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  • Bulletin Blue Ribons 2012
  • Deborah Stevenson, Editor

Unusually, this year picture books have a very exclusive top echelon (in which animals are especially well represented). Nonfiction, on the other hand, has a fuller list than in some previous years, and it's one that's particularly strong on curricular must-haves for history at various levels. Fiction, however, is again notable for variety, with realism, fantasy, history, and visual narrative all present and accounted for. Overall, it's a rewarding assortment, sure to please diverse tastes. If we have any brave individual dissents championing books that didn't make the list, they'll be on our website at http://bccb.lis.illinois.edu; that's also where you can find a downloadable PDF of the list in trifold form.

Fiction:

Cashore, Kristin. Bitterblue. Dial, 2012. Gr. 9-12 (May)

Framing her interrogations of strength, love, and morality within a young queen's coming-of-age story, Cashore manages to create a tale that transcends the fantasy genre with its emotional and philosophical weight.

DiCamillo, Kate. Bink and Gollie: Two for One; by Kate DiCamillo and Allison McGhee; illus. by Tony Fucile. Candlewick, 2012. Gr. 2-4 (July)

The endearing partnership of polar-opposite friends Bink and Gollie is the highlight of this delightful convergence of picture book, graphic novel, and early reader.

Green, John. The Fault in Our Stars. Dutton, 2012. Gr. 9-12 (May)

With their razor-sharp wits but failing, fragile bodies, exquisitely characterized Hazel and Augustus embark together on a journey that's both intellectual and romantic after meeting in a teen cancer support group.

Handler, Daniel. Why We Broke Up; illus. by Maira Kalman. Little, 2012. Gr. 9-12 (June)

Supported by full-color illustrations and conversational prose, this fervent reflection on the dissolution of young love between artsy Min and basketball star Ed gets high school heartbreak just right.

McKissack, Patricia. Best Shot in the West: The Adventures of Nat Love. Chronicle, 2012. Gr. 5-9 (April)

Based on the autobiography of the Wild West hero Deadwood Dick, this brilliantly illustrated graphic novel is marked by graceful narration and startling, vibrant action scenes. [End Page 272]

Milford, Kate. The Broken Lands. Clarion, 2012. Gr. 6-9 (October)

New York City itself becomes a character in this captivating tale that features streetwise Sam and his immigrant pal Jin as they try to battle for the city's soul in the late nineteenth century.

Pearsall, Shelley. Jump into the Sky. Knopf, 2012. Gr. 5-9 (October)

Fans of Christopher Paul Curtis will find humor and insight in this tale of thirteen-year-old Levi and his father, a member of the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, a legendary African-American division of the military in World War II.

Stead, Rebecca. Liar & Spy. Lamb, 2012. Gr. 5-7 (September)

Original plot elements and a cast of undeniably charming characters come together in this wholly satisfying tale of secrets, friendship, and underdogs.

Stiefvater, Maggie. The Raven Boys. Scholastic, 2012. Gr. 7-12 (September)

Against a suspenseful hunt for ley lines and for a long-ago Welsh prince, a compelling human drama featuring psychic Blue and a group of wealthy boys from a nearby elite school plays out to make a thoughtful, genre-busting fantasy.

Volponi, Paul. The Final Four. Viking, 2012. Gr. 7-12 (March)

A rousing March Madness matchup between swaggering, star-powered Michigan State and underdog Troy University offers edge-of-your-seat sports suspense and a mindful examination of four dynamic characters in the hands of college athletics.

Wein, Elizabeth. Code Name Verity. Hyperion, 2012. Gr. 9-12 (June)

Wein masterfully delivers methodical, plot twist-driven suspense and sweeping wartime inquiry of hatred and heroes as captured British spy Verity and pilot best friend Maddie relate harrowing accounts of survival in World War II.

Willems, Mo. Listen to My Trumpet; written and illus. by Mo Willems. Hyperion, 2012. Gr. K-1 (April)

The punchline of this latest installment of Willems' dynamic duo will elicit both giggles and "awwws" from young readers as they relate to Piggy's attempts to master the trumpet and be a good friend.

Picture Books:

Bingham, Kelly. Z Is for Moose; illus. by...

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