I 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.

The Unwanteds Lisa McMann Retail Price: $16.99 Hardcover: 400 pages Publisher: Aladdin – (2011-08-30) ISBN / EAN: 1442407689 / 9781442407688

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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Wildwood Colin Meloy Retail Price: $17.99 Hardcover: 560 pages Publisher: Balzer + Bray – (2011-08-30) ISBN / EAN: 006202468X / 9780062024688

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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Icefall Matthew J. Kirby Retail Price: $17.99 Hardcover: 336 pages Publisher: Scholastic Press – (2011-10-01) ISBN / EAN: 0545274249 / 9780545274241

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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The Apothecary Maile Meloy Retail Price: $16.99 Hardcover: 368 pages Publisher: Putnam Juvenile – (2011-10-04) ISBN / EAN: 039925627X / 9780399256271

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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Ashtown Burials #1: The Dragon’s Tooth N. D. Wilson Retail Price: $16.99 Hardcover: 496 pages Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers – (2011-08-23) ISBN / EAN: 0375864393 / 9780375864391

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.

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