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Adventure

SECRETS AT SEA

Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
Peck
Author's First Name: 
Richard
Illustrator's First Name: 
Kelly
Illustrator's Last Name: 
Murphy
Publisher: 
Dial
Publication Date: 
2011
2013 Nomination (not yet selected): 

Orphaned mice, husband-hunting humans, hilarious social snobbery, a posh ocean voyage, and adventure on the high seas...what more could you want in a single book? Richard Peck's range is seemingly limitless--and this historical fantasy only underscores his versatility. Murphy's delightful pencil illustrations are the icing on the (cliched) cake. Seven to Ten.  Kristi Jemtegaard

 Selected for the 2012 List.

AU REVOIR, CRAZY EUROPEAN CHICK

Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
Schreiber
Author's First Name: 
Joe
Publisher: 
Houghton Mifflin
Publication Date: 
2011
2013 Nomination (not yet selected): 

Senior Perry Stormaire steps out on Prom night, at his father's bequest, with Lithuanian exchange student Gobija Zaksauskas driving his dad's red jag and well, all hell breaks loose. Very short chapters makes this fast and action packed read even faster. The back flap touts this novel as "Ferris Beuller meets La Feeme Nikita". I can't top that- right on. Light, entertaining but also thought provoking due to the 39 instructions at the beginning of each chapter: real or imaginary college admissions essay questions which will remind you of this novel long after you've finished reading. Promising debut. Ages 14+ Maria E. Gentle.

ROSLYN RUTABAGA AND THE BIGGEST HOLE ON EARTH

roslyn rutabaga cover
Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
Gay
Author's First Name: 
Marie-Louise
Publisher: 
Groundwood
Publication Date: 
2010

A worm, a mole, and a dog all try to dissuade Roslyn, a rabbit, from digging a hole to the South Pole . . . but matter-of-fact Dad gently supports his determined daughter. Torn paper illustrations float through lots of white space, the perfect combination for this firmly grounded fantasy.

FLORA'S VERY WINDY DAY

flora_cover.gif
Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
Birdsall
Author's First Name: 
Jeanne
Illustrator's First Name: 
Matt
Illustrator's Last Name: 
Phelan
Publisher: 
Clarion
Publication Date: 
2010

Flora longs to rid herself of pesky little brother Crispin, but when she gets the perfect opportunity, will she really want to say goodbye? The swirling, tumbling ink, watercolor, and pastel illustrations skillfully embody the whirlwind of sibling emotions.

THE FANTASTIC SECRET OF OWEN JESTER

Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
O'Connor
Author's First Name: 
Barbara
Publisher: 
Frances Foster
Publication Month: 
August
Publication Date: 
2010

Third-grader Owen and his nosy friend Viola have two problems during their hot Georgia summer: what to do with a sick giant bullfrog and how to move the amazing submersible that fell off a passing train to nearby Graham Pond for launching.

SHIP BREAKER

SHIP BREAKER
Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
Bacigalupi
Author's First Name: 
Paolo
Publisher: 
Little, Brown
Publication Date: 
2010

In a harsh dystopia, Nailer receives an unexpected chance for adventure when he gambles his life to rescue a shipwrecked girl.  Believable characters inhabit an intriguing world of superstition, violence, and risk.

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