All are invited to attend a talk by E.Lockhart at the Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Rd., Bethesda, MD 20814 on Thursday Feb. 16, 5pm. Copies of her books will be for sale through an arrangement with Politics and Prose Bookstore. She will sign books after her talk.
The Washington Children's Book Guild is hosting author Ruta Sepetys, author of the book Between Shades of Gray, a popular book among our group, at a luncheon at the Channel Inn in Washington D.C. on Thursday January 19. The meeting begins at noon and ends at 2 p.m. For details about Ruta's talk, luncheon options and the work of the Guild check out the guild's blog, www.childrensbookguildblog.blogspot.com
If you would like to attend contact member Edie Ching, edie.ching@verizon.net
This view shows all of the books in this age group that have been selected in years past and nominated for the current year (but not yet selected). The nominations are marked by a "Nomination(not yet selected):" label.
A dark and brutal tale narrated to full effect by Darcie who goes from the voice of Shorty, a gang member recovering from a gunshot wound in a hospital when the earthquake hits to that of Toussaint l'Ouverture, Haitian hero, as he recounts his effort to free Haiti from foreign domination. There are lots of lessons to be learned here in terms of Haitian history, survival, what it means to be a hero.
After her father's death, Liesl is determined to bury his ashes next to her mother's. With the help of Po, a ghost from the Other Side, she escapes her step-mother's attic, steals the box of ashes and sneaks aboard a train. Only, the box doesn't actually contain ashes. Will, an alchemist's apprentice, has bungled his deliveries. Liesl is actually carrying terrifically powerful magic. Narrator Jim Dale shines as the characters and storylines come together for a rather satisfying conclusion. (Appears to be available for download only. Both Fairfax and Arlington have copies via Overdrive). Audiobook. Colleen Beaupre
Briony fears being found out as a witch. She believes she killed her stepmother and is responsible for her twin sister's mental handicap. But when handsome Eldric returns to Swampsea, her troubles really start as she begins to untangle the past and her feelings of guilt. Though the plot is slow to start, Billingsly's evocative language and Duerden's adept narration is enough to draw the listeners into the tale. Audio. Colleen Beaupre.
Note: Renominated for new narrator -- Twelve-year-old Abilene has just been sent to live in the town where her father grew up. A drifter since childhood, he doesn't have any living relatives, but for a time, he found a home in Manifest, Kansas. Though upset about being sent away, Abilene takes the opportunity to dig into her dad's (and the town's) storied past. Jenna Lamia's young voice suits Abilene and the story's other characters while the use of multiple narrators helps listeners keep track of the story as it jumps between 1936 and 1918. Audio. Colleen Beaupre
Fascinating cast of characters, brought to life by two talented readers. All nine pieces work together to tell a story about the people, the place and the game. Rhonda Belyea
The story of Cleopatra Selene, daughter of the famed monarch, is brilliantly delivered in this stunning audio. The narrator is pitch perfect and the production has some lovely touches including the music that segments the novel is pomp with a touch of ominous danger. The is one of the best listens I have had in a long time. This is produced by Oasis Audio - one that I had not heard of prior to this. Joan Kindig
Vera Dietz and Charlie Kahn have been best friends since childhood. However, by the start of their senior year they've grown apart. When Charlie dies a mysterious death Vera is plagued by guilt. The narrative, maily from Vera's point of view is intercepted with asides which works really well in audio. Unforgettable characters, superbly written and a great narrator makes for a memorable audio experience. Ages 14+ Maria E. Gentle
Narrated by Laura Flanagan. This story grabs you from the beginning. Jessica, a track star & junior in high school, wakes up in a hospital where she is recovering from a bus accident in which she lost her leg. Jessica's world is understandably turned upside down; healing - learning to put one foot in front of the other - takes time. The characters are engaging and the pacing of the reading is very well done. Performed by a single reader, it is fully voiced; female voices are very well-done, each one distinct and remains recognizable; male voices are less distinct. The few sound effects, mostly running or walking noises, are well-done. Recommended for grades 7-12. Audio. Rhonda Belyea.
Marno's beautiful narration of this modern wartime story brings listeners right into Yasmine's and Tamanna's world, celebrating the rugged beauty of the Afghan land and people while in the midst of both UN and Taliban occupation. Ages 14 and Up. - Paula Langsam
Sam is a Necromancer. Unfortunately, he doesn't know this. But he does start to suspect that something is going on when he gets in trouble with a seriously spooky stranger, gets beat up by a crazy strong henchman and gets up the next day to find the talking head of his friend on his doorstep. The story is clever and has fun playing with vampire/werewolf/ghost story cliches. Ross does an excellent job capturing Sam's personality, especially his typically teenage sarcasm, while Sorensen brings grit and foreboding to his antagonist, Douglas. (Audio) Colleen Beaupre
