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Humor

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.

E-MERGENCY!

E falling down the steps
Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
Lichtenheld
Author's First Name: 
Tom
Second Author's First Name: 
Ezra
Second Author's Last Name: 
Fields-Meyer
Publisher: 
Chronicle
Publication Date: 
2011
2013 Nomination (not yet selected): 

When E breaks his leg, O must take his place everywhere until he recovers - ovon in tho toxt of this animatod book colobrating tho lottors of tho alphabot. A witty, clever celebration of the alphabet and English spelling, full of puns and humor appealing to a variety of age levels, told through Lichtenheld's ink, pastel and colored pencil cartoons and a straightforward third-person narration. Seven to ten.

 Selected for the 2012 List.

THE TROUBLE WITH CHICKENS: A J. J. TULLY MYSTERY

Trouble with Chickens cover
Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
Cronin
Author's First Name: 
Doreen
Illustrator's First Name: 
Kevin
Illustrator's Last Name: 
Cornell
Publisher: 
Balzer + Bray
Publication Date: 
2011
2013 Nomination (not yet selected): 

A former search-and-rescue dog solves a missing chickens case in suitably hard-boiled detective fashion over twenty-three very short and funny chapters, complete with noir-style patter and lots of puns. Clever and satisfying. Seven to Ten. Annette Klause

 Selected for the 2012 List.

GRIN AND BEAR IT

Grin and Bear It cover
Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
Landry
Author's First Name: 
Leo
Illustrator's First Name: 
Landry
Illustrator's Last Name: 
Leo
Publisher: 
Charlesbridge
Publication Date: 
2011
2013 Nomination (not yet selected): 

Bear wants to be a stand-up comic--but he has terrible stage fright. This hilarious easy chapter book shows how Bear finds an unexpected way to overcome his fears and realize his dream. The profuse cartoons in pencil and watercolor capture both the humor and the emotions. Kids will relish the corny jokes. Seven to Ten. Annette Klause

 Selected for the 2012 List.

HORTON HALFPOTT: OR, THE FIENDISH MYSTERY OF SMUGWICK MANOR; OR, THE LOOSENING OF M'LADY LUGGERTUCK'S CORSET

Horton Halfpott
Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
Angleberger
Author's First Name: 
Tom
Publisher: 
Amulet
Publication Date: 
2011
2013 Nomination (not yet selected): 

Already nominated as an audio book, this is a "rip-roaring" read with shipless pirates, stable boys, wigs, life on the inside and the outside, and chaos and confusion all caused by a simple decision to loosen the strings on a corset. This is just a great romp in all venues and the illustrations here add to the charm of the story. Ten to Fourteen.

 See the annotation under "Audio."

AFTER EVER AFTER [AUDIOBOOK]

After Ever After
Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
Sonnenblick
Author's First Name: 
Jordan
Narrator's First Name: 
Nick
Narrator's Last Name: 
Podehl
Publisher: 
Brilliance Audio
Publication Date: 
2011
2013 Nomination (not yet selected): 

Jeffrey Alper is probably the most famous kid in his town. Even though eight years have passed, most still know him as the boy with leukemia. Now in remission, and eighth grade, Jeffrey is dealing with the aftermath of his cancer treatment and trying to navigate life as a teenager. Podehl embodies Jeffrey, obsessing equally over the new girl Lindsey, his older brother's sudden disappearance into Africa to "find himself", his parents' sudden fighting, as well as the real possibility he may never get out of the eighth grade. Fortunately Tad, Jeffrey's best friend, keeps him anchored to reality. Tad's acerbic voice and black humor is the perfect contrast to Jeffrey. This sequel to "Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie" stands on its own.  Audio forTen to Fourteen. Paula Langsam

PINK

Pink
Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
Wilkinson
Author's First Name: 
Lili
Publisher: 
Harper Teen
Publication Date: 
2011
2013 Nomination (not yet selected): 

Emo lesbian Australian Ava is trying to find her place, and Wilkinson ponders that so well. Included is fun banter between the young people in stage crew at Ava's new school, one of the groups that's a possibility for her to belong to. The mess that Ava gets herself into while she's figuring out who she is, and the way it's all resolved is very realistic, but only for somebody brave and in charge of her destiny. Fourteen and Up. Elissa Webber

HOLD ME CLOSER, NECROMANCER

HOLD ME CLOSER, NECROMANCER
Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
McBride
Author's First Name: 
Lish
Publisher: 
Holt
Publication Date: 
2010

College droupout and fast-food worker Sam encounters the creepy Douglas only to discover he's met a necromancer who raises the dead for cash. Douglas gives Sam an ultimatum, and Sam soon becomes an unwilling participant in a gruesome new profession.   

JUSTIN CASE: SCHOOL, DROOL, AND OTHER DAILY DISASTERS

Justin Case by Rachel Vail, illustrated by Matthew Cordell
Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
Vail
Author's First Name: 
Rachel
Illustrator's First Name: 
Matthew
Illustrator's Last Name: 
Cordell
Publisher: 
Feiwel & Friends
Publication Date: 
2010

Justin’s journal reflects the normal worries of a third grader such as rope-climbing anxiety, shaky friendships, and school embarrassments. But his family supports the introspective boy in subtle and satisfying ways.

THE GOLDEN DREAM OF CARLO CHUCHIO

Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
Alexander
Author's First Name: 
Lloyd
Publisher: 
Henry Holt
Publication Date: 
2007

When he finds a map hidden in an old book, Carlo, a natural daydreamer, launches a picaresque treasure hunt filled with danger, adventure, romance, and a cast of colorful characters.

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