WEIGHT OF WATER by Sarah Crossan. New York:  Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2013.  221p.  978-1-59990-967-7; hc., $16.99.    Gr.6 & up    YAF

     With sensitivity and compassion, Crossan brings readers the story of 12 year old Kasienka. When her beloved father leaves them, Kasienka’s mother packs what fits into one bulging suitcase and a laundry bag, leaving their home and the only world Kasienka has ever known for London, determined to find her errant husband.

     In her new school, her teacher calls her Cassie, a name as foreign to Kasienka as a language she can barely speak. Unfriendly and often hostile classmates add to her unhappiness and discomfort. Comfortable and happy only when she is in the swimming pool, she meets a boy who will become a friend,  change her outlook and give her a goal which will help her keep afloat in her new bewildering, changing world.

Told in prose, this well written book is Kazienka’s journey to find her father, find a relationship with her mother and not least discover herself.  An asset to public and school libraries alike, it will be perfect for a reading list and discussion.

     Barbara Ward, Retired Children’s Librarian, Dickinson County Library

INVASION by Walter Dean Myers.   New York:  Scholastic, Inc., 2013.  212p.  978-0-545-38428-5; hc., $17.99.    Gr.6 & up    YAF

In early 1944, recruits, including many teenagers, from all over America are caught in the fervor of war, joining the armed forces, eager to defend their country. Given the impression from their superiors that that the allies will easily dispatch the inferior German forces back to their homeland, Josiah and Marcus, two naïve teenage recruits, have no idea of the catastrophic events about to occur. The carnage of the D-Day invasion and the days that follow soon age them beyond their years as the ugly reality of war changes their lives forever.  Meyer gives a stark, factual picture of war, the horrors, fear and sacrifices that face our fighting men and women. Especially relevant in today’s world of continuing conflict.
Barbara Ward, Retired Children’s Librarian, Dickinson County Library

THE FAERIES' PROMISE: THE FULL MOON by Kathleen Duey. New York:  Aladdin, 2011.   115p. ISBN: 978-1-4169-8462-7 hb. $15.99.  Gr. 5 - 8  JUV

The Full Moon is the third book in the Faerie's Promise series. Alida and the other faeries have returned to Ash Grove and are preparing for winter and the upcoming storms. They are helping the villagers and saving them from Lord Dunraven's greed. However, the faeries live in fear of being
discovered.  This fantasy series is very entertaining for young readers. However, I wish I had read the rest of the series first. The first book is "Following Magic," followed by "The Unicorn's
Secret." Read all three!
Melissa Coyne, Munising School Public Library

AUDACIOUS by Gabrielle Prendergast. Custer, WA:  Orca Book Publishers, 2013.  327p.  978-1-4598-0530-9; hc., $19.95.    Gr.8 & up    YAF

Raphaelle is determined that her family’s move to a new home and school will be her opportunity  start over, staying out of trouble, a new beginning with a new attitude, and a new name for the her new self, Elle. Sadly for Elle, she is shunned by many o fthe students, and is hurt anew by the cruel comments and tittering when she is near the girls she hoped would be her friends. Only in art class does she shine and find acceptance, but even with her art she finds herself in trouble. Can Elle overcome the judgmental intolerance of many of her peers and come to accept herself? The pain Elle feels, her family problems and the atmosphere at school should resonate with readers; some who will know first-hand what she is feeling and perhaps some will look at fellow classmates with new eyes.Barbara Ward, Retired Children’s Librarian, Dickinson County Library

Ellis,Leanne Statland.  THE UGLY ONE.  Illus. by Becca Stadtlander.  New York: Clarion Books, 2013.  243p. ISBN: 978-0-547-64023-5; hb. $16.99.     Gr. 4-7   JUV

I can't say enough about how good this book is.  Although recommended for grades 4-7, this book is written for teens and adults as well.  It applies to similar situations we all have gone in life, just like Micay.  Through this beautiful story, you will learn some of the lifestyle and landscape of the Incan Empire.  Every girl believes they have something physically wrong with them and "The Ugly
One" may help them understand this universal doubt.  The story is reminiscent of "The Rough Faced Girl" by Rafe Martin, where the main character need to pull from her own inner strength rather than rely on good looks. I look forward to more books written by Leanne Statland Ellis in the future, as well as "Tree Huggers" from 2010. 
Mary - Spies Public Library, Menominee, MI

HIDDEN by Marianne Curley.  New York:  Bloomsbury Children’s Books., 2013.  325p.  978-1-59990-840-3;  hc.,  $17.99.    Gr.6 & up   YAF

      For as long as she can remember, Ebony has had the uncomfortable feeling that her overprotective parents are strangers. Now sixteen, she often looks in the mirror and feels that she is a stranger to herself. Bewildering changes have begun to occur on her body and her hair changes color with her emotions. Frightened by the weird growths with feathers poking out which have suddenly appeared on her shoulders, she looks to her parents for answers to the questions swirling in her head and finally, the answers to her true identity.  Instead of giving her assurance and answers, they become frightened and warn her not to ask questions.
      When there is fire and explosion at the family farmhouse, Ebony’s parents are presumed dead and she is offered a home with her close friend Amber’s family, who welcome her with kindness and caring.  Unfortunately  Ebony soon discovers that there is no safe haven for her. Luca, the dark prince wants Ebony’s soul, confusing her with his lies and trickery. Her friend Jordan feels a strong attraction to Ebony, and handsome magnetic Nathaneal comes to protect her and fight the dark forces as she falls in love with him. Readers will be on alert for a sequel of this satisfying, if somewhat intricate story. Curley has created characters and a story that teens will enjoy.

Barbara Ward, Retired Children’s Librarian, Dickinson County Library

EXCLAMATION MARK by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld. 2013

Look beyond the minimalist book cover to Tom Lichtenheld's brilliant chacterization of the exclamation mark, all illustrated on elementary school penmanship paper.  With the help of question mark (also very noticeable on the page) and clever dialogue, exclamation mark finds purpose on the page and joins in the conversation.  Educators will enjoy reading this story aloud and spinning off into a mini-lesson on punctuation.
Lynette Suckow, Peter White Public Library, Marquette, MI