“HORTEN’S MIRACULOUS MECHANISMS: MAGIC, MYSTERY, & A VERY STRANGE ADVENTURE,” by Lissa Evans, Sterling’s Children’s Books, hardcover, April 3, 2012,  $14.95 (ages 8 and up) Are you a fan of the Lemony Snicket series? Are you looking for something else along those lines to wet your appetite? “Horten’s Miraculous Mechanisms: Magic, Mystery, & A Very…

“THE MIGHTY MISS MALONE,” by Christopher Paul Curtis, Wendy Lamb Books, Jan. 10, 2012, $15.99 (ages 9 and up) Deza Malone is the smartest girl in her class. She’s always first among her peers because she loves to learn. It’s apparent to anyone who knows her, and especially her teacher, who expects Deza to do…

“May B.” by Caroline Starr Rose, Schwartz & Wade, Jan 10, 2012, $15.99 (ages 9 and up) Pa pulls me close, the crisp money crackles Against my cheek. My first wage. “Till Christmas,” he says “Do your best.” I nod. But I know my best isn’t always good enough. May has been sent to help…

“THE BOOK OF WONDERS,” by Jasmine Richards, HarperCollins, Jan. 17, 2012, $16.99 (ages 8 and up) Sinbad. Aladdin. Scheherazade. They’re names that evoke exotic locales and swashbuckling adventures. Now you can add another name to that list — Zardi. Zardi is the main character in Jasmine Richards‘ “The Book of Wonders,” an exciting new adventure…

“MY VERY UNFAIRY TALE LIFE,” by Anna Staniszewski, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, Nov. 1, 2011, $6.99 (ages 9 and up) Fairy tales aren’t all they’re cracked up to be — at least not for Jenny. She’s an official adventurer who sees very little of sparkles and butterflies. As an official adventurer, Jenny has been tasked with traveling…

“PEARL VERSES THE WORLD,” by Sally Murphy, illustrated by Heather Potter, Candlewick, Aug. 23, 2011, $14.99 (ages 8 and up) The idea that children’s books are just for children is an outdated one. There’s something about children’s books that speak to adults as well. Perhaps it’s because there’s an honesty there that is somehow missing…

“THE CLUELESS GIRL’S GUIDE TO BEING A GENIUS,” by Janie Repka, Dutton Juvenile, Aug. 18, 2011, $16.99 (ages 8 and up) Aphrodite Wigglesmith and Mindy Loft are anything but similar.  One has graduated from Harvard at the ripe old age of 13, while the other spends her spare time perfecting her baton throw for twirling…

“The Poisoned House,” by Michael Ford, Albert Whitman & Company, Aug. 1, 2011, $16.99 (ages 13 and up) If you’re in the mood for a moody ghost story, you need look no further than Michael Ford’s “The Poisoned House.” Fifteen-year-old Abi is a scullery maid in Greave Hall, a manor house that’s seen its fair…

“SOMEBODY’S GIRL,” by Maggie De Vries, Orca Young Readers, May 1, 2011, $7.95 (ages 8-11) Martha has always known she was adopted — she visits with her birth mother every once in a while — and she’s fine with that. She’s well loved and has lots of friends and is generally a happy person. That…

“VAN GOGH AND THE POST-IMPRESSIONISTS FOR KIDS: Their Lives and Ideas, 21 Activities” (For Kids series), by Carol Sabbeth, Chicago Review Press, May 2011, $17.95 (ages 9 and up) The summer is coming to a close and children, and their parents, are gearing up for a new school year. And while many don’t want to…