• Debbi Michiko Florence • 2005 Reading List •

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My 2005 Reading List

Sweetblood Pete Hautman Simon Pulse, 2003 YA fiction: Lucy (aka Sweetblood) is a diabetic and angry teen. She rebels against her teachers, her parents, and stands alone in her black-garb and her theory that vampires of old were actually diabetics. On a spiral of self-destruction, Lucy wavers between old friend Mark and new boy Dylan who invites her to goth parties.
The Bermudez Triangle Maureen Johnson Razorbill, 2004 YA fiction: Nina, Mel, and Avery are best friends forever. Nina goes away for a summer program where she falls in love. When she returns home, she hopes reuniting with Mel and Avery can help her survive the long-distance relationship. But Nina suddenly feels the odd one out. When she discovered Mel and Avery kissing in a dressing room, she is faced with the knowledge that nothing will ever be the same between them again.
The Sea of Trolls Nancy Farmer A Richard Jackson Book, 2004 MG/YA fantasy: In 793 A.D. Jack is happily apprenticed to a Bard. Before he can complete his apprentice-ship, he and his younger sister Lucy are captured by berserkers who make them slaves and take them to the North. Jack must figure out a way to free himself and Lucy, and makes some surprising friends and has a fantastic adventure involving trolls, magic, and a spiteful girl named Thorgil.
Annushka’s Voyage Edith Tarbescu (illus. Lydia Dabcovich) Clarion, 1998 PB historical fiction: Annushka and her younger sister must bid goodbye to her beloved grandparents and the Russian village she calls home. She and her sister travel by train, then boat, to reach America to join their father. But first they must pass through Ellis Island and the crowds of other immigrants. How will they find Papa?
Boy Proof Cecil Castellucci Candlewick, 2005 YA fiction: Egg walks alone. Taking the name of the star of her favorite Sci-Fi movie, Egg is proud of her mother’s complaint that she makes herself boy proof. She knows what she is - smart, a cinephile, unique, and in control. She needs no one. She wants no one. Until the new boy at school starts to haunt the same corners of her universe.
Prom Laurie Halse Anderson Viking, 2005 YA fiction: Ashley Hannigan wants nothing to do with the prom in her urban Philadelphia high school. She’s got enough on her hands trying to rein in her wayward boyfriend, stop racking up detentions, and deal with her large crazy family. But when a math teacher makes off with the prom funds, Ashley can’t stand by and watch her best friend and head of the prom committee flounder. She jumps in head first to navigate the murky waters of prom politics.
How I Live Now Meg Rosoff Wendy Lamb Books, 2004 YA fiction: Fifteen-year-old Daisy flees her father and evil stepmother to live overseas in England with cousins she’s never met. When war breaks out and she and her cousins are forced to survive on their own, Daisy learns more about love, hate, and death than she ever though she would.
Stained Jennifer Richard Jacobson A Richard Jackson Book, 2005 YA fiction: Father Warren seems to be influencing Jocelyn’s life, even though she’s not Catholic. Benny, the love of her life, keeps pulling away from her because of his guilt over sin and Father Warren’s warnings. Gabe has been Jocelyn’s neighbor and sometimes friend for years and now he’s missing and the whole town, including Father Warren is searching for him. Set in the 1970s with alternating views from Jocelyn’s past and present.
The Star of Kazan Eva Ibbotson (Illus. by Kevin Hawkes) Dutton’s Children’s Books, 2004 MG fiction: Annika is found abandoned in a church and adopted by two kitchen servants in Vienna. She lives a happy life surrounded by friends and loved ones, but she dreams of her mother coming to get her. One day, this dream comes true, but it’s not all she hoped it would be. Jewels, a will, mystery, and deceit all play a part in this tale.
Girls In Pants (The Third Summer of the Sisterhood) Ann Brashares Delacorte, 2005 YA fiction: The summer before college has the four friends nervous about embarking on life apart. Once again, the friends share the pants to help them through — Carmen while she babysits Lena’s homesick and cranky grandmother from Greece; Lena while she fights for her choice to go to art school, against her father’s wishes; Tibby while she struggles to transition from friendship to something more with Brian; and Bridget when she is surprised to come face-to-face with her past, when she returns to soccer camp, this time to coach.
From The Lighthouse Liz Chipman Dutton, 2005 MG historical fiction: Thirteen-year-old Louise (Weezie) loves the lighthouse on the Hudson River where she lives with her father and three brothers. Her mother, unfortunately, does not, and one morning just packs and leaves. Weezie and her family must learn to cope without Ma in this story about waiting, set in 1939.
A Fast and Brutal Wing Kathleen Jeffrie Johnson A Deborah Brodie Book/ Roaring Brook, 2005 YA fiction: Mysterious disappearances in the woods eventually lead to investigation and confinement of brother and sister who seem to be able to transform into animal shapes. Or is this the lie they tell to cover a dark secret?
Now You See It... Vivian Vande Velde Harcourt, 2005 YA fantasy: Wendy detests her glasses and avoids wearing them as much as possible. That is until she finds a pair of sunglasses on her lawn that gives her the strangest vision. Through these lenses she sees ghosts, strange tiny blue creatures, and classmates transformed into surprising things! Wendy is soon caught up in an adventure.
The Teacher’s Funeral A Comedy in Three Parts Richard Peck Dial Books, 2004 MG historical fiction: In the year 1904, 15-year-old Russell Culver dreams of leaving for the Dakotas to join a team of harvesters. But that’s not to be when the one room schoolhouse teacher up and dies, and Russell's sister, Tansy, takes over. A snake in the teacher’s desk, a privy on fire, and a mysterious poet give a little levity to Russell’s misery of being forced to learn.
The Big Empty J.B. Stephens Razorbill, 2004 YA science fiction: The virus Strain 7 has killed off most of the population. The new self-imposed President has ordered the evacuation of most of the central U.S., now known as The Big Empty. Seven teens find themselves together in The Big Empty, searching for salvation, amid danger.
A Room On Lorelei Street (ARC) Mary E. Pearson Holt, 2005 (June) YA fiction: Seventeen-year-old Zoe feels trapped by her alcoholic mother, her suffocating grandmother, and the questions about her father. She feels unwanted, unloved, and belongs nowhere. Until she finds and rents a room in a house on Lorelei Street.
Ready or Not, Dawdle Duckling Toni Buzzeo (illus. by Margaret Spengler) Dial, 2005 PB fiction: Dawdle Duckling returns in this story of hide-n-seek and friendship.
The Boyfriend List E. Lockhart Delacorte, 2005 YA fiction: Ruby Oliver, 15, suffers panic attacks after her boyfriend dumps her. Her shrink makes her write a list of all her old boyfriends (real and otherwise). This list ends up both helping her and causing a lot of trouble.
The Nine Lives of Chloe King: The Fallen (Vol 1) Celia Thomson Simon Pulse, 2004 YA fiction: Sixteen-year-old Chloe King survives a fall from the tallest towers in San Francisco and discovers she has super strength and claws. Now, it looks like someone is out to kill her.
The Nine Lives of Chloe King: The Stolen (Vol 2) Celia Thomson Simon Pulse, 2004 YA fiction: Chloe King is protected by her new “family” - the Mai. She learns more about her past and tries to make sense of her new powers. Aware that the Order of the Tenth Blade wants her dead, Chloe risks her life in order to find out what has become of her adopted mother.
Over and Over You Amy McAuley Deborah Brodie Books, 2005 YA fiction: When 17-year-old Penny's mother throws a psychic party, Penny gets a reading from the psychic. Penny learns she's been in love with the same guy for a thousand years. She doesn't take the reading seriously, until she's suddenly haunted by vivid dreams of her many past lives.
Bras and Broomsticks Sarah Mlynowski Delacorte Press, 2005 YA fiction: When 14-year-old Rachel learns her sister and her mother are real-life witches, she convinces her sister to use her powers to help her own dreams come true (including becoming an A-lister and splitting up their dad’s impending marriage to an STB (soon-to-be) evil stepmother).
Bird Angela Johnson Dial Books, 2004 MG/YA fiction: Bird leaves her mom and her home in Ohio to chase after the stepfather who has abandoned them. In Alabama, she hides in a shed waiting for him to show up. A beautiful story about gifts given, gifts received, trust, and forgiveness.
I Was A Non- Blonde Cheerleader Kieran Scott G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2005 YA fiction: Annisa Gobrowski is used to moving, but isn't ready for the cold reception she receives when she moves from New Jersey to a Florida high school where everyone is blonde. Her first day is a disaster as she inadvertently offends or injures everyone in the popular crowd, except for the hunky Daniel (but he's the boyfriend of a popular girl). Annisa is determined to find a way to fit in, and tries out for the cheerleader squad.
The Nine Lives of Chloe King: The Chosen (Vol 3) Celia Thomson Simon Pulse, 2005 YA fiction: Chloe King finally accepts that she is The One. Her catlike powers and nine lives (well, now less than that) make her the leader of the Mai, a dwindling race of cat people who are being hunted by The Order of the Tenth Blade. Chloe wishes to live as a normal teen, but slowly comes to realize it’s not possible, when she discovers a friend near death in an alley. Who is to blame?
Code Talker Joseph Bruchac Dial Books, 2005 YA historical fiction: A Navajo man shares the story of his serving as a Code Talker during the World War II battles in the Pacific. Fascinating historical details.
Rhymes With Witches Lauren Myracle Amulet Books, 2005 YA fiction: High schooler Jane has a best friend and a best guy friend, but she wants more. When the most popular girl group chooses her to join them, Jane is thrilled. They warn her that there are rules and secrets - Jane's willing to do anything to make her dream of being popular come true. Suddenly, everyone loves her. She can do no wrong. But could this dream life be really a nightmare?
Storky: How I Lost My Nickname and Won The Girl D.L. Garfinkle G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2005 YA fiction: Mike (Storky) Pomerantz ia a freshman who wants desperately to lose his nickname and win over Gina, a long- time friend. Not an easy task when Gina is dating a junior named Hunk. Mike's life is further complicated by his mother dating his dentist and his father always dragging along his latest bimbo to their Sunday night visits. Mike has his work cut out for him.
Millicent Min: Girl Genius Lisa Yee Scholastic, 2003 MG/YA fiction: Millicent Min is an 11-year-old genius. The summer before her senior year in high school, she’s thrilled to be taking her first college course. But not everything about her summer thrills her. She’s forced to take volleyball and to tutor her nemesis Stanford Wong. Millicent’s pain is eased by making her first real friend. Millicent may be a genius, but when it comes to socializing, she might need a lot more schooling.
Bubble Gum, Bubble Gum Lisa Wheeler Little, Brown & Co., 2005 PB fiction: A rollickng romp of a story about a patch of sticky bubble gum and the animals who get stuck in it.
Gnat Stokes and the Foggy Bottom Swamp Queen Sally Keehn Philomel, 2005 MG fiction: Based on the Scottish ballad Tam Lin, Gnat Stokes is a tale set in the Appalachian Mountains about a girl who wants to be a hero by saving a boy who was stolen by the evil Swamp Queen seven years ago. A talking cat, an enchanted locket, a Boogety Bear, and more — what's not to like?
Fade to Black Alex Flinn HarperTempest, 2005 YA fiction: HIV-positive high schooler Alex quietly suffers being the new, sick, friendless kid in a Florida small town. When he’s brutally attacked, a classmate identifies bully Clinton Cole as the assailant. Clinton definitely has issues with Alex, but did he do it?
Son of the Mob Gordon Korman Hyperion, 2002 YA fiction: Vince Luca wants nothing to do with his father’s business. Why? Because his father is the head of a powerful and dangerous crime organization. Things get more complicated when Vince starts to fall in love with Kendra, especially when he finds out she’s the daughter of the FBI agent who is trying to take down his father. Funny story!
Granny Torrelli Makes Soup Sharon Creech Scholastic, 2003 MG fiction: Rosie and Bailey have been best friends since birth, but sometimes Rosie gets angry with Bailey, or Bailey gets angry with Rosie. Rosie’s Granny Torrelli is always there with a story and help as Rosie and Granny cook together.
Project Mulberry Linda Sue Park Clarion, 2005 MG fiction: Julia Song and her best friend, Patrick, set out to create the perfect Animal Husbandry project for their Wiggle Club. Julia’s mother suggests raising silk worms, as her own grandmother did in Korea. Patrick loves the idea, but Julia doesn’t. She thinks it’s too Korean. Julia plans to just pretend to go along, hoping they’ll hit a snag, but when they do, she feels guilty. Interspersed between each chapter is a conversation between the main character, Julia, and the author. A fascinating and humorous peek into how one writer creates story and character.
Heart On My Sleeve Ellen Wittlinger Simon & Schuster, 2004 YA fiction: Chloe goes to a prospective college freshman orientation and meets Julian. They start e-mailing each other and in the process, Chloe falls for him. The only problem being that she has a boyfriend,Eli, and can’t bring herself to tell him or her group of close-knit high school friends. Told completely in e-mails, IMs, and letters.
The Exiles Hilary McKay Margaret K. McElderry Books, 1992 MG fiction: Four sisters who dread their dull summer are equally, if not more, filled with dread when their parents send them off to Big Grandma’s for the season. Big Grandma hates them, they think. And they’re afraid they’re right when they arrive there and are not allowed not one book to read, which is their greatest pleasure. What follows are adventures and discoveries which surprise and delight everyone, including, I think, Big Grandma.
The Exiles at Home Hilary McKay Margaret K. McElderry Books, 1993 MG fiction: Ruth, Naomi, Rachel, and Phoebe are back and this time get themselves into heaps of trouble with all good intentions. Ruth decides to sponsor the schooling for an African boy, and gets her sisters involved when it becomes clear she can’t afford the ten pounds a month on her own. The ways the girls try to earn money results in much hilarity.
The Exiles in Love Hilary McKay Margaret K. McElderry Books, 1996 MG fiction: The family failing of falling willy-nilly in love strikes the three older sisters at once. Grandma comes to the rescue once again, and takes them on a trip abroad in an attempt to cure them. Phoebe continues to practice for her future career as international spy. As always, funny and uplifting!
Sleeping Freshme Never Lie David Lubar Dutton Books, 2005 YA fiction: When Scott starts his freshmen year of high school, his expectations of a new and improved life, or at least the same life, are quickly dashed. His group of lifelong friends go their separate ways, his mother announces she’s pregnant, his brother moves back into the house, and his dream girl doesn’t know he’s alive. He hopes he can survive and avoid the pitfalls and dangers of high school life.
Looking For Alaska John Green Dutton Books, 2005 YA fiction: Friendless Miles searches for the Great Perhaps when he attends a boarding school in Alabama. There, he finally makes friends with the alluring Alaska, best pal the Colonel, and Takumi. The foursome relish pranking, smoking, drinking, and contemplating life’s questions.
Unexpected Development Marlene Perez Roaring Brook Press, 2005 YA fiction: Seventeen-year-old Megan has had to deal with rude, hurtful comments and unwanted attention ever since her chest unexpectedlly developed when she was twelve. When Jake Darrow, her big crush, starts paying attention to her, she worries that his intentions are as untoward as her boss’s and as one of her classmate's.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince J.K. Rowling Scholastic, 2005 MG/YA fantasy: Year 6 for the wizard-in-training, Harry Potter, who is now being called The Chosen One. Will he be able to live up to those rumors swirling around him? Continued mystery and adventure surrounding the fight against the Death Eaters and Voldemort.
Pizza for the Queen Nancy Castaldo (illus. by Melisande Potter) Holiday House, 2005 PB fiction: When pizza maker Raffaele is asked to make pizzas for the queen, he searches for the best ingredients to create the best pizzas ever.
When Jeff Comes Home Catherine Atkins Putnam, 1999 YA fiction: When 16-year-old Jeff is returned home by his kidnapper after 2-1/2 years, he has a difficult time fitting back in. Memories of his years with his captor haunt him. His family and the FBI ask too many questions. He feels like he’ll never be normal again.
Valiant Holly Black Simon & Schuster, 2005 YA fantasy: Seventeen-year-old Val escapes to the city streets of Manhattan when she learns she’s been betrayed. There, she takes up with some squatter kids who live in the subway tunnels and discovers a world of faeries, trolls, magic, and intrigue.
Scribbler of Dreams Mary E. Pearson Harcourt, 2001 YA fiction: In a modern Romeo & Juliet tale, Kait Malone has been taught to hate the Crutchfields with a passion that spans generations. But then she falls for Bram Crutchfield and learns that when the enemy has a face, hate is a sometimes challenging emotion to sustain. But as she and Bram fall in love, her lies threaten to destroy both her relationship with him and those with her friends and family.
Rebel Angels Libba Bray Delacorte, 2005 YA fantasy: During holiday from Spence Academy, Gemma Doyle must call upon her powers again, this time to prevent the wrong folks from getting ahold of the magic. She, with her friends, return to the other world to try and prevent Circe from obtaining power. In the meantime, Gemma is being courted by the handsome Simon while she tries to make sense of her attraction to the gypsy, Kartik.
Kira-Kira Cynthia Kadohata Athenuem, 2004 MG historical fiction: In the 1950s, when Katie and her family move from a Japanese community in Iowa to the Deep South in Georgia, she’s grateful she has her smart, wonderful, protective big sister, Lynn, to keep her company. As her parents struggle financially, the girls’ already close relationship is forged even stronger. When Lynn becomes very ill, Katie is forced to step up and be a ‘big girl.’
Stanford Wong Flunks Big-Time Lisa Yee Arthur A. Levine, 2005 MG fiction: Stanford Wong can’t wait till summer! He’s made the A-Team in basketball, he’s going to a famous basketball camp, he has a group of cool friends. Then, he finds out he’s flunked English and unless he passes it during summer school, he won’t be going on to 7th grade or be on the A-Team. Worse, his parent hire his nemesis, the super smart and nerdy Millicent Min to tutor him. He can’t let any of his friends find out!
Witch Dreams Vivian Vande Velde Marshall Canvendish, 2005 MG/YA fantasy: After her parents’ murder, Nyssa is risks being discovered as a witch when she decides to use her powers to enter the dreams of those who might be able to reveal the answer to the mystery. She’s so sure the murderer is Elsdon, but is frustrated when her powers don’t work normally with him.
Once Upon a Marigold Jean Ferris Harcourt, Inc., 2002 MG fantasy: Ed the troll lives in a cave in the forest with his two dogs, and his passion is collecting left-behinds and campaigning against the Tooth Fairy’s monopoly. When he comes across run-away Christian who demands he not turn him in, Ed finds friendship and becomes a foster father. Christian grows up and falls in love with a princess he spies in his telescope and is determined to meet her.
Life of Pi Yann Martel Harcourt, Inc., 2001 YA/adult fiction: A zookeeper’s son, Pi Patel, finds himself the only human survivor when the cargo ship carrying his family and myriad zoo animals from India to Canada sinks. He’s not alone, though. An orangutan, hyena, injured zebra, and a tiger are also in his lifeboat. And too quickly, it’s down to 16-year-old Pi and the tiger.
Anyone But You Lara M. Zeises Delacorte, 2005 YA fiction: Seattle has lived with her sort-of stepmom and two sort-of stepbrothers ever since her dad skipped out on them when she was 9. During the summer of her 15th year, Seattle, who has always been best friends with her 17-year-old brother Critter, is faced with confusing emotions when he falls for a a girl she hates. Not only does she have to deal with suddenly not having Critter around to talk to, her father shows up, adding more turmoil to the family.
Rules Cynthia Lord Scholastic, April 2006 MG fiction: Poignant. Touching. Humorous. Lonesome. Friendship. Family. Embarrassment. Pride. Hope. These are the words that came to me as I read. I wanted to write each significant word on a separate card, much like the main character, Catherine, does for Jason,a boy in a wheelchair who uses cards to speak instead of his voice. Catherine meets Jason while waiting for her own brother to finish his occupational therapy. Catherine is the sister of an autistic boy, and though she loves him and tries to help him by making a list of rules for him to remember and follow (“chew with your mouth closed,” “no toys in the fish tank”), she’s sometimes frustred and embarrassed by him, especially when she wants badly to make friends with the new girl who moved in next door.
To Kill A Mockingbird Harper Lee 1960 YA/adult fiction: A deeply riveting and thought-provoking classic about a girl growing up in the Deep South. The story centers around her lawyer father who is defending a black man charged with raping a white girl.
Inkspell Cornelia Funke Scholastic, 2005 MG/YA fantasy: Book 2 — This time Meggie, Mo, Resa, Dustfinger, and Farid are read into the Inkworld,where they must work to avoid being captured/killed by the Adderhead. Fenoglio’s words and Meggie’s voice together cause both havoc and sanctuary. The adventure continues.
Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet Kashmira Sheth Hyperion, 2006 MG fiction: Jeeta is in her 12th year of school in Mumbai, India, but instead of her studies, she is caught up in the match-making and marriages of her two older sisters. She isn’t in complete agreement with her Mummy’s insistance of following tradtion. When she makes a new friend in school, Jeeta questions even more her family’s traditional ways. Falling in love with a boy when Jeeta is forbidden to even talk to boys, complicates matters even more.

what's new?

China: A Kaleidoscope KIDS Book

—An activity book for children ages 7 - 12 about the language, history, places, food, art, and wildlife of China.

I lived in Shanghai for over a year and am excited to share my adventures with children in the United States!

Available January 2008 from Williamson Books/Ideals!