Kids' Next List: Top 10

"Emily Whitman has written an inventive retelling of the myth of Persephone's kidnapping by Hades and her stay in the Underworld. In this version, she is a willing participant in the seduction, but then has to establish herself as an equal in her relationship with Hades. Are there modern overtones? Yes, and they help make Radiant Darkness a very good story." --Nicola Rooney, Nicola's Books, Ann Arbor, MI

"Angus finds himself the only survivor of Clan Macnab in this new fantasy series. Helped by a goshawk, pine marten, and luna moth, Angus begins an exciting journey through 16th-century Scotland to end the rampage of his homeland. I was hooked from beginning to end." --Mary McHale, Fox Tale Books, New Durham, NH

"Beka Cooper returns as a full member of the Provost's Guard in this thrilling follow-up to Terrier. This time, Beka and Goodwin are headed to Port Caynn, where a counterfeiter is endangering the entire realm. And Kel finds that her heart is in as much danger as her country, as her new beau may well be part of the gang she is seeking." --Sara Glassman, Little Professor Book Center, Homewood, AL

"This beautifully crafted novel in verse tells the story of 9th-grader Anke, whose brother and sister bear the brunt of their father's abuse while she is completely ignored. Thalia Chaltas deals with this difficult topic both delicately and honestly." --Suzanna Hermans, Oblong Books & Music, Rhinebeck, NY

"This achingly realistic and timely novel explores what happens when a family can't make ends meet. A fresh and original character, Harper Lee Morgan, keeps writing poems and taking care of her little brother while Mama works. This is a lovely story, guaranteed to evoke both smiles and tears." --Joanne R. Fritz, Chester County Book & Music Company, West Chester, PA