The Spring 2013 Kids’ Indie Next List Preview

Here’s a preview of the Spring 2013 Kids’ Indie Next List flier, arriving at stores in the upcoming Children’s White Box.

The four-page, full-color flier features the top 10 titles for the spring publishing season and an additional 39  titles encompassing children in different age groups. All Next List picks are based on nominations from independent booksellers nationwide and include a bookseller quote and full bibliographic information.

The top 10 titles are also featured on downloadable shelf-talkers.

The deadline for nominations for the Summer Kids’ Indie Next List is April 16. As always, nominations may be submitted via e-mail or the online form.

The Top Ten

1. Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made, by Stephan Pastis
(Candlewick, $14.99, 9780763660505)
“I loved Timmy Failure. Pastis employs his signature wit and off-beat humor in telling Timmy’s gumshoe adventures, but discerning readers will discover a realistic story underneath the jests, as this loveable and well-meaning underdog messes up, and then messes up some more. Timmy’s not always the sharpest knife in the drawer, but he does have the advantage of being the only P.I. in town who has a ravenous polar bear for a sidekick. Move over, Wimpy Kid, there’s a bigger Failure in town.” —Robert McDonald, The Book Stall At Chestnut, Winnetka, IL

2. Pulse, by Patrick Carman
(Katherine Tegen Books, $17.99, 9780062085764)
“Pulse is a brilliant combination of thriller, mystery, and dystopian adventure. Set 30 years in the future in a world of amazing technology, dwindling energy, and imminent environmental disaster, this is a story of an independent teenager whose life is turned upside down when she discovers she can move objects with her mind. Can she master her new abilities in time to save herself and her friends from those who would hurt them? A fantastic beginning to a mind-bending new series that will leave readers eagerly waiting for the next book.” —Peter Glassman, Books of Wonder, New York, NY

3. Out of the Easy, by Ruta Sepetys
(Philomel, $17.99, 9780399256929)
“This novel has it all: history, humor, heartbreak, and a heroine, Josie Moraine, who will stay with you forever. Set in the French Quarter of New Orleans in the 1950s, this story of a young girl trying to escape an environment where prostitution and petty larceny rule the day features a remarkable cast of characters, not the least of which is Willie Woodley, the madam with a backbone of steel and a heart of gold, who is a better mother to Josie than anyone realizes. Do not miss this book!” — Anne Holman, The King’s English, Salt Lake City, UT

4. That Is Not a Good Idea!, by Mo Willems
(Balzer + Bray, $17.99, 9780062203090)
“With his signature humor and engaging style, Willems gives us another wonderful read-along starring Fox and Duck, presented like a back-and-white movie. As Fox invites Duck for a walk and leads her to his house deep in the woods, chicks pop out repeatedly and warn us, ‘That is REALLY not a very good idea!’ But little do we know, the surprise is on us!” —Meaghan Beasley, Island Bookstore, Duck, NC

5. Eleanor & Park, by Rainbow Rowell
(St. Martin’s/Griffin, $18.99, 9781250012579)
“Eleanor doesn’t have much going for her. Life with her mom and stepdad is minute-to-minute scary and the kids at her new school have singled her out for torment. Somehow into this reality comes Park, who is just trying to keep his head down and not make waves at home or school. These two misfits fall in love to a 1980s soundtrack. With humor and unflinching candor, Rowell propels readers through a story of first love and the courage it takes to keep going when all the odds are against you.” —Julie Wilson, The Bookworm, Omaha, NE

6. Destiny, Rewritten, by Kathryn Fitzmaurice
(Katherine Tegen Books, $16.99, 9780061625015)
“Being named after a famous 19^th-century poet sure puts pressure on a kid, especially when her mother is an English professor. Given that, Emily Elizabeth Davis wonders about destiny and fate. Can any of us really choose our own path, or do we follow a determined plan instead? Big questions are woven into this terrific story filled with likable and memorable characters. There is a frantic search for a missing book that keeps readers guessing and much more to keep them thinking, even after the final pages are turned.” —Christopher Rose, Andover Bookstore, Andover, MA

7. Scarlet, by Marissa Meyer
(Feiwel & Friends, $17.99, 9780312642969)
“Cinder: Lunar Chronicles Book One introduced a wildly creative world and an unusual, highly satisfying update to classic fairy tale characters. Scarlet, the second book in the series, will sate fans’ appetites for more. Scarlet and Wolf, a street fighter and her reluctant bodyguard, go on a mission to find Scarlet’s grandmother, while Cinder’s story picks up where the first book ended, with her escape from prison. The secrets and motivations that bring their stories together are unpredictable and prompt more questions than answers. I can’t wait for the next book!” —Rebecca Waesch, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Cincinnati, OH

8. The Dark, by Lemony Snicket, Jon Klassen (Illus.)
(Little, Brown Young Readers, $16.99, 9780316187480)
“Young Laszlo is afraid of the dark, but as long as it stays in the basement he can carry on. One night, however, he’s forced to face his fear when his beloved nightlight burns out. And, surprisingly, the dark isn’t nearly as menacing as he thought. Snicket and Klassen are an author/illustrator pairing made in heaven. Snicket’s offbeat and oddly charming tone is complemented perfectly by Klassen’s clean, simple representation of light and dark. A quirky and delightful little story to share before bedtime!” —Megan Graves, Hooray for Books!, Alexandria, VA

9. A Tangle of Knots, by Lisa Graff
(Philomel, $16.99, 9780399255175)
“Cady, an orphan with a talent for baking the perfect cake for any person, anywhere, hopes her ‘real and true family will step right out of the fog.’ When Toby appears out of that fog, it seems she may have finally found her perfect father. Both charming and not-so-charming characters, a pinch of magic, and a dash of mystery are all woven together to create the knot that is Cady’s past and present life until the loops unravel to solve the puzzle that Graff has deftly created.” —Carla Ketner, Chapters Books & Gifts, Seward, NE

10. Bluebird, by Bob Staake
(Schwartz & Wade, $17.99, 9780375870378)
“This wordless picture book follows a young boy who is obviously an outcast, laughed at and bullied by the other kids in his class. When a bluebird starts following him around, the boy doesn’t feel so lonely anymore and the two develop a friendship. In this truly touching book, Staake delivers a story that will speak to anyone of any age about the importance of friends.” —Melissa Oates, Fiction Addiction, Greenville, SC

For Ages 4 to 8

All Through My Town, by Jean Reidy, Leo Timmers (Illus.)
(Bloomsbury USA, $14.99, 9781599907857)
“This adorable trip around town will be a big hit with any toddler who has ever been a passenger alongside a busy grownup with errands to run. With fun-packed illustrations for little ones to look at again and again and a surprise ending that causes instant giggles, this book definitely earns a spot on the ‘favorites’ shelf.” —Jeanne Snyder, Books & Books, Coral Gables, FL

The Black Rabbit, by Philippa Leathers
(Candlewick, $14, 9780763657147)
“The Black Rabbit is a clever book that will entertain ‘kids’ of all ages. When a little white rabbit is followed by a huge black rabbit, no matter how fast he runs he just can’t seem to lose him. Kids will quickly figure out that the black rabbit is the white rabbit’s shadow and will enjoy being in on the joke. A sweet story about fear, friendship, finding courage, and believing in yourself.” —Heather Robicheau, Water Street Books, Exeter, NH

Cheetah Can’t Lose, by Bob Shea
(Balzer + Bray, $17.99, 9780061730832)
“This is perfect for teaching little ones about the ups — and downs — of competition. Cheetah and two kittens are about to race, and Cheetah knows he’ll win it all, because he always does. When the kittens start to make fun of his confidence, hilarity ensues, unbeknownst to Cheetah. A great lesson about humility for children — and other readers!” —Meaghan Beasley, Island Bookstore, Duck, NC

Exclamation Mark, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, Tom Lichtenheld (Illus.)
(Scholastic Press, $17.99, 9780545436793)
“Exclamation Mark is not like the Periods. But what will happen when a Question Mark comes along? It turns out that sometimes you just to need to exclaim things, like ‘This is an amazing book!’ or ‘Teachers will love Exclamation Mark!’ Silly, smart, and educational, Exclamation Mark is sure to have people exclaiming, ‘Wow! Read this!’” —Marika McCoola, Odyssey Bookshop, South Hadley, MA

Imagine, by Bart Vivian
(Aladdin, $14.99, 9781582703299)
“Imagine is definitely a candidate for a Caldecott Award! The illustrations are gorgeous! One page is the ‘reality,’ with a black-and-white illustration, and the next page is a bright, colorful imagination-filled take on what that ‘reality’ might become. The accompanying text inspires readers to imagine that the ordinary is actually extraordinary. This would also make a perfect gift for a new graduate, as it carries the message that no dream is too big.” —Maryam Yachnes, Hooray for Books!, Alexandria, VA

A Little Book of Sloth, by Lucy Cooke
(Margaret K. McElderry Books, $16.99, 9781442445574)
“The photos alone in this nonfiction book about Slothville, a sloth sanctuary in Costa Rica, are almost too cute to take, but add a narrative that includes phrases like ‘cuddle puddle,’ and the cuteness overflows! Kids will love this adorable and educational book filled with information about sloths and the important work being done to protect the species.” —Jeanne Ryan, Dragonwings Bookstore, Waupaca, WI

Little Critter: Bedtime Stories, by Mercer Mayer
(HarperFestival, $11.99, 9780062236401)
“Mayer’s Little Critter books are my go-to titles when people don’t know what picture books they’re looking for. Many of them exclaim that they remember and love these books, and the rest fall in love on the spot. Little Critter has been the catalyst to bring many children to reading, and this boxed set of six of his favorite adventures makes the perfect gift.” —Diana Portwood, Bob’s Beach Books, Lincoln City, OR

A Long Way Away, by Frank Viva
(Little, Brown Young Readers, $16.99, 9780316221962)
“This two-way story is an awesome choice for beginning readers and read-aloud fans alike. Follow Viva’s tale from top to  bottom or bottom to top. The choice is yours! Viva’s artwork is always beautiful, and this title is no exception. Bright reds, blues, and yellows punctuate simple black backgrounds with graphic patterns and touches of whimsy. I want to frame these spreads and hang them on my wall!” —Megan Graves, Hooray for Books!, Alexandria, VA

Ol’ Mama Squirrel, by David Ezra Stein
(Nancy Paulsen Books, $16.99, 9780399256721)
“This book is equally a funny story of one courageous mom facing down the world and a thank you to all the moms out there in the world who have done the same — and continue to do so — for their children. This is a perfect Mother’s Day gift that will be enjoyed by everyone all year long. And, of course, it’s by David Ezra Stein, so the art is fantastic!” —Elizabeth Anker, Alamosa Books, Albuquerque, NM

One Gorilla: A Counting Book, by Anthony Browne
(Candlewick, $16.99, 9780763663520)
“Anthony Browne has rescued us from the doldrums of repetitive concept books with his gorgeous One Gorilla. Browne’s illustrations of primates are stunning, and there’s a great nod to the human-primate connection at the end. With its vivid, colorful illustrations, One Gorilla is for ape fans everywhere and for anyone looking for something beyond a plain old counting book.” —Suzanna Hermans, Oblong Books & Music, Rhinebeck, NY

Tiptoe Joe, by Ginger Foglesong Gibson, Laura Rankin (Illus.)
(Greenwillow, $17.99, 9780061772030)
“One by one, Tiptoe Joe the Bear gathers his menagerie of friends to experience something special. As dear friends thud, stomp, and tiptoe towards the surprise, each wearing a colorful and different accessory, the happiness grows until wonderful treasures are revealed. Both inviting and suspenseful, this is a joyful book to share. Beautifully illustrated, Tiptoe Joe has the makings of a classic!” —Joanne Doggart, Where the Sidewalk Ends, Chatham, MA

Who Says Women Can’t Be Doctors?: The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell, by Tanya Lee Stone, Marjorie Priceman (Illus.)
(Henry Holt & Co., $16.99, 9780805090482)
“This is a perfect book to give to every little girl you know! Stone does a wonderful job in telling the story of Blackwell’s bravery, curiosity, and determination, and Priceman’s illustrations expertly capture this moving tale, which is sure to inspire women of all ages.” —Jeanne Snyder, Books & Books, Coral Gables, FL

Who’s on First?, by Bud Abbott, Lou Costello
(Quirk, $16.95, 9781594745904)
“If the antics of Abbott and Costello made generations of adults double over with laughter, imagine how much kids will love it when this tale is acted out from the point of view of a rabbit and a bear. The giggles will be nonstop! Martz gives his characters all the visual slapstick cues and verbal antics of the Abbott and Costello classic and brings their brand of comedy to full life for a new generation. This book is a fantastic introduction to classic American humor.” —Mollie Sultenfuss, Pages Books & Coffee, Newton, KS

For Ages 9 to 12

The 13th Sign, by Kristin O’Donnell Tubb
(Feiwel & Friends, $16.99, 9780312583521)
“On her 13th birthday, Jalen Jones discovers a locked book called The Keypers of the Zodiack. Desperately seeking to find a connection to her own zodiac sign, she unlocks the book and unwittingly unleashes the 13th sign, Ophiuchus, the snake. Jalen’s world is suddenly turned upside down as the shift in the zodiac creates chaos across the globe. Readers will find themselves propelled into a whirlwind adventure that will leave them guessing till the very end.” —Gretchen Shuler, Fiction Addiction, Greenville, SC

The Cats of Tanglewood Forest, by Charles Vess, Charles de Lint
(Little, Brown Young Readers, $17.99, 9780316053570)
“There are so many brilliant characters in and about Tanglewood Forest! de Lint has filled the forest to bursting, weaving a tapestry of a tale out of folklore and myth, both American and international. Set in a time when wild things still roamed on the edges of farmland and neighbors still knew each other, this is another classic from a fantasy master!” —Elizabeth Anker, Alamosa Books, Albuquerque, NM

The Center of Everything, by Linda Urban
(Harcourt Children’s Books, $15.99, 9780547763484)
“Everything in Ruby Pepperdine’s life has been wrong since her beloved grandmother died. Even her two best friends aren’t talking to her anymore. With the town gearing up for Bunning Day — the annual celebration of the invention of the doughnut — Ruby knows she has just one chance to make things right. But what if she makes the wrong wish? Ruby will win your heart as she navigates the rough waters of grief and friendship and growing up.” —Sandy Scott, The Galaxy Bookshop, Hardwick, VT

The Fairy Bell Sisters #1: Sylva and the Fairy Ball, by Margaret McNamara, Julia Denos (Illus.)
(Balzer + Bray, $4.99, 9780062228017)
“This is a fun new series for early chapter book readers. In Book #1, Sylva wants to go to the fairy ball, but she isn’t old enough. When she tries to help her older sisters with their ball gowns, all her plans go awry, but in a delightful twist she manages to save the day. In Book #2, the summer children arrive for one month each year and wreak havoc on the island, forcing the fairies to go into hiding. It isn’t until Rosy breaks that rule that children and fairies meet. Denos’ charming illustrations bring the fairies’ world to life.” —Janice Hunsche, Kaleidosaurus Books, Fishers, IN

Galaxy Zack: Hello, Nebulon!, by Ray O’Ryan, Colin Jack (Illus.)
(Little Simon, $4.99, 9781442453869)
“Zack Nelson is moving to a new house, a new school — and a new planet! Eight-year-old Zack and his family have loaded up their family space cruiser and are off to Nebulon, where his father has a new job and his mother plans to open a boutique selling Earth items to Nebulites. While he is very sad to have left his best friend, Bert, and his dog, Luna, Zack quickly finds some things to like about his new life ‘ like the ‘Indoor Robotic Assistant,’ who manages the house, and the bed that folds up into his ceiling every morning and never has to be made. This chapter book for beginning readers wonderfully addresses all the typical worries of a childhood move.” —Julie A. Baker, Eight Cousins, Falmouth, MA

Look Up!: Bird-Watching in Your Own Backyard, by Annette LeBlanc Cate
(Candlewick, $15.99, 9780763645618)
“Introduce children to the feathered wonders around them through this essential birding guide. For beginning birders, this book answers questions about what we see and hear around us and why it is important to pay attention — and it’s funny, too! Eye-catching illustrations will help a child identify their backyard birds right down to the last little detail, and a reference index with author’s notes is included for older children wanting more information.” —Broche Fabian, World’s Only Curious George Store, Cambridge, MA

My Summer of Pink and Green, by Lisa Greenwald
(Amulet, $16.95, 9781419704130)
“Lucy is excited to see work begin on her family’s new spa business, and her sister is coming home from college. But all is not as Lucy wants it when her sister brings home an annoying boyfriend and she is pushed out of the new business plans by an outsider. Her ‘perfect summer’ has been ruined — or has it? With lots of humor and insight, Greenwald’s follow-up to My Life in Pink and Green once again captures life as an early teen, with all of its highs and lows.” —Sam Droke-Dickinson, Aaron’s Books, Lititz, PA

The Odd Squad: Bully Bait, by Michael Fry
(Hyperion Books for Children, $12.99, 9781423169246)
“After the school janitor finds Nick stuffed into his locker for the umpteenth time, his school guidance counselor decides that the only way Nick and fellow misfits Molly and Karl will stop being bullied is by being in the school’s Safety Patrol. What starts out as the lamest club of all ends up turning the three oddballs into a powerful team, ready to deal with all sorts of craziness, including the likelihood that the school is haunted by Emily Dickinson’s ghost. Fry’s cartoons make this illustrated novel a laugh-out-loud read.” —Ellen Klein, Hooray for Books!, Alexandria, VA

Rump: The True Story of Rumpelstiltskin, by Liesl Shurtliff
(Knopf Books for Young Readers, $16.99, 9780307977939)
“In a land where names mean everything, ‘Rump’ isn’t what you want to be called. But this incomplete name is all that was heard before Rump’s mother died, leaving him to search for his own destiny ‘ and that, of course, involves spinning straw into gold and bargaining for a girl’s first-born child. This retelling of Rumpelstiltskin stands out for its imagination and characterization, and readers will be rooting for Rump like they never did for the man in the fairy tale.” —Melissa Oates, Fiction Addiction, Greenville, SC

The Runaway King, by Jennifer A. Nielsen
(Scholastic Press, $17.99, 9780545284158)
“Jaron is off and running again in the second volume of The Ascendance Trilogy, this time not as a false prince but as the newly anointed King of Carthya. And he’s running for his life! With few friends and plenty of people, including pirates, who would rather see him dead, Jaron decides to run straight toward the trouble that lays in wait for him. Who can he trust? Who will become his ally? Nielsen once again keeps up a breakneck pace in this very satisfying fantasy.” —Anne Holman, The King’s English, Salt Lake City, UT

White Fur Flying, by Patricia MacLachlan
(Margaret K. McElderry Books, $15.99, 9781442421714)
“Zoe’s mother rescues Great Pyrenees dogs, caring for them until a new home can be found. Across the street, Philip is moving in with his aunt and uncle. Philip doesn’t speak, and no one knows why. Up until now, Zoe’s family has been rescuing dogs. This time, it may be the dogs that do the rescuing. This simple, poetic story of trust and friendship will steal your heart. A line from the book perfectly describes MacLachlan’s writing: ‘[she] always tells the truth ... even if it is fiction.’” —Marika McCoola, Odyssey Bookshop, South Hadley, MA

The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop, by Kate Saunders
(Delacorte Books for Young Readers, $16.99, 9780385743013)
“Oz and Lily’s family move into the house left to them by their great uncle, a magical chocolatier. When they are recruited — without their parents’ knowledge — to stop an evil mastermind from using the chocolate for destruction, they learn that they too have magical powers. Will they be able to use their powers to save the day? Will the invisible ghost elephant named Edwin play a role? A charming adventure for middle-grade readers!” —Hannah Johnson-Breimeier, Boswell Book Company, Milwaukee, WI

Zebra Forest, by Adina Rishe Gewirtz
(Candlewick, $15.99, 9780763660413)
“Eleven-year-old Annie’s plans for a quiet summer are upended when an escaped convict from the nearby penitentiary bursts into the home she shares with her grandmother and younger brother and takes them hostage as law enforcement agents scour the area for him. Part thriller, part psychological drama, this gripping debut novel examines the effects of secrets and lies on fragile family dynamics, as Annie questions everything she’s always taken for granted about her unconventional upbringing.” —Terri Schmitz, The Children’s Book Shop, Brookline, MA

For Teen Readers

Arclight, by Josin L. McQuein
(Greenwillow Books, $17.99, 9780062130143)
“This is a page-turner of dystopian fiction unlike anything I’ve ever read. A stunning debut novel, there’s a reality throughout this work that one doesn’t usually find in science fiction aimed at adolescents. So much more than just an ‘entertainment for young people,’ this story of identity and the courage found when one faces one’s worst nightmares deserves a very wide audience.” —Keri Rojas, Cornerstone Cottage Kids, Hampton, IA

Dark Triumph, by Robin LaFevers
(Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, $17.99, 9780547628387)
“Those who loved Grave Mercy will be thrilled with this follow-up, told from the point of view of Sybella, a girl with a dark past and many secrets. Once again LaFevers delivers a historically rich novel, with detailed research blending perfectly with just a touch of magic. A stunning sequel that, though it reads well on its own, will leave readers hungry for the final installment of this thrilling trilogy.” —Debbie Barr, 4 Kids Books, Inc., Indianapolis, IN

Hattie Ever After, by Kirby Larson
(Delacorte Books for Young Readers, $16.99, 9780385737463)
“When Hattie Big Sky lost her crop to a hailstorm and with it her chance to keep her Montana homestead, we knew the plucky pioneer would make her way somehow. Larson’s clever heroine takes a seamstress job that transports her to post-WWI San Francisco, where hems are rising and a young woman’s resourcefulness and wit can earn her a career in this new era. From prairie to newsroom, Hattie remains both true to herself and determined to succeed. A delightful and well-researched novel.” —Cheryl McKeon, Book Passage, Corte Madera, CA

Just One Day, by Gayle Forman
(Dutton Juvenile, $17.99, 9780525425915)
“Filled with the ups and downs of self-discovery, Forman’s new book tells the story of Allyson and her uncharacteristic decision to travel to Paris for one day with Willem, whom she met during a Shakespeare performance in England. The connection between Willem and Allyson flourishes during their trip, which makes it even more shocking when the next morning Willem has disappeared. Allyson’s quick return to the United States thrusts her into a year of questioning her path and discovering her interests. The story leaves you holding your breath for the follow-up novel!” —Kerry Barmann, Kids Ink, Indianapolis, IN

Let the Sky Fall, by Shannon Messenger
(Simon Pulse, $17.99, 9781442450417)
“Vane is just a normal guy, shuffling through his summer vacation and cursing his bad luck with girls. When Audra shows up, Vane gets the surprise of his life: Not only is he distinctly the opposite of normal, he’s not even human. He’s a sylph, gifted with the ability to control the four winds. And, to further complicate Vane’s life, it turns out that he might be the only one with the specific talents to save the Earth from carnage and destruction. As Audra and Vane struggle to prepare for the showdown that’s sure to come, they encounter a raft of complications, not the least of which is their growing attraction. In the end, Vane must summon strength he never knew he had in order to save himself, the human race, and the girl he loves.” —Megan Graves, Hooray for Books!, Alexandria, VA

Maggot Moon, by Sally Gardner, Julian Crouch (Illus.)
(Candlewick, $16.99, 9780763665531)
“Standish Treadwell is not like everyone else. Luckily, he’s always been able to get by without attracting too much attention. But when a teacher beats a boy, Standish intervenes and is noticed by those working for the Motherland. The Motherland culls those who are different, unwanted, or independent. Standish is different and his grandfather has secrets hidden in the basement — secrets the Motherland will kill to protect. Both chilling and stunning, Maggot Moon is reminiscent of both 1984 and The Handmaid’s Tale. Gardner has created a haunting tale that deserves applause.” —Marika McCoola, Odyssey Bookshop, South Hadley, MA

Mila 2.0, by Debra Driza
(Katherine Tegen Books, $17.99, 9780062090362)
“Mila is a teenage girl mourning the death of her father, at odds with her overly protective mother about gaining more independence, noticing boys, and hanging out with her friends. She is just a normal kid, until she finds out she is anything but normal. Instead, she was built in a laboratory and every memory she possesses is false. With knowledge comes danger, and the evil scientist who runs the lab and has the resources of the U.S. government at his disposal is eager to recapture Mila and terminate her. Mila is in a desperate run for her life, without knowing the rules or whom she can trust. Compulsively readable!” —Deon Stonehouse, Sunriver Books, Sunriver, OR

Panic, by Sharon M. Draper
(Atheneum, $17.99, 9781442408968)
“Fifteen-year-old Diamond Landers is a beautiful, talented dancer who would give anything to be on a TV dance show. So how could she not accept a stranger’s invitation to audition for a part in a Hollywood movie? Unfortunately, that’s the worst decision of her life, and one can only hope that she’ll live through it. Bestselling author Draper offers a chilling and timely new novel.” —Ellen Klein, Hooray for Books!, Alexandria, VA

Requiem, by Lauren Oliver
(HarperCollins, $18.99, 9780062014535)
“In the final book of the Delirium trilogy, Lena is in an impossible place — and it only gets worse. Oliver uses the points of view of Lena and her best friend, Hana, to give the reader perspective inside and beyond the wall, making the tale all the more interesting when their stories converge. Alex’s indifference pains Lena but she must stay strong for Julian who is quickly falling in love with her. As much as she tries to deny it, her heart will always belong to Alex — if only he would realize that. Oliver ties up all the loose ends in this thrilling conclusion.” —Alexis Duell, Market Block Books, Troy, NY

Strands of Bronze and Gold, by Jane Nickerson
(Knopf Books for Young Readers, $16.99, 9780307975980)
“Red-haired Sophie receives every teen girl’s dream — an invitation to go live with her rich, eccentric godfather on a romantic Mississippi estate, where he showers her with dresses, jewelry, and even a white pony. But Monsieur Bernard turns out to be a man with a past. A widower many times over, all his dead wives have one similarity with Sophie — red hair. Nickerson’s retelling of the Bluebeard cautionary tale will delight teens — and keep them on the edge of their seats as they follow Sophie’s adventures on Wyndriven Abbey and the remarkable group of servants and slaves who teach her valuable lessons about love and courage.” —Dominica Plummer, Norwich Bookstore, Norwich, VT

The Summer Prince, by Alaya Dawn Johnson
(Arthur A. Levine Books, $17.99, 9780545417792)
“June Costa lives in a pyramid in Palmares Tres. Her society is a matriarchy and has been since most of Earth was ravaged. While a Queen rules, each year there is a Summer King, a young man chosen to co-rule for one year. After his year of power, the Summer King is killed. But what happens when both June and her best friend fall in love with Enki, the new Summer King? This book has it all: a dystopian world, romance, art, and the struggles of coming of age. This book will steal your heart!” —Marika McCoola, Odyssey Bookshop, South Hadley, MA

The Sweet Revenge of Celia Door, by Karen Finneyfrock
(Viking Juvenile, $16.99, 9780670012756)
“This debut novel for teen fans of John Green captures perfectly the exquisite pain of being the outcast. Celia Door begins high school with the single goal of revenge for an act of cruelty the previous year that left her isolated and vulnerable. But Celia doesn’t count on Drake, the new boy in school, and the unexpected way he changes her life, or what she does to his. Believable, hilarious, and heartbreaking, The Sweet Revenge of Celia Door is a treat for readers!” —Leslie Reiner, Inkwood Books, Tampa, FL

What We Saw At Night, by Jacquelyn Mitchard
(Soho, $17.99, 9781616951412)
“Can you imagine never being able to see the sun? Allie and her two closest friends, Juliet and Rob, all suffer from XP, a fatal allergy to sunlight, and can only come out at night. Juliet introduces Allie and Rob to Parkour — the extreme sport of scaling and leaping off tall buildings, dangerous by day but deadly in darkness. Even scarier is observing a murder taking place in one of the buildings the trio is scaling. Only Allie investigates the incident, wondering why Rob and Juliet are ignoring her. Mitchard offers a thriller that will keep you guessing to the very end — and beyond.” —Karen Briggs, Great Northern Books and Hobbies, Oscoda, MI