Kids' Next List: Top 10

"When Auden suddenly decides to spend the summer before college with her father, stepmother, and new baby stepsister, her whole life starts changing. When she meets Eli, a fellow insomniac/loner, it changes even more, as Auden starts questioning who she really is -- and who she wants to be. Sarah Dessen tells a great story, with characters that you cheer for." --Carol Schneck, Schuler Books & Music, Okemos, MI

"When Billy doesn't clean his room yet again, his mom finally makes good on her threat and buys him a pet ... whale! With laugh-out-loud moments on every page, kids are sure to want to read this one again and again." --Shannon Grant, Books Inc., San Francisco, CA

"Carol Lynch Williams has written the suspenseful, realistic story of a 13-yearold girl in an isolated polygamous community whose enforced engagement to her 60-year-old uncle reveals the truth about the religious leadership's corrupt motives and controlling, misogynistic underpinnings. Williams has done an amazing job of bringing some ugly truths to light, while celebrating the resilience, love, and spirit of the young women who survive the experience." --Elizabeth Bluemle, Flying Pig Books, Shelburne, VT

"When city boy Julian Carter-Li discovers that his uncle's corporation is planning to cut down an ancient redwood forest for lumber, he links up with Robin, whose conservation-minded family runs a small organic farm, to save the forest. The book is a rich source for discussion -- a worthy choice for school or pleasure reading." --Vicky Uminowicz, Titcomb's Bookshop, East Sandwich, MA

"I love Duck! Rabbit! -- a great book about looking at things from different perspectives, both of them correct!" --Susan Richmond, Inklings Bookshop, Yakima, WA