awesome reviews.  I probably should be reading another book by this same author that's gotten some early award buzz (Eleanor & Park), but this book just sounds a bit more fun.

New Arrivals - YA Sequels

It seems that over the past month or so I've ordered nothing but sequels for the teen area of the library.  If you've been waiting on the edge of your seat for the next titles in these series you might want to place your holds or visit your library and check the shelves soon:

Everbound by Brodi Ashton
Book 2 in the "Everneath" trilogy.  Regretting her decision to forfeit her life on Earth to become an immortal on Everneath, a world between Earth and Hell, teenaged Nikki is given the chance to return to the Surface for six months.  In this second installment, Nikki must journey back to the underworld to rescue her boyfriend.

Sever by Lauren DeStefano
Book 3 in "The Chemical Garden" trilogy.  Modern science has eradicated disease but also has ensured that men will die by the age of 25 and women by the age of 20.  Rhine has escaped an arranged marriage and now turns to a surprising source for a brighter future.

Prodigy by Marie Lu
Book 2 in the "Legend" trilogy.  In a futuristic North America, the famous criminal, Day, and June, a military prodigy, join forces when they realize that they have a common enemy.  Now they journey to Las Vegas where they plan to join forces with a rebel Patriot group.

The Darkness Dwellers by Kirsten Miller
Book 3 in the "Kiki Strike" series.  The dangerous Irregulars have teamed up again!  While Kiki Strike is in Paris trying to stop her evil cousin, the princess Sidonia, from all sorts of terrible deeds, it is up to Ananka and the other Irregulars help Kiki find the cure for baldness, foil the evil plans of Oona's twin, and keep Ananka herself from falling in love with wrong young man.

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer
Book 2 in the "Lunar Chronicles" trilogy.  Where the first book in this series was loosely based on the story of "Cinderella," this next installment is based on "Little Red Riding Hood."  Scarlet Benoit and Wolf, a street fighter who may have information about her missing grandmother, join forces with Cinder as they try to stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen.

Shades of Earth by Beth Revis
Book 3 in the "Across the Universe" trilogy.  Leaving the walls of the spaceship Godspeed behind, Amy and Elder are ready to build a home on Centauri-Earth. But they must race to discover who-- or what-- else is out there if they are to have any hope of saving their struggling colony and building a future together.

Through the Ever Night by Vernoica Rossi
Book 2 in the "Under the Never Sky" trilogy.  Perry and Aria had teamed up to survive in the first part of this trilogy.  But Perry's tribe doesn't trust Aria, who drew up under a protective dome.  With worsening Aether storms threatening the tribe's existence, Aria worries that leaving Perry behind might be the only way to save them both.

So Many Books...

As the end of the year is approaching, I've been trying desperately to read as many good books as I can in the hopes that I will a) be able to start fresh with 2013 titles when it comes time to flip the calendar, and b) have read a few award winners and won't have to play catch-up when awards are announced in January.  It's a tough but enjoyable process.  There are so many great books out there, and so little time to sit down and read!  Here are a few young adult titles that I'm hoping to sneak in very soon:

Shadow and Bone by Leign Badugo
The bones of the plot sounds a little familiar:  Ordinary girl discovers that she has mysterious powers.  Girl tries to learn to use said powers.  The plot thickens with intrigue and romance.  But predictable plots rarely get glowing starred reviews, so I'm looking forward to this one.  The Russian influences on the setting seem especially intriguing.

The Diviners by Libba Bray
Set in the 1920s, Evie finds herself living in New York City with her uncle, who is the curator for the Museum of American Folklore, Superstition, and the Occult. Evie is soon helping to investigate some occult-based murders. Add in a dose of "mysterious power" and we have ourselves the the recipe for an intriguing story.

Call the Shots by Don Calame
I love Don Calame's books. He's my go-to author for boys looking for something funny and I've been looking forward to this book ever since last year's Beat the Band. This time the gang has decided to make their own low-budget horror film. Antics and hilarity ensue.

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
Samantha's life seems very safe and calm, while Jase's family next door is loud and boisterous.  Of course, the two teens fall hard for each other.  Then tragedy strikes.  Elements of this book sound a bit like Jo Knowles' See You At Harry's, which I loved, and probably adds to my draw to this novel.

Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor
Last year's Daughter of Smoke and Bone blew my mind with a story that began with the words, "Once upon a time an angel and a devil fell in love.  It did not end well."  I've been on the edge of my seat waiting for the sequel ever since.  Karou is a highly likable heroine and I need to know what happens next in the angel/chimera war. 

Does anyone out there have any other must-read YA titles from 2012 to share?  I'm definitely interested in adding to this list...

Books with Buzz

We're just over the halfway point in the year, which means that I've started looking at various book blogs and on Goodreads for books that are generating lots of conversation - and maybe even some award buzz. Here are a few books that people have been talking about that I'm looking forward to reading soon:

Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Augie was born with a facial deformity that prevents him from attending regular school...until now. As he enters the 5th grade, Augie must prove to his class that he's a normal kid despite appearances.

Summer of the Gypsy Moths by Sara Pennypacker
Stella loves routine and Angel is tough and spunky. Needless to say, the two girls do not get along at first. But then tradedy strikes and the two unexpectedly bond. I'm a big fan of Sara Pennypacker, and I'm excited to give this novel a try.

Liar and Spy by Rebecca Stead
Georges is new to his Brooklyn apartment building and is quickly recruited as a spy by another kid. Author Rebecca Stead already has one Newbery Medal under her belt, and if the reviews are to be believed her latest book is just as good.

Three Times Lucky by Shiela Turnage
This book promises Southern charm by setting the book in a small town full of interesting characters. Add in a mystery and we have ourselves the making of what promises to be an interesting book.

New Kids' Reads

It's been quiet here in Library Land. Almost too quiet. The weather is turning nice and kids are spending their time outside isntead of in the library.

So to hold us over until my next interesting, blog-able story comes along, here are a few books from the kids' room that I'm looking forward to reading:

Fake Mustache by Tom Angleberger
I'm a big fan of Angleberger's The Strange Case of Origami Yoda, and I'm excited to see what he can do this this book. In this title a young boy tries to take over the world with the help of his impressive fake mustache. I've been promised that hilarity ensues.

Little Dog, Lost by Marion Dane Bauer
A novel in verse telling the story of a boy who needs a dog and a dog who needs a boy. I cataloged this book just this morning and it seems like it could be a real charmer.

The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine
Here's another book by an author who has pleased me in the past. This book is piece of historical fiction centered around school integration in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1958. Just as with her 2009 novel The Best Bad Luck I Ever Had, Lavine pulls together the themes of friendship and bravery to tall a story dealing with race relations.

The Fairy Ring, or How Elsie and Francis Fool the World by Mary Losure
This work of non-fiction tells about the Cottingly Fairies hoax. Two girls staged photographs of fairies to get their parents to stop teasing them. Little did they know that this innocent deception would spiral far beyond their control.

The Unseen Guest by Maryrose Wood
I'm a super big fan of the "Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place" series, and I'm sure that this third volume will be lots of fun to read. I can't wait to get started!

New Teen Arrivals

Things have been a bit hectic around here lately, both in Library Land as well as in my personal life. Fortunately, nothing soothes the soul quite like a box of brand new books. Here are just a few titles for teens that arrived at the library recently that I'd love to get my hands on:

Black Heart by Holly Black
The third book in Black's Curse Workers series is going to be a surefire hit. Fantasy meets the mafia as poor Cassel tries to figure out how to balance the curse-working life he was born into with the life he really wants. My only complaint - Once again, Holly Black's publishers have decided to completely change the style of the book covers, so none of the three books in this series look even remotely alike.

Chomp by Cark Hiassen
If Hiassen's previous books and the name of the central character (Wahoo Cray) are any indication, this latest middle-grade environmental adventure should be awesome. Wahoo's father is an animal wrangler working on location in the Everglades for a TV show called "Expedition Survival." Then the show's boneheaded star goes missing.

Blue Exorcist, Vol. 1 by Kazue Kato
I picked up the first three volumes in this highly-rated manga series for the library and I'm excited to give it a try. When his foster father is killed, Rin vows to defeat the demon lord Satan and enrolls in the True Cross Academy to train as an exorcist. And oh yeah, Satan is Rin's real father, and he must struggle to keep his true bloodline a secret.

Insurgent by Veronica Roth
Divergent was one of the most talked-about books of last year, and the sequel comes highly anticipated as well. I'm looking forward to lots of action and hopefully a few answers to my questions from the last book.

Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters by Meredith Zeitlin
Kelsey has big plans for her life now that's she's starting high school. Unfortunately, the rest of the world doesn't seem to be in on this. It sounds like your basic, "wow, I'm in high school now!" story. But for some reason I'm very eager to read this one. I blame the attractive cover.