by Kelly Link

Link, who has two breathlessly received books of strange, surrealistic tales for adults under her belt, makes the leap into the YA fold with this collection of short stories (most previously published in separate anthologies) that tug at the seams of reality, sometimes gently, sometimes violently. In nearly every one of these startlingly, sometimes confoundingly original stories, Link defies expectations with such terrific turnarounds that you are left precipitously wondering not only “What’s going to happen now?” but also “Wait, what just happened?”

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by Rick Riordan

Minutes before she died Grace Cahill changed her will, leaving her decendants an impossible decision: "You have a choice - one million dollars or a clue."

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Stinky - graphic novel - by Eleanor Davis

Stinky - graphic novel - by Eleanor Davis

 One of the honorees for the 2009 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award, recognizing the most distinguished books for beginning readers.

Deep in the swamp dwells Stinky, a purple, spotted monster with horns and a hedgehog do. Stinky lives up to his name, and the swamp is the perfect place for him: I love the mushy, mucky mud. / I love the slimy slugs. / And I love the stinky smell! / (SNIFF) AHHHH... But on the other side of the swamp is the town, which is full of children, who like to take baths! When a little boy builds a treehouse in Stinky's swamp, he tries everything he can think of to drive the disgustingly clean creature out until he discovers that this particular child is definitely a kindred spirit.

The winning story carries itself on spunk and a controlled vocabulary that combines judiciously chosen sight words (onion, gross) with easily sounded-out words (slimy slugs!) that will have emerging readers in stitches Davis’ colorful art makes Stinky and his swamp delightfully attractive to young readers. 

It’s impressive that Davis can draw characters like Wartbelly the toad in a way that makes her clearly smelly and slimy, but at the same time actually cute.

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by Chris Grabenstein

"Have you ever seen a face hidden in the bark of a tree and known that the man trapped inside wanted to hurt you?" It's the perfect opening for Chris Grabenstein's ghost story, The Crossroads.
Ghosts vengeful and benevolent, evil possession and dark secrets from the past all figure in this suspenseful page turner destined to grab reluctant readers, especially boys, and R.L. Stine fans.

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by Lynne Jonell

Emmy and the home for troubled girls

 

Now, Emmy, a likeable mixture of Nancy Drew and Dr. Dolittle, is set to embark on a new adventure in a sequel, Emmy and the Home for Troubled Girls

Click here for  more about the book.  Read an excerpt, visit the author's website, make your own drawings that move and find out how to create flipbook animations in PowerPoint    =>  http://bit.ly/UKYphj

 

Armed with nothing more than his unique powers, three not so imaginary friends, and his charming wit, Daniel sets off on whirlwind journey to kick some major alien butt.
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Diary of a wimpy kidGreg is a conflicted soul: he wants to do the right thing, but the constant quest for status and girls seems to undermine his every effort. His attempts to prove his worthiness in the popularity race (he estimates he's currently ranked 52nd or 53rd) are constantly foiled by well-meaning parents, a younger and older brother, and nerdy friends.

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The Big Splashby Jack Ferraiolo

Snappy, pulp-inspired noir set in the mean hallways of middle school, from an exciting debut author.

Click here to read more ... plus an interview with the author and how to get a free water gun.

 

That popular little character, Gingerbread baby, is back. Gingerbread baby needs some friends but can he make them? Can he talk to them? Where do you find friends for gingerbread babies? This is an adventure he’ll never forget.

Read more details, along with lesson plans, classroom helpers, a recipe for gingerbread and instructions for a Christmas gingerbread garland and a printable

by Alice Schertle
llustrated by Jill McElmurry 
Ages 3–7.

Beep! Beep! Beep! Meet Blue. A muddy country road is no match for this little pick up--that is, until he gets stuck while pushing a dump truck out of the muck. Luckily, Blue has made a pack of farm animal friends along his route. And they're willing to whatever it takes to get their pal back on the road.

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