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Young Adult Books These books are geared for kids ages 10-14, but people of all ages would enjoy them. * * * UNDER THE BASEBALL MOON by John H. Ritter Philomel Books, $16.99 (hardcover) I could not put this book down -- I read it in two days, cover to cover. Here's the synopsis: Andy Ramos, a free-style skateboarding trumpeter, has dreams "as big as a baseball moon." Born into an ecclectic family of musicians, Andy wants to take his unique fusion of Latin jazz, rock, and hip-hop straight to the top of the charts. But when he crosses paths with Glory Martinez, a softball pitcher who has Olympic dreams of her own, the mysterious fusion of their athletic and musical skills changes everything. Or is it due to the elegant, but eerie, man in black? He promises fame and fortune, but can he deliver? And just how far is Andy willing to go to find out? I have never played softball or the trumpet, but I felt like I WAS Andy and Glory. Not just that I could relate to them -- but that I WAS them, that I experienced what they went through, that I could feel the mysterious magic force between them. This entire book is *magical* ... John's unique voice and rhythmic style, use of "slang" dialogue, and song lyrics encluded at the end make this a truly original read that will capture the heart and soul of anyone who marches -- or skateboards -- to a different drummer. Not only is John Ritter an amazing writer, he is also a wonderful person who always encourages young writers. Check out his other award-winning books, CHOOSING UP SIDES, OVER THE WALL, and THE BOY WHO SAVED BASEBALL, and his website: www.johnhritter.com. * * * HOLES Stanley Yelnats is under a curse. A curse that began with his no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing great-great-grandfather and has since followed generations of Yelnats. Now Stanley has been unjustly sent to a boy's detention center, Camp Green Lake, where the boys "build character" by spending all day, every day, digging holes exactly five feet wide and five feet deep. But it doesn't take long for Stanley to realize there's more than character improvement going on at Camp Green Lake. The boys are digging holes because the warden is looking for something. But what could be buried under a dried-up lake? Stanley tries to dig up the truth in this inventive and darkly humorous tale of crime, punishment -- and redemption. * * * SQUASHED Ellie Morgan's life would be almost perfect if she could just get her potentially prize-winning pumpkin, Max, to put on about two hundred more pounds...and if she could lose twenty herself. Then Max would be the shoo-in champion of the Rock River Pumpkin Weigh-In Contest and Ellie would have the courage to approach Wes, the new boy in town. But unpredictable weather is threatening Max, pumpkin thieves are running rampant, and Sweet Corn Coquette contestants are eyeing Wes. Is Ellie tough enough to go for it all? This book is a laugh-out loud delight that will leave you wanting more. Ellie proves herself an all-around winner... so is Max and so is this book! * * * THE GIVER Jonas's world is perfect. Everything is under control. There is no war or fear or pain. There are no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the community. When Jonas turns twelve he is singled out to receive special training from The Giver. The Giver alone holds the memories of the true pain and pleasure of life. Now, it's time for Jonas to receive the truth. There is no turning back. And, like Jonas, once you have learned the magic of The Giver, you will never forget... [Exception in:/editor/tiles/EditNav3.jsp] utils.LabelValue |
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