The Best of the Best!

Believe it or not, but the holiday season is fast approaching & no matter what age you might be shopping for, we're proud to be introducing you to some of our favorite new reading picks of the season! Since we all know how how finicky Middle & Young Adult readers can be, I'd like to throw a few appropriate suggestions your way.

For Middle Readers (ages 9-11)



Flawed Dogs by bestselling author Berkeley Breathed!

From the Pulitzer Prize-winning creator of "Bloom County" comes his first illustrated novel--a heartwarming and humorous ode to the unconditional and lasting love we and our pets share.

Think the movie "All Dogs Go To Heaven" except retold in a stylish, charming new way!





The Mysterious Benedict Society & the Prisoners Dilemma by Trenton Stewart

When an unexplained blackout engulfs Stonetown, Reynis, Kate, Sticky, and Constance must unravel clues relating to a nefarious new plot, while their search for answers brings them closer to danger than ever before. Filled with page-turning action and mind-bending brain teasers, this wildly inventive journey is sure to delight.

Book 3 in this bestselling mystery series!

* A personal favorite of Eric's!


Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman

Newbery Medalist Neil Gaiman and illustrator Helquist team up for a new fantasy novella in which a young boy must free Asgard--the city of the gods--from the evil Frost Giants.

Percy Jackson fans, look out for this one! You've never seen Norse mythology told in quite this way before!

* A personal favorite of Lori's!



The Spiderwick Chronicles; The Completely Fantastical Edition by Tony Diterlizzi & Holly Black

All five books in The Spiderwick Chronicles are now available in one exquisitely produced volume that includes "The Field Guide, The Seeing Stone, Lucinda's Secret, The Ironwood Tree," and "The Wrath of Mulgarath," and bonus features such as an exclusive making-of section and an all-star gallery where other artists put their spin on the characters and creatures.

If you haven't had the chance to read this series yet, then here it is!



The Doom Machine by Mark Teague

With surprises around every corner, Teague takes readers on a funny, outrageous adventure when the small, sleepy town of Vern Hollow is invaded by a flying saucer filled with ridiculously inept aliens.







For Young Adults (ages 11-15)



Ash by Malinda Lo

In the wake of her father's death, Ash is left to the mercy of her cruel stepmother. Consumed with grief, her only joy comes from reading the fairy tales her mother once told her. Fairy tales that lead her to a fateful encounter with the dark & dangerous fairy Sidhean, who she believes has the the power to bring to life her deepest wish. A wish that will either save or destroy her. Spell binding and romantic, "Ash" is a riveting and empowering retelling of the Cinderella story--a novel about choosing life and love over solitude and death.

There's been a lot of YA buzz going on about this new fantasy/fable so don't miss out on this one!





Girl In The Arena by Lisa Haines

Lyn is a modern gladiator's daughter, and the rules of the sport are second nature to her family. However, the rules turn against the family after a gifted young fighter kills Lyn's father and captures Lyn's dowry bracelet--which means Lyn must marry him. To win her freedom, she must face her father's killer in mortal combat.







Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Partnered in biology with new student Patch, 16-year-old Nora Gray starts seeing things she cannot explain. At first she's both drawn and repelled by her lab partner, but when she sees V-shaped scars on his back, Nora learns Patch is fighting an ancient battle between the fallen and the immortal.

Fans of "Twilight" & "Shiver" will LOVE this edgy, new fantasy!




Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

On the eve of World War I, the machine-loving Austro-Hungarians and Germans have their big steam-powered Clankers. Inspired by Darwin, the British have fabricated animals into warships. Their mothership is called "Leviathan," and she is a whale-dirigible. The first book in a brand-new trilogy by the author of the "New York Times"-bestselling Uglies series.


Steam punk at it's best!



The Maze Runner by James Dashner

When Thomas wakes up, he's surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade--a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls, stone walls that hold a dark & deadly secret. Just like Thomas, the Gladers don't know why or how they got there. The next day, a girl arrives with the surprising message that Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. A message that might mean the difference between life or death for everyone involved! Can he find the way out of the ever shifting maze surrounding him or will his fate be sealed within it for all eternity?

An innovative, chilling tale perfect for fans of "The Hunger Games!"

If you need any assistance in choosing the best of our fall releases for your middle reader or young adult, come see me at the store! Happy reading mates!
-Colleen