Laurie Faria Stolarz
Laurie Faria Stolarz is the acclaimed author of such young adult books as BLEED, PROJECT 17 and the Touch series. In this interview with Teenreads.com's Usha Reynolds, Stolarz explains what inspired her to create her latest work, BLACK IS FOR BEGINNINGS, as a graphic novel companion to her Blue is for Nightmares series, and discusses how she was able to transition easily between the two formats. She also describes how her upbringing in Salem, MA influenced her writing and research on the paranormal subjects in her work, and reveals how she stays current on what's important to her teen audiences.
Holly Black
Holly Black's latest book, KITH, is the second installment in The Good Neighbors trilogy --- a graphic novel collaboration with artist Ted Naifeh about a young girl who finds herself caught in a battle between the good and evil forces of the faerie realm. In this interview with Teenreads.com's John Hogan, Black brings us up to speed with protagonist Rue Silver since the end of the series' first book, KIN, and elaborates on the complex relationship Rue has with her mother. She also explains how she became interested in comics, discusses the origins of her fascination with ghosts and faeries, and shares details about what's in store for her characters in the next and final chapter of the series.
Laini Taylor
Teenreads.com's Usha Reynolds recently spoke with author and artist Laini Taylor, whose latest release, LIPS TOUCH: THREE TIMES, is an illustrated collection of three fantasy short stories about love and romance, each of which share a common theme --- a transformative and sometimes dangerous first kiss. In this interview, Taylor explains the book's origins as an online writing exercise and discusses the stories' various sources of inspiration, such as mythology, world religions and 19th-century poetry. She also recalls the experience of collaborating with her husband, illustrator Jim Di Bartolo, sheds light on the stories' recurring themes, and lists some of her old and new favorite books and authors.
David Whitley
David Whitley's debut novel, THE MIDNIGHT CHARTER, is the first book in a trilogy that follows two orphaned servant children attempting to survive in a city where their fate is dictated by their worth. In this interview with Teenreads.com's Sarah Rachel Egelman, Whitley elaborates on this complex fictional city --- from its lack of religion to its 18th-century influences --- and discusses the inspiration behind its unusual and rather dangerous economic system. He also describes the significance of his main characters' names, lists some of his favorite dystopian novels, and shares details about what readers can look forward to in the second installment of the series.
David Small
Having made a name for himself writing and illustrating children's books for nearly three decades, award-winning author David Small recently turned his attention to more serious and personal matters, penning a memoir in graphic novel form that chronicles his childhood in an abusive and emotionally absent household. In this interview with John Hogan, the Editorial Director for GraphicNovelReporter.com, Small talks about what prompted this departure from his usual fare, and recalls both the traumatic and thrilling experiences of reliving such a painful period in his life. He also explains what he has since learned about his family that perhaps provides some insight into their behavior, and shares how his upbringing helped shape him into the artist he is today.
BLACK IS FOR BEGINNINGS written by Laurie Faria Stolarz and artwork by Janina Görrissen (Graphic Novel)
The Blue is for Nightmares series that put a spell on more than half a million readers continues --- in graphic novel format! Prophetic nightmares. Near-brushes with death. Killers pursuing her and her friends. Stacey Brown knows that being a hereditary witch isn’t all it's cracked up to be.
All she really wants to do is work things out with Jacob and figure out what to do with the rest of her life. But before Stacey and Jacob can have a future, they must face their pasts. BLACK IS FOR BEGINNINGS reveals the never-before-seen backstory --- and what lies ahead --- for the young, spellcasting lovers.
BLACK continues the harrowing adventures of Stacey and Jacob in the wake of Jacob's brush with death. Ever since he lost his memory, Jacob hasn't been able to remember Stacey --- his own soul mate. He leaves Massachusetts, returning to his childhood home in Colorado, hoping to jog his memory. What he remembers is Kira, his ex-girlfriend. As Jacob works to piece together his past, will there be room for Stacey in his future?
»Click here to read more about BLACK IS FOR BEGINNINGS. »Click here to read a review of BLACK IS FOR BEGINNINGS. »Click here to browse inside BLACK IS FOR BEGINNINGS. »Click here to read our interview with Laurie Faria Stolarz. »Click here to read Laurie Faria Stolarz’s bio. » Visit Laurie Faria Stolarz’s official website, www.LaurieStolarz.com.
THE GOOD NEIGHBORS, Book Two: Kith written by Holly Black and illustrated by Ted Naifeh (Graphic Novel)
Rue Silver's life is not what it appears to be. Her mother is a faerie, and has been taken back to the faerie realm. As Rue goes to bring her back, she must travel deep into an inhuman world. At the same time, the faerie realm is venturing into our world too, and taking its toll on those Rue loves. When her grandfather's plans threaten Rue's city, she realizes that she's the only one who can stop him. But is Rue a human or a faerie? Where does she fit? How does she know the difference between love and enchantment?
»Click here to read a review of KITH. »Click here to look inside KITH. »Click here to read our interview with Holly Black. »Click here to read Holly Black’s bio.
THE MIDNIGHT CHARTER by David Whitley (Fantasy/Thriller)
In the tower of Count Stelli in the ancient city-state of Agora, two children meet, apparently by chance. Mark has escaped the plague ravaging the city’s slums, and Lily is the servant who takes care of him. At first, their only goal is survival: in Agora everything can be bought and sold, debt is death, and Mark and Lily must barter their labor for their lives. When Lily escapes the tower for the city outside, Mark stays on as a servant to the count. Though Mark and Lily choose two very different paths, their lives remain strangely intertwined by the long-held secret prophecy of the Midnight Charter. What is the charter? Who knows of its power, and why are Mark and Lily destined to uncover its meaning?
As the mystery of the charter unfolds, Mark and Lily face dangerous enemies and shifting loyalties --- and a choice that could shape the future for all of Agora.
»Click here to read more about THE MIDNIGHT CHARTER. »Click here to read a review of THE MIDNIGHT CHARTER. »Click here to read an excerpt from THE MIDNIGHT CHARTER. »Click here to read our interview with David Whitley. »Click here to read David Whitley’s bio. » Visit David Whitley’s official website, http://www.davidwhitley.co.uk. »Click here to fan THE MIDNIGHT CHARTER on Facebook.
Win a Copy of THE VAMPIRE'S ASSISTANT AND OTHER TALES FROM THE CIRQUE DU FREAK by Darren Shan
To celebrate the release of the major motion picture Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant, Teenreads.com is giving 50 readers the chance to win a special edition movie poster and a copy of THE VAMPIRE'S ASSISTANT AND OTHER TALES FROM THE CIRQUE DU FREAK by Darren Shan. This new movie edition paperback features the first three books of the series --- A LIVING NIGHTMARE, THE VAMPIRE'S ASSISTANT and TUNNELS OF BLOOD --- bound up in one volume.
To enter, fill out this form and answer the following question by Thursday, November 19th at 11:59PM.
Who are Darren's three best friends?
You can find the answer by reading an excerpt from CIRQUE DU FREAK: A LIVING NIGHTMARE here
THE VAMPIRE'S ASSISTANT AND OTHER TALES FROM THE CIRQUE DU FREAK by Darren Shan (Horror/Fantasy)
Darren Shan is just an ordinary schoolboy who loves to ride bikes and hang out with his three best friends. Then one day Darren and his friends stumble across an invitation to visit the Cirque Du Freak, a strange and mysterious freak show. Almost as if by destiny, Darren wins a ticket and what follows is his horrifying descent into the dark and bloody world of vampires.
This is Darren's story.
This new movie edition features the first three books --- A LIVING NIGHTMARE, THE VAMPIRE’S ASSISTANT and TUNNELS OF BLOOD --- bound up in one volume!
»Click here to read all the contest details. »Click here to read more about THE VAMPIRE'S ASSISTANT AND OTHER TALES FROM THE CIRQUE DU FREAK. » Visit the official movie site, www.thevampiresassistant.net. » Visit Darren Shan’s official website, www.darrenshan.com.
Win a Copy of THE MAZE RUNNER by James Dashner
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by other boys of various ages --- trapped within a maze.
To celebrate the October 6th release of THE MAZE RUNNER by James Dashner, Teenreads.com is giving 30 readers the chance to win a copy of this highly anticipated first installment in a planned trilogy. To enter, fill out this form and answer the following question by Monday, November 16th at 11:59PM.
What does the boy call Thomas once he is lifted out of the box and into the Glade?
You can find the answer by reading the excerpt here.
THE MAZE RUNNER by James Dashner (Science Fiction)
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade --- a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls.
Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night they’ve closed tight. And every 30 days a new boy has been delivered in the lift.
Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent up --- the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers.
Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind.
»Click here to read all the contest details. »Click here to read Chapters 1-9 online!
Suzanne Collins
Suzanne Collins's latest book, CATCHING FIRE, revisits the dystopian world of Panem and its victorious tributes Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, first introduced in the 2008 bestseller THE HUNGER GAMES. In this updated interview, Collins discusses the various sources --- ranging from Greek mythology to reality television --- that inspired the plot of this futuristic sci-fi trilogy and explains how her father's stories from her childhood helped her with elements of the novel's plot, themes and characters. She also gives readers insight into how she has mapped out plot and character developments for each book, shares what she found most surprising about the feedback she received from fans, and imagines what her own special skill would be if she was ever required to participate in the Games.
Michelle Moran
Michelle Moran is the bestselling author of three works of historical fiction --- NEFERTITI, THE HERETIC'S QUEEN and the newly released CLEOPATRA'S DAUGHTER --- each of which is centered on legendary princesses of ancient Egypt. In this interview with Teenreads.com's Melanie Smith, Moran recalls the college experience that sparked her interest in this particular time and setting, and recounts the moments of inspiration that prompted her to write each of her books. She also provides some background information on her characters, shares what she hopes readers will take away from her work, and reveals which historical era she will focus on in her next novel.
Kazu Kibuishi
Comic book artist Kazu Kibuishi is the founder and editor of the comic anthology Flight, as well as the creator of Amulet, a young adult graphic novel series about two children who must rescue their mother, taken captive by a dangerous creature inhabiting a sinister underground world found below the basement of the great-grandfather's home. In this interview with Teenreads.com's John Hogan, Kibuishi provides insight into the process of creating the series and credits the legendary film The Empire Strikes Back as a source of inspiration for its newly released second installment, THE STONEKEEPER'S CURSE. He also discusses his background in animation, recalls some of the first comics he enjoyed as a child, and shares details about projects currently in the works.
CATCHING FIRE by Suzanne Collins (Science Fiction/Fantasy)
Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.
»Click here to read a review of CATCHING FIRE. »Click here to read an excerpt from CATCHING FIRE. »Click here to read an interview with Suzanne Collins. »Click here to read Suzanne Collins’s bio.
CLEOPATRA'S DAUGHTER by Michelle Moran (Historical Fiction)
The marriage of Marc Antony and Cleopatra is one of the greatest love stories of all time, a tale of unbridled passion with earth-shaking political consequences. Feared and hunted by the powers in Rome, the lovers choose to die by their own hands as the triumphant armies of Antony’s revengeful rival, Octavian, sweep into Egypt. Their three orphaned children are taken in chains to Rome; only two --- the 10-year-old twins Selene and Alexander --- survive the journey. Delivered to the household of Octavian’s sister, the siblings cling to each other and to the hope that they will return one day to their rightful place on the throne of Egypt. As they come of age, they are buffeted by the personal ambitions of Octavian’s family and court, by the ever-present threat of slave rebellion, and by the longings and desires deep within their own hearts.
The fateful tale of Selene and Alexander is brought brilliantly to life in CLEOPATRA’S DAUGHTER, a fascinating portrait of imperial Rome and of the people and events of this glorious and most tumultuous period in human history. Emerging from the shadows of the past, Selene, a young woman of irresistible charm and preternatural intelligence, will capture your heart.
»Click here to read a review of CLEOPATRA’S DAUGHTER. »Click here to read an excerpt from CLEOPATRA’S DAUGHTER. »Click here to read our interview with Michelle Moran. »Click here to read Michelle Moran’s bio. »Click here to view a trailer for CLEOPATRA’S DAUGHTER. »Click here to read Michelle Moran's blog post, "Why Cleopatra's Daughter?" » Visit Michelle Moran’s official website, www.MichelleMoran.com. »Click here to enter some fabulous contests. »Click here to read Michelle Moran’s History Buff Blog.
Everyone dreams of getting the kiss of a lifetime --- but what if that kiss carried some unexpected consequences? A girl who’s always been in the shadows finds herself pursued by the unbelievably attractive new boy at school, who may or may not be the death of her. Another girl grows up mute because of a curse placed on her by a vindictive spirit, and later must decide whether to utter her first words to the boy she loves and risk killing everyone who hears her if the curse is real. And a third girl discovers that the real reason for her transient life with her mother has to do with belonging --- literally belonging --- to another world entirely, full of dreaded creatures who can transform into animals, and whose queen keeps little girls as personal pets until they grow to child-bearing age.
From a writer of unparalleled imagination and emotional insight, three stories about the deliciousness of wanting and waiting for that moment when lips touch.
»Click here to read a review of LIPS TOUCH: THREE TIMES. »Click here to read an excerpt from LIPS TOUCH: THREE TIMES. »Click here to read our interview with Laini Taylor. »Click here to read Laini Taylor’s bio.
The story of how Thomas Hunter first entered the Black Forest and forever changed our history began at a time when armies were gathered for a final battle in the valley of Migdon. GREEN is a story of love, betrayal and sweeping reversals set within the apocalypse. It is the beginning: the truth behind a saga that has captured the imagination of more than a million readers with the Books of History Chronicles.
But even more, GREEN brings full meaning to the Circle Series as a whole, reading as both prequel to BLACK and sequel to WHITE, completing a full circle. This is Book Zero, the Circle Reborn, both the beginning and the end. The preferred starting point for new readers…and the perfect climax for the countless fans who’ve experienced BLACK, RED and WHITE.
For your chance to win one of 35 copies of GREEN, fill out this form and answer the following question by Monday, November 16th at 11:59PM.
What is the enemy group called?
You can find the answer by reading the excerpt here.
»Click here to read all the contest details. »Click here to read a review of GREEN. »Click here to read Ted Dekker’s bio.
AMULET, BOOK TWO: THE STONEKEEPER’S CURSE written and illustrated by Kazu Kibuishi (Graphic Novel)
Emily and Navin’s mother is in grave danger, and there’s only one place to find help: Kanalis, the bustling, beautiful city of waterfalls. Leon Redbeard, a mysterious fox, joins Emily, Navin and Miskit on their journey, as they are pursued by the Elf King’s son, Trellis, and his dangerous guard. In order to save them all, Emily has to unleash the power of the amulet --- but can she do so without destroying herself?
You can be one of 25 lucky winners to receive a copy of THE STONEKEEPER'S CURSE, the second book in Kazu Kibuishi’s graphic novel series, Amulet. To enter, fill out this form and answer the following question by Monday, November 16th at 11:59PM.
According to Morrie, why is Emily’s mother’s condition worse?
You can find the answer by taking a look at the excerpt here.
»Click here to read all the contest details. »Click here to read a review of THE STONEKEEPER’S CURSE. »Click here to read our interview with Kazu Kibuishi. »Click here to read Kazu Kibuishi’s bio.
Grab Bag of Books Giveaway
Every month in our Grab Bag of Books contest, five readers are awarded a Teenreads.com signature tote bag filled with some of the hottest books --- and may even include a sneak peek at titles that haven’t been released yet!
This contest period’s winners will each receive a copy of ARE THESE MY BASOOMAS I SEE BEFORE ME?: Final Confessions of Georgia Nicolson by Louise Rennison, IN THE PATH OF FALLING OBJECTS by Andrew Smith, LAST BREATH: The Rayne Tour, Volume 2 by Brandilyn Collins and Amberly Collins, and SPLENDOR: A Luxe Novel by Anna Godbersen. All you have to do to enter is fill out this form by Wednesday, November 11th.
»Click here for all the contest details. »Click here for the winners of our past giveaways.
October’s Books into Movies roundup is certainly doling out more treats than tricks so close to Halloween with three fun films that promise spine-tingling thrills and chills, plenty of adventure, offbeat humor in spades, and, let’s face it, some pretty awesome costume ideas.
Perfect for a spooky night out are The Vampire’s Assistant --- based on the first three installments of Darren Shan’s bestselling Cirque du Freak series, replete with sideshow freaks, warring vampire factions and other creepy creatures --- and Where the Wild Things Are, a darker (and slightly terrifying) interpretation of Maurice Sendak’s beloved classic picture book about a mischievous boy who crowns himself king of an imaginary island populated by make-believe monsters. And those looking to satisfy their cravings for quirky comedy and sarcastic quips need to search no further than Whip It, a fish-out-of-water, coming-of-age tale that just so happens to take place at the Roller Derby.
In November, we’ll be spotlighting the hugely anticipated second installment of the ever-popular Twilight series, New Moon, as well as Disney’s new 3D take on a classic holiday tale, A Christmas Carol.
One of our goals each month is to inspire you to read --- and to keep reading. We have found that required reading lists for school --- especially summer reading lists --- are not exactly inspiring. Thus we have created what we think is the Ultimate Teen Reading List --- more than 300 titles that we believe are perfect choices for reading and discussing. Our dream is that schools will use this list to help them make their own for summer reading or, even better, suggest that students just read what they want from this list.
UPDATED! Our most recent additions to the list are CATCHING FIRE by Suzanne Collins, THE CHOSEN ONE by Carol Lynch Williams, FRONT AND CENTER by Catherine Gilbert Murdock, THE GLASS CASTLE: A Memoir by Jeannette Walls, IF I STAY by Gayle Forman, IMPOSSIBLE by Nancy Werlin, THE stolarz LECTURE by Randy Pausch with Jeffrey Zaslow, THE MAZE RUNNER by James Dashner, PURPLE HEART by Patricia McCormick, SKUNK GIRL by Sheba Karim and TWENTY BOY SUMMER by Sarah Ockler.
October’s roundup of Cool New Books includes THE MAZE RUNNER, a post-apocalyptic thriller by James Dashner in which a 16-year-old wakes up and finds himself surrounded by other boys of various ages --- trapped within a maze; FIRE, a companion to Kristin Cashore’s acclaimed fantasy novel GRACELING; LEVIATHAN, a departure from Scott Westerfeld’s Uglies series that he describes as “a steampunk-zombie-airship adventure” set during World War I; and THE VAN ALEN LEGACY, the fourth installment in Melissa de la Cruz’s Blue Bloods vampire series.
We also spotlight a number of popular series that are coming to an end in October. Among these concluding titles are SPLENDOR (The Luxe by Anna Godbersen), ARE THESE MY BASOOMAS I SEE BEFORE ME? (Confessions of Georgia Nicolson by Louise Rennison), ARCHENEMY (The Looking Glass Wars trilogy by Frank Beddor) and FRONT AND CENTER (the Dairy Queen trilogy by Catherine Gilbert Murdock). »Click here
October’s roundup of New in Paperback titles includes THE KINGDOM ON THE WAVES, the sequel to the National Book Award winner THE ASTONISHING LIFE OF OCTAVIAN NOTHING, in which M. T. Anderson recounts Octavian's experiences as the Revolutionary War explodes around him; RUNEMARKS, a fresh, funny and wonderfully irreverent new take on the old Norse tales, marking the fantasy debut of bestselling author Joanne Harris; KIN, the first book in Holly Black’s graphic novel series, The Good Neighbors; PLAY ME, a story of love, loss and redemption from GOOD GIRLS author Laura Ruby; and LET IT SNOW, a trio of interconnecting holiday-themed romance stories written by John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle.
»Click here
FIRE by Kristin Cashore (Fantasy)
It is not a peaceful time in the Dells. In King City, the young King Nash is clinging to the throne, while rebel lords in the north and south build armies to unseat him. War is coming. And the mountains and forest are filled with spies and thieves. This is where Fire lives, a girl whose beauty is impossibly irresistible and who can control the minds of everyone around her. Reviewed by Norah Piehl and excerpted.
»Click here to see the book trailer and casting widget for FIRE.
LEVIATHAN by Scott Westerfeld (Alternate Historical Fiction)
With World War I brewing, Prince Aleksandar of Austria is on the run with the hope of finding peace from the enemies who want him dead. Meanwhile, Deryn Sharp has managed to enlist in the British Air Service, even though girls are strictly forbidden. Will these sworn adversaries unite when both their livelihoods are threatened? Reviewed by Benjamin Boche and excerpted.
ARCHENEMY: The Looking Glass Wars, Book 3 by Frank Beddor (Fantasy/Action & Adventure)
Imagination has been lost in Wonderland. Queen Alyss and her evil aunt, Redd Heart, are wondering aimlessly while King Arch of Borderland has taken control of the powerful Heart Crystal. Alyss’s only hope to regain the power of imagination is to work with the last person she expected --- Redd. Reviewed by Benjamin Boche.
THE ISLANDS OF THE BLESSED by Nancy Farmer (Fantasy)
Jack, an apprentice bard, and his friend Thorgil, a shield maiden, have survived many adventures together. They have traveled the Hollow Road deep underground. They have visited Jotunheim, land of the trolls. They have even seen Yggdrasil, the world tree. The ringing of a magic bell sets their third adventure into motion. Visiting the realm of the fin folk and quelling unrestful spirits are just a few of the stops in Nancy Farmer’s final volume of her Sea of Trolls trilogy. Reviewed by Sarah A. Wood.
SKELETON CREEK #2: GHOST IN THE MACHINE by Patrick Carman (Mystery/Suspense)
Strange things are happening in Skeleton Creek --- and Ryan and Sarah are trying to find out why. Ryan writes down everything in his journal, and Sarah records everything on her videocam. The two move deeper into the mystery they've uncovered, determined to discover the secrets buried in Skeleton Creek, in the conclusion to Patrick Carman's thrilling series. Reviewed by Sally M. Tibbetts.
HOW TO STEAL A CAR by Pete Hautman (Fiction)
Some teenagers have healthy outlets for stress. These include sports, music and sleeping. Other teenagers take the rebellious route. They drink, sleep around, or are prone to violence. For 15-year-old Kelleigh Monahan it is stealing cars --- and she can’t stop at just one. Reviewed by Benjamin Boche.
PURPLE HEART by Patricia McCormick (Fiction)
Matt Duffy is a private in the U.S. Army, serving in the Iraq War. After an attack by Iraqi insurgents, Matt wakes up in a green-zone hospital bed and is told that he was "on the business end of an RPG" (rocket-propelled grenade.) He has sustained a traumatic brain injury and is awarded the Purple Heart for service to his country. Still trying to piece together what happened to his squad, Matt faces a criminal inquiry relating to civilian casualties in the attack. Reviewed by Melanie Smith.
LEIGH ANN’S CIVIL WAR by Ann Rinaldi (Historical Fiction)
Ann Rinaldi is one of the most popular historical fiction writers for young people today. One of her favorite topics, the American Civil War, comes alive again in this novel told through the point of view of 11-year-old Leigh Ann Conners, a half-Cherokee girl living in Georgia. The story revolves around Leigh Ann’s tumultuous family life, the difficulties of growing up in a fractured nation, and the effects that war had not only on the country, but on the individual person as well. Reviewed by Amy Alessio.
CHANGE-UP: Mystery at the World Series, by John Feinstein (Fiction)
An underdog team stuns the baseball world by winning the National League Championship Series. An obscure minor leaguer is called up late to pitch in the “Bigs.” In John Feinstein’s latest sports mystery, teen reporters Stevie Thomas and Susan Carol Anderson uncover a secret that could affect the outcome of the World Series. Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt.
ONCE WAS LOST by Sara Zarr (Fiction)
To everyone else, Samara’s life and family may seem perfect, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Her pastor father is too busy helping the congregation to have time for Sam, her seemingly perfect mom is battling an alcohol addiction, and she is struggling with her faith. To complicate life even more, a girl in the church is abducted, setting the town in an uproar. Sam desperately grasps for someone or something to hold on to while her world spins out of control. Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.
STITCHES: A Memoir, by David Small (Graphic Memoir)
The youngest of two children, David Small had problems with each of his family members, all of whom isolated themselves in some way and caused him some kind of turmoil. But it was his father who did the most lasting damage. The ongoing radiology treatments performed on Small --- done to “cure” him of sicknesses he faced --- perhaps caused the cancerous growth that had to be removed, along with one of his vocal cords, at the age of 14. Small recreates a life story that might have been imagined by Kafka. Reviewed by John Hogan.
CROGAN’S VENGEANCE written and illustrated by Chris Schweizer
Crogan’s quick wit and sharp tongue put him on the wrong side of his ship’s captain, but when rogue pirates take over his ship, he finds that his skills are needed to save his crewmates, himself, and the pirate code of justice. Reviewed by Snow Wildsmith.
MILLENNIUM PRIME MINISTER, Volume 1 written and illustrated by Eiki Eiki
Minori’s life is thrown into chaos when she beats a guy at a video game. After her win, he suddenly declares that he’s going to marry her! That’s when Minori meets Kanata, the newly elected 25-year-old prime minister of Japan. Reviewed by Snow Wildsmith.
NABARI NO OU, Volume 1 written and illustrated by Yuhki Kamatani
Miharu is the best at being apathetic, but ignoring the world around him isn't going to help save his life when ninjas start attacking him for the power that lives inside his very cells --- power to either save the world...or destroy it! Reviewed by Snow Wildsmith.
THE LAST SONG by Nicholas Sparks (Fiction)
At first, 17-year-old Veronica "Ronnie" Miller is angry when her mother forces her to spend time with her father in his North Carolina beach bungalow. But as the summer wears on, she discovers nuances and truths in both romantic and family love. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.
A BIG LITTLE LIFE: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog, by Dean Koontz (Memoir)
Dean Koontz thought he had everything he needed, both in his professional and personal lives. Then along came Trixie. Koontz had always wanted a dog and had even written several books in which dogs were featured. But not until Trixie was he truly open to the change that such a beautiful creature could bring about in him. Reviewed by Roz Shea.
SOUL OF A DOG: Reflections on the Spirits of the Animals of Bedlam Farm, by Jon Katz (Memoir)
Do animals have souls? Some of our greatest thinkers --- Aristotle, Plato, Thomas Aquinas --- and countless animal lovers have been obsessed with this question for thousands of years. Now New York Times bestselling author Jon Katz looks for an answer and finds even more questions as he recounts the lives and stories of the residents of his celebrated Bedlam Farm. Reviewed by Judy Gigstad.
Thinking about starting a book club? Trying to find new ideas for your club? Wondering what the heck a book club is? Never fear, Teenreads has all the answers to your book club questions, and some guides to help you lead a good discussion with your friends. Book clubs are easy to start and a lot of fun, so if you love books, this is for you!
»Click here for more information about book clubs and our discussion guides. »Click here to see our newest discussion guide, ALWAYS WATCHING by Brandilyn Collins and Amberly Collins.
BLACK IS FOR BEGINNINGS written by Laurie Faria Stolarz and artwork by Janina Görrissen 
THE GOOD NEIGHBORS, Book Two: Kith written by Holly Black and illustrated by Ted Naifeh
THE MIDNIGHT CHARTER by David Whitley
Win a Copy of THE VAMPIRE'S ASSISTANT AND OTHER TALES FROM THE CIRQUE DU FREAK by Darren Shan
CATCHING FIRE by Suzanne Collins
CLEOPATRA'S DAUGHTER by Michelle Moran
LIPS TOUCH: THREE TIMES written by Laini Taylor and illustrated by Jim Di Bartolo
GREEN: The Circle, Book Zero: The Beginning and the End, by Ted Dekker
AMULET, BOOK TWO: THE STONEKEEPER’S CURSE written and illustrated by Kazu Kibuishi
FIRE by Kristin Cashore
LEVIATHAN by Scott Westerfeld
ARCHENEMY: The Looking Glass Wars, Book 3 by Frank Beddor
THE ISLANDS OF THE BLESSED by Nancy Farmer
SKELETON CREEK #2: GHOST IN THE MACHINE by Patrick Carman
HOW TO STEAL A CAR by Pete Hautman
PURPLE HEART by Patricia McCormick
LEIGH ANN’S CIVIL WAR by Ann Rinaldi
CHANGE-UP: Mystery at the World Series, by John Feinstein
ONCE WAS LOST by Sara Zarr 
HATTER M: The Looking Glass Wars, Volume One, written by Frank Beddor and Liz Cavalier, illustrated by Ben Templesmith
MAD WITH WONDER: Hatter M, Volume Two, written by Frank Beddor and Liz Cavalier, illustrated by Sami Makkonen
STITCHES: A Memoir, by David Small
CROGAN’S VENGEANCE written and illustrated by Chris Schweizer
THE TAROT CAFE, Volumes 4–7 written and illustrated by Sang-Sun Park
TAKERU: OPERA SUSANOH SWORD OF THE DEVIL, Volumes 1 and 2 written by Nakashima Kazuki, illustrated by Karakara Kemuri
MILLENNIUM PRIME MINISTER, Volume 1 written and illustrated by Eiki Eiki
NABARI NO OU, Volume 1 written and illustrated by Yuhki Kamatani
THE LAST SONG by Nicholas Sparks
A BIG LITTLE LIFE: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog, by Dean Koontz
SOUL OF A DOG: Reflections on the Spirits of the Animals of Bedlam Farm, by Jon Katz
