#ArmChairBEA: BUZZ Panels - Tweens & Teens

Thanks to the great BEA coverage from Publisher's Weekly...


BEA 2011: A BEA First: A Middle-Grade Buzz Panel 

There’s a kind of inferiority complex at work in the middle-grade market, which is sometimes perceived as receiving less attention and respect than its YA older sibling (which, in turn, has its own self-esteem issues when compared to the adult publishing world). But while the first-ever Middle-Grade Editors Buzz Panel at BEA wasn’t an SRO affair as were the YA and adult panels, it was still quite full. And more importantly, the five editors on stage confirmed what most devotees already know: middle-grade fiction can have all the action, wonder, and power as books published for older readers.

Moderator Lisa Von Drasek, librarian at New York’s Bank Street College of Education
Books: The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann; Wildwood by Colin Meloy, illustrated by Carson Ellis; Icefall by Matthew J. Kirby; The Apothecary by Maile Meloy, illustrated by Ian Schoenherr; and The Dragon’s Tooth by N.D. Wilson.

More...http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/47432-bea-2011-a-bea-first-a-middle-grade-buzz-panel.html

BEA 2011: YA Buzz Panel Rocks Javits 

As five editors talked up their favorite YA fall releases to a packed room of about 200 people during Tuesday afternoon’s YA Editor’s Buzz panel at BEA, a few things became clear: these books are what happens when editors want titles that reflect elements of Twilight, The Hunger Games and Harry Potter. This fall, it’s all about multi-layered thrills, chills, adventure, and romance, mixed in with the paranormal. 

Moderator:  Jack Martin of the New York Public Library

Books: Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor (Little, Brown); Au Revoir Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber (Houghton Mifflin); Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon (HarperCollins); The Unbecoming of Mara Dyerby Michelle Hodkin (Simon & Schuster); and Down the Mysterly Riverby Bill Willingham (Tor). 

More: http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/47431-bea-2011-ya-buzz-panel-rocks-javits.html

Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder

Inside Out

by Maria V.Snyder

Maria V. Snyder takes on whole new worlds...

By	Reading It All

This review is from: Inside Out (Harlequin Teen) (Paperback)

With Inside Out (Harlequin Teen) Maria V.Snyder breaks out herself...from a long line of well received paranormal fantasy to a stark, adventure packed futuristic series that begins with the people of Inside looking for a better world Outside.

The bland, monotone introduction to the life of the Scrubs in the Lowers draws you into the life of Trella, who has never fit in with her surroundings. Trella seeks refuge from the burgeoning masses iof Scrubs, in the Pipes and Ducts that lead from the world of the Lowers to the envied lives of privilege in the world of the Uppers.

Soon the tone livens when one day everything changes - her one friend in the world Cogon (whose nickname Cog speaks volumes about his role among the Scrubs) introduces her to a man who talks of something better in Outside - and for the first time Trella knows "hope". A wild ride filled with adventure, betrayal and romance ensues.

From the fresh yet stark cover to the promise of a new world Inside, Snyder left me eager to read the follow up - Outside In!

It has been said before but I have to say it again - if you followed Maria V. Snyder through her Study series and are currently into her Glass series, do not read this expecting more of the same. Her writing style pulls you willingly into this new world filled with warnings about believing everything your hear, hope, trust, romance, acceptance, family, connection...and the endearing tale of Sheepy!

North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley

North of Beautiful

By: Justina Chen Headley

In today's world where kids are bombarded by unobtainable "ideals" of what is pretty, what makes you attractive to others...it is refreshing to read a book that smashes through the ridiculous standards set by the fashion magazines.

At first glance Terra Cooper has everything - tall, slender, blonde beauty...and a large port wine stain on her gorgeous face!

Her meeting with a boy - an attractive boy - would normally add the stress of insecurity to the equation...but on closer examination Jacob, the Goth Chinese boy she's just met has a cleft lip.

This story weaves the lives of Jacob, Terra and their mothers in an unforgettable fabric of circumstances...this is a wonderful look at a very touchy subject.

Justina Chen Headley has written a book that will stay with you about mending fractured families and the true meaning of beauty!

Product Description

As he continued to stare, I wanted to point to my cheek and remind him, But you were the one who wanted this, remember? You're the one who asked-and I repeat-Why not fix your face?

It's hard not to notice Terra Cooper.

She's tall, blond, and has an enviable body. But with one turn of her cheek, all people notice is her unmistakably "flawed" face. Terra secretly plans to leave her stifling small town in the Northwest and escape to an East Coast college, but gets pushed off-course by her controlling father. When an unexpected collision puts Terra directly in Jacob's path, the handsome but quirky Goth boy immediately challenges her assumptions about herself and her life, and she is forced in yet another direction. With her carefully laid plans disrupted, will Terra be able to find her true path?

Written in lively, artful prose, award-winning author Justina Chen Headley has woven together a powerful novel about a fractured family, falling in love, travel, and the meaning of true beauty.

Wish by Alexandra Bullen

Wish

by Alexandra Bullen

Wish is an impressive debut effort from Alexandra Bullen...and a brave step - looking into the "what if's" of sibling grief.

This book could have been silly but Bullen pulls you into Oliva's fantasy and you are ready to believe that she has her sister back...but as with all things magical, at some point you have to deal with reality.

I loved the writing style in Wish and feel that young girls as well as teens/YA's will enjoy this book - it speaks their language. My recommendation would be for Intermediate and High School (8th - up).

I am so excited to finally have my first book under my belt for the 2010 Debut Author Challenge from The Story Siren's great blog!!!

Product Description from Amazon

For broken-hearted Olivia Larsen, nothing can change the fact that her twin sister, Violet, is gone... until a mysterious, beautiful gown arrives on her doorstep. The dress doesn't just look magical; it is magical. It has the power to grant her one wish, and the only thing Olivia wants is her sister back.

With Violet again by her side, both girls get a second chance at life. And as the sisters soon discover, they have two more dresses-and two more wishes left. But magic can't solve everything, and Olivia is forced to confront her ghosts to learn how to laugh, love, and live again.

In a breathtaking debut from Alexandra Bullen, WISH asks the question: If you could have anything, what would you wish for?

The Clone Codes - The McKissacks

The Clone Codes

By Patricia, Frederick and John McKissack

Be sure you learn history's lesson...the first time!, January 3, 2010

By	Reading It All (Orange County, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This book is about history repeating itself (again) in the worst way. Early in the history of the United States, a race of black people was brought from Africa to serve as slave labor - without basic rights that admitted that they were human. Their lives were ruled by the very restrictive "Black Rules".

Now, in the year 2170, another injustice is being repeated. Science has advanced to create viable clones but the ruling government, and the corporation that makes them, calls them "Second Cell" non-humans and uses them as slave labor. They are ruled by the "Clone Codes" - almost word for word as the same restrictive "Black Rules".

Human rights supporters work quietly to make life better for clones and cyborgs. Cyborgs are people who have been so badly injured that implants are all that save them. They are call 3/5ths people and excluded from many opportunities and activities.

Now the battle begins to get human rights for clones and others who are discriminated against. There are a lot of lessons learned about differences and acceptance as the world moves toward space travel and the mysteries of the universe.

The McKissak's collaborated with their son for The Clone Codes...this is a great accompaniment for an American History course. Told in a way that kids will enjoy reading it!

Product Description from Amazon

The Cyborg Wars are over and Earth has peacefully prospered for more than one hundred years. Yet sometimes history must repeat itself until humanity learns from its mistakes. In the year 2170, despite technological and political advances, cyborgs and clones are treated no better than slaves, and an underground abolitionist movement is fighting for freedom. Thirteen-year-old Leanna's entire life is thrown into chaos when The World Federation of Nations discovers her mom is part of the radical Liberty Bell Movement.

After her mother's arrest for treason, Leanna must escape as she is chased by a ruthless bounty hunter. Soon Leanna finds herself living among the Firsts, and nothing will ever be the same again. But what does The World Federation want with the daughter of a traitor? So much is uncertain. Danger hides everywhere. Fear takes over. With help from unlikely sources, Leanna learns the origin of The Liberty Bell Movement and how its members may have answers about her past-and her new reality.

As family secrets are revealed, Leanna must face startling truths about self-identity and freedom. Through time travel, advanced technologies, and artificial intelligence, this exhilarating adventure asks what it means to be human and explores the sacrifices an entire society will make to find out.

Acclaimed authors Patricia C. McKissack and Frederick L. McKissack have collaborated with their son, John to deliver a novel that is as suspenseful as it is searing.

The Amanda Project: invisible i

invisible i

The Amanda Project:

Book One

by Stella Lennon and Melissa Kantor

I gave this book four stars because that is my honest opinion of the book The Amanda Project: Book 1: invisible I.

It reads easily and rings true for it's depiction of high school and teen cliques. I remember being the creative, quirky, artistic "new girl" and so much of this book prompts flash backs of my high school days.

What I found interesting in The Amanda Project: Book 1: invisible I, the first of a series of eight books, is the way it looks at Amanda from the viewpoints of three different classmates. Of course, when Amanda disappears, they soon realize that none of them new much about their new friend.

If you want to make this a 5 star experience, you have to take it to the next level...the interactive website! The Amanda Project website http://theamandaproject.com/ - from the home page:

What Happened To Amanda?
AMANDA VALENTINO came to our high school on Halloween. She disappeared on the Ides of March. She left us some clues, but we're not sure what they mean. The only thing we know for sure is that she utterly, completely changed our lives.

Join in with hundreds of readers nationwide to try to solve the mystery, find the clues and the coolest...write your own story!

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Graceling

Have you ever played the game where everyone had to name the "super-power" they would ask for if given the opportunity? What was yours? probably not the ability to literally kill anyone or anything and be fairly invulnerable to pain...

In Graceling author Kristine Cashore creates a world where a chosen few are born with "Graces" - these can be something as simple as the ability to catch fish with your bare hands, the ability to run swiftly, the ability to shoot an arrow quickly and true --- and then there is the Lady Katsa's Grace - the ability to kill.

This is full of really juicy adventure, hand to hand combat, archers, sword play, good kings and bad kings...but what sets this book apart from other offerings in this genre is it's look at the consequences of the use of these graces on those who wield them.

Katsa is a strong headed young woman who has always held a position of power - not many people argue with her so she is sure that what she knows are truths...until she meets another Graceling who shows her otherwise.

The really nice thing about the way Cashore has written the relationship between Po and Katsa is that there is enough romance for the girls and it doesn't get mushy so the boys think it's in the way.

I picked this book up to "look" at it at my Mom's and sat down and read it all the way through by the next morning - this story is destined to become a blockbuster movie!

Product Description from Amazon

Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight—she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug.

When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change. She never expects to become Po’s friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace—or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.

Teen Angst in Africa - "We're Not In Kansas Anymore"

Escape Under the Forever Sky

By Eve Yohalem

We have all read stories of teen angst - father doesn't understand - mother is overbearing...I know it's been done.

However, when you take these same elements and place them in Ethiopia - a country so foreign...

"Everywhere I go in Ethiopia...kids pop out of nowhere to bombard me with the same three questions: "You are from America? You want a...[fill in blank: necklace, fake antique coin, toothbrush stick, religious icon, etc.]?" and - my personal favorite - "Gimme pen?"

This debut novel by Eve Yohalem draws you into the world of 13 year old Lucy Hoffman. Yohalem definitely "gets" teens. Lucy, wealthy and white in a country that is dirt poor and primarily black - is at the start, headstrong and confident, but when she finds herself in dire straits she is finally able to see life from her parents viewpoint.

Loosely based on a real life event, the author has done her homework. The history and culture of Ethiopia is fascinating, and memories of the late ruler Selassie quite fantastic!

I look forward to more from this author!

From Amazon:

Lucy's mother is the U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia. So Lucy's life must be one big adventure, right? Not really. Her parents are more focused on their careers than their family, so they live on different continents. And Lucy's worrywart mother keeps her locked up inside the ambassador's residence for her own good. Lucy's had enough. So one day, she and a friend sneak off. When Lucy's kidnapped, things get decidedly more interesting. Using her knowledge of African animals, inventiveness, will, and courage, Lucy embarks on an adventure beyond her wildest dreams.