Latest news, reviews, and honors:

Kirkus Reviews awards Monika Schröder's The Dog in the Wood with a starred review in the October 15, 2009 issue:

"While a wealth of children's books set during World War II focus on the Holocaust, Schröder brings some of Germany's other young victims to light in her exceptional debut novel... Based on the author's grandfather's experiences, this poignant look at the effects of war and propaganda, especially on children, resonates with candor and eloquence."

The June 2009 issue of Voice of Youth Advocates features a review of Linda Oatman High's Planet Pregnancy:

"Told in free verse that lends authenticity to the narrator’s teen voice, this novel chronicles the momentous nine-month journey that Sahara enters, starting with the shocking results of her home pregnancy test and ending after the delivery of her child. The discomforts of pregnancy and the anguish of being seventeen and on the verge of adult life are presented with humor and honesty, making Sahara leap off the page and become a girl who could be found in any school, anywhere in modern America. Although some readers might disagree with Sahara’s ultimate choice, the novel is a realistic and compelling read for any teen."

Kirkus Reviews awards Clay Carmichael's Wild Things with a starred review in the April 15, 2009 issue:

"Strongly drawn characters—Zoé, Henry and the people in their small town—come alive on the pages of this debut novel. There are resonances and echoes of the children's books important to Zoé—The Secret Garden, Because of Winn-Dixie, The Golden Compass and, a story integral to this tale, The Boy Who Drew Cats. A tribute to the power of story, this is ultimately a tale of hope and redemption. Zoé Royster, peer to the literary heroines she so loves, is as memorable in her own way as the Great Gilly Hopkins, Opal Buloni and Anne Shirley."

In the April 2009 issue of Voice of Youth Advocates, Steven Herrick's Cold Skin is reviewed:

"Herrick produces a hauntingly beautiful, murder mystery. ... [A] novel that is difficult to put down. This young adult novel will most certainly find its way into the hands of both teenagers and adults alike."

The April 2009 issue of The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books features a review of Peter Johnson's Loserville:

"The writing shines in its quiet observation of human interaction... [F]ans of brooding and thoughtful accounts of human dynamics may find interest here."

Kirkus Reviews awards Steven Herrick's Cold Skin with a starred review in the March 1, 2009 issue:

“Written in cadenced prose poetry, the realistic, chilling story unfolds slowly through...alternating first-person, present-tense voices. ... Herrick's adroit use of multiple perspectives allows readers to understand the motivations of each character in what proves to be a taut and tender tale of courage and revenge.”

Kirkus Reviews features a review of Klaus Hagerup's Markus and the Girls in its March 15, 2009 issue:

"[T]his entertaining Norwegian import and follow-up to Markus and Diana (2006)...aptly conveys the typical angst of young teenage boys and leaves readers cheering for Markus and the next girl of his dreams."