BEST OF 2013: Adult Fiction & Nonfiction

There are a lot of potentially great 2013 books that I haven’t gotten around to reading yet (Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Americanah and  Charles Graeber’s The Good Nurse are next up in my towering to-read pile!), but
after surveying our entire library staff, here are our picks for 2013’s
Best Books for Adults:

Fiction

A Constellation of Vital Phenomena by Anthony Marra
Weaving back and forth through time and across characters, this compelling first novel begins with an eight-year-old girl who watched as her father was “disappeared” by Russian soldiers in the middle of the night.  Akhmed, the not-so-good physician of the local Chechen village and a family friend, is determined to rescue Haava from a similar fate and seeks the assistance of a cynical, tough-minded surgeon at a nearby hospital. The story centers on just five days of the lives of Haava, Akhmed, and Sonja, and yet it provides an almost magical look at the myriad connections—both discovered and never realized—that shape peoples lives, especially in a time of war.

The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith
Even before it was discovered that Robert Galbraith was a pseudonym for author J.K. Rowling, this compelling mystery  about a P.I. and his new office temp teaming up to investigate the suspicious death of a young model had the attention of critics. Describes by one reviewer for Library Journal as “a mash-up of Charles Dickens and Penny Vincenzi.”

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
In this mesmerizing story of love, loss, obsession, and the haunting power of art, a young man who lost his mother in an tragic accident grows to adulthood, only to become entangled in the art underworld of New York City

Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
In this stunning, thought-provoking novel, Ursula Todd goes through a series of  lives and deaths, experiencing wars and epidemics in ever-changing circumstances. Every time she hits a bad end—done in by Spanish flu, murdered by an abusive husband, killed in a bombing raid—it all begins again. Often, she has a nagging sense of déjà vu, but she can never put her finger on why. Reading Life After Life is like reading a sophisticated Choose Your Own novel for grown-ups, one that resets itself. Atkinson weaves an intricate web of parallel paths, detours, and intersections which is utterly fascinating, sometimes heartbreaking, and frequently startling with  unanticipated moments of sharp humor.

The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri

This emotionally powerful story of two brothers born in a quiet village outside Calcutta spans decades and continents. In an era of political turmoil, the brothers choose divergent paths—Subhash retreating to a quiet university in New England while Udayan becomes increasingly involved in a Mao-inspired rebellion against India’s social iniquities—and yet their lives remain almost fatalistically entwined despite their estrangement. Perceptive and universal in theme, the story explores the myriad nuances of guilt, marriage, parenthood, moral conviction, loyalty, and betrayal through day-to-day events against the more expansive backdrop of world affairs. The Lowland unfolds slowly, but Lahiri’s elegant prose and full characterizations make for a riveting tale.

 

From the Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Interpreter of Maladies.

The Obituary Writer by Ann Hood
A woman stuck in a loveless marriage and an obituary writer looking for her lost love discover a surprising connection. Part literary mystery and part love story, this novel is full of grief, shame, and hope.

The Returned by Jason Mott
The world is turned upside down in this emotional novel in which people inexplicably begin returning from the dead. At the heart of the story is an elderly couple whose 8-year-old son suddenly reappears nearly 50 years after his death.

Six Years by Harlan Coben
Six years after the love of his life left him to marry another man, Professor Jake Sanders learns that this rival is dead and that the woman of his dreams is not who she claimed to be. Betrayals and secrets are unearthed as Jake then races against the clock to track down the real woman he once loved and lost.

Sycamore Row by John Grisham
Reader favorite Jack Brigance, the attorney from A Time to Kill, makes a reappearance in Ford County, Mississippi, in this surprisingly suspenseful courtroom drama about wills, racial tension, and family secrets.

We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler
The author of The Jane Austen Book Club creates another unforgettable work in this heartbreaking work about family dysfunction. This is a book best read “blind”; spoilers contained in some reviews and blurbs may ruin the experience otherwise.

Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts
Eli Landon is suffering from the public and police scrutiny after being wrongly impli- cated in the murder of his soon-to-be wife. He then takes refuge in a old family home and falls in love with resident housekeeper Abra Walsh, with whom he is entangled in an old, life-threatening mystery.

Nonfiction

Empty Mansions by Bill Dedman and Paul Clark Newell, Jr.
A Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and a distant family member reconstruct the life of a reclusive copper heiress in this fascinating tale of family scandal, privilege, and a surprising path to happiness.

Happy, Happy, Happy by Phil Robertson
The Duck Dynasty star chronicles his unusual life from childhood through the founding of the family business.

A House in the Sky by Amanda Lindhout & Sara Corbett
Through clear, gorgeous prose and raw honesty, Lindhout recounts the year she spent as a hostage in Somalia for over a year. The harrowing story is balanced by Lindhout’s descriptions of her childhood, her youthful interest in world travel inspired by National Geographic, and her almost-accidental introduction into the world of combat-zone reporting.

Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
Facebook COO and and top-ranked
businesswoman Sheryl Sandberg shares though-provoking advice for women, urging them to seek professional challenges and take more risks to find work that they can feel passionate about.

Men We Reaped by Jesmyn Ward
Through the deaths of five young men in her Mississippi community over the course of four years, the National Book Award–winning author explores the realities of poverty and blackness in America. This candid, beautifully wrought account maintains a light, humanistic touch but does not gloss over the gritty details.

BEST OF 2013: Teen Books

Okay, so there are still TONS of probably awesome 2013 YA books that I haven’t gotten around to reading yet, though over the last several weeks I sure have done my best to read EVERYTHING I can get my hands on. Some of the promising titles I still have yet to read include Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick, The Kingdom of Little Wounds by Susann Cokal, Sex and Violence by Carrie Mesrobian, Scarlet by Marissa Meyer, and The War Within These Walls by Aline Sax. It sounds like I haven’t been doing much reading, doesn’t it? But really, for every book that made our list there are several more professional  reviewer favorites that just missed out. These include high profile titles by Patrick Ness, Marcus Sedgwick, Andrew Smith, and Maggie Stiefvater (my reviews are soon to come though!).

As for those titles I haven’t yet gotten around to reading… Well, they’re still on my ever-growing TBR and any title I feel should have been on this list will be added in later updates. So with that said, these are the best teen books of 2013 that we’ve read  (so far).

All the Truth That’s In Me by Julie Berry*
In an alternate world that evokes the New England Puritan settlements of the 17th century, 18-year-old Judith is an outcast in her community and even in her own family. She disappeared without a trace at the age of 14 only to mysteriously reappear at 16 physically mutilated and unable to share what happened to her. Only now that her community is under attack, Judith must find the courage to face the past and make her silenced voice heard in a desperate bid to save them all. Poetic and gorgeously written, this is a stunning mystery, told entirely through Judith’s imagined conversations with the boy she has loved since childhood.
Boxers & Saints by Gene Luen Yang
Both intimate and epic in scale, these companion novels tell the story of China’s Boxer Rebellion from opposing viewpoints.

Charm & Strange by Stephanie Kuehn
Strange, beautiful, and unsettling, this is a story is told from two directions. In the present, Win is a weird, bitter loner at a Vermont boarding school who believes there is a wolf inside him, struggling to break free. When a dead body is found in the woods, he believes he is responsible. In the past, Win is ten years old and goes by a different name—Drew. Drew looks up to his older brother and loves his little sister, but it’s clear there is something wrong in Drew’s world. Slowly, the two separate narratives merge; along the way, the reader becomes completely immersed in piecing together the mystery of Win and his past.
Read Tracy’s Review

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black
Tana woke up surrounded by carnage. While she was passed out in the bathroom, vampires savaged and killed her fellow partiers—all except her ex-boyfriend, now infected, and a mysterious, chained vampire boy who’s sanity is in question. With nowhere else to go, the three uneasy allies travel to the nearest Coldtown, where vampires, the infected, and desperate wannabes are segregated from the outside world. Tana is determined to hang on to her humanity and protect her loved ones, but Coldtown is even more dangerous than she expects. A fascinating world and wonderfully flawed, intriguing characters highlight this layered story of guilt and vengeance, with a bit of love and redemption thrown in for balance. Still, this is not your average teen vampire romance, where black and white are clear and everything is wrapped up neatly. Chilling and wholly original, this is a vampire novel with a difference.
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Park thinks the crazy-haired, oddly dressed new girl on his bus looks like a victim waiting to happen. Meanwhile, Eleanor is too concerned with her problems at home to think much about the “stupid Asian kid” who reluctantly scoots over to share his seat, cursing under his breath all the while. For days they share the seat in awkward, sometimes hostile silence. But then… Something changes. Soon, Eleanor is surreptitiously reading Watchmen comics over his shoulder and Park is making Eleanor mix tapes of his favorite bands. Slowly, tentatively a friendship develops and then friendship becomes something more. But love doesn’t solve everything. Together they must face disapproving parents, mean-spirited classmates, and the dark truths about her family that Eleanor never wants Park to discover.
Read Tracy’s Review

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
A quiet introvert whose passion is writing fan fiction faces her first year of college in this captivating novel about growing up without letting go of the things you love.

Far Far Away by Tom McNeal
Blending a contemporary mindset with the heart of classic fairy tales, this is the atmospheric tale of a young man who can speak to ghosts—specifically, Jacob Grimm himself—and finds himself in a dark, sort-of fairy tale of his own.

Just One Day by Gayle Forman
After falling for a mysterious Dutch boy after a whirlwind day in Paris, a young American woman wakes up alone and retreats home, never knowing what truly happened. But over the course of her freshman year of college—with a little help from Shakespeare and some unexpected friendships—she finds the courage to take risks and follow her heart, in love and life.

Picture Me Gone by Meg Rosoff
Mila has a special ability to observe beneath the surface; she reads people and her surroundings to solve real-life puzzles. So when her father’s best friend turns up missing, Mila is determined to solve the mystery of his disappearance. The result is a secret-revealing journey through upstate New York with her father, where she is presented with clues that don’t quite add up and learns complicated truths about mistakes, compromise, and consequence. Mila is a fascinating, vibrantly realized character, and this novel presents an intriguing, cerebral mystery full of realistic suspense.
Reality Boy by A.S. King
Gerald is very, very angry. It seems like he has always been angry, and there are three seasons worth of reality TV to prove it. Of course, the nanny show that made Gerald infamous when he was five years old showed very little of what actually went on in his house. Now seventeen, Gerald’s just trying to keep it together so he doesn’t end up dead or in jail. Then he meets Hannah, who has a screwed up homelife herself. Gerald’s is a unflinchingly honest voice, full of anger, insight, and pain, and his story is as riveting as any reality show. With her trademark combination of magical realism and gritty drama, King’s latest offering is another winner.
The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson
In this wildly inventive fantasy set in an alternate version of America, a special cadre of “Rithmatists” train from the age of eight to protect the American Isles from an infestation of Wild  Chalkings, drawings which have the ability to interact in the three-dimensional world and even kill. Sixteen-year-old Joel, a student at an elite school with a special program for Rithmatists, longs to be part of that privileged group, but he already missed his chance. First of a new series.

Rose Under Fire by Elizabeth Wein
In this gripping companion novel to Code Name Verity, a young American pilot becomes a prisoner at Ravensbrück, a German concentration camp. Although beloved and controversial characters from Verity are revisited, this novel belongs entirely to Rose and her fellow prisoners. It’s a different story entirely—we know early on Rose survives to tell her story—but the journey is equally tense and dramatic.

The Symptoms of My Insanity by Mindy Raf
As if romantic tangles, school pressure, and family drama weren’t enough to deal with, Izzy also has to cope with panic attacks and hypochondria. With self-deprecating humor and wry observations, Izzy offers up a realistic coming of age tale with depth. One reviewer dubbed it “Woody Allen for the teenage set.” This is the only title on our list I haven’t read myself, but one of our circulation clerks highly recommends it!

So, that’s our list so far. What titles would you add to your own best-of-the-year list?

BEST OF 2013: Middle Grade/Tween Books

From gut-busting humor to historical adventures to captivating fantasies, middle-grade authors had a lot to offer readers in 2013. My personal favorite so far? I think I’ll have to go with either Counting by 7s or Better Nate Than Ever for their strong narrative voices and unique character perspectives. I also LOVED Look Up!, although I have no interest in birdwatching. Or at least I didn’t until recently…

Of course, I might give you an entirely different list of favorites if you ask me tomorrow 😉 Each of the books listed below appealed to me for different reasons. (Also, I am still reading From Norvelt to Nowhere, the sequel to Jack Gantos’s darkly comic, Newbery winning Dead End in Norvelt… Plus there may be another wonderful title I’ve yet to discover. But don’t worry; I will update this list to add any deserving titles I may have missed this time around.)

So, without further ado, my favorite middle-grade titles of 2013 (that I’ve read so far!) are:

Fiction 

Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle
In this hilarious romp full of Broadway references and misadventures, an eighth grader (with the encouragement of his best friend Libby) concocts a plan to run away to New York and audition for a new musical adaptation of E.T. Nate’s inner monologue and offbeat personality are laugh-out-loud funny, but the story also dexterously addresses deeper issues, such as bullying, disappointment, family, religion and sexuality. However, all of this is handled with a light touch, so that Nate is allowed to shine all on his own, without judgment or labels. Ages 9–13.

Bluffton by Matt Phelan (graphic novel)
In 1908, when a troupe of vaudevillians turn up for the summer in his sleepy Michigan town, young Henry is fascinated—particularly by a young prankster named Buster Keaton. Ages 9–13.
Read Tracy’s Review

Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan
Willow Chance is not your usual twelve-year-old. She’s fascinated by medical ailments, is an avid gardener, and counts by sevens for fun.Most people think she’s strange, but at least she’s always had the support of her parents… until everything changes. Luckily, an odd assortment of characters—including her sad-sack school counselor and a Vietnamese family living below the poverty level—are there to help her. In turn, Willow changes their lives as well. This transformative story about loss, community, and resilience is both heartwarming and surprisingly funny. Ages 10–14.

Doll Bones by Holly Black
An eerie ghost story combines with a tale of friendship, adventure, and growing up in this wonderfully imaginative book from the co-author of The Spiderwick Chronicles Ages 10–14.

Flora and Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo
This story about a comic-reading cynic; a poetry-writing, superhero squirrel; and a temporarily blind boy all begins with an out-of-control vacuum cleaner. It’s a smart and sensitive tale of friendship and forgiveness, but there are plenty of laughs and adventures along the way. Ages 8–12.

The Hero’s Guide to Storming the Castle by Christopher Healy
In this sequel to The Hero’s Guide to saving Your Kingdom, the League of Princes (and their princesses) reunite for a new adventure in bumbling heroism. Perfect for lovers of humor and fairy tales of all ages. Ages 8 and up.

Jinx by Sage Blackwood
When he is abandoned in the deep, dark forest by his stepfather, Jinx is adopted (sort of) by a mysterious wizard who may or may not be evil. But as he grows up to learn more about the magic and the world outside of the Urwald, Jinx begins to see that life and magic are more complicated–and more dangerous!– than he thought. First of a new trilogy. Ages 9–13.

Navigating Early by Claire Vanderpool
Reality and imagination overlap in expected ways in this epic, Odyssey-like quest wherein two young teens track a bear in the wilds of Maine. Both boys have suffered recent losses, but through strange encounters with pirates (sort of), hurricanes (sort of), and buried secrets discovered along the Appalachian Trail, they come to a new understanding of one another, themselves, and the people they love. Ages 10–14.

The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
Every four years, two children—one nice child and one nasty child—are spirited away from Gavaldon by the mysterious School Master to be trained as heroes and villains, eventually graduating into fairy tales of their own. But when princess wannabe Sophie and her witchy, loner friend Agatha are selected, the girls find that their presumed destines are flipped and the school is far more dangerous than they anticipated. Ages 8–13.
Read Tracy’s Review

The Thing About Luck by Cynthia Kadohata
Twelve-year-old Summer nearly died from malaria last year, her weird younger brother can’t make any friends, and just when things can’t get any worse, her parents have been called to Japan to take care of dying relatives. Which just leaves Summer, her brother, and her aging grandparents to do the family’s annual harvest work and earn enough money to make the mortgage. As they travel with the harvesting crew, Summer goes on her own journey of self-discovery, examining her feelings about life, death, her family, and who she truly is. Ages 10–14.

The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp by Kathi Appelt
Tall tale meets ecological fable in this folksy romp full of humor and heart.When he learns their landlord plans to evict his mother and destroy his beloved swamp to build a alligator-wrestling theme park, twelve-year-old Chap is determined to save Paradise Pies Café. Meanwhile, Bingo and J’miah, two raccoon brothers guarding the swamp, must locate the ancient, sleeping Sugar Man to stop a rampaging horde of feral hogs headed their way. Ages 8–12.

Nonfiction

Courage Has No Color by Tanya Lee Stone*
Through fascinating photos and engaging, conversational text, Stone introduces readers to the history and character of the United States’s first black paratrooper unit. Ages 10 and up.

Emancipation Proclamation by Tonya Bolden
This browsable commemorative title has the look of a scrapbook, with facsimiles of numerous period documents, drawings, and photos. Together with the accessible text—with its passionate, personal tone—this book offers a dramatic and informative portrait of abolitionism and the nation leading up to the Civil War. Ages 10 and up.

Look Up! by Annette LeBlanc Cate*
This chatty, humorous beginner’s guide to birdwatching uses hilarious, tongue-in-cheek cartoons to build enthusiasm and explain to readers how they can begin in their own backyards. Simply wonderful, from the ‘Bird Watching Do’s…and Don’t’s” on the front endpapers to the very end.

*Please note that some titles are still on order and are not yet available for checkout at BCPL.

BEST OF 2013: Picture Books and Early Chapter Books

Over the last couple of months, I read nearly 200 picture books in my attempt to narrow down our picks for the Best of 2013. Children’s Programmer Allison and Lebanon Junction Asst. Supervisor Pam also helped in the selection. It was tough to narrow our choices down to these final selections (hence the Honorable Mentions listed below!), but I eventually reached a final list I am satisfied with.

Anyway, without further ado, BCPL’s favorite 2013 books for young children are:

Picture Books (Fiction)

Battle Bunny by Jon Scieszka and Mac Burnett, Illustrated by Matthew Myers
What if a creative, action-thriller-loving kid took a saccharine old book about a bunny’s birthday party and turned it into a good-and-evil caper about a supervillain plotting to blow up the world? You’d probably get something like this subversive tale, where you can read the sweet “original” story and the newly created, over-the-top warrior-tale side by side. The doodles and redesigned illustrations are fabulous and might inspire younger readers to revamp their own discarded books.



Count the Monkeys by Mac Barnett, Illustrated by Kevin Cornell*
Tongue-in-cheek humor and delightfully exaggerated animals make this delightful picture book far more fun than your average counting book—though it’s educational as well! This makes a great read aloud, with plenty of opportunities for audience participation.



The Dark by Lemony Snicket, Illustrated by Jon Klassen
This artfully illustrated book about a boy who lives in fear of the dark until—one night—the dark speaks to him is an eerie and original take on nighttime fears.
Read Tracy’s Review



The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
Duncan’s crayons are fed up. Whether worked down to a nub or ignored in favor of other colors, each crayon states its grievances  in this hilarious picture book. Oliver Jeffers’s (author/illustrator of Lost and Found, Stuck, and This Moose Belongs to Me) illustrations are comprised of the crayons’ handwritten letters and childlike artwork designed for Duncan’s consideration. Allison and I read this one together in my office  few months back, and by the end we were both laughing so hard we cried.



Exclamation Mark by Amy Krouse Rosenthal & Tom Lichtenfeld*
Who would have thought that punctuation could be both funny and heartwarming? Apparently Amy Krouse Rosenthal  and Tom Lichtenfeld, the author/illustrator team behind the fabulous Duck! Rabbit!



Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle
Whimsical and gently humorous, this wordless lift-the-flap gem creates the feeling of an animated short. Think of the ostriches and hippos dancing in Fantasia.
Read Tracy’s Review



How To by Julie Morstad
This breezy, inventive picture book features whimsical drawings and text that will inspire children to explore the world around them from a new perspective. The artwork is timeless and engaging, paired with “how tos” ranging from “How to wash your socks” (splash in puddles of course!) to the more profound “How to be happy.”



I Am Blop! by Hervé Tullet
In this fantastic concept book from the author of Press Here, readers are urged to let their imaginations soar simply by following the adventures of a nebulous shape, or “blop.”  This inventive book will help children explore shapes, counting, color, nature, art, and more.

If You Want to See a Whale by Julie Fogliano, Illustrated by Erin E. Stead
Poetic text and soft pencil illustrations punctuate this quiet meditation on watching and waiting as a young boy hoping to see a whale discovers the many other wonders around him. Another wonderful book about patience and dreaming from the team behind  And Then Its Spring.
Journey by Aaron Becker*
Bold, magisterial artwork and a strong narrative perfectly mesh in this wordless picture book about a bored, resourceful young girl who creates a doorway into a magical land where she fearlessly faces danger and adventure.
Read Tracy’s Review

Little Red Writing by Joan Holub, Illustrated by Melissa Sweet
In this inventive and funny meta picture book, a little red pencil armed with a basket of words must make her way through a
collage forest, where storytelling challenges and the Wolf 3000
pencil sharpener lie in wait. Younger children will simply enjoy the journey of this fractured fairy tale, while older kids will appreciate the abundant grammar and punctuation puns. (Really.)



The Matchbox Diary by Paul Fleischman, Illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
In this poignant tale about immigration and nostalgia, a young girl examines her grandfather’s collection of matchboxes and their contents, each of which represents an important moment in his past. This is a powerful and inspiring tale for curious and sensitive children interested in the stories behind personal treasures.



The Mighty Lalouche by Matthew Olshan, Illustrated by Sophie Blackwell
At the turn of the last century, a thin, delicate Paris mail carrier loses the job he adores. Then, using his quick reflexes and uncanny speed, he becomes an unlikely success boxing against much bigger opponents. Pen-and-ink illustrations featuring three-dimensional cut outs create a bold, colorful, collage-like style that is both charming and reminiscent of a silent film after color is added in. A marvelous fable that manages to be both funny and quietly captivating.



Mr. Tiger Goes Wild by Peter Brown
A suited-up tiger living in a drab, cookie-cutter world decides to break from convention and indulge his deepest desires, to the astonishment and disapproval of his neighbors. A wonderful ode to freedom and self expression.



Mr. Wuffles by David Weisner*
Subtly humorous and through-provoking for little animal-lovers, this boldly illustrated wordless picture book provides a unique perspective on beloved pets’ secret adventures.
Read Tracy’s Review



Sophie’s Squash by Pat Zietlow Miller & Anne Wilsdorf
This charming, offbeat tale of a girl who picks up a squash at the market and adopts it as her new best friend turns into a lovely lesson in life, love, and gardening. The quirky story and cheerful, wonderfully expressive artwork work to create one of the most lovable children’s book characters of the year in the imaginative, irrepressible Sophie.



The Story of Fish and Snail by Deborah Freedman
In yet another metabook in which books are presented as worlds in and of themselves, best friends Fish and Snail consider jumping from their own story into another book, where they can explore mysteries unknown. A lovely and surprising tale of adventure, friendship, and finding the courage to try new things. From the author/illustrator of Blue Chicken.



Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson
In this fabulous interactive picture book reminiscent of Hervé Tullet’s Press Here, readers are encouraged to tap, blow, rub, shake, etc., in order to make an apple tree bloom, produce fruit, and more. With its simple, colorful illustrations and gentle instructions, it is a wonderful exercise in imagination and wonder, with the added benefit of exploring the seasons and cycles of nature. Magic indeed.



This Little Piggy by Tim Harrington*
The classic nursery rhyme is expanded into a fun, off-kilter escapade when readers are encouraged to imagine the adventures of all the little piggies not represented in the original. An amusing tale that encourages children to explore individuality and possibility. Perfect for lapsits, there is also a free song download available.



Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great by Bob Shea
This delightfully silly and energetic story about jealousy features a goat who feels pretty good about himself until he is suddenly upstaged by a sparkly, rainbow-spewing, cupcake-making unicorn. Goat’s complaining perfectly captures the  tone of a pouting child, but of course everything works out perfectly in the end when  both Goat and Unicorn appreciate the other’s abilities and join forces. A laugh-out-loud parable with expressive cartoon-style artwork layered with simple humorous embellishments (at one point, Goat sports a plunger on his head in mockery of Unicorn’s horn) and memorable dialog.



Wait! Wait! by Hatsume Nakawaki, Illustrated by Komako Sakai
Delicate oil and pencil drawings and simple, lyrical text perfectly capture the wonder and unsteady movements of an emerging walker just beginning to explore the natural world.
Read Tracy’s Review



Year of the Jungle by Suzanne Collins, Illustrated by James Proimos
Yes, that Suzanne Collins. Inspired by her own experience as a second grader when her father fought in Vietnam for a year, this picture book perfectly reimagines the sense of loss and increasingly wild imaginings of any child missing a parent, coupled with a slow, childlike realization of the dangers of war. 

Honorable Mentions:
The Bear’s Song by Benjamin Chaud*
Ben Rides On by Matt Davies
The Bicklebys’ Birdbath by Andrea Perry
Bluebird by Bob Staake
Cowpoke Clyde and Dirty Dawg by Lori Mortenson and Michale Allen Austin (Illustrator)*
Crankee Doodle by Tom Angleberger and Cece Bell (Illustrator)
The Deep, Deep Puddle by Mary Jessie Parker and Deborah Zemke (Illustrator)
Dream Animals: A Bedtime Journey by Emily Winfield Martin*
Giant Dance Party by Betsy Bird and Brandon Dorman (Illustrator)
Herman and Rosie by Gus Gordon
Inside Outside by Liz Boyd
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig
Knock Knock: My Dad’s Dream for Me by Daniel Beaty*
Lazy Daisy, Cranky Frankie: Bedtime on the Farm by Mary Ellen Jordan
My Father’s Arms Are a Boat by Stein Erik Lunde and Oyvind Torseter (Illustrator)
Niño Wrestles the World by Yuyi Morales*
No Fits, Nilson! by Zachariah OHora*
Off We Go by Will Hillenbrand
Oliver and His Alligator by Paul Schmid
Open This Little Book by Jesse Klausmeier and Suzy Lee (Illustrator)
Papa’s Mechanical Fish by Candance Fleming and Boris Kulikov (Illustrator)
Red Hat by Lita Judge
Ribbit! by Rodrigo Folgueira and Polly Bernatene (Illustrator)
Saturday Is Dadurday by Robin Pulver
Steam Train, Dream Train by Sherri Duskey Rinker and Tom Lichtenheld (Illustrator)
This Is the Rope: A Story from the Great Migration by Jacqueline Woodson*
Tiger in My Soup by Kashmira Sheth, illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler*
A Vacation for Pooch by Maryann Cocca-Leffler

Picture Books (Nonfiction)

The Boy Who Loved Math Deborah Heiligman, Illustrated by Pahm LeUyen*
Explores the childhood of the unconventional, brilliant mathematician, his interests (largely, math, math, and more math), and his impact on the field with energetic language and images that a child can relate to. An inspiring and educational true story about individuality and following your interests.



A Little Book of Sloth by Lucy Cooke*
A real-life animal book with heart and candid, adorable photos that will appeal to all ages. Younger children will enjoy the photos and personalized stories of the featured sloths while older kids will enjoy each detail of the full, lighthearted narrative.



Locomotive by Brian Floca
With rhythmic prose and gorgeously realistic illustrations, this is a moving tribute to the role of railroads in American’s westward expansion. Perfectly evoking the sounds, sights, and even feel of 1869 train travel through onomatopoeia, expressive typography, and fabulous paintings that convey movement and wonder, this is a masterpiece that manages to be both epic and intimate.



Nelson Mandela by Kadir Nelson*
In this latest artistic triumph from Kadir Nelson (I Have a Dream), he traces the amazing journey of Mandela from his rural childhood to protest rallies to prison to the presidency of South Africa. While the narrative is a powerful one indeed, the star here is Nelson’s stunningly detailed, expressive oil paintings.



On a Beam of Light by Jennifer Berne, Illustrated by Vladimir Radunsky
Approachable yet highly informative, this child’s picture autobiography of Albert Einstein uses story and complimenting layered illustrations to convey Einstein’s insatiably curious personality and big ideas.  Perfect and inspiring for the child who questions everything and wonders about the world around him, it would pair well with The Boy Who Loved Math, which actually shows how Edros and Einstein are connected (sort of).



A Splash of Red by Jen Bryant, Illustrated by Melissa Sweet
This heartfelt picture book biography explores the art, determination, and obstacles of African-American artist Horace Pippin, and the folksy illustrations perfectly compliment the style of Pippin himself.

Early Chapter Books


Odd Duck by Cecil Castelluci, Illustrated by Sara Varon
This fun and whimsical ode to eccentricity and friendship is a crowd pleaser for ages 6 and up. Humor-laced, detailed drawings presented in graphic novel format; careful prose; and subtle irony keep this story feeling freshly original rather than trite or predictable.



 
Penny and Her Marble by Kevin Henkes
The Penny early reader series is better than ever with this story of  acquisitiveness and secret guilt. When Penny discovers a marble on the sidewalk outside of her neighbor’s house, she furtively claims it for her own. But, before long, she is riddled with guilt. Henkes’s soft, pastel-hued illustrations of the winsome Penny are simple, but her expressions and movements perfectly capture her inner turmoil. 

*BONUS* Longer Chapter Books for Newly Independent Readers (Grades 1–3)

Gone Fishing by Tamera Will Wissinger
This novel in verse for young readers tells the story of sibling relationships and family outings through a series of poems about a fishing trip with a boy, his father, and his annoying little sister. It also gives a subtle and tidy lesson on different poetry forms. It’s fresh and original, with plenty of appeal for kids—particularly budding young fishermen (or fisherwomen).



The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes
While the page count may appear intimidating for some new independent  readers, ambitious young readers will relate to this “ordinary” tale of a second grader who worries that he isn’t smart enough, gets annoyed with his little sister, and  concocts a plan to secretly stay up until midnight just because. The story is divided into four bite-sized chunks, each of which focuses on Billy’s interaction with an important person in his life—his teacher, his sister, and each of his parents.




*Please note that some titles are still on order and are not yet available for checkout at BCPL.

BEST OF 2013: Favorite Book Trailers

Happy New Year! New Year’s Day is traditionally the time for looking forward, but
first we would like to  look back on the year that is past. Over the next few
weeks, I will be posting about our favorite books of 2013. But before I
identify our Best Books of 2013, we thought it might be nice to whet
your appetite a bit!

So here are our favorite Book Trailers of 2013… Don’t they make you want to read the book?!

Honorable Mentions

The Dark by Lemony Snicket & Jon Klassen (Illustrator)
I love seeing the use of lights and shadows from the book in full animation.

Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
Appropriately eerie and intriguing.

Steam Train, Dream Train by Sherri Duskey Rinker & Tom Lichtenheld (Illustrator)
An abbreviated version of the book, wonderfully brought to life with vivid animation. Is it bad that I enjoyed the trailer more than the book? I wonder if the e-book has enhanced animation…

Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls by Dave Sedaris
I love that the trailer is built around the title itself. It’s funny and a little bizarre, as we have come to expect from Mr. Sedaris 🙂


The 5th Wave
by Rick Yancey
Short, but powerful. And the sound editing is genius.

Pawn by Aimée Carter
Simple, but appealing. I’m getting a bit burned out on dystopian fiction, but this trailer does such a good job of quietly establishing the the world setting and creating a bit of mystery that I find myself intrigued.

Rump by Liesl Shurtliff
This trailer truly captures the book’s tongue-in-cheek humor. Also, the narration and added sound effects are perfect.

Palace of Spies by Sarah Zettel
I really like the shadows and contrasts of this 3-color trailer..

 
Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle
I loved this wordless picture book, and adding music and animation almost perfectly replicates my experience of reading the book.

 
I Am Blop! by Hervé Tullet
An imaginative and colorful introduction to a fun concept book. I like that it goes beyond the book to show real-world applications. Its beginning reminds me somewhat of a PBS promo.

 
Journey by Aaron Becker
The magisterial wonder of the picture book is brought to life in this trailer. I love that the animation is only very slight, allowing the illustrations to shine, and the musical clip perfectly echoes the sense of magic and discovery the book brings.

 
Fortunately, The Milk by Neil Gaiman
I usually hate author intros in book trailers—but this is Neil Gaiman 🙂 Like the book, this trailer takes itself none too seriously and kids will get as kick out of the silly humor.


Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
The simple narration is compelling, and the music, text, and imagery work together perfectly to instill a sense of eeriness and intrigue.

The Top 5

#5

More Than This by Patrick Ness
Intense, dramatic, and ultimately intriguing. It sets the stage for the mysteries of the book without giving anything away.

#4



 
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
Is it cheating to choose a series of trailers? If it is, then I guess I’m a cheater. I love how these trailers build on one another and let the characters’ inner thoughts shine, giving equal time to each of the alternating narratives. I think the excerpts from Park’s POV are particularly affecting. Oh, and the animation is great too.

#3

The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
This highly polished trailer has it all: spooky narration, striking animation, and interest-inspiring testimonials. And it successfully conveys the basics of the plot (or the setting at least) without giving away any of the particulars. Probably because of the mood-setting music, it sort of makes me think of an animated version of a Harry Potter movie trailer. Which is a perfect reference for this Potter-like faiy tale.

#2

Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made by Stephan Pastis
The use of animated illustrations here is fantastic, as is the comedic timing. The music and sound effects (whistling, scribbling, etc.) are spot-on.

#1

The Farm by Tom Rob Smith
Creepy and completely captivating, atmospheric and oh so mysterious. It leaves me feeling as if I watched an entire short film and eager to see/read the expanded version. Unfortunately, according to Hatchette, the book won’t be released until April 2014—and I can’t wait. (Though the UK edition comes out two months earlier…)

So, those are our favorites from 2013. If you want more great Book Trailers, please check out our Book Trailers and Other Videos board on Pinterest!