On My Library Wish-List

The pupils in my library just adore gory covers with the premise reminiscent of Dexter I think this book would be perfect for the gore lovers in school. Confirmed by this brilliant review From Matt Teen Librarian HERE

Image from Goodreads

Title: I Hunt Killers

Author: Barry Lyga

Publisher: Bantam Press

Publication Date: 12 April 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

You’re seventeen years old and your father is the most notorious serial killer America has ever produced. 

He brought you up. Taught you everything he knows. Everyone in your ordinary American town knows who you are. So even though Dear Old Dad is safely behind bars, when the killing starts all over again, you are the first person the police come to see…

They don’t know whether it’s nature or nurture. And neither do you…

The next one was reviewed by The Book Smugglers (HERE) It sounds like a brilliant addition to the library.

Image from Goodreads

Title: Changeling

Author: Delia Sherman

Publisher: Firebird

Publication Date: 17 July 2008

Synopsis from Goodreads

A determined heroine, a quest adventure galore!

Neef is a changeling, a human baby stolen by fairies and replaced with one of their own. She lives in "New York Between," a Manhattan that exists side by side with our own, home to various creatures of folklore. Neef has always been protected by her fairy godmother until she breaks a Fairy Law. Now, unless she can meet the challenge of the Green Lady of Central Park, she'll be sacrificed! Neef is determined to beat the rap but time is running out . . .

The wonderful Darren at Book Zone for Boys is my go to guy for all things gory. Thank you to Darren for recommending this one, check out his review HERE

Image from Goodreads

Title: Doom Rider

Author: David Gatward

Publisher; Hodder Children's Books

Publication Date: 5 July 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

Seth Crow has lived a thousand lives, and in each one he's been murdered before he turns thirteen.

And now he's being hunted again. But this time it's different.

Enter Lily, who tells him of his fate: Seth is CONQUEST. The first of the four riders of the Apocalypse. And people want him dead, before he can fulfil his destiny.

Seth's only hope lies in finding the other riders - Strife, Famine and Death. 

Together, the fate of the world lies in their hands ...

Spotlight: Winterling by Sarah Prineas UK Cover Reveal

As you may know I featured Winterling by Sarah Prineas on My Library Wish-List a few weeks ago (HERE), after the post went up I was delighted to find out that Winterling is coming to the UK in November through the lovely people at Quercus.

And here is the gorgeous UK cover for you to feast your eyes on.

Image received from Publisher

Isn't it gorgeous.

On My Library Wishlist

As usual Mundie Moms have enticed me with their reviews of Middle Grade books to add it to the list of books I would love to see in the library. Read their amazing review HERE

Title:Winterling

Series: Winterling #1

Author: Sarah Prineas

Publisher: Quercus

Publication Date: 8 Nov 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

With her boundless curiosity and wild spirit, Fer has always felt that she doesn’t belong. Not when the forest is calling to her, when the rush of wind through branches feels more real than school or the quiet farms near her house. Then she saves an injured creature—he looks like a boy, but he’s really something else. He knows who Fer truly is, and invites her through the Way, a passage to a strange, dangerous land.

Fer feels an instant attachment to this realm, where magic is real and oaths forge bonds stronger than iron. But a powerful huntress named the Mor rules here, and Fer can sense that the land is perilously out of balance. Fer must unlock the secrets about the parents she never knew and claim her true place before the worlds on both sides of the Way descend into endless winter.

Sarah Prineas captivates in this fantasy-adventure about a girl who must find within herself the power to set right a terrible evil.

This one again is again down to the fabulous Mundie Moms read their review HERE

Title: The False Prince

Series: The Ascendance Trilogy #1

Author: Jennifer A Nielsen

Publisher: Scholastic

Publication Date: 7 June 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

THE FALSE PRINCE is the thrilling first book in a brand-new trilogy filled with danger and deceit and hidden identities that will have readers rushing breathlessly to the end.
In a discontent kingdom, civil war is brewing. To unify the divided people, Conner, a nobleman of the court, devises a cunning plan to find an impersonator of the king's long-lost son and install him as a puppet prince. Four orphans are recruited to compete for the role, including a defiant boy named Sage. Sage knows that Conner's motives are more than questionable, yet his life balances on a sword's point -- he must be chosen to play the prince or he will certainly be killed. But Sage's rivals have their own agendas as well.

As Sage moves from a rundown orphanage to Conner's sumptuous palace, layer upon layer of treachery and deceit unfold, until finally, a truth is revealed that, in the end, may very well prove more dangerous than all of the lies taken together.

An extraordinary adventure filled with danger and action, lies and deadly truths that will have readers clinging to the edge of their seats.

On My Library Wish-List

I think it is really important to have books in the school library that deal with the tougher aspects of teenage life. Sometimes it is easier for teens to read about a subject that might affect them personally than open up to another person. I think sometimes you just have to get something straight in your own mind before confiding in others. That is why I would love to see the following 2 books in the school library. 

Title: Tell Me A Secret

Author: Holly Cupala

Publisher: Harper Teen

Publication Date: 20 Sep 2011

Synopsis from Goodreads

It's tough living in the shadow of a dead girl. . . .

In the five years since her bad-girl sister Xanda's death, Miranda Mathison has wondered about the secret her sister took to the grave, and what really happened the night she died. Now, just as Miranda is on the cusp of her dreams—a best friend to unlock her sister's world, a ticket to art school, and a boyfriend to fly her away from it all—Miranda has a secret all her own.

When two lines on a pregnancy test confirm her worst fears, Miranda is stripped of her former life. She must make a choice with tremendous consequences and finally face her sister's demons and her own.

In this powerful debut novel, stunning new talent Holly Cupala illuminates the dark struggle of a girl who must let go of her past to find a way into her own future.

Title: Don't Breathe A Word

Author: Holly Cupala

Publisher: Harper Teen

Publication Date: 3 Jan 2012

Synopsis from Goodreads

Joy Delamere is suffocating... 

From asthma, which has nearly claimed her life. From her parents, who will do anything to keep that from happening. From delectably dangerous Asher, who is smothering her from the inside out.

Joy can take his words - tender words, cruel words - until the night they go too far.

Now, Joy will leave everything behind to find the one who has offered his help, a homeless boy called Creed. She will become someone else. She will learn to survive. She will breathe... if only she can get to Creed before it’s too late.

Set against the gritty backdrop of Seattle’s streets and a cast of characters with secrets of their own, Holly Cupala’s powerful new novel explores the subtleties of abuse, the meaning of love, and how far a girl will go to discover her own strength.

On My Library Wish-List

Title: The Rise of Renegade X

Series: Rise of Renegade X

Author: Chelsea Campbell

Publisher: Egmont USA

Publication Date: 11 May 2010

Synopsis from Goodreads

Sixteen-year-old Damien Locke has a plan: major in messing with people at the local supervillain university and become a professional evil genius, just like his supervillain mom. But when he discovers the shameful secret she's been hiding all these years, that the one-night stand that spawned him was actually with a superhero, everything gets messed up. His father's too moral for his own good, so when he finds out Damien exists, he actually wants him to come live with him and his goody-goody superhero family. Damien gets shipped off to stay with them in their suburban hellhole, and he has only six weeks to prove he's not a hero in any way, or else he's stuck living with them for the rest of his life, or until he turns eighteen, whichever comes first.

To get out of this mess, Damien has to survive his dad's "flying lessons" that involve throwing him off the tallest building in the city--despite his nearly debilitating fear of heights--thwarting the eccentric teen scientist who insists she's his sidekick, and keeping his supervillain girlfriend from finding out the truth. But when Damien uncovers a dastardly plot to turn all the superheroes into mindless zombie slaves, a plan hatched by his own mom, he discovers he cares about his new family more than he thought. Now he has to choose: go back to his life of villainy and let his family become zombies, or stand up to his mom and become a real hero.

I just know this book would be perfect for the Reluctant Readers in school.

Title: The Strange Case of Origami Yoda

Series: Origami Yoda #1

Author: Tom Angleberger

Publisher: Abrams

Publication Date: 1 May 2011

Synopsis from Goodreads

In this funny, uncannily wise portrait of the dynamics of a sixth-grade class and of the greatness that sometimes comes in unlikely packages, Dwight, a loser, talks to his classmates via an origami finger puppet of Yoda. If that weren’t strange enough, the puppet is uncannily wise and prescient. Origami Yoda predicts the date of a pop quiz, guesses who stole the classroom Shakespeare bust, and saves a classmate from popularity-crushing embarrassment with some well-timed advice. Dwight’s classmate Tommy wonders how Yoda can be so smart when Dwight himself is so clueless. With contributions from his puzzled classmates, he assembles the case file that forms this novel.

How much fun does this look. 

Title: Mortal Chaos

Series:Mortal Chaos

Author: Matt Dickinson

Publisher: OUP

Publication Date: 2 Feb 2012

Synopsis from Amazon

'The Butterfly Effect ': the scientific theory that a single occurrence, no matter how small, can change the course of the universe forever. When a butterfly startles a young rabbit, and the rabbit makes a horse rear, it starts a chain of events, over the course of one day, that will change people's lives . . . and end people's lives. From a climber on Everest to a boy in Malawi . . . from a commercial pilot to an American psycho . . . the chaos knows no bounds. This heart-stopping adventure by writer, film maker and climber Matt Dickinson will leave readers breathless. It's the book Jack Bauer would have read as a teenager!

This one has been on my radar for a while but the review from Darren at The Book Zone (HERE) really pushed it up the list.

On My Library Wish-List

Title: The Unwanteds
Series: Unwanteds#1
Author: Lisa McMann
Publisher: Aladdin Paperbacks
Publication Date: 30 Aug 2011

Synopsis from Goodreads

Every year in Quill, thirteen-year-olds are sorted into categories: the strong, intelligent Wanteds go to university, and the artistic Unwanteds are sent to their deaths.

Thirteen-year-old Alex tries his hardest to be stoic when his fate is announced as Unwanted, even while leaving behind his twin, Aaron, a Wanted. Upon arrival at the destination where he expected to be eliminated, however, Alex discovers a stunning secret—behind the mirage of the "death farm" there is instead a place called Artime.

In Artime, each child is taught to cultivate their creative abilities and learn how to use them magically, weaving spells through paintbrushes and musical instruments. Everything Alex has ever known changes before his eyes, and it's a wondrous transformation.

But it's a rare, unique occurence for twins to be separated between Wanted and Unwanted, and as Alex and Aaron's bond stretches across their separation, a threat arises for the survival of Artime that will pit brother against brother in an ultimate, magical battle.

Title: The Girl Who Could Fly

Author: Victoria Forester

Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
Publication Date: 1 Jan 2010

Synopsis from Goodreads

You just can’t keep a good girl down . . . unless you use the proper methods.

Piper McCloud can fly. Just like that. Easy as pie.

Sure, she hasn’t mastered reverse propulsion and her turns are kind of sloppy, but she’s real good at loop-the-loops.

Problem is, the good folk of Lowland County are afraid of Piper. And her ma’s at her wit’s end. So it seems only fitting that she leave her parents’ farm to attend a top-secret, maximum-security school for kids with exceptional abilities.

School is great at first with a bunch of new friends whose skills range from super-strength to super-genius. (Plus all the homemade apple pie she can eat!) But Piper is special, even among the special. And there are consequences.

Consequences too dire to talk about. Too crazy to consider. And too dangerous to ignore.

At turns exhilarating and terrifying, Victoria Forester’s debut novel is an unforgettable story of defiance and courage about an irrepressible heroine who can, who will, who must . . . fly.

I am sure I found this one on one of my ventures through Google reader but I forgot to write down the lovely blog that introduced me to it. If it was your blog I apologies <3

On My Library Wish-list

Catching up on posts from the amazing blogs I follow is detrimental to wish-lists [ ; D ] 

This one I found on Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books, it looks just perfect for the school library. 

Title: The Dead Gentleman

Author: Matthew Cody
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: 8 Nov 2011

Synopsis from Amazon

The dead are up and walking, and the Gentleman is at the door...

Featuring a kid hero, time travel, and otherworld portals in unexpected places (maybe there are monsters under your bed), The Dead Gentleman is a wild ride between parallel New York City timestreams—1901 and today. Eleven-year-old Tommy Learner is a street orphan and an unlikely protege to the Explorers, a secret group dedicated to exploring portals—the hidden doorways to other worlds. But while investigating an attercop (man-eating spider) in the basement of an old hotel, Tommy is betrayed—and trapped. And it's then that his world collides with that of modern-day Jezebel Lemon, who—until the day she decides to explore her building's basement—had no bigger worries than homework and boys. Now, Jezebel and Tommy must thwart the Dead Gentleman—a legendary villain whose last unconquered world is our own planet Earth, a realm where the dead stay dead. Until now. Can two kids put an end to this ancient evil and his legions of Gravewalkers?

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books is also to blame for the next one - although he showed the second one in the series as I don't have the first I thought I had better start there [ : D ]

Title: The Last Dragonslayer
Series: Draonslayer Trilogy
Author: Jasper Fforde
Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton
Publication Date: 15 Sep 2011

Synopsis from Goodreads

In the good old days, magic was powerful, unregulated by government, and even the largest spell could be woven without filling in the magic release form B1-7g. But somewhere, somehow, the magic started draining away. Jennifer Strange runs Kazam!, an employment agency for state-registered magicians, soothsayers and sorceresses. But work is drying up. Drain cleaner is cheaper and quicker than a spell. Why trust a cold and drafty magic carpet when jetlines offer a comfy seat and an in-flight movie? And now potions are eligible for VAT . . . But then the visions start. The Last Dragon is going to be killed by a Dragonslayer at 12.00 on Sunday. The death will unleash untold devastation on the UnUnited Kingdom, setting principality against dukedom and property developer against homesteader. And all the signs are pointing to Jennifer Strange, and saying 'Big Magic is coming' . . .

And how awesome is this there is an app to go with it.

On My Library Wish-List

I came across this one when I was catching up with Google Reader and Mundie Moms the trailer for this book is amazing so I am also including it. I honestly think this book would be a terrific addition to any school library. Check out Mundie Moms brilliant review HERE

Title: The Apothecary
Author: Maile Meloy
Publisher: Penguin USA
Publication Date: 4 Oct 2011

Synopsis from Goodreads

It's 1952 and the Scott family has just moved from Los Angeles to London. Here, fourteen-year-old Janie meets a mysterious apothecary and his son, Benjamin Burrows - a fascinating boy who's not afraid to stand up to authority and dreams of becoming a spy. When Benjamin's father is kidnapped, Janie and Benjamin must uncover the secrets of the apothecary's sacred book, the Pharmacopoeia, in order to find him, all while keeping it out of the hands of their enemies - Russian spies in possession of nuclear weapons. Discovering and testing potions they never believed could exist, Janie and Benjamin embark on a dangerous race to save the apothecary and prevent impending disaster.

Together with Ian Schoenherr's breathtaking illustrations, this is a truly stunning package from cover to cover.

How fabulous is this trailer.

This is another one I am totally blaming Mundie Moms for. The cover is drool worthy, the review (HERE) begs you to snatch it up and the trailer is mesmerising. Is it wrong that I also want it for myself. 

Title: The Faerie Ring

Series: The Faerie Ring

Author: Kiki Hamilton

Publisher: Tor Teens

Publication Date: 14 Nov 2011

Synopsis from Amazon

The year is 1871, and Tiki has been making a home for herself and her family of orphans in a deserted hideaway adjoining Charing Cross Station in central London. Their only means of survival is by picking pockets. One December night, Tiki steals a ring, and sets off a chain of events that could lead to all-out war with the Fey. For the ring belongs to Queen Victoria, and it binds the rulers of England and the realm of Faerie to peace. With the ring missing, a rebel group of faeries hopes to break the treaty with dark magic and blood - Tiki's blood. Unbeknownst to Tiki, she is being watched - and protected - by Rieker, a fellow thief who suspects she is involved in the disappearance of the ring. Rieker has secrets of his own, and Tiki is not all that she appears to be. Her very existence haunts Prince Leopold, the Queen's son, who is driven to know more about the mysterious mark that encircles her wrist. Prince, pauper, and thief - all must work together to secure the treaty...

You want it now too don't you.

On My Library Wish-List

Title: The Journal of Curious Letters
Series: The 13th Reality
Author: James Dashner
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Publication Date: 8 Mar 2008

Synopsis: From Goodreads

What if every time you made a choice that had a significant consequence, a new, alternate reality was created — the life that would've been? What if those new Realities were in danger? What if it fell to you to save all the realities?

Atticus Higginbottom, a.k.a. Tick, is a regular thirteen-year-old boy living a regular life until the day a strange letter arrives in his mailbox. Postmarked from Alaska and cryptically signed with the initials "M.G.," the letter informs Tick that dangerous — perhaps even deadly — events have been set in motion that could result in the destruction of reality itself. M.G. promises to send Tick twelve riddles that will reveal that on a certain day, at a certain time, at a certain place, something extraordinary will happen.

Will Tick have the courage to follow the twelve clues M.G. sends to him? Will he be able to solve the riddles in time? As M.G. warns Tick, very frightening things are coming your way. Will you join Tick and his friends on an amazing journey through the Realities? What will your choice be?

Title: The Hunchback Assignments
Series: The Hunchback Assignments
Author: Arthur Slade
Publisher: Ember
Publication Date: 24 Aug 2010

Synopsis from Goodreads

A gripping new series combines Steampunk, spying, and a fantastic Victorian London.The mysterious Mr. Socrates rescues Modo, a child in a traveling freak show. Modo is a hunchback with an amazing ability to transform his appearance, and Mr. Socrates raises him in isolation as an agent for the Permanent Association, a spy agency behind Brittania’s efforts to rule the empire. At 14, Modo is left on the streets of London to fend for himself. When he encounters Octavia Milkweed, another Association agent, the two uncover a plot by the Clockword Guild behind the murders of important men. Furthermore, a mad scientist is turning orphan children into automatons to further the goals of the Guild. Modo and Octavia journey deep into the tunnels under London and discover a terrifying plot against the British government. It’s up to them to save their country.

I have been thinking about doing a Steampunk presentation for the library lessons and thought these would be great additions as Middle Grade introduction to Steampunk.

What do you think??? 

Oh and by the way, The Hunchback Assignments are free to download on Kindle HERE

On My Library Wish-List

Title: The Call

Series: The Magnificent 12 #1

Author: Michael Grant

Publisher: Harper Collins Childrens Books

Publication Date: 6 Jan 2011

Synopsis: From Amazon

Sometimes one hero isn't enough-sometimes you need a full dozen. First in a funny, action-packed fantasy series by the New York Times bestselling author of GONE
Mack McAvoy is not an unlikely hero. He is an impossible hero! He is only twelve years old, he has a list of phobias as long as your arm, and he's a bully magnet. That is, until Mack is visited by a golem. The golem looks exactly like Mack, and has been sent to fill in for him while the real Mack sets out to save the world from the evil Pale Queen. To do so, he must assemble an elite team of twelve powerful children from all around the world. The first foe they face is Risky. Risky is pure evil. She gets it from her mother – the Pale Queen – a force of evil to be reckoned with since before medieval times.
Packed with action and humour Magnificent Twelve – The Call ends with a delicious cliffhanger that will have readers craving more.

How fantastic does this series sound. Terrific review at Mundie Kids here that brought it to my attention.

On My Library Wish-List

Title: Rebel
Series: Faery Rebels #2
Author: RJ Anderson
Publisher: Orchard
Publication Date: 7 Jan 2010

Synopsis: From Goodreads

The faeries of the Oak are dying, and it’s up to a lone faery named Linden to find a way to restore their magic. Linden travels bravely into dangerous new territory, where she enlists the help of an unlikely friend—a human named Timothy. Soon they discover something much worse than the Oakenfolk’s loss of magic: a potent evil that threatens the fate of all faeries. In a fevered, desperate chase across the country, Timothy and Linden risk their lives to seek an ancient power before it’s too late to save everyone they love.

I have the 1st book and the 2rd in this series but am holding back putting them on  the shelf until I get the 2nd to complete the series. 

Title: The Revenge of the Praying Mantis
Series: Hattori Hachi #1
Author: Jane Prowse
Publisher: Picadilly Press
Publication Date: 1 July 2009


Synopsis: From Amazon

As I turned, Mad Dog shouted, "Hattie - RUN!" Shadowy figures were filling the room. The graffiti on the walls wasn't graffiti at all - it was real people, throwing strange animal shadows and now it looked like they were peeling off the walls. One of them was already on the stairs behind Mad Dog, while around me lizard and panther shadows were turning into humans. Hattie Jackson is just an ordinary fifteen-year-old - until her mother disappears and Hattie's life is turned upside down. With the help of her friend Mad Dog, Hattie discovers the truth about her mother's 'other life' and the role she must now take on to defeat a terrifying army of evil Ninjutsu warriors, led by Praying Mantis - the most deadly assassin of all ... A thrilling page-turner by an exciting new author.

We have just had the second book in the series into the library. But guess what? We don't have the first book. It drives me nuts when this happens. Be eternally grateful to get the first in the series so the books can go out on the shelves [ : D ]

On My Library Wishlist

Title: Zeus: King of the Gods

Series: Olympians
Author: George O'Connor
Publisher: First Second
Publication  Date: 5 Jan 2011

Synopsis: From Goodreads
George O'Connor is a Greek mythology buff and a classic superhero comics fan, and he's out to remind us how much our pantheon of superheroes (Superman, Batman, the X-Men, etc.) owes to mankind's ORIGINAL superheroes: the Greek pantheon.

In OLYMPIANS, O'Connor draws from primary documents to reconstruct and retell classic Greek myths. But these stories aren't sedate, scholarly works. They're action-packed, fast-paced, high-drama adventures, with monsters, romance, and not a few huge explosions. O'Connor's vibrant, kinetic art brings ancient tales to undeniable life, in a perfect fusion of super-hero aesthetics and ancient Greek mythology.
Volume 1 of OLYMPIANS, ZEUS: King OF THE GODS, introduces readers to the ruler of the Olympian Pantheon, telling his story from his boyhood to his ascendance to supreme power.

Fabulous review of a later book in this series at CSI Librarian (here) but I thought I would start with the first book in the series and hope really hard for the rest. 

There is a Olympian Week taking placed across the US 4-10th October to celebrate the release of the second book in The Heroes of Olympus series The Son of Neptune.  As this coincides with Children's Book Week  I am hoping to run a Olympian Week in the school library with lots of activities and books about Greek Mythology. So you can see how fantastic it would be to have this series as a resource for that project [ : D ]

Title: Oh. My. Gods.
Series: Oh. My. Gods. #1
Author: Tera Lynn Childs
Publisher: Speak
Publication Date: 14 May 2009

Synopsis: From Goodreads

A modern girl’s comedic odyssey in a school filled with the descendants of Greek gods. When Phoebe’s mom returns from Greece with a new husband and moves them to an island in the Aegean, Phoebe’s plans for her senior year and track season are ancient history. Now she must attend the uberexclusive academy, where admission depends on pedigree, namely, ancestry from Zeus, Hera, and other Greek gods. That’s right, they’re real, not myth, and their teen descendants are like the classical heroes—supersmart and superbeautiful with a few superpowers. And now they’re on her track team! Armed only with her Nikes and the will to win, Phoebe races to find her place among the gods.

As you have probably noticed I like to work to a theme [ : D ]  Plus I want to read this one myself.

Title: Athena the Brain
Series: The Goddess Girls #1
Author: Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams
Publisher: Aladdin
Publication Date: 6 April 2010

Synopsis: From Goodreads

Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams put a modern spin on classic Greek myths about Athena and Persephone in the Goddess Girls series!
Athena the Brain: Finding out she's a goddessgirl and getting sent to Mount Olympus Academy brings new friends, a weird dad, and the meanest girl in mythology--Medusa!

Goddess Girls series, ages 8-12, Aladdin paperbacks
#1 Athena the Brain
#2 Persephone the Phony
#3 Aphrodite the Beauty
#4 Artemis the Brave
#5 Athena the Wise (April 2011)
#6 Aphrodite the Diva (August 2011)
7 & 8 to come in 2012 

Ohhh I just love the sound of this series. Another where the whole series would be fantastic for the library.

On My Library Wish-List

Title: Populazzi
Author: Elise Allen
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books
Publication Date: Aug 2011


Synopsis: From Goodreads

Cara has never been one of those girls: confident, self-possessed, and always ready with the perfect thing to say. A girl at the very top of the popularity tower. One of the Populazzi.

Now, junior year could change everything. Cara’s moving to a new school, and her best friend urges her to seize the moment—with the help of the Ladder. Its rungs are relationships, and if Cara transforms into the perfect girlfriend for guys ever-higher on the tower, she’ll reach the ultimate goal: Supreme Populazzi.

The Ladder seems like a lighthearted social experiment, a straight climb up, but it quickly becomes gnarled and twisted. And when everything goes wrong, only the most audacious act Cara can think of has a chance of setting things even a little bit right.

Terrific review at The Story Siren here

Title: Doc Mortis
Series: Invisible Fiends
Author: Barry Hutchinson
Publisher: Harper Collins Children's Books
Publication Date: 4 Aug 2011


Synopsis: From Amazon



The fourth thrilling book in this darkly funny, horror series Darren Shan called ‘deliciously nightmarish’. The first book, Mr Mumbles, is shortlisted for the Royal Mail Awards for Scottish Children's Books
Kyle wakes up in hospital – which is strange, because he doesn't remember being ill. And that's not all. He's also deliriously flitting in and out of the Darkest Corners, and in the shadow version of the hospital the surfaces aren't clean, and the sharp instruments aren't used for healing.
It's Kyle's most terrifying experience yet, and it's about to get much, much worse.
The doctor will see him now…
The fourth installment of this darkly comic horror series

I saw a fantastic review of this on Serendipity Reviews (here) and knew that although I am far too much of a wimp for it to appeal to me it would go down a storm with the 'fiends' in the school library. Truthfully I would love the entire series for the pupils [ : D ]


Don't forget to check out:
The Book Smugglers Middle Grade Appreciation Week  
I will certainly be adding a few books from this wonderful week to future On My Library Wish-list [ ; D ]

On My (Library) Wish-List

Title: Everblue
Series: Mer Tales
Author: Brenda Pandos
Publisher: Obsidian Mountain Publishing
Publication Date: 31st July 2011 
 Synopsis: From Goodreads
 Best friends share everything with each other. Or do they? Seventeen-year-old Ashlyn Frances Lanski is tired of her boring, single life. Spending time with her best friend Tatiana, dreaming about kissing Tatiana's twin brother Fin, and swimming competitively are her only sanctuary. The girls plan to leave their drab lakeside town far behind for college. But when Tatchi fails to return home after a family emergency, and no one knows where the family has gone, Ash chooses to do something drastic to find them. Ashlyn is about to discover what she’d thought to be true her whole life, wasn’t, and the truth, too fantastical to imagine. Secrets lurk beneath the deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe, secrets that will change Ashlyn's life forever. 

This looks like a terrific addition to the mermaid stories that are all the rage at the moment. I am planning a 'Under The Sea Library Lesson so this would be a terrific extra resource. It also helps that I want to read it myself.

Title: Fairy Bad Day
Author: Amanda Ashby
Publisher: Speak
Publication Date: 9 Jun 2011
Synopsis: From Goodreads
While most students at Burtonwood Academy get to kill demons and goblins, fifteen-year-old Emma gets to rid the world of little annoying fairies with glittery wings and a hipster fashion sense. She was destined to be a dragon slayer, but cute and charming Curtis stole her spot. Then she sees a giant killer fairy - and it's invisible to everyone but her! If Emma has any chance of stopping this evil fairy, she's going to need help. Unfortunately, the only person who can help is Curtis. And now, not only has he stolen her dragon-slayer spot, but maybe her heart as well! Why does she think it's going to be a fairy bad day?

With themes in mind for Library Lessons, how about Fairies that have unisex appeal [ : D ] Doesn't this book look FUN.

Title: Gone
Series: Gone #1
Author: Michael Grant
Publisher: Egmont Books Ltd
Publication Date: 3 Sep 2009

Synopsis: From Amazon 
Suddenly there are no adults, no answers. What would you do? In the blink of an eye, the world changes. The adults vanish without a trace, and those left must do all they can to survive. But everyone's idea of survival is different. Some look after themselves, some look after others, and some will do anything for power...Even kill. For Sam and Astrid, it is a race against time as they try to solve the questions that now dominate their lives...What is the mysterious wall that has encircled the town of Perdido Beach and trapped everyone within? Why have some kids developed strange powers? And can they defeat Caine and his gang of bullies before they turn fifteen and disappear too? It isn't until the world collapses around you that you find out what kind of person you really are. This book offers a chilling portrayal of a world with no rules. When life as you know it ends at 15, everything changes.

Lastly for some unknown reason we have a copy of Hunger by Michael Grant just come into the library but not the rest of the series. It drives me insane to have the second book in the series. I have refused to put it on the shelf until we get the rest of the books.

Title: Lies
Series: Gone #3
Author: Michael Grant
Publisher: Egmont Books Ltd
Publication Date: 6 Sep 2010

Synopsis: From Amazon

It happens in one night: a girl who died now walks among the living, Zil and the Human Crew set fire to Perdido Beach, and amid the flames and smoke, Sam sees the figure of the boy he fears the most - Drake. But Sam and Caine defeated him along with the Darkness - or so they thought. As Perdido Beach burns, battles rage: Astrid against the Town Council; the Human Crew versus the mutants; and Sam against Drake. And the prophetess Orsay and her companion, Nerezza, are preaching that death will set them all free. As life in the FAYZ becomes more desperate, no one knows who they can trust.

Title: Plague
Series: Gone #4
Author: Michael Grant
Publisher: Egmont Books Ltd
Publication Date: 4 April 2011

Synopsis: From Amazon

This is a blood-pumping, white-knuckle sci-fi thriller of epic proportions. The FAYZ goes from bad to worse...The darkness has been foiled once again and the resurrected Drake has been contained. But the streets of Perdido Beach are far from safe, with a growing army of mutants fighting against the humans for power in the town. In a small room of a house near the edge of town, Little Pete lies ill on a bed. In his fevered dreams, he continues his battle with the hidden evil that seeks to use his power to bring about anarchy and destruction.