365. Romance Diaries Book 2: Ruby by Jenna Austen

Romance Diaries Book 2: Ruby by Jenna Austen
Published January 2013 Harper Collins

From the publisher:
Ruby's worried that her friends keep making the same mistakes when it comes to romance. Then she develops a theory: most girls go for either a Jane Austen guy (funny, sweet, caring) or a Jane Eyre guy (dark, brooding, serious) -- when really they should be dating the exact opposite! But when Ruby puts her theory into practice, the results don't exactly go to plan ... And if shes so smart about love, how come she can't figure out who's been sending her all the flirty emails and flowers?

Being the book nerd that I am, my first thought when I saw this book, was Who Is Jenna Austen?  I was fairly confident that this was a pseudonym, and after a bit of Googling, I came up trumps.  Jenna Austen is non other than the well know Australian writer Sophie Masson!

363. Feathered Man by Jeremy de Quidt

Feathered Man by Jeremy de Quidt

Due to be published January 2013 David Fickling Books

From the publisher:

'Where does life go?' Who wouldn't want to know the answer to that if it was almost in their grasp?  Klaus's perfect white teeth were the only thing he had. But after they brought him to the attention of Kusselmann, the toothpuller, he discovers he has nothing. Not even his life.  When a hidden diamond is discovered in a dead man's tooth, the stage is set for a terrifying mystery to unravel. Unwillingly embroiled in the twin clutches of greed and ancient omen, Klaus and his friend Liesel only understand one thing: they must escape. At any cost. But where can you go when you are being hunted by a force more deadly and more powerful than anything in this world?

Who would have thought I would read three books this year that involve the collection of teeth?  Well I have, the first two, Daughter of Bone and Smoke and Days of Blood and Starlight, and now this one.  Admittedly, the teeth in this book are used to make false teeth, not chimaera (monsters), but still...teeth?!

354. Om Shanti, Babe by Helen Limon

Om Shanti, Babe by Helen Limon
Published November 2012 Frances Lincoln

From the publisher:
Fizzing with energy, and laugh-out-loud funny, this is a roller-coaster journey of discovery, which also has an exciting environmental twist - all against the backdrop of beautiful Kerala.

Cassia can't wait for her first visit to India - Bollywood glamour, new friends to admire her uber-cool street-dance moves . But as she steps into real Indian life, NOTHING is as she expected... Cass is with her mum in Kerala, on a buying trip for their Fair Trade craft shop, and everything seems to be going wrong. There's Mum's new romance with "call-me-V" Mr Chaudury for a start, her own prickly stand-off with pretty, fashion-mad Priyanka, and the devastating news that her mum's business may be on the rocks. But then pop idol Jonny Gold arrives at the beach to promote his new song, Om Shanti Babe, sparking a mystery, new friendships and a race to save the mangrove swamps.

Cassia loves all things Bollywood, so a trip to India with her Mum is a dream come true.  Cassia’s Mum Lula has a shop named after her daughter that sells all sorts of fair trade goodies, all of which she sources from southern India, in a place called Kerala.

343. Dead Harry by Ken Catran

Dead Harry by Ken Catran
Published December 2012 Scholastic

From the publisher:
Sam's best friend Harry is working on a school assignment about refugees from the Balkans, and comes across a photo of the school caretaker as a war criminal. The next thing he knows, Harry is dead and has returned as a ghost to help Sam solve the mystery of his murder. The boys, with the help of the class geek Anna, uncover an operation centred at their school, involving giving war criminals protection in exchange for big bucks.

When I think of the name Ken Catran, I think of historical fiction, primarily war/soldier stories.  At first glance you might think that this book is a massive departure from the norm, but as you start reading the story you realise there is an element of war in this story too.

340. Wings & Co Book 1: Operation Bunny by Sally Gardner illustrated by David Roberts

Wings & Co Book 1: Operation Bunny by Sally Gardner illustrated by David Roberts
Published December 2012 Orion

From the publisher:
Emily Vole makes headline news in the first weeks of her life, when she is found in an abandoned hatbox in Stansted Airport. Then, only a few years later, her neighbour Mrs String dies leaving Emily a mysterious inheritance: an old shop, a small bunch of golden keys and a cat called Fidget. It's the beginning of an adventure of a lifetime as the old Fairy Detective Agency comes back to life. It is up to Emily to reopen the shop, and recall the fairies to duty. Together they must embark on their first mystery and do battle with their great fairy-snatching enemy, Harpella.

This book is a little bit Harry Potter and a little bit Dahl.  The Harry Potter similarities start with the orphaned Emily, being adopted by Mr and Mrs Dashwood, they want a child, and reading in the paper about a baby abandoned at the airport sounds like just what they were after.  It’s fine at first, but Mrs Dashwood is not happy that Emily’s colouring doesn’t fit in with her and her husband.  Emily has dark hair and brown eyes, while the Dashwood's are blonde and blue eyed.  When Mr and Mrs….have triplets, three blonde blue eyed girls, they really have no need for Emily, and are not sure what to do with her, as they can’t send her back to the orphanage.  Their solution is to make her live in the laundry and work for them doing all of the housework and looking after the triplets. 

337. Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai

Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai
Published September 2012 UQP

From the publisher:

Moving to America turns Hà’s life inside out.

For all the ten years of her life,Hà has only known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, the warmth of her friends close by . . . and the beauty of her very own papaya tree.

But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. Hà and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope. In America, Hà discovers the foreign world of Alabama: the coldness of its strangers, the dullness of its food, the strange shape of its landscape . . . and the strength of her very own family.

This is the moving story of one girl's year of change,dreams, grief, and healing as she journeys from one country to another, one life to the next. 

Hà is a ten year old girl who has lived through the Vietnam war, her father went missing a number of years ago, but in spite of the sadness in her life, she is happy, and loves her country and it’s traditions. Her prized possession is a papaya tree, which she has grown from seed.  Every day she watches and waits, waiting for the papaya to ripen.  The imminent fall of Saigon, means the family must leave Vietnam, and that means leaving the papaya tree behind too.  Hà and her family are lucky enough to have a place on a boat, leaving Vietnam to make their way to a new unknown home.

332. Four Children and It by Jacqueline Wilson

Four Children and It by Jacqueline Wilson
Published November 2012 Penguin

From the publisher:
Rosalind and Robbie don't want to spend the summer stuck in their dad's new house with irritating Smash and her glamorous mum.

Dad's biggest wish is for everyone to get along. So when he suggests a picnic in some nearby woods the children grudgingly agree.

That afternoon, in a golden sandpit, Rosalind makes a wish of her own and something extraordinary happens. It just might change their summer from weeks of bickering into the best holiday Rosalind, Robbie, Smash and their little sister Maudie have ever had . . .

This book could, at first glance, be called a complete rip off, of the book Five Children and It.  A closer look, and having read the book, it comes to light that what this book really is, is a celebration of a classic.  In true Jacqueline Wilson style, this book is about family, it just so happens that the girl in this story is an avid reader whose favourite book of the moment is Five Children and It by Edith Nesbit.  Imagine their surprise when a picnic in the woods reveals the one and only Psammead, buried in a sandpit in the woods.

330. Kizzy Ann Stamps by Jeri Watts

Kizzy Ann Stamps by Jeri Watts

Published November 2012 Candlewick Press

From the publisher:

Taking things in stride is not easy for Kizzy Ann, but with her stalwart border collie, Shag, at her side, she sets out to live a life as sweet as syrup on cornbread.

In 1963, as Kizzy Ann prepares for her first year at an integrated school, she worries about the color of her skin, the scar running from the corner of her right eye to the tip of her smile, and whether anyone at the white school will like her. She writes letters to her new teacher in a clear, insistent voice, stating her troubles and asking questions with startling honesty. The new teacher is supportive, but not everyone feels the same, so there is a lot to write about. Her brother, James, is having a far less positive school experience than she is, and the annoying white neighbor boy won't leave her alone. But Shag, her border collie, is her refuge. Even so, opportunity clashes with obstacle. Kizzy Ann knows she and Shag could compete well in the dog trials, but will she be able to enter? From newcomer Jeri Watts comes an inspiring middle-grade novel about opening your mind to the troubles and scars we all must bear-and facing life with hope and trust.

I read a review for this in Magpies magazine, and I downloaded the eBook straight away (That is one of the best things about digital books).  The book is only out in hardback in Australia, but it really is a stand out, so try and get your hands on it one way or another.  Most of us would be aware of, and many of  us would have read the book, The Help by Kathryn Stockett, this book is a child’s eye view of the same time in history, the American South in the early 1960s.

329. The Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 7: The Third Wheel by Jeff Kinney

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 7: The Third Wheel by Jeff Kinney
Published November 2012 Penguin

From the publisher:

In The Third Wheel, love is in the air—but what does that mean for Greg Heffley? A Valentine's Day dance at Greg's middle school has turned his world upside down. As Greg scrambles to find a date, he's worried he'll be left out in the cold on the big night. His best friend, Rowley, doesn't have any prospects either, but that's a small consolation. Then an unexpected twist gives Greg a partner for the dance and leaves Rowley the odd man out. But a lot can happen in one night, and in the end, you never know who's going to be lucky in love.

Now is probably the time to admit that this is the first Diary of a Wimpy Kid book I have ever read.  I have read a couple of books in the same style this year, so I was looking forward to see what Greg Heffley had in store for me!

325. Eric Vale, Epic Fail by Michael Gerard Bauer illustrated by Joe Bauer

Eric Vale, Epic Fail by Michael Gerard Bauer illustrated by Joe Bauer

Published November 2012 Scholastic

From the publisher:

Ever had a STUPID nickname? A ROTTEN run of bad luck? A BEST friend who just looks on the BRIGHT side-even when the bright side looks BLACK? Well, Eric Vale's got all three, and they're pushing him towards the EPIC-EST of all EPIC FAILS!

We have been blessed with Greg Heffley (Diary of a Wimpy Kid), Big Nate, Tom Gates and most recently Duane (My Totally Awesome Story), characters who grace the pages of books that have a huge appeal to boys ( and plenty of girls), books with a mix of text and illustration, all sharing the common theme of humour, usually at the expense of the main character!  Now we have another book to keep these boys reading, meet Eric Vale, who has managed to score himself the worst nickname of all time, Eric Vale, Epic Fail.

319. Truly Tan by Jen Storer illustrated by Claire Robertson

Truly Tan by Jen Storer illustrated by Claire Robertson
Published November 2012 ABC Books

From the publisher:

Meet Tan. She′s funny. She′s lively. She has the mind of a Great Detective ...

Dear Diary

It′s official. Our whole family has moved to the country. The pets are disturbed and restless. My sisters are disturbed and restless -- although that′s normal. What is not normal is a cursed fox and a haunted clubhouse. That is definitely unnormal.

At least the country people now have an expert in their midst. Someone with a cool head and a sharp eye. Someone who can solve intriguing mysteries and knows how to keep detailed Secret Spy Files.

Really, it′s lucky I came along when I did.

Truly

Tan

Tan is the youngest of four girls in her family.  Her sisters are referred to as the traffic lights, or lollipops, due to the colourful nature of their names, Ruby , Emerald and Amber.  Their father is a vet and their mother a foodie journalist, and they are moving to the country with their menagerie of animals.

318. Time Riders Book 6: City of Shadows by Alex Scarrow

Time Riders Book 6: City of Shadows by Alex Scarrow
Published October 2012 Penguin (Puffin)

From the publisher:
Liam O'Connor should have died at sea in 1912.
Maddy Carter should have died on a plane in 2010.
Sal Vikram should have died in a fire in 2026.

But all three have been given a second chance - to work for an agency that no one knows exists. Its purpose: to prevent time travel destroying history . . . 

Hunted by cyborg assassins from the future, the Time Riders must abandon New York and go on the run. 

They escape to Victorian London and the streets where Jack the Ripper roams. But, before they can establish their new base, they make their most shattering discovery yet - and it will change everything . . .

This is probably the best Time Riders book I have read, it is also the one that I can't say too much about.  So many things come to light in this book, none of which I can share with you, as I wouldn't want to spoil it for you.

316. Little White Duck: A Childhood in China by Na Liu and illustrated by Andres Vera Martin

Little White Duck: A Childhood in China by Na Liu and illustrated by Andres Vera Martin

Published October 2012 Lerner Publishing: Graphic Universe

From the publisher:

The world is changing for two girls in China in the 1970s. Da Qin Big Piano and her younger sister, Xiao Qin Little Piano live in the city of Wuhan with their parents. For decades, China's government had kept the country separated from the rest of the world. When their country's leader, Chairman Mao, dies, new opportunities begin to emerge. Da Qin and Xiao Qin soon learn that their childhood will be much different than the upbringing their parents experienced. Eight short stories based on the author's own life give readers a unique look at what it was like to grow up in China during this important time in history.

The first thing I thought of when I started this book, was another book, Mao’s Last Dancer by Li Cunxin.  It’s a completely different format, this is a graphic novel, but it looks at a similar time in China’s not so distant history.  This book is a collection of stories form the author’s childhood, beginning with the death of Chairman Mao.  We also see what her parent’s life was like, and her father’s childhood is much like that of Li Cunxin’s.

310. Poppy Fields Mystery #10: The Will to Live by Tanya Landman

Poppy Fields Murder Mystery Book 10: The Will to Live by Tanya Landman

Published October 2012 Walker Books

From the publisher:

Tenth in the brilliantly addictive series of murder mysteries by an acclaimed and popular writer.

Poppy and Graham are staying in a grand country house for the weekend to help at a family christening party, but they're seriously unimpressed. Dull, dull, dull! Not to mention the fact that baby Marmaduke has taken a shine to Graham and won't let him out of his sight without shrieking the place down. Then events take a mysterious turn when a filthy tramp turns up in the churchyard ... dead. It isn't long before Poppy and Graham realize that his death is suspicious - as are all the others that follow.

I know the Poppy Fields books, and they have been quite popular.  I personally think the covers had something to do with that.  They looked just bloody and gory enough to attract the readers.  When I saw this book, I didn’t even recognise it as a Poppy Fields Mystery, as the cover is completely different.  See the pic to the right for Book 9, that will give you an idea how they used to look.

301. Ruby Redfort Book 2: Take your Last Breath by Lauren Child

Ruby Redfort Book 2: Take Your Last Breath by Lauren Child

Published October 2012 Harper Collins

From the publisher:

Now, everyone′s favourite girl detective is back for a second mind-blowing instalment, packed with all the off-the-wall humour, action and friendship of the first book. This time, though, it′s an adventure on the wide open ocean, and Ruby is all at sea... Can she crack the case while evading the clutches of the evil Count von Viscount? Well, you wouldn′t want to bet against her...

It must be my week for books about smart girls.  This is the second Ruby Redfort book, and it’s one of those books where I had girls coming in every day asking me ‘Is it here yet?  Is it here yet?’, and that doesn’t happen all that often.  Well it is here, and if you loved the first book, you will undoubtedly love this one too.

296. Power of Five Book 5: Oblivion by Anthony Horowitz

Power of Five Book 5: Oblivion by Anthony Horowitz
Published October 2012 Walker Books

From the publisher:

The epic fifth and final instalment in the bestselling fantasy series The Power of Five by Anthony Horowitz.

Having escaped from Hong Kong, the Five Gatekeepers - Matt, Pedro, Scott, Jamie and Scarlett - are scattered in a hostile and dangerous world. As they struggle to re-group and plan their next move, the malevolent King of the Old Ones gathers his forces in Oblivion: a desolate landscape where the last survivors of humanity must fight the ultimate battle.

I don't tend to use terms like OMG, but when I saw this book my first thought was OMG! The reason for that is the size, this book is massive, 668 pages to be exact!  It's so big that I actually considered NOT reading it, because of the time it would take me.  But...this book is much anticipated,  4 years since the last book in the series Necropolis.

289. A Medal For Leroy by Michael Morpurgo

A Medal for Leroy by Michael Morpurgo

Published October 2012 Harper Collins

From the publisher:

Michael doesn′t remember his father, who died in a Spitfire over the English Channel. And his mother, heartbroken and passionate, doesn′t like to talk about him. But then Michael′s aunt gives him a medal and a photograph, which begin to reveal a hidden story. A story of love, loss and secrets. A story that will change everything - and reveal to Michael who he really is...

I wasn't going to admit this, but when I first read the description of this book I thought it was actually about Michael Morpurgo, needless to say it isn't.  It was however inspired by a true story (details at the end of this post).  As with a number of Morpurgo's books, the story starts in the present day.  We then go back in time and find out how our characters got to this point.  

284. Leopard Adventure by Anthony McGowan

Leopard Adventure (Willard Price) by Anthony McGowan

Published September 2012 Puffin

From the publisher:

The first authorized Willard Price book by award-winning author Anthony McGowan.

Deep in the remote forests of Siberia, a mother Amur leopard, one of the rarest big cats in the world, senses danger. Something faster than any human and deadlier than any tiger.

Meanwhile Amazon Hunt, aged twelve, is recruited from England by Tracks in America, ready to take off at a moment's notice to rescue wild animals under threat - no matter how great the danger.  Now Amazon and her thirteen-year-old cousin Frazer must brave the Russian wilderness to save the Amur leopard, before a blazing forest fire wipes out the race - for good . . .

On the front cover of this book it says, Inspired by the Willard Price Adventures, and the blurb says that this is the first authorized Willard Price book.  As I started reading I realised that there is quite a big link between this and the Willard Price books.  The two main characters in this book are Amazon and her cousin Frazer, and guess what? Amazon’s Dad is Roger Hunter, and Frazer’s Dad is Hal Hunter, the two boys that featured in the Willard Price books, now adults and working in their fathers footsteps.

283. Parvana's Promise by Deborah Ellis

Parvana's Promise by Deborah Ellis
Published October 2012 Allen & Unwin

From the publisher:
Parvana, now fifteen, is found in a bombed-out school and held as a suspected terrorist by American troops in Afghanistan. A stunning sequel to Parvana and Parvana's Journey.

As I started reading this, I realised that I had forgotten most of the details of the first 3 books about Parvana.  When I looked back, I can see that there is a good reason for this, as the last story about Parvana (Shauzia) was published 9 years ago, 10 years since Parvana's Journey.  What that means is, while fans of the previous books will be looking forward to reading about an old favourite, this book works as a stand alone novel that may encourage readers to go back and read the earlier novels.

281. Word Hunters Book 1: The Curious Dictionary by Nick Earls and illustrated by Terry Whidborne

Word Hunters Book 1: The Curious Dictionary by Nick Earls and Terry Whidborne

Published August 2012 UQP

From the publisher:

Lexi and Al Hunter are twins with almost nothing in common – except their parents and their birthday! At school Lexi hangs with her friends in the cool crowd, while Al hides in the library reading about history, battles and faraway places.

When the twins stumble upon an old dictionary their world as they know it changes. They are blasted into history to hunt down the words that threaten to vanish from our past and our present. Their lives and the future of the world are at stake. Can they find a way back home? Or will they be trapped in the past forever? Now more than ever, they need to depend on each other if they want to survive.

The blurb on this book says it’s for word nerds, so it should be the perfect book for me.  It also has an element that seems to be cropping up in every second book I am reading…time travel.