win an ARC of Wintergirls

As we wait for the sequel to Chains, Laurie Halse Anderson‘s Wintergirls is coming out March 19th.

Visit In Bed With Books and comment on their review to win an ARC.

Thanks to The LibrariYAn for the heads up. 

the book thief, by markus zusak

Death has crossed paths with Liesel Meminger too often in her young life.  He was there the day she became the book thief. His glimpses of her over the years inspires a book theft of his own, so he can learn and share her story.

More than a Holocaust story, more than a reflection on the power of words, The Book Thief is brilliantly devastating, haunting, and life-changing.  Beg, borrow, or steal a copy if you must, but read it!

Winner of multiple awards.  Highly recommended,  grade 8+.

the know-it-all: one man’s humble quest to become the smartest person in the world, by a.j. jacobs

Part memoir, part snarky commentary on Encyclopaedia Britannica entries.

Amusing at times, but I often felt as if *I* were the one trudging through the entire EB.

Recommended for infomaniacs and encyclopedia enthusiasts.

chains, by laurie halse anderson

As the American colonies fight for freedom from British rule, 13 year-old Isabel struggles for freedom from slavery—for herself and her sister Ruth.  Caught between Loyalists and rebels, Isabel is forced to make difficult and dangerous choices, trying to balance what is right, with what might bring her freedom.

Beautifully written, compelling, and tragically realistic.  Anderson brings Isabel, 18th century New York City, and the early days of the American Revolution to (sometimes distressingly) vivid life.

Highly recommended, gr 5+.  My pick for next week’s Newbery Medal.

Read with M.T. Anderson’s The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Vol. 1: The Pox Party.

Edit:  Winner of the 2009 Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction.

the graveyard book, by neil gaiman

Nobody can live in a graveyard and be raised by ghosts — Nobody Owens, that is.  Alternatingly terrifying and touching, Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book is not to be missed.

Highly recommended, gr 4+.

Edit:  2009 Newbery Medal Winner.