Publisher: Harcourt
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 10/02/2012
ISBN-13: 9780547738475
ISBN-10: 0547738471

Fantasy. In his whimsical YA debut, the bestselling author of the Thursday Next series introduces 16-year-old foundling Jennifer Strange. Jennifer runs Kazam, a combination boarding house and employment agency for sorcerers in a world where magic is fading away. But when magicians all over the Un-united Kingdoms start having visions about the death of the world's last dragon, Jennifer learns that she has a much greater responsibility than finding suitable jobs for washed-up wizards: she is the Last Dragonslayer. Often silly but also highly entertaining, this 1st in a planned series is a good bet for fans of Terry Pratchett's Tiffany Aching books.

First Chapter  

Publisher: Henry Holt
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 09/18/2012
ISBN-13: 9780805090994
ISBN-10: 0805090991

Urban Fantasy. Sam LaCroix, former fry cook and brand-spanking-new necromancer, is attempting to adjust to the many rapid changes in his life...while also trying to prevent the possibly possessed house he's moved into from killing him. Sam's defeat of the thoroughly evil necromancer Douglas is still fresh, and as the newest member of the local magical council, he has a lot to learn -- like the lesson that, in his new world, "dead" is a relative term. Snarky, hilarious, and full of monsters, magic, and the "witty, self-deprecating narration" (Kirkus Reviews) beloved of fans of the 1st book, Hold Me Closer, Necromancer, this is an unusual mix of well-drawn characters and supernatural drama.

First Chapter  

Publisher: Harper
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 09/18/2012
ISBN-13: 9780062114877
ISBN-10: 0062114875

Science Fiction. In this intriguingly original novel's alternate America, every person is born with twin souls in a single body, souls that take turns controlling the body's movements as they learn and grow together. But where most children have one soul that "settles," or disappears as the stronger personality takes over, teenaged Eva and Addie are still both very much present in their single vessel -- and Eva must hide to keep them safe. When Addie/Eva's secret is exposed, they're taken away to a treatment facility, where they'll have to escape in order to survive. First in a projected series, What's Left of Me is an intensely thought-provoking read that grapples with ethics, identity, and prejudice and should entice fans of Mary E. Pearson's The Adoration of Jenna Fox.

Publisher: Carolrhoda Lab
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 09/01/2011
ISBN-13: 9780761375265
ISBN-10: 0761375260

Fiction. In this "intimate yet wonderfully open rock 'n' roll love story" (Publishers Weekly), 16-year-old Kid, who, according to Kid's father, "doesn't know whether to be straight or gay or a girl or a boy or what," finds love, tragedy, heartbreak, and music on the streets of Brooklyn. Kid is a drummer who, after being kicked out of said angry father's house, lived for a while with an older junkie named Felix -- but Felix is gone now, and Kid is alone again. And then Scout moves to town... Told in a style that allows the author to keep the main characters' genders ambiguous, Brooklyn, Burning is a "moving, personal story of friendship, loss, and love" that is "also a tender tribute to all LGBTQ youth" (Horn Book).

Publisher: Viking
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 03/15/2012
ISBN-13: 9780670011285
ISBN-10: 0670011282

Fiction. Fifteen-year-old Jesse is an out lesbian and a political radical who wears "big, galumphy" fishing boots to feel solidly planted when she walks...but the secret relationship she has with Emily, a perky, popular girl who's officially dating a football star, makes her feel confused and adrift. Emotionally intense, often startlingly funny, and "powerfully raw" (Kirkus Reviews), this bittersweet love story is also a story about friendship and figuring out -- and standing up for -- what you really believe in. Fans of the intelligent yet empathetic writing, snarky yet vulnerable humor, searing emotions, and fully human characters in The Difference Between You and Me will want to seek out the author's earlier book, Looks.

Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 07/26/2011
ISBN-13: 9781416939962
ISBN-10: 1416939962

Fiction. Carlos Duarte knows who he is and what he wants: he is utterly fabulous, utterly gay, and knows in his bones that he's going to be a makeup artist to the stars one day soon. But he faces some roadblocks on his journey to fame: Carlos' mom loses her job, his sister is in an unhealthy relationship with a guy who bullies Carlos, and even Carlos' lucky break (getting a spot behind a swanky makeup counter at Macy's) has a drawback -- his boss, who didn't hire Carlos, is jealous of his talent, and does his best to sabotage him. If you like this dishy novel about friends, family, romance, and forging a future, you might also enjoy Seth Rudetsky's similarly sassy My Awesome/Awful Popularity Plan.

First Chapter