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“A book, too, can be a star, a living fire to lighten the darkness, leading out into the expanding universe.”
~ Madeleine L'Engle (1918-2007), American author |
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New and Recently Released!
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| Curiosity by Gary BlackwoodHistorical Fiction. After his father is thrown into debtor's prison, hunchbacked 12-year-old Rufus has to rely on his unusual chess skills to support himself in 1835 Philadelphia. He finds work as the hidden operator of the Turk, a clockwork chess player that amazes audiences and infuriates skeptics. Since the Turk's true nature must remain a secret, Rufus becomes not only a prisoner to his job, but also the target of those who'd like to expose the automaton as a fraud. Loaded with suspense and peppered with real historical figures, Curiosity will appeal to mechanically minded readers who love the clockwork gadgets and urban atmosphere of The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick. |
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| Deep Blue by Jennifer DonnellyFantasy. Underneath the Mediterranean Sea, mermaid princess Serafina anxiously awaits the Dokimí ceremony that will recognize her right to rule over the kingdom of Miromara. When the ceremony is disrupted by a shocking attack, Serafina and her friend Neela are forced into an unexpected quest to find the four other mermaids who can fulfill the prophecy that will save the Mer nations. Set in a vividly imagined undersea society (complete with unique slang) and populated by a diverse cast of mermaids and ocean creatures, this 1st book in the Waterfire Saga is overflowing with magic, political intrigue, and adventure. |
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| There Will Be Bears by Ryan GebhartFiction. Breaking Gramps out of the nursing home was not always the plan. For awkward, eccentric Tyson, it's the result of several disappointments. First, his best friend ditched him because Tyson likes Taylor Swift more than football. Then, his long-awaited hunting trip with Gramps was cancelled due to Gramps' failing health (and some recent grizzly bear attacks in the area). These setbacks only make Tyson more determined to prove his worth as an outdoorsman, which is why he and Gramps sneak off for an illicit elk hunting trip. But is Gramps' health -- or Tyson's courage -- up to the challenge? Similar to Jack Gantos or Jordan Sonnenblick, debut author Ryan Gebhart skillfully balances realistic emotions with irreverent humor. |
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| The Nethergrim by Matthew JobinFantasy. A generation ago, the evil forces of the ancient Nethergrim were defeated by three brave heroes. So why have the Nethergrim's monstrous minions reappeared, and what have they done with the children they've kidnapped? Aspiring wizard Edmund wants answers just like everyone else, but it's not until his brother is kidnapped that he decides to go seek them himself. Accompanied by Tom, an abused servant with a skill for healing, and Katherine, a spirited, sword-wielding tomboy, Edmund embarks on a perilous journey that will end in an epic face-off between good and evil. First in a trilogy, The Nethergrim is "perfect for imaginative readers craving a hearty magical adventure" (Booklist). |
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| The One Safe Place by Tania UnsworthDystopian Thriller. In a bleak, dusty future ravaged by climate change, Devin is lucky to grow up on one of the few remaining farms. But after his grandfather's death, Devin is unable to survive on his own. He winds up in the Gabriel H. Penn Home for Childhood, a luxurious orphanage where everything seems perfect...too perfect. Richly descriptive writing and steady pacing ramp up the tension as Devin uncovers the home's chilling secrets. This dark, gripping read is a solid choice for dystopian fiction fans and mystery readers alike. Older readers looking for a more horrific twist on a similar tale should try Clive Barker's The Thief of Always. |
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| Flood and Fire by Emily DiamandScience Fiction. After rescuing Lexy, the Prime Minister's daughter, in Raiders' Ransom, 13-year-old Lilly Melkun and her friends set out to return Lexy to her home. But when PSAI (Lilly's secret hand-held computer) triggers a catastrophe, Lilly, PSAI, Lexy, and raider Zeph have to save the day -- again. Set in a medieval-esque 23rd century in which all advanced technology has been outlawed, this rip-roaring sequel will thrill readers who appreciate great world-building and memorable characters -- including PSAI, who has a distinct personality. Newcomers to the series will definitely want to go back and read the 1st book before diving into Flood and Fire. |
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| Fire from the Rock by Sharon M. DraperHistorical Fiction. If you had the chance to make a difference, would you do it? Even if it meant putting yourself in danger? That's the question facing Little Rock, Arkansas teen Sylvia in 1957 as she finishes her last year of middle school. Should she play it safe next year and attend the segregated high school with her friends? Or should she take a stand and be one of the first black students at the newly integrated high school, where just showing up for class could make her a target for violence? Told in part through Sylvia's diary entries, Fire from the Rock offers an engaging and deeply personal perspective on a turbulent moment in American history. |
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| Sure Fire by Jack Higgins with Justin RichardsAdventure. Following their mother's death, 15-year-old twins Rich and Jade are surprised when their father -- Jack Chance, a man they've never met -- shows up at her funeral and takes them to London to live with him. Jade doesn't trust Jack, and neither twin has any intention of going to boarding school as Jack seems to think they should. Soon Rich and Jade find they have more complicated problems when their father is kidnapped at gunpoint and their attempts to rescue him involve them in a treacherous international plot to control the world's oil supply. If you like suspense and non-stop action, Sure Fire is a sure bet.
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| Playing with Fire by Derek LandyFantasy. Walking, talking skeleton detective Skulduggery and his 13-year-old sidekick Valkyrie Cain (formerly known as Stephanie Edgley) have still more evil to vanquish in this hair-raising sequel to Skulduggery Pleasant. Baron Vengeous has been released from prison and plans to revive the Grotesquery, a monster built from pieces of every fiendish being imaginable -- and he'll have help from some very creepy and dangerous characters. Countless close calls, narrow escapes, and nerve-wracking battles keep the adrenaline pumping throughout this fast-paced, dryly humorous story that is sure to please fans of the Artemis Fowl series. |
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| Pegasus: The Flame of Olympus by Kate O'HearnFantasy. When Pegasus crash-lands on the roof of her Manhattan apartment during a terrible storm, young Emily can't believe it -- but before long, she has bonded with the wounded winged horse and is drawn into a terrifying war between the Roman gods and a race of four-armed stone warriors called the Nirads. With a bit of help from a reluctant classmate, Joel, Emily protects Pegasus and races to figure out how to restore the Vestal Flame of Olympus...before it's too late. Certain to satisfy Percy Jackson fans, this action-packed 1st book of a new series will also appeal to fans of a good horse story. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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If you are having trouble unsubscribing to this newsletter, please contact the Huntsville Madison County Public Library at
256-532-5940, 915 Monroe Street, Huntsville, AL 35801
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