Launching a book into the world takes years of work and patience for all of our authors and illustrators. So, when the time finally arrives to celebrate a new release, we can’t help but share the news! Spring 2016 brought a number of our clients’ new middle grade and young adult novels to the shelves.
Ammi-Joan Paquette launched the second book in her middle-grade series, PRINCESS JUNIPER OF THE ANJU, following PRINCESS JUNIPER OF THE HOURGLASS (Philomel/ Penguin). The adventures of Princess Juniper and her friends continue as they work to protect her father’s kingdom and encounter a mysterious tree-dwelling people with dangerous secrets of their own. Full of princesses, dragons and unexpected twists, this series is perfect for reluctant readers, kids who love adventure and dream of ruling their own country, and those who love classics.
To the delight of readers, young adult author C.G. Watson released her sophomore novel, ASCENDING THE BONEYARD (Simon Pulse), in April. This novel melds mystery with the surreal as Caleb Tosh journeys through and seeks an escape from the trauma and grief of his reality through his cyber-world. Said to appeal to readers of A.S. King’s I CRAWL THROUGH IT, this novel is a page-turner with an authentic, powerful voice and a theme universal to us all.
Janet Fox’s recent middle grade release, THE CHARMED CHILDREN OF ROOKSKILL CASTLE (Viking), has received starred reviews from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, Booklist (for both the print and audio version) and Shelf Awareness, and was selected as a Spring 2016 Indies Next pick! This gothic fairy tale about a group of children relocated to Scotland to escape the Blitz, weaves magic, mystery, adventure and war espionage into a page-turning, gripping read.
Newbery author and National Book Award finalist Kathi Appelt and Pulitzer Prize nominated author Alison McGhee teamed up to create MAYBE A FOX (Simon & Schuster/Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books). Written in two voices, this fantastical and heartbreaking story is about two sisters who are also best friends, the grief that comes when one of them disappears, and a fox who’s born at the same time in the shadow world. The middle-grade novel received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and the School Library Journal, and was called “searingly beautiful” by Barnes & Noble.
For those familiar with Newbery award-winning author Kwame Alexander’s THE CROSSOVER, join us in celebrating the launch of his latest novel in verse, BOOKED (HMH Books for Young Readers). This middle-grade story is about a 12-year-old boy who learns the power of words as he tackles problems at home, a bully and impressing the girl of his dreams. With four starred reviews, Kwame continues to keep readers turning pages in this novel about family, friendship, and the power of words. BOOKED has received starred reviews from Kirkus, The Horn Book, Publisher’s Weekly and Booklist.
All of these authors would love the opportunity to share their books with readers and meet with you in person. Contact us to arrange a visit with any one of these talented presenters.