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Editor's Choice:
 KATIE DALE: SOMEONE ELSE'S LIFE
SImon and Schuster PB
How can you face your future when your past it a lie? When Rosie Kenning's
mother, Trudie, dies from Huntingdon's disease, her whole world falls apart. Not
only does Rosie desperately miss her mum, but now she has to face the fact that
she could have inherited the fatal illness herself. Until she discovers that
Trudie wasn't her biological mother at all ...Rosie is stunned. Can this be
true? Is she grieving for a mother who wasn't even hers to lose? And if Trudie
wasn't her mother, who is? But as Rosie delves into her past to discover who she
really is, she is faced with a heart-breaking dilemma - to continue living a
lie, or to reveal a truth that will shatter the lives of everyone around
her... A real rollercoaster of a ride through Rosie's search for the truth about her parentage and her origins, with one thing after another springing up to confuse and dismay her - this is a carefully constructed, thriller-like story, with Rosie uncovering facts about her mother and her father, and turning her own life and the lives of her friends and her new family upside-down along the way. Sensationally good, almost too good for young adults. Brilliant.
 SOPHIE McKENZIE: FALLING FAST
Simon and Schuster PB
This is life, not a rehearsal...When River auditions for a part in an inter-school performance of Romeo and Juliet, she finds herself smitten by Flynn, the boy playing Romeo. River believes in romantic love, and she can't wait to experience it. But Flynn comes from a damaged family - is he even capable of giving River what she wants? The path of true love never did run smooth... In something of a departure from Sophie's thrillers, she tackles the thorny subject of teenage love. This could only have been written in this century, because who, in the last century, went to school with girls who had names like River? But the issues are universal and timeless. Girl fancies boy, boy can't possibly be interested in her, and even if he is, surely he will only want to have sex with her, then move on. The Romeo and Juliet thing is a diversion - this isn't about gang warfare and teenage rivalry. It is, purely and simply, a wonderful love story, with two engaging characters and plenty of angst. Flynn reminds me of Finn from Waterloo Road, but he's slightly different - proud, determined, and right-thinking, like Finn, but in a different way and for different reasons. This is a sensational; read, totally captivating, great fun, and reassuringly frank and honest. The girls talk about real issues, and it's nice to think that even a rebel like Flynn has standards and true feelings for River. Brilliant.
 JAY ASHER & CAROLYN MACKLER
Simon and Schuster PB
It's 1996 and very few high school students have ever used the internet. Facebook will not be invented until several years in the future. Emma just got a computer and an America Online CD. She and her best friend Josh power it up and
log on - and discover themselves on Facebook in 2011. Everybody wonders what they'll be like fifteen years in the future. Josh and Emma are about to find out. Superb collaborative novel for teens - I imagine one wrote Josh's bit and the other wrote Emma's, though I could be totally wrong in that assumption. There isn't quite enough reference for me to what life was actually like in the late 1990s, and the only thing we learn about now is that Facebook dominates cyberspace - no references to the explosion in mobile phone technology, streaming video, online shopping etc., or anything else about today's lifestyle - but it's a great story and the characters are terrific. I loved it, couldn't put it down.
 KELLY KEATON: A BEAUTIFUL EVIL
Simon Pulse PB
Ari has finally learned the terrifying truth. She is a descendant of Medusa, cursed to become a monster designed to kill with a single touch. Haunted by the image of what she will become, Ari, with the help of the gorgeous Sebastian, is doing everything she can to learn more about Athena, the goddess who cursed her family and kidnapped young Violet. But the battle between good and evil is much bigger than she realises, and Ari is about to be pulled into a world more horrific than she could ever imagine. And now, as she prepares to face Athena, Ari must unleash the very thing she's most afraid of...herself. The brilliant sequel to DARKNESS BECOMES HER, in which we learn a great deal more about Ari and Sebastian, and their romance moves on apace. Very well written YA - Kelly Keaton is one to watch!
 MARK ROBSON: THE DEVIL'S TRIANGLE - EYE OF THE STORM
Simon and Schuster PB
Sam and Callum are stranded in the strange parallel world, having been pulled across by the dangerous energy of the Bermuda Triangle. Now they have found Sam's mum and joined her rebel group, who are trying to stop the raptor species from creating even bigger holes in the fabric between the two worlds. Sam is still desperate to find a way home, but how far will he go to get there? Meanwhile Niamh is trying to uncover the truth about the boys' disappearance. Convinced that her brother and Callum are alive despite the authorities suspicions, it's up to her to solve the mystery before her father is convicted of murder. Robson has earned himself a place in SF/adventure for younger people (young teens) with this series. You always knew that there was more to come after the first book, and Robson delivers at full tilt. The sort of book you could happily relax with after completing your homework, and a nod to the adventure writers of the twentieth century. Excellent.
 HELEN DUNMORE: STORMSWEPT (THE INIGO CHRONICLES)
Harper Collins Children's Books PB
An atmospheric and beautifully written adventure, from the award-winning author of the Ingo series. Morveren lives with her parents and twin sister Jenna on an island off the coast of Cornwall. As Morveren and Jenna’s relationship shifts and changes, like driftwood on the tide, Morveren finds a beautiful teenage boy in a rock pool after a storm. Going to his rescue, she is shocked to see that he is not human but a Mer boy. With Jenna refusing to face the truth, Morveren finds herself alone at the worst possible time. Because when the worlds of Air and Mer meet, the consequences can be terrible… The second "wave" of the Ingo Chronicles begins... and Dunmore's affinity with the oceans continues! You can almost hear the waves calling to you, her prose is so evocative of the sea, and the story just sweeps you away. Lyrical, almost.
 NICKY SINGER: THE FLASK
Harper Collins Children's Books PB
An unforgettable standalone novel from Nicky Singer, author of the sensational, award-winning FEATHER BOY. Twelve-year-old Jess is grieving for her beloved Aunt Edie, and anxiously awaiting the birth of her twin brothers, when she finds a mysterious glass flask hidden in a desk. The flask is beautiful to Jess, and soon she starts to believe that it contains a magical life-force. When her half-brothers are born critically ill, Jess becomes convinced that their survival depends on what’s happening to the flask… Through Jess's stunning narration, Nicky Singer explores the meaning of life, and the interconnected nature of all things - in a way which is entirely accessible to young readers. Jess discovers the flask and its contents at a time when she is particularly vulnerable, with her mother about to deliver conjoined twins and her Aunt recently died. This is a magical story, examining various themes and concepts to do with life and love, and Singer handles them all magnificently. This is a terrific read - you will not be disappointed. I was reminded, just a little, of THE LOVELY BONES, not from a plot or story point of view, but from the point of view of Jess and her take on life. Brilliant.
 BARRY HUTCHISON: THE 13TH HORSEMAN
Harper Collins Children's Books PB
The first hilarious book in Barry’s AFTERLIVES sequence. Finn has just met the Horsemen of the Apocalypse but is that really the end of the world? Pratchett meets Python in this dark comic fantasy with plenty of action, perfect for 11+ boys. Drake is surprised to find three horsemen of the apocalypse playing snakes and ladders in his garden shed. He’s even more surprised when they insist that he is one of them. They’re missing a Horseman, having gone through several Deaths and they think that Drake is the boy for the job. At first he’s reluctant to usher in Armageddon but does being in charge of Armageddon have to spell the end of the world? An apocalyptic blend of riotous comedy, heart-stopping action and a richly imagined fantasy adventure. Pure brilliant fantasy with a dash, more than a dash, more a dollop, of humour - Hutchison's style reflects the fact he has chosen to write for children when in fact adults will also love this story. Bordering on the insanity of Monty Python, the concept of three of the four horsemen existing in a shed only Drake can see is inspired lunacy. My only complaint is that it isn't long enough. I'm used to reading fantasy novels that are upwards of 500 pages, and this would probably not work for a children's novel, which is why I think Barry should be read by adults as well, and then perhaps he can give us more. Pestilence, in particular, deserves more attention, but all in all, this is a sensationally good read. I loved it.
 JILL HATHAWAY: SLIDE
Harper Collins Children's Books PB
She sees through the eyes of a killer… Vee Bell hates having narcolepsy. But collapsing at school is nowhere near as bad as the truth. When Vee passes out she slides randomly into other’s people’s heads and ends up seeing through their eyes. So when Vee finds herself in the head of a killer, standing over the body of a cheerleader, she’s beyond freaked. Vee knows that this was no suicide. And when another cheerleader turns up dead, everyone is a suspect. Struggling to understand her terrifying and unwanted ‘gift’, Vee is tangled in a web of secrets, lies and danger… An original concept, and an intriguing one - it's as though Vee needs to present her beliefs to the police, but can't because they simply would not believe her. Added to this is the fact that while she is occupying someone else's mind, her one body is left open and vulnerable - to the killer. A murder mystery with a twist, and an excellent read.
 MICHAEL TERRY: WHO LIVES HERE?
Bloomsbury Boardbook
Curious young readers will have hours of fun peeking behind the flaps to
discover lots of animals in their natural habitats. Birds and monkeys, ducks and
donkeys, hippos and crocodiles ...all jostle for space in these
animal-fun-packed pages. Flaps, animals and discovery - a perfect book for
infants learning about the animal world. Michael Terry is renowned for his animal illustrations. The Selfish Crocodile,
his first picture book, has become a classic, selling over 485,000 copies. Since
then he has gone on to illustrate several bestselling animal picture books for
Bloomsbury, including Little Hotchpotch, Rhino's Horns, The Sulky Vulture, The
Gossipy Parrot and his Captain Wag series. Michael lives in Hythe, Kent.
 SARAH EASON (Illus. Kirsten Collier): POO AT THE ZOO
Bloomsbury PB
A unique way to find out all about animal habits and their habitats! Meet the
different types of animals at the zoo and find out what they've been up to. Did
you know that an African lion only eats every three to four days? Or what a lion
has to eat to produce the stinkiest poo of the whole animal kingdom? With
additional animal fact boxes about each creature, and comic style full colour
informative illustrations, each spread will give readers the inside scoop on
animal poop. Sarah Eason has written many books for children, for all age groups from
pre-schoolers to teenagers, and on pretty much everything - from animals, space,
boats and trucks to art, history and science. Her latest subject, Poo at the
Zoo, has probably been one of the most fascinating and fun so far!
 LISA REGAN (Illus. Kelly Byrne): WILD THINGS - GIRAFFE
Bloomsbury PB
What would happen if a giraffe came to stay? How would you look after it?
Where would it sleep? What would it eat (baked beans, bamboo or cream cakes?)
and how would you play with it? Wild Things! gives young readers a first
introduction to exotic animals around the world, looking at how and where they
really live and what they need to survive, as it becomes clear that they must be
posted back! Each book also includes a final fact spread to explain why each
animal is suited to living in its own environment in the wild, as well as how we
can help to keep it there. Lisa Regan is the author of over 200 published titles, mostly for children. She
lives in Colchester, UK, with her husband and three sons. Her work includes
titles on space, animals and the weather, but stretches to the fantasy realms of
fairies, flower princesses and fantastic creatures. Also available:
  
 SALLY GRINDLEY: PAW PRINTS IN THE SNOW (International Rescue)
Bloomsbury PB
Two children accompany their parents as they travel the world helping animals
on the verge of extinction. As their parents work alongside international
agencies, the children have their own thrilling adventures. Paw Prints in the
Snow is written with the assistance and guidance of London Zoo's conservation
team. All information is accurate and the stories are full of excitement and
tension. Sally Grindley is the author of bestselling and award-winning fiction
for young readers. Here she brings to life a story of hope set in Russia. When
Joe and Aesha's mother is given an assignment to train young vets, the Brook
family visits an important nature reserve near Lazovsky in eastern Russia. In
this spectacular snow-bound landscape, Joe is thrilled by the prospect of
glimpsing a rare Amur tiger in the wild. Alongside the fieldworkers, the Brooks
get involved in tracking local species, such as the Asiatic black bear and the
raccoon dog. However, the tigers prove elusive - until Joe's interest in
wildlife photography leads him to make an unexpected discovery that puts his
very life in danger.
 COLM McELWAIN: JAMES CLYDE AND THE DIAMONDS OF ORCHESTRA
Matador PB
As an infant, James Clyde was deposited at a children's home by his wounded,
blood-soaked grandfather. As a result, he grows up under a cloud of mystery.
Eleven years later when he hears about his strange past, he vows to uncover the
truth. But before he can, his grandfather hands him a magical and mysterious
diamond of Orchestra. With the aid of his friends, Ben and Mary Forester, James
must protect the diamond from evil forces. Soon, however, their lives are in
grave danger. They are being hunted by a sinister man dressed in black and his
blood-thirsty army. Outnumbered, James finds he must use the power of the
diamond to escape their clutches - or become another victim of their murderous
quest. So begins a journey that will transport them to an alternative world
where they must confront the mysterious man in black for a final,
winner-takes-all battle...James Clyde and the Diamonds of Orchestra will appeal
to children aged 12-15 that are fans of fantasy fiction. Colm is inspired by a
number of authors, including J. K. Rowling, C. S. Lewis, Brian Keaney and
Charles Dickens.
 CHUCK DICKENS: GURGLEWOBBLERS
Matador PB
This mythical story takes place near the bottom of the world in the southern
Tropic of Lantartica on the Island of Loon. To the north of the island, high in
the Aolian Mountains, lives a cruel kleptomaniac vulture called Ajani. He has
named the ridge after himself as a symbol of his own self-importance. Ajani
presides over five thieving magpie servants, Cedric, Boyce, Chad and Buzz, plus
the rookie magpie Jalen, who is the trainee jewel thief of the group. Cedric is
ordered by Ajani to hatch a plan to steal a jewelled egg from the Gurglewobblers
in the south. Seth the Elder, Hugo and Guy the identical twins, Leo, Livia and
Talia make up the group of six little Gurglewobblers who reside in tree houses
deep in the Forest of Bark, on the southern peninsula of the island. Seth wakes
up one morning to find their jewelled egg crafted by Cabbergé eons ago has been
stolen. After an extensive search of the Forest of Bark, they find evidence of
the crime and set sail for the Valley of the Gems to seek assistance in their
quest from the Orchids and Flower People. They unite, showing great camaraderie,
valour and humanity in the face of adversity in overcoming foul play. The
storyline is chock-a-block with shenanigans throughout - but just when one
thinks it's all over, the fiasco re-ignites. Will the Gurglewobblers win the
day? An action-packed story that children aged 9-12 are sure to love,
Gurglewobblers contains beautiful illustrations by Margaret S. Burton and a
helpful character guide at the beginning that will help readers to
understand.
 DEBORAH HOCKNEY: JOCASTA'S GIFT
Matador PB
While studying at the Woodbridge Academy on Earth, Jocasta is surprised to
discover that, along with her friend David, she has been selected to train as a
cadet for the prestigious Elite Corporation. This involves training on Mars, far
away from her family and home, where she will learn all the skills necessary to
become one of the special Elite students, who will enhance the work of the
corporation. On her journey, she develops new friendships and meets some strange
and interesting characters - the fascinating but hostile Antigone and the
excitable Tara. Jocasta finds out that every other cadet possesses a talent or
gift, be it transmogrification or telepathic ability, but much to her dismay she
seems unable to discover what hers might be. Until, that is, she embarks on an
illicit and dangerous journey across the plains of the red planet, leaving
behind the safety and security of the Elite life. This is the story, not only of
Jocasta's search for her own unique and elusive ability, but of a secret that
has long been buried under the shifting red sands of Mars. Jocasta's Gift is an
adventure story that will appeal to children aged 9 to 14 years who enjoy
fantasy and science fiction novels.
 ANNA WILSON: THE POODLE PROBLEM
Macmillan PB
Nine-year-old Pippa Peppercorn loves helping out at the only beauty salon in
the quiet town of Crumbly-Under-Edge. A cosy joint run by the cuddly Mrs
Semolina Ribena Fudge, customers and their pets stop by as much for the tea and
sympathy as for a trim. But when rival beautician Trinity Meddler comes to town
and sets up shop, Mrs Fudge is in danger of losing her customers. What's more,
Trinity has a sinister plan up her sleeve - involving oodles of poodles! Luckily
Dash the talking dachshund, with a nose for sniffing out a good mystery, is on
hand to save the day - with Pippa as his number-one assistant.
 RACHEL BRIGHT: LOVE MONSTER
Harper Collins Children's Books PB
Featuring the only Monster in Cutesville, LOVE MONSTER is a wonderfully warm
and witty look at how sometimes, when you least expect it, love finds you… From
a phenomenal picture book talent. It can be tough being the only funny-looking Monster in Cutesville, but this
Monster is not one to hang around and feel sorry for himself, so he’s off – out
into the big wide world to look for someone to love him. He looks high, he
looks low and he looks everywhere in-between, but it’s only when he’s just about
to give up that he finally finds what he is looking for… Featuring an instantly charming main character who will appeal to children
and adults alike, LOVE MONSTER is a warm and witty tale about the power of
taking action from a terrific talent new to the HarperCollins list.
 CLAIRE FREEDMAN: MONSTERSAURUS
Simon and Schuster PB
Monty LOVES inventing But things don't always work - His walking toaster ran
away And the robot went BERSERK! But then one day Monty found a book with
instructions on how to create inventions very rare...read it if you dare!
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