The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann. Alex and Aaron, identical twins, have spent all of their 13 years together in the land of Quill, but that was ending today. Quillerans are expected to conform unquestioningly to all the rules; all creativity and independence are totally not tolerated. Not “tolerated”? At 13 years of age, every child is labeled as “Wanted” (destined for higher education and a possible future leadership position), “Necessary” (deemed needed for less important positions, a worker), or “Unwanted” (not considered worthy to even live and so is condemned to death). Aaron has always met the community’s expectations and is announced as one of the celebrated Wanteds. But Alex, who has been caught drawing a few times, is consigned to go to the Death Farm and the Lake of Burning Oil. What horrors await Alex as he approaches the heavy iron gates of the Death Farm? And how will Aaron manage without him?

Book reviewed by Loreen S., Youth Services Assistant

Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu

Eleven-year-old Hazel and Jack live in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  They have been best friends since they were six years old.  Suddenly one day Jack stops speaking to Hazel, and the next day he disappears.  His parents say he has gone to live with his elderly Aunt Bernice, but Hazel doesn't believe them.  Why would Jack change overnight? And why hasn't she ever heard of this aunt?  It turns out that fairytales can come true.  There is an enchanted woods in their neighborhood, and Jack has been taken by the Snow Queen.  Now Hazel must go on a perilous quest.  Will she reach Jack in time?  If you love fairytales and the Narnia series, you are sure to enjoy Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu. 

 

Book reviewed by Mary S., Youth Services Department Head

Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat, by Lynne Jonell

In Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat, Emmy longs for the way things used to be, before her parents became rich.  Like when her parents actually liked to spend time with her.  Like when her parents actually cared about her.  Now, Mom and Dad almost act as if  they are under some sort of mean, ignore-our-daughter kind of spell.  Turns out, they ARE!  Watch out for the evil nanny in this story, and watch out for the despicable potions she concocts from magical rodents.  It’s up to Emmy to save the day -- can she do it?  Try this book, especially if you like fantasy adventure and a plucky heroine.

Book reviewed by Mary Ann S., Assistant Head of Youth Services

No Passengers Beyond This Point by Gennifer Choldenko

After Dad died, life became hard for the Tompkins. Then the day came when Mom could no longer even afford to keep their home. India, Finn, and Mouse would have to go and live with their Uncle Red. Despite their misgivings, the three set off on a plane to Denver, Colorado. But their plane lands in the strange town of Falling Bird instead. And what a mysterious place that is! Riding in a feather covered taxi seems almost normal in Falling Bird. They have to decide whether to stay in Falling Bird or not, and when they decide to leave, they’re in real trouble! No Passengers Beyond This Point is an engaging mixture of realistic fiction and fantasy.

Book reviewed by Loreen S., Youth Services Assistant

A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz

A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz. You’ll recognize Hansel and Gretel as the heroes of this collection of fractured fairy tales.  But it’s not just their familiar story.  They take you on a tour of nine other lesser know Grimm tales, too.  Be warned, however, and don’t expect all sweetness and light …no sir!  You’ll get big doses of gore, gruesomeness and dark humor, along with the usual adventure.  If you don’t mind a little bit of horror in your “happily ever after,” you will like this book.

Book reviewed by Mary Ann S., Assistant Head of Youth Services

 

SpaceHeadz by Jon Scieszka

Attention those of you who have traveled with the Time Warp Trio! Attention any of you who suffered along with the class in the Math Curse! You may decide that SpaceHeadz--the latest offering by Jon Scieszka--is not quite up to his best, but you will be the best judge.

Michael K, a newly arrived 5th grader, meets two other newcomers, Venus and TJ. Newcomers? I’ll say! TJ and Venus are aliens from another planet, and they’re here to make Space Heads out of 3.14  million + 1 earthlings or else they will turn off (whatever that means--doesn’t sound good, does it?) our whole planet! Are you willing to become one of the 3.14 miilion +1 and become a Space Head? Maybe you won’t have a choice! (SpaceHeadz book 2 is now available!)

Book reviewed by Loreen S., Youth Services Assistant

Click here to visit the official SpaceHeadz website!

The Wide-Awake Princess By E.D. Baker

Did you know that Sleeping Beauty had a younger sister? Well, Wide-Awake Princess by E.D. Baker is her story.  Instead of falling asleep like everyone else in the castle when Princess Gwendolyn, otherwise known as Sleeping Beauty, pricks her finger and triggers a curse, Annie stayed awake.  It’s up to her to break the spell and save the day.  Only true-love’s kiss will wake Princess Gwendolyn. So, Annie sets of to find all the princes she can and bring them back to the castle in hopes that one of the kisses will lift the curse.  Along the way she’ll meet familiar characters from other fairy tales and maybe even find her own happily ever after.

Book reviewed by Keary B., Youth Collection Specialist

Click here to read a few pages of Wide-Awake Princess.

Igraine the Brave by Cornelia Funke

Igraine the Brave by Cornelia Funke.  What's a girl to do?  Your parents have accidentally turned themselves into pigs, your evil next door neighbor is trying to steal your magic books, and your older brother's magical cooking can only produce blue eggs and dry biscuits (yuck).  Go on a quest, of course.  Igraine sets off to find the giant hairs which will free her parents from their magical spell and save the day.   Another great book from my favorite author--Cornelia Funke!

Book reviewed by Mary S., Youth Services Department Head

Click here to read a few pages of Igraine the Brave.

Cabinet of Wonders by Maria Rutkoski

In Cabinet of Wonders by Maria Rutkoski, Petra goes on a quest to get back her father’s eyes from the cruel Prince.  A magical mechanical spider and a gypsy boy help her along the way.  I enjoyed this fantasy that mixed magic and technology together.  Other fans of fantasy should enjoy this one to.

Book reviewed by Keary B., Youth Collection Specialist

Click here to read a few pages from Cabinet of Wonders.

The Mud Fairy by Amy Young

The Mud Fairy by Amy Young.  Did you ever want to be a fairy? Well it’s not as easy as you might think. Little Emmalina loved playing in the swamp with the frogs instead of doing something important like opening a flower to get her wings.  She felt like she wasn't good at anything until she snuck off to the swamp to help the frogs with their new tadpoles. Would this help her earn her wings? 

Book reviewed by Barb M., Youth Outreach and Programming Assistant