Come to the Fairies' Ball
By Jane Yolen
Illus by Gary Lippincott
The king has sent an invitation, "come one & come all, to the Fairies' ball." Everyone is in a twitter, a fret and a fuss as they all search for missing hats, boots and spiderweb gowns! But one fairy who has her gown is sad because it's torn. The other fairie's all find what they need and rush off to the ball, except the one sad fairy. But with the help of a group of hard-working ants, the fairy finally makes it to the ball. She shows up late, and the king and queen are not happy. This rhyming Cinderella-type story will draw you into the magical world of the fairies with its stunning illustrations! (Ages 4-8)

Conspiracy 365 January
By Gabrielle Lord
Fifteen-year-old Callum Ormond's father died from a mysterious virus he contracted while researching family history in Ireland. But after Cal is warned by a stranger on the street that his father was murdered, and his killers would be after Cal next, he becomes entangled in a sinister plot that he knows nothing about. Cal keeps hearing the terms Ormond Singularity and Ormond Riddle. Cal doesn't know who is after him, but they all want to know what he knows, which isn't much. All he knows is that his dad stumbled onto something that could change history, and make them rich. But Cal doesn't know where to turn, who to trust, or how to solve the mystery. He only has 365 days to figure it out and stay alive. The clock is ticking, and Cal is running out of time. An edge of your seat thriller you won't be able to put down and will anxiously await the next book in the series! (Young Adult)

I Am Jack
By Susanne Gervay
Illus by Cathy Wilcox
"I Am Jack" is a tough but realistic look at the effects of bullying. At first things are going good for Jack, he has friends, is good at handball, and enjoys time with his family, but when a bully at school starts calling him names things go down hill. Then everyone starts calling him names, and things get real bad for Jack. This thoughtful story sheds light on the dangers of school bullying, and the effect it has on kids, but with help from family, friends, and the community, it's a problem that can be taken care of. (Ages 9-12)

Jin Jin and Rain Wizard
By Grace Chang
Illus by Chong Chang
On a beautiful summer morning Jin Jin the dragon jumps from his bed and runs outside for his morning exercise, Tai Chi. But as Jin Jin prepares to cool everyone down with his spray of water, nothing but dry air comes out. He tries and tries but just cannot spray water. Sad and upset, Jin Jin goes to see Old Turtle. Old Turtle takes Jin Jin to Ancient Times and tells him that by passing through the archway he might discover why he can no longer spray water. On a journey to another village where the people have very little, with the help of Rain Wizard, Jin Jin learns the importance of not being wasteful. He gets his power to spray water back, and in turn helps the village in need. An intriguing tale about the value of rice. You'll also find interesting information on rice in Chinese culture and the mythic figure of Rain Wizard. (Ages 4-8)

Get Out!: 150 Easy Ways for Kids & Grown-Ups to Get Into Nature and Build a Greener Future
By Judy Molland
The introduction to this book really struck a chord with me. I was one of those kids that "remember leaving home on a summer morning and not returning except for meals until bedtime." We were always outside - playing, exploring, making up games, riding bikes or skateboards, eating berries off the bushes - anything but hanging out inside. Outdoors was our comfort zone, but for kids today, it's being inside watching tv or playing video games. This is a great guide to help motivate kids and parents and encourage them to reconnect with nature. You'll find fun suggestions on ways to explore nature, experience the world, and make our environment a better place. This is a great book for families, classrooms or groups of all kinds. (Kids and parents)

Nick of Time
By Ted Bell
It's 1939, just before the war in England, and Nick and his sister Kate are gathering important information about the pending Nazi invasion. But when Nick finds a time machine hidden in a cove, he ends up with bigger problems than the Nazi's. The evil pirate Captain Billy Blood, who travels through time kidnapping children and holding them for ransom, wants nothing more than to possess the amazing machine. Now Nick must fight the evil pirate through two centuries on land and on sea before his home and his family are destroyed. An exciting voyage young readers will enjoy. (Ages 9-12)

Prophecy of the Sisters (Prophecy of the Sisters Trilogy, Book I)
By Michelle Zink
Lia and her twin sister Alice have just lost their father, leaving them orphans. At a time where they should be relying on each other for support, an ancient prophecy is working to turn them against each other. Lia soon discovers a strange mark has appeared on her wrist. She tries to hide it from her sister, but the only way to escape from the secret is to end the prophecy. To do so would shed light on her parents deaths, the meaning of the mark on her wrist, how far Alice will go to defeat Lia, and the terrible tragedy the prophecy could bring. A haunting tale of sibling rivalry and the struggle between the living and the dead. (Young Adult)

The Van Alen Legacy (Blue Bloods, Book 4)
By Melissa De La Cruz
As Bliss fights the Visitor invading her body, the threat from the evil Silver Bloods increases. The Blue Bloods, who once lived the high life in New York City, are now in a fight for their lives. Schuyler is on the run from the conclave because they believe she murdered her own grandfather. She has left Jack for Oliver, chosen human over vampire, but finds she still has feelings for Jack. Even hardhearted Mimi finds herself attracted to a man she once hated. In the fourth installment of the Blue Bloods series, these young vampires unite. (Young Adult)