Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 08/15/2013
ISBN-13: 9780803737044
ISBN-10: 0803737041

Fantasy. Most people would be freaked out by the sudden appearance of a banshee in their bedroom, and anxious 12-year-old Conor O'Neill is no exception. Ashling, the banshee, says she's there for the upcoming death of someone in Conor's family, which makes Conor start worrying about the most likely candidate: his beloved Irish grandfather, Grump. As Ashling awkwardly (and hilariously) tries to blend into middle school, Conor (along with his sister and Grump) resolves to face his fears by visiting the Underworld to challenge death in person. Age-old legends intersect with modern technology in this playful yet bittersweet story about death, rebirth, and bravery.

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 08/27/2013
ISBN-13: 9781442432895
ISBN-10: 1442432896

Fiction. Although former best friends Marylin and Kate have never completely given up on each other, middle school has definitely made their friendship (and their lives) more complicated. Cheerleader Marylin seems like she's got it together, but she's afraid that if she follows her heart with sweet (but uncool) class president Benjamin, she'll lose all of her popular friends. Guitar player Kate, on the other hand, isn't afraid to show her feelings for fellow musician Matthew, though she's uneasy about how quickly those feelings are growing. If you prefer realistic stories about everyday drama, you'll appreciate this authentic, quietly moving glimpse into the thoughts and relationships of young teen girls.

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 09/03/2013
ISBN-13: 9780547738482
ISBN-10: 054773848X

Fantasy. Magic is returning to the Ununited Kingdom, but times are still tough at Kazam Mystical Arts Management, the wizard employment agency run by 16-year-old Jennifer Strange. Usually smart and sensible even when dealing with eccentric magicians or speeding flying carpeteers, Jennifer has no choice but to accept a risky challenge in order to prevent iMagic (a money-hungry competitor) from taking over Kazam. This sequel to The Last Dragonslayer has all the "witty wordplay and whacked-out humor" (Publishers Weekly) of the first book, plus plenty of sharp social commentary. For another practical girl coping with absurd situations, try Terry Pratchett's Tiffany Aching series, starting with The Wee Free Men.

Publisher: Chronicle Books
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 09/17/2013
ISBN-13: 9781452110707
ISBN-10: 1452110700

Historical Mystery. In a steampunk version of Victorian London, society girls are being murdered, and Mina Holmes and Evaline Stoker have been recruited to investigate. The young relatives of detective Sherlock Holmes and Dracula author Bram Stoker are reluctant to work together at first, but as the case (which involves time travel, Egyptian mythology, and a sinister cult) grows more complicated, they'll need both Mina's sleuthing skills and Evaline's vampire-slaying powers if they want to survive. Readers who relish the strong female friendship, compelling action, and tantalizing romance of Gail Carriger's Finishing School books will eagerly await the follow-up to this exciting series debut.

Publisher: Candlewick Press
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 09/10/2013
ISBN-13: 9780763655341
ISBN-10: 0763655341

Suspense. During the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, many Americans braced for a nuclear attack that never occurred. But in Fallout, the bomb actually does drop, trapping 11-year-old Scott -- along with his family and several of their neighbors -- in an underground bomb shelter. As the food supply runs low, tensions run high, exposing guilt, fear, and prejudice among the survivors, who begin to wonder if they'll ever make it out alive. Contrasting the familiar concerns of Scott's life before the bomb with the horror of the aftermath, this thought-provoking read is the perfect pick for those who enjoy  speculating about what might have been.

Publisher: Clarion Books
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 04/26/2010
ISBN-13: 9780547231846
ISBN-10: 0547231849

Historical Fiction. After living with her indifferent mother in a small English village, Margret "Meggy" Swann has come to grimy, bustling London to live with her father, an alchemist whom she's never met -- and who, as it turns out, doesn't want her any more than her mother did. But despite her father's rejection and a physical disability that makes people wary of her, Meggy is determined to make a better life for herself. Combining a resilient heroine, vivid depictions of Elizabethan England, and a bit of a mystery (plus loads of colorful period insults!), Alchemy and Meggy Swann is a memorable tale that history buffs will savor.

Publisher: Flux
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 02/08/2011
ISBN-13: 9780738725826
ISBN-10: 073872582X

Fantasy. Donna survived the faerie attack that claimed her father's life and her mother's sanity, but she still carries a reminder of it beneath her velvet gloves. After the attack, the alchemical Order of the Dragon repaired Donna's injured hands by implanting them with super-strong iron, a secret she conceals from everyone except her best friend Navin and enigmatic half-faerie Xan. When evil elves kidnap Navin, however, Donna will have to reveal her power…or risk her friend's life. Fans of Melissa Marr and Holly Black will devour the dark intrigue and paranormal romance in this 1st book in the Iron Witch trilogy.

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Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 10/04/2011
ISBN-13: 9780399256271
ISBN-10: 039925627X

Historical Fantasy. It's 1952, and since Janie's parents were accused of Communist activity and forced out of their jobs in the U.S., the family has just moved to London. Though homesick, Janie soon makes friends with aspiring spy Benjamin Burrows and his father, a local apothecary. But then Mr. Burrows suddenly disappears, leading Janie and Benjamin discover his secret book of alchemical elixirs -- elixirs they'll need to use if they want to find Mr. Burrows and help him stop the detonation of a powerful atomic bomb. If you can't get enough of the high-stakes adventure in this atmospheric fantasy, don't miss the sequel, The Apprentices.

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Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 04/01/2007
ISBN-13: 9780060577377
ISBN-10: 0060577371

Fantasy. In his 3rd outing, wizard-in-training Septimus Heap is apprenticed to a new master: ancient alchemist Marcellus Pye, who kidnaps Septimus 500 years into the past to help him perfect an eternal youth potion. Princess Jenna (along with an eccentric crew of companions) plunges into danger to rescue Septimus, despite being chased by the murderous ghost of wicked Queen Ethelredda. The fast pacing and endearing characters in this "intricate, energetic romp" (Horn Book) are sure to keep you turning pages, though if you're new to this popular series, you may want to start at the beginning with Magyk.

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Publisher: Delacorte Press
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 05/22/2007
ISBN-13: 9780385733571
ISBN-10: 0385733577

Fantasy. Having discovered the secret to eternal youth, 14th-century alchemist Nicholas Flamel and his wife are alive and well in present-day San Francisco, California. But they won't stay well for long if 15-year-old twins Sophie and Josh Newman don't fulfill their prophesied role of either saving or destroying the world, starting by getting back an ancient text stolen from Flamel's bookstore. (The stolen volume contains the key to the Flamels' immortality, which they must renew every month.) This 1st volume in a six-book series moves at lightning speed, is rich with mythology and magic, and involves goddesses, werewolves, vampires -- and a cliffhanger ending.

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