Editorial Reviews

A brilliant British adventure tale that plunges readers into the past and dangles a treasure just out of reach. The Darziods’ Stone is a fine mixture of history, mythology, and fantasy, thrusting an engaging group of characters into an epic struggle with dark and sinister forces. With snappy dialogue, well-developed characters, and an innovative storyline, this novel doesn’t let up its frenetic pace until the epic conclusion, making for a highly entertaining middle grade adventure.

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In The Demon’s Crystal, author Lenard Hale invites readers to a thrilling romp through the stunning, untamed beauty of Madagascar. With a quirky cast of unlikely allies, this unpredictable novel is a trailblazing tale for anyone who enjoys the path less traveled. Peppered with just enough suspense to keep you turning pages, Hale shows himself to be a master of crackling language and energetic plot twists, creating a novel that has broad appeal and a memorable finish.

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Author Chad Lee Erway creates a masterfully whimsical adventure with An Appointment with Fear, and the intrepid sleuths of Masterminds Incorporated are fresh, unique faces in the YA genre. With great pacing and a final payoff as good as any book for adults, this may be a quick read, but the moral lessons and richly developed characters make for impactful fun, and an excellent launch point for an extended series.

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A charming look at a middle-schooler’s struggle to navigate grief and acceptance. Jake, Lucid Dreamer is a book anyone would be happy for their child to read, or to read to their child. The dream sequences hold the reader and keep the book rolling at a steady pace. Naiman shows himself to have the chops for a middle grade author – mixing in common tropes with inventive new directions, and a number of important themes for young readers.

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With a sharp tongue and no fear of exposing her youthful failings and flops, author Yvonne Persson delivers a hilarious and sincere memoir that will make every reader cringe at their own younger selves. This collection of anecdotes – ranging from being asked out in the freezer section to applying French philosophy to teenage dating culture – is refreshingly honest throughout. The tongue-in-cheek writing style makes the book both heartfelt and humorous, with added insight into the turbulent 60s.

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For readers who are eager to have their imaginations shattered into a thousand pieces, this bizarre and fascinating novel by Michael Sussman is sure to please. To get as deep and heady as Sussman does, yet manage to maintain an edge of wisdom with the whimsy, takes a very talented author. If you are looking for a unique novel, Incognolio is definitely one to check out, especially if you like a bit of madness with your words – this book has more than enough to go around.

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Though most certainly of interest to former students of the school who may have known the educator, this biography is a fascinating portrait of a dynamic and complex man. It is not just a story about educational methods, but of a man courageously fighting against a rigid system and charting his own path, and in turn the path of all of his students. In this way, the biography is an inspiring story of perseverance and ultimate success, which is a story that can speak to many readers.

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A gripping and thought-provoking work of YA historical fiction. As pure entertainment, Kroll’s book is top-notch, but it is also full of fascinating and important historical detail. Far beyond it being a great read – which it most certainly is – the book raises an important moral dilemma about helping one’s fellow man when that person happens to be the enemy. A thoughtful and well-written novel, The Last April is highly recommended for readers who may never read young adult or historical fiction, as the themes Kroll covers are timeless and vital.

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