William Nicholson, acclaimed author of the Wind on Fire trilogy as well as the screenplays for "Gladiator" and "Shadowlands", both nominated for Academy Awards, created this epic coming-of-age story for a teen audience. The story centers on 16-year-old Seeker who sets off alone on a journey to rescue his brother who is accused of betraying the revered order of warrior monks in Nomana, from which he has been exiled. On the way, he meets two other young people who soon find themselves amid a bloody race to save Nomana, and themselves, from destruction. It is book one of the Noble Warriors series.

These poems by Julie Laurios are illustrated by Julie Paschkis in bright colors that convey numerous beasts. Called a "beastiary," the collection of poems color a menagerie of animals that asks readers to explore the familiar in unexpected ways. Kids will surely enjoy poems like "Orange Giraffe" and "Blue Turtle."

These clever poems by Bobbi Katz are colorfully illustrated by LeUyen Pham who depicts an ethnically diverse array of children, experiencing the wonders of youth. The poems each discuss a different month and how it makes children feel and dream. The pictures artfully display the notions developed in the poems.

This book of 100 favorite poems by Mary Ann Hoberman is illustrated by Betty Fraser. The book includes clever musings on cncepts such as growing up, the passing of time and the changing of seasons as well as fascinating observations of all of the wonders of nature, from apes in the zoo to camels in the desert. This enchanting volume will captivate young readers, sure to want to memorize the playful rhymes to enjoy time and again.

This lap-sized board book follows the path of a young child who meets several different kinds of animals when taking a walk. Written by Sue Williams and illustrated by Julie Vivas, it artfully captures the simple yet life-affirming treasures of a day out in the country. The watercolor drawings are sure to entrance young readers. It's meant for ages 6 months to 3 years, and though a classic, is available for the first time as a board book.

Exploring the everyday moments of life, author and poet Gary Soto uses words of wonder inspired by his youth in California's Central Valley to create rich poems. They move with direct and vivid prose that brims with emotions. This critically acclaimed collection revisits favorite poems and introduces new ones — some humorous, some heartfelt, all memorable.

Things seem pretty hopeless for the Shluffmuffin family in the fourth book in this silly series. The Mandible sisters have kidnapped Cheyenne again, and it's up to Wally to rescue her. And not only is their adoring dad a vampire, but lately he's taken up all sorts of offensive and unsavory activities, like "volunteering" at a bloodmobile and licking strangers' bleeding wounds on buses! Ick. And it gets even better than that, just read the book.

In an astounding turn of events, the Shluffmuffins' long-lost father has reappeared years after his tragic Porta Potti accident. The twins, of course, are thrilled to see their dear old dad again. But would it be rude to point out how his skin seems to be rotting and falling off in chunks? Or that his breath smells distinctly like bloated roadkill? It turns out he has become a zombie. Uh-oh.

Written by the author of Troy, Adele Geras, this sequel is set against the backdrop of Homer's Odyssey. It tells the story of the women the men leave behind when they go into battle. Gods walk among mortals, and the city of Ithaka is overrun with suitors eager to win Penelope's hand, as it has been 10 years since her husband, Odysseus, left. It is told through 14-year-old Klymene, who is like a daughter to Penelope, and longs for a romance to develop between herself and the prince Telemachus.

Joe Louis was a fighter, a world champion boxer, a "punching machine." But more important, Joe Louis was a hero. At the beginning of his fighting career, he was a hero and a symbol of hope to African Americans. Later, Joe Louis became a hero to all Americans, uniting blacks and white boxing fans in their hatred of the Nazis and their desire for him to beat the German fighter Max Schmeling. With powerful text and luminous illustrations, the award-winning, picture-book team of David A. Adler and Terry Widener has brought to life the true story of one determined individual who overcame racism and poverty ... and inspired a nation. Includes a time line highlighting key events in the boxer's life.

On March 12, 1926, the doors of the Savoy Ballroom swung open in Harlem. It was a night to remember, when blacks and whites, rich and poor, all came together to dance! This inspiring story of the world-famous dancing palace and home of the Lindy Hoppers is told from a father to his son, Happy Feet. It's Happy Feet's favorite story — after all, he was born on the very night the Savoy opened. And he hopes that one day he'll make his own dancing debut at the legendary ballroom…because with a lot of hard work and a little Savoy magic, anything is possible.

In this 40-page fully illustrated book, the celebrated author-illustrator Marla Frazee takes a fresh and lively take on a traditional subject. With delicious humorous moments and a warm, unexpected ending, this book is truly a Christmas treat, one that begs to be read aloud and savored year after year.

The first in a planned series of “Dripping Fang” books, author Dan Greenburg introduces the characters and back story of the brother-sister Shluffmuffin duo in “The Onts.” Wisely blending wit and adventure, Greenburg takes the siblings on an adventure that begins in an orphanage and winds up in a deep, dark forest. Kids will laugh, cringe and then eagerly turn the page.

Growing up can be difficult, as detailed in this witty account of adolescent discovery by acclaimed author Ron Koertge. Larry, Teresa, and Elliot have been best friends forever, but things are changing with their senior year of high school almost over. Larry is struggling with his sexual identity, Teresa wants one of the boys to look at her as more than a friend, and Elliot is thinking he might be better off as an individual outside the group. As it plays out, the three learn more about themselves and each other than they ever though possible.

Fall has come, the wind is gusting, and Leaf Man is on the move. Is he drifting east, over the marsh and ducks and geese? Or is he heading west, above the orchards, prairie meadows, and spotted cows? No one´s quite sure, but this much is certain: A Leaf Man´s got to go where the wind blows. With illustrations made from actual fall leaves and die-cut pages on every spread that reveal gorgeous landscape vistas, here is a playful, whimsical, and evocative book that celebrates the natural world and the rich imaginative life of children. 11"x12", 40 pages.

This new picture book by Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel features an odd couple: prairie dogs and a neon tennis ball. Seems a neon-green tennis balls rolls down into a prairie-dog town causing havoc and confusion and then curiosity as the "dogs" discover that the tennis ball fuzz can be used as a fashion statement. This leads to delight and then pure greed, almost tearing the prairie-dog town apart. In the end, the prairie dogs remember the true meaning of community, and everyone lives happily prairie-dog after.

Jacky Faber returns to the sea in a truly swashbuckling tale filled with good humor, wit, and courage. After leaving the Lawson Peabody School for Young Girls in Boston--under dire circumstances, of course--she boards a whaling ship bound for London, where she hopes to find her beloved Jaimy. But things don´t go as planned, and soon Jacky is off on a wild misadventure at sea. She thwarts the lecherous advances of a crazy captain, rallies the sailors to her side, and ultimately gains command of a ship in His Majesty´s Royal Navy. But Jacky´s adventures don´t end there.... Before she knows it, she´s being a called a pirate and there´s a price on her head!

The latest in Jacky´s books. After being exposed as a girl, Jacky Faber is forced to leave the Dolphin and attend the elite Lawson Peabody School for Young Girls in Boston. But growing up on the streets of London and fighting pirates never prepared Jacky for her toughest battle yet: learning how to be a lady. Everything she does is wrong. Her embroidery is deplorable, her French is atrocious, and her table manners--disgusting! And whenever Jacky roams the city in search of adventure, trouble is never far behind. Then there´s the small matter of her blue anchor tattoo. So will Jacky ever become a typical lady? Not bloody well likely! But whether she´s triumphing over her snobbish classmates, avenging a serving girl´s murder, or winning over a stubborn horse that´s as fast as the wind, one thing´s for sure: Jacky´s new life in Boston is just as exciting as her old one on the high seas.

An older sister helps her brother face his first-day-of-school fears. The book is bound in a hard cover and is filled with cheerful illustrations.

This title, written by J. Patrick Lewis and illustrated by Kyle M. Stone, features 16 poems with corresponding illustrations. Lewis’ poems range in theme from the jocular (“What If Books Had Different Names?”) to the serious (“Conversation on a Leaf”) to the funny (“Three Haiku”). Lewis’ love of language and of reading will be passed on to any child who grabs hold of this book, while Stone’s beautiful illustrations are sure to keep kids interested after many readings.

Love, Ruby Lavender, an ALA Notable Children’s Book and Parent’s Guide Children’s Media Award Winner, is the story of 9-year-old Ruby Lavender and her relationship with her grandmother, Miss Eula, in small town Halleluia, Mississippi. When Miss Eula leaves town to visit her baby granddaughter in Hawaii, Ruby is in for some excitement. Noted as a lively and humorous story by the School Library Journal, this book by Deborah Wiles is perfect for any young reader 8 to 12 years old.