Starred Reviews
A Really Awesome Mess
“[A] journey of self-discovery coupled with humorous teen antics, as well as overcoming personal obstacles. This book touches on relevant teen issues such as cyberbullying, adoption, eating disorders, anger problems, suicide, and depression. It offers hope to those who are facing… View →
The Scar Boys
“Vlahos’s narrative flows easily and rings true….Distinguished in every way.” —starred, School Library Journal View →
The Other Way Around
“Often frank, other times startling, always filled with the familiar wanderlust most every teen experiences, this book has wheels.” —starred, Booklist View →
The Shibboleth
“This is a dyed-in-the-wool middle book—filled with training, planning, and sinister omens, its chief achievement is to foment excitement for the finale. And in that it succeeds splendidly….This fits uncomfortably in every box in which you’d try to put it—in other… View →
Mumbet's Declaration of Independence
“Delinois’s thick layers of paint and vibrant palette infuse even the story’s upsetting moments with hopefulness, and Mumbet herself glows with determination and integrity.” —starred, Publishers Weekly View →
Fly Frenzy
“Though the books are humorous, they are very informative and fascinating with the details about these small creatures.” —starred, Library Media Connection View →
Tillie Pierce: Teen Eyewitness to the Battle of Gettysburg
“This would be a great independent read and a wonderful choice for classroom teachers looking for a nonfiction book to share with their class.” —starred, Library Media Connection View →
Odd, Weird & Little
“Jennings does not skip a beat as he builds realistic relationships and problem-solving around an outrageously funny premise.” —starred, Kirkus Reviews View →
Wild Animal Neighbors: Sharing Our Urban World
“This successful book is worthy of a spot on any library shelf.” —starred, School Library Journal View →
Deadly High-Risk Jobs
“A thrilling, thought-provoking study of dangerous jobs, this work should appeal to a wide array of readers of both genders….This is a captivating addition to the reference shelf.” —starred, VOYA View →
A Wounded Name
“The novel is rife with ancient folklore, elements of fantasy, murder, and suspense. Each character is wholly rendered; good and evil are not labels easily affixed in this story, and the complicated family dynamics add to the drama….Readers are in for a treat with… View →
Sex & Violence
“The dialogue is organic, crisp and true. The topics are deep and relevant—sex and violence, of course, but also gender roles, therapy, PTSD, father-son relationships, class rivalry, drug use, and more. This is an amazing story, one that all older teens… View →
“Hays is a gifted storyteller, offering up an effective balance of credible emotion, understated wisdom, and gentle humor.” —starred, The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books View →
Researching Rocks
“Award-winning author Sally M. Walker has written a beautifully crafted earth science series for young readers….Informational text that is widely accessible to children is a must in every library, and this series fits the bill.” —starred, Library Media Connection View →
“Innovative and engaging illustrations feature bold colors in mixed media collage and watercolor that jump from the page. This is an excellent resource for introducing the concepts of migration and predator-prey relationships to young readers.” —starred, Library Media… View →
A Bag of Marbles: The Graphic Novel
“[M]arvelously conceived and executed….Not to be missed.” —starred, Publishers Weekly View →
The Case of the Vanishing Honeybees: A Scientific Mystery
“An excellent first purchase for reports as well as for general interest.” —starred, School Library Journal View →
Shadowlark
“With its blend of dystopian, steampunk, and generally fantastical elements, Spooner’s follow up is even stronger and more gripping than the debut and is sure to ensnare further loyal readers.” —starred, Booklist View →
Sex & Violence
“Mesrobian takes aim at big topics….By focusing on Evan, Mesrobian talks about hookup culture in a way that is character-based, not agenda-driven, and showcases a teenager who grows and changes without becoming unrecognizable or saintly.” —starred, Publishers Weekly View →
“[P]acked with incident and complex connections between a range of characters. Hays is especially strong at depicting the network of people, old and young, who help Grover and his family move through their grief and, along the way, save his beloved forest.” —starred,… View →
BZRK Reloaded
“Round out the experience with realistically unpredictable characters and blockbuster action sequences to complete this thoroughly enjoyable, incredibly disturbing story.” —starred, VOYA View →
Their Skeletons Speak: Kennewick Man and the Paleoamerican World
“This title is hard to put down once you start it. This would be an excellent addition to every school library.” —starred, Library Media Connection View →
Don't Spill the Milk!
“The intensity of the colors used in these gouache paintings will keep eyes riveted to the pages….A satisfying story, perfect for reading aloud.” —starred, Kirkus Reviews View →