Cream of the Crop 2012
Title
Cream of the Crop 2012
Description
This is a collection of the best young adult fiction and non-fiction published in 2011, as chosen by librarians in southern Maine.
Collection Items
Rachel Spinelli Punched Me in the Face
After his mom walks out on the family, Zachary and his dad move to a new town, where they meet a host of quirky characters and begin to cobble together a new life. A sweetly humorous slice-of-life novel.
Slog's Dad
Although his father has died, Slog believes his promise to return in the spring, so when he sees a tattered man alone on a bench, he is certain it is him. Davie remains skeptical. Whether a true visitation or a kindly man playing along, the…
City of Orphans
In 1893 New York, when newsboy, Maks Geless’s sister is accused of stealing and is thrown into prison, Maks must avoid the dangerous Plug Uglies street gang and find evidence to keep his sister from being deported. Engaging storytelling voice weaves…
Compulsion
Talented high school soccer star, 17 year old Jake Martin, navigates his days struggling to hide his obsessive compulsive behaviors. When Jake’s routines start to fall apart and the stress affects his family, he begins to admit to himself, just how…
Flip
We are hooked from the beginning, as Alex realizes he is inhabiting someone else's body. Alex never adapts to Philip's life, his athleticism, his mates, even his girlfriends. What he really wants to do, is to go home—to his real home, his real mother…
Chime
Set in a magnificently realized early 20th century England, Briony lives with her family on the edge of a swamp set to be drained so the railroad can come through. Briony can communicate with the spirits in the swamp and believes herself a witch. She…
Brooklyn, Burning
Immediate and compelling, this is a deeply sad and deeply hopeful tale of finding family, learning to trust, and tender love. Kid lives on the streets of Brooklyn, avoiding mourning Felix who disappeared last summer, and searching for Scout, a new…
Texas Gothic
When 17-year old Amy Goodnight and her sister are livestock sitting at her aunt's Texas ranch, Amy is drawn to her magical roots as she helps uncover and solve a ghostly mystery. With spunky, independent characters, romantic interests, and…
You Against Me
When Mikey McKenzie’s younger sister accuses Tom Parker of rape, Mikey wants revenge for his sister’s assault. But when Mikey meets Ellie, the assailant’s sister, and falls in love, revenge becomes complicated. Living in juxtaposed worlds, separated…
Belladonna
In 1757, circus performer and French gypsy, Helene, meets Thomas Rose, while in search of her beloved horse, Belladonna. When she learns that real life painter, George Stubbs, who is known for dissecting horses to paint their anatomy, sold…