AMANDA/MIRANDA
by Richard Peck
Puffin
ISBN: 0141312173
176 pages
I'm looking forward to reading this book (by this year's Newbery winner), recently re-written as a YA and new in paperback. It's a tale of mistaken identity, love, lies, and death on the Titanic.
THE BASIC EIGHT
by Daniel Handler
Griffin Trade Paperback
ISBN: 0312253737
352 pages
Older teens who have enjoyed Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events books may be ready for this black comedy by Snicket's, er, "representative", Daniel Handler. Told in a ripped-from-the-headlines style, it's about a clique that commits a satanic murder (you always knew the cool crowd was up to something).
DOWN THE YUKON
by Will Hobbs
HarperCollins Juvenile Books
ISBN: 0688174728
193 pages
My favorite summer vacations have involved white-water rafting. Since I live nowhere near any actual mountains or rivers, I will be reading Hobbs's latest splash-of-cold-water-in-your face this summer. Those planning Grand Canyon trips may also want to check out Hobbs's DOWNRIVER.
PLAYERS
by Joyce Sweeney
Winslow Pr
ISBN: 1890817546
225 pages
A page turner about a high school basketball team invaded by a psychopath. Fun even if you're not a sports fan, even more fun if you are.
WHALE TALK
by Chris Crutcher
Greenwillow
ISBN: 0688180191
224 pages
It's been a long wait, but there's a new book by the STAYING FAT FOR SARAH BYRNES author. Count on Crutcher championing the underdog and dealing with racial issues --- and, of course, there's swimming.
WUTHERING HEIGHTS
by Emily Bronte
Bantam Classics
ISBN: 0553212583
315 pages
Poor boy, Heathcliff, loses his girl to rich nerd, Edgar Linton . . . and seeks revenge on everyone involved. Hmm, sounds like a good young-adult novel. Read it now and get a jump on things --- some teacher is sure to assign it sooner or later.
