It might not be officially autumn yet (even though it is pleasantly crisp in NYC), but today is the day the first of the F&F Fall 2009 books hit stores. We are thrilled with the great reviews these titles have already received. So head to your local bookstore today and check them out.
Trouble Gum by Matthew Cordell
“Move over, Olivia, there's a new pig in town.”—The San Francisco Chronicle
“Packs plenty of pop.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Working with a stripped-down palette of black, white, red and bubblegum pink, Cordell's (Mighty Casey) first solo effort evokes irrepressible boyhood with laughs throughout.”—Publishers Weekly
IT'S RAINING.
There's nothing to do.
Ruben is bored.
But things start looking up when his grandmother gives him and his little brother some gum.
Gum is fun. There's just one problem with gum--it tends to make a mess!
UH-OH . . .
MATTHEW CORDELL is the illustrator of several picture books, including Mighty Casey, written by James Preller. This is his first book as author and illustrator. He lives in suburban Chicago with his wife, Julie Halpern, and their daughter. Both James and Julie have books on the Feiwel and Friends' Fall list, which will be available on September 29. From James, a middle-grade title, Bystander, and from Julie, a teen title, Into the Wild Nerd Yonder.
The Eyeball Collector by F. E. Higgins
From the author of The Black Book of Secrets and The Bone Magician comes a novel that might just be her creepiest, most suspenseful yet!
Although Hector Fitzbaudly has always lived on the posh side of the River Foedus, he's yearned to see the seedy side of Urbs Umida. Unfortunately, he gets his chance when a blackmail artist confronts his father with a terrible secret from his past, and Hector finds himself penniless. He sets out to find the man responsible, who has been a gentleman, a swindler, and an Eyeball Collector--stealing jewels from the wealthy to make false eyes to replace his missing one. Hector trails the Eyeball Collector and places himself in the perfect position to take revenge. But will he be able to go through with his plan?
F. E. HIGGINS's debut novel, The Black Book of Secrets, was praised by Booklist as "a smart, particularly thrilling book" in a starred review, and her second novel, The Bone Magician, was called "tantalizing" by School Library Journal. She lives in Kent, England.
The Sweetheart of Prosper County by Jill S. Alexander
“A refreshing picture of teen angst, with realistic dialogue and memorable
characters.”—School Library Journal, Starred Review
“First-time novelist Alexander offers a delightful, funny story about
teenagers living in a West Texas farming community…Austin’s year of added
responsibility and independence make for a substantive, enjoyable coming-of-age
novel that will speak to rural and urban readers alike.”—Booklist
Almost-15-year-old Austin Gray is tired of standing at the curb watching the parade pass her by. Literally. She decides this is the year she'll ride on the hood of a shiny pick-up truck in the annual parade and show the town bully that she's got what it takes to be the Sweetheart of Prosper County.
But far from simply being a beauty contest, becoming Sweetheart involves participation in the FFA, raising an animal, and hunting or fishing. Austin has the support of her oldest friend, Maribel, her new FFA friends (including a quiet, cute cowboy), and a rooster named Charles Dickens. If only her momma would stop overprotecting her. But Austin can't move on until her momma moves on, too--and lets the grief of losing Austin's daddy several years before out into the open.
Here is a bighearted story that will leave readers agreeing with Austin that sometimes, it's not what you ride, it's how you roll.
JILL S. ALEXANDER grew up in rural East Texas, where she went to work at the age of twelve bussing tables at the local truck stop. There, she met folks from all walks of life whose eccentricities color her work today. Jill taught high school English and Spanish before deciding to take a chance on writing full-time. She lives in Tyler, Texas with her husband and son. This is her first novel.
You can also join the Prosper County group on Facebook.
And last, but certainly not least...
Everything for a Dog by Ann M. Martin
“Animal lovers of all ages will cherish this moving tale of man’s—or in
this case, boy’s—best friend.”—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
“Martin's book honors the unique companionship and healing powers that have
earned dogs the title of man's best friend, and it will resonate with both the
reader who is already a dog owner or who, like Henry, pines to be one.”—Shelf
Awareness
“[Martin] artfully alternates and gradually weaves together threads from
the canine and human tales until the three stories converge in time and space
into a completely heartwarming and satisfying finale. Essential fare for fans of
the perfectly crafted canine tale.”—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
“This is a sensitive, gentle read that surrounds its occasional
heartbreak with plenty of hope and warm feelings.”—
Booklist
“This is a touching and ultimately happy story that will appeal to fans of
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor’s Shiloh (S & S, 1991) and Fred Gipson’s
Old Yeller (HarperCollins, 1942), as well as to a wider
audience.”—School Library Journal
Bone and his sister, Squirrel, are stray dogs born in a shed. Left motherless as puppies, the two dogs survive together for a while, but are soon wrenched apart and Bone must now go on, alone.
Charlie is a boy who has suffered a terrible loss. And, as he's healing with the help of his dog, another tragedy occurs.
All Henry has wanted is a dog of his own. Now his best friend has moved away, and his parents still won't let him.
Bone, Charlie, and Henry live very different lives, but their stories connect in surprising ways. Here is a powerful, heartfelt novel that's perfect for anyone who has ever longed for a dog, or loved one.
ANN M. MARTIN is the author of acclaimed novels, including Belle Teal, A Corner of the Universe (winner of the Newbery Honor), Here Today, and A Dog's Life, as well as the Doll People novels (written with Laura Godwin and illustrated by Brian Selznick). Ann lives in Upstate New York with her beloved dog, Sadie, whose mother was a stray, and several rescued cats.
You can also become a fan of Ann on Facebook.