Middle Grade Editor’s Buzz
Tuesday, May 31st, 2011I moderated the first BEA Middle Grade Editors Buzz session, with five editors presenting the picks of their lists. Each of the titles is a fast-paced fantasy with twists and turns, centering on the theme of the unlikely hero, perfect for the Harry Potter/Lightning Thief crowd. Below are the books that were presented, with my quick book talk for each.
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Imagine a a future where all children are separated by ability and those that display any hint of creativity at age 12 are sent to their death.
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There may be a forest filled with talking animals and border skirmishes just beyond the sedate everyday suburbs…shades of Narnia, extensively illustrated, a handsome volume.
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Set in a time and place of Norse gods, we follow the trials of the second born overlooked daughter of a king as she struggles to protect her brother, the heir apparent. The power of story is evident as she grows in confidence and maturity.
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In the seemingly old fashioned 1950’s London, a fourteen-year-old girl transplanted from Los Angeles, finds herself plunged into a high-stakes world of magic and intrigue.
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Cyrus and Antigone Smith lost their parents, their home and live in the care of their college aged brother Daniel in a run-down, moldy motel. Unlikely hero? Check. Bullying peers? Check. Really really scary evil-doers? Check. Secret societies? Check. Roller coaster, video game-like adventure. Check. Dying to read number 2? You bet.