YRCA Nominees 2019 - Book Profiles

YRCA Nominees 2019 – Book Profiles
Junior Division
Pax – Sara Pennypacker

What’s it about? When his father enlists in the military and makes him return his beloved pet fox to
the wild, Peter, who has been sent to live with his grandfather hundreds of miles away, embarks on a
journey filled with astonishing discoveries in order to be reunited with his fox.

What kind of book is it? Adventure stories; Animal fantasy; Multiple perspectives; Stories told by
animals

Reviews: Pennypacker’s expert, evenhanded storytelling reveals stunning depth in a relatively small
package. – Booklist (Starred review)
A startling work of fiction that should be read—and discussed—by children and adults alike. – School
Library Journal (Starred review)
Every moment in the graceful, fluid narrative is believable. Moving and poetic. – Kirkus (Starred
review)
Similar to: The Wild Robot by Peter Brown (YRCA 2019), A Dog’s Life by Ann M. Martin, Charlotte’s
Web by E.B. White
Educator’s guide: https://www.harpercollins.com/9780062377012/pax/

The Girl Who Drank the Moon – Kelly Barnhill
What’s it about? Luna was taken as a baby from her family in the Protectorate as part of a cruel
ritual designed to keep the populace fearful and compliant. When Xan rescues Luna, she accidentally
feeds her moonbeams that "enmagic" her, so she decides to adopt and raise her. This story is
interwoven with stories from the Protectorate about an antagonist who feeds on the sorrow of others,
Luna's mother who yearns for her lost daughter, and a brave couple who challenges the status quo.
What kind of book is it? Fantasy, monsters, witches, supernatural, magic, fairy tale, strong female
character
Reviews: This fantasy, a brisk-paced mix of magic and witches set in an enchanted land shadowed
by a rumbling volcano, has high stakes and multiple threads that bind together in a spiritually
resonant climax. - Common Sense Media
Similar to: The Witch’s Boy, also by Kelly Barnhill.

It Ain’t So Awful, Falafel – Firoozeh Dumas
What’s it about? Zomorod, who was born in Iran, changes her name to Cindy to make it easier for
her to fit in. All is going well until there is a revolution in Iran and things get complicated.
What kind of book is it? Funny, real-life, friends, fitting in, immigrants, 1970s, racism
Reviews: Dumas’ semi-autobiographical novel is both funny and affecting, and surprisingly relevant
to today’s political climate. Readers will be thoroughly invested in Cindy’s story, whether holding their
breath or laughing out loud, and always hoping that the Yousefzadehs will come out on top. —
Booklist, starred review
Similar to: My year in the middle by Lila Quintero Weaver, Sunny Side Up by Jennifer Holm
Educator’s guide: http://firoozehdumas.com/wp-
content/uploads/2016/03/ItAintSoAwfulFalafelguide.pdf

Dog Man – Dav Pilkey SERIES
What’s it about? Dog Man is a new breed of superhero, with the body of a cop and the head of a
dog. Join him and the rest of the police force as they try to stop the evil cat Petey and save the day!
What kind of book is it? Silly, funny, action packed, light hearted.
Reviews: So appealing that youngsters won't notice that their vocabulary is stretching. – School
Library Journal

Combines empowerment and empathy with age-appropriate humor and action. – Booklist

Similar to: Captain Underpants series by Dav Pilkey
Educator’s guide: https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plans/teaching-content/dog-man-
teaching-guide/

The Key to Extraordinary – Natalie Lloyd
What’s it about? Emma, who lives next to a haunted cemetery surrounded by magical flowers, must
uncover a long-lost treasure to save her home.
What kind of book is it? Magic, friends, emotional, mystery,
Reviews: In a folksy tale laced with supernatural mystery, Lloyd poetically conveys the depth of 12-
year-old Emma’s emotions as she embarks on her quest to uncover a legendary secret … The book’s
evocative setting and cast of eccentric minor characters will draw readers into Emma’s world – one
warmed by friendship, love, and hope – to share in her discovery that the most valuable treasures lie
within. – Publishers Weekly
Similar to: Greenglass House by Kate Milford, The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing by Sheila Turnage
Educator’s guide: http://www.natalielloyd.com/key-extraordinary-resource-page/

Ms Bixby’s Last Day – John David Anderson
What’s it about? This book is about three boys, one teacher and a day none of them will ever forget.
What kind of book is it? Adventures, Brothers and Sisters, Friendship, Great Boy Role Models,
Middle School
Reviews: A full-spectrum, emotionally satisfying experience that will have readers laughing, crying,
and everything in between. School Library Journal, Starred Review
Similar to: Wonder, the One and Only Ivan, Almost home, A Begonia for Miss Applebaum, Ms
Frizzle, The Seventh Wish by Kate Messner, Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk
Educator’s guide: https://www.walden.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Ms.-Bixby-Educators-
Guide.pdf

The Wild Robot – Peter Brown SERIES
What’s it about? A hurricane deposits Roz, a robot, on an island, where a group of sea otters
accidentally activates her. Roz struggles to survive in the natural environment until she becomes part
of the island community by learning animal languages and adopting an abandoned gosling.
What kind of book is it? Adventure, environment, friendship, robots
 Reviews: "Shipwrecked robot" is the clever twist in this wilderness-survival tale that delivers fun
information about animal behavior along with lessons about friendship and a heart-tugging emotional
punch. – Common Sense Media
Similar to: The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
Book Club guide: http://littlebrownlibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/The-Wild-Robot-Book-
Club-Guide.pdf

The Inn Between – Marina Cohen CANADIAN
What’s it about? During a long car trip, best friends Quinn and Kara explore the strange and creepy
goings-on at a remote Nevada inn when Kara's family stops for the night.
What kind of book is it? Suspenseful, scary, horror, friendship
Reviews: For readers who enjoy being scared silly, this will fit the bill while also providing them with a
thought-provoking ending – Booklist .
Similar to: The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier, School of the dead by Avi, Skeleton Man by
Joseph Bruchac

Intermediate Division
Booked – Kwame Alexander
What’s it about? Nick Hall lives and breathes soccer. But when he’s sidelined by an injury, his word-
loving father and the school librarian take the opportunity to try to instill a love of reading into his
reluctant son. Nick’s mother leaves for a job out of state, he and his best friend hit the skids, he’s
dealing with a bully, and on top of all of that, he has to navigate the highs and lows of a first crush.
What kind of book is it? Emotional, real-life, poetry style, divorce, sports
Reviews: With an impressive array of poetry styles — free verse, acrostics, haiku — and the pacing
of a soccer match — at times leisurely and thoughtful, at others frenetic and heart-stopping —
Booked
Similar to: The Crossover by Kwame Alexander (YRCA nominee 2017)
Educator’s guide: https://www.teachingbooks.net/media/pdf/HMH/Alexander_Booked.pdf

Heartless – Marissa Meyer
What is it about? It is the story of how the queen of hearts from Alice in Wonderland came to be.
The queen was once a lady in waiting who only wanted to open a bakery with her best friend, but
fate, magic and monsters intervened.
What kind of book is it? Dark fractured fairytale, fantastical, romance-ish, heart breaking.
Reviews: The author’s best fantasy yet. . . . Meyer has woven all the elements of darkness and light,
fate and free will, and love and hatred into an unforgettable story of the evolution of the Red Queen
from a young girl who dreamed of true love and freedom to a madwoman best remembered for the
phrase 'Off with his head.' If you only read one fractured fairy tale this year, make it Heartless. A
must-have title. — School Library Journal, starred review
What Gregory Maguire did for the Wicked Witch, Meyer does for Lewis Carroll’s Queen of Hearts,
tracing her arc from a teen with dreams of owning a bakery into a murderous madwoman – People
magazine
Similar to: Cruel Beauty by Rosemund Hodge, Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson, And I Darken
by Kiersten white, The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh, Caraval by Stephanie Garber, Red
Queen by Victoria Aveyard.

The Skeleton Key – Iain Lawrence CANADIAN
What’s it about? Twelve-year-old Chris goes on a sailing trip with his Uncle Jack and a 15-year-old
boy named Frank. A storm causes the boat to sink with Uncle Jack on board the two boys on a life
raft adrift off the coast of Alaska. The two boys find a deserted cabin and struggle to survive in the
wilderness and find out exactly who they are to each other.
What kind of book is it? Suspense, Adventure, rivalry, wilderness survival
Reviews: This book was filled with strong emotion, strong characters, and strong action from
beginning to end. I think many students who crave action, outdoor adventure, and strong characters
will love this book. I wouldn't hesitate for a second to hand this book to a reluctant reader. I think the
action and description alone will draw them in. – Goodreads
Similar to… Fans of Hatchet and Lord of the Flies will be drawn to this harrowing survival story.

Blackhearts – Nicole Castroman SERIES
What’s it about? In 1697 Bristol, England, Anne, daughter of a wealthy merchant and his West
Indian slave, falls in love with the man who will become Blackbeard.
What kind of book is it? Emotional, romance, historical, retelling
 Reviews: This pre-swashbuckling tale of Blackbeard gives you an intriguing imagining of what the
infamous man was like before his pirating days. Blackhearts is filled to the brim with romance and
intrigue. – Goodreads
Similar to: Pirates! by Celia Rees, Alex & Eliza, a Love Story by Melissa de la Cruz, Bloody Jack
series by L.A. Meyer

Replica – Lauren Oliver SERIES
What’s it about? Like two books in one, the stories of Lyra and Gemma both revolve around the
Haven Institute, a clandestine research facility where thousands of human replicas are born, raised
and experimented on.
What kind of book is it? Strong Heroine, sci-fi ish, adventure, some romance
Reviews: A reading experience not to be missed—or forgotten. – Kirkus
Similar to: Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake, Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton, Carve the
Mark by Veronica Roth, The Thousandth Floor by Katherine McGee, Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Discussion guide:
http://www.laurenoliverbooks.com/media/FINALLODiscussionGuide%232_F16Layout1.pdf

Rebel of the Sands – Alwyn Hamilton CANADIAN; SERIES

What’s it about? A teenage girl (Amani) growing up in an oppressive society decides to make a
future for herself. Her subsequent escape and journey through the desert lead to many strange
encounters where she learns a terrible secret and her life and identity is profoundly changed.

What kind of Book is it? Fantasy, Historical Fiction

 Reviews: From the irresistible opening paragraph, this rollicking caper expertly mashes up a gritty
Middle East with a steampunk Old West, succeeding through the infectious voice of its heroine:
brash, witty, cynical, and fierce, with an aching, vulnerable core and a suppressed streak of idealism.
The secondary characters are just as memorable, from snarky, secretive Jin to their various
foes…” “Romantic, thrilling, hilarious, and just plain great fun. – Kirkus

“Hamilton successfully mingles romance with thrilling stakes, and hints at a welcome sequel.”
(Publishers Weekly)

Similar to: Flame in the Mist by Renée Ahdieh, The Heart of Betrayal by Mary E. Pearson,
Gunslinger Girl by Yu Aida

OCDaniel – Wesley King
What’s it about? OCDaniel is the story of a 13 year old boy who doesn’t realize that he has
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; he believes he’s just going crazy.
What kind of book is it? Infatuation, Mental Illness, OCD, Canadian Fiction, action and adventure
fiction
Reviews: Part coming-of-age, part mystery, and part middle-grade social-problem novel, Daniel’s
story will resonate with a broad spectrum of readers. – Kirkus
Written from Daniel's point of view, this perceptive first-person narrative is sometimes painful,
sometimes amusing, and always rewarding. – Booklist (Starred review)
Similar to: Every Last Word by Tamara Ireland Stone, Unlikely Hero of Room 13B by Teresa Toten,
The Goldfish Boy by Lisa Thompson, The Notations of Cooper Cameron by Jane O’Reilly, Turtles All
The Way Down by John Green –Disablility Books – Wonder, El Deafo
Educator’s guide: https://wordfest.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Wesley-King-OCDaniel-
Reading-Guide-2016.pdf

The Hidden Oracle – Rick Riordan SERIES
What’s it about? Apollo has been cast down by his father Zeus and ends up landing in a New York
dumpster as a mortal teenager, Lester Papadopoulos. In order to get his godly life back in order,
Apollo and his new “friend” Meg make their way to Camp Half-Blood. Along the way monsters attack
and an ancient enemy of Apollo, Python, has taken control of the original cave at Delphi causing the
oracles to go silent.
What kind of book is it? Adventure, action, mythology, fantasy
Reviews: Striking his usual stellar balance between mythological monster battles and character
growth, humor and pathos, this start to a spin-off of a spin-off series doesn't disappoint longtime
Riordan fans. – Common Sense Media
Similar to: Percy Jackson series and Heroes of Olympus series by Rick Riordan, Seven Wonders
series by Peter Lerangis
Educator’s guide: http://rickriordan.com/book/the-hidden-oracle/

Senior Division
We Are the Ants – Shaun David Hutchinson
What’s it about? Henry Denton has been given the power to save or end the world by the aliens that
have been abducting him for years, but he isn’t sure that the world deserves to be saved.
What kind of book is it? Science fiction, emotional, dark.
Reviews: A beautiful, masterfully told story by someone who is at the top of his craft. – Lambda
Literary
Unfailingly dramatic and crackling with characters who become real upon the page. – Booklist,
starred review
Bitterly funny, with a ray of hope amid bleakness. – Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Similar to: More Happy than Not by Adam Silvera
Book Club guide: http://www.simonandschuster.com/books/We-Are-the-Ants/Shaun-David-
Hutchinson/9781481449649/reading_group_guide

Tales of the Peculiar – Ransom Riggs
What’s it about? A book of ten folktales about peculiars (people with unusual abilities) and the
effects of using their powers. Companion book to the Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children series.
What kind of book is it? magic, special abilities, folktales
Reviews: The biggest compliment that can be paid to these stories is that they will still work –
and will be just as enjoyable – for readers who haven’t read any of the previous Miss
Peregrine books. A truly peculiar collection of short stories that will delight and entertain from
beginning to end, this charming book comes highly recommended. – Alternative Magazine Online
Similar to: Miss Peregrine series; Through the Woods by Emily Carroll, Coraline by Neil Gaiman

The Female of the Species – Mindy McGinnis
What’s it about? The brutal murder of her older sister has left Alex’s already dysfunctional family
even more damaged, and in her senior year, Alex stalked and killed her sister’s murderer so skillfully
that she has evaded any legal repercussions, and her vengeful exploit has become legend in their
small community.
What kind of book is it? Vengeance, hardship, murder, loss, rage
 Reviews: The Female of the Species is dark, brutal, & deadly. Mindy McGinnis weaves a tale of
teenage angst, vigilante justice, & the pervasiveness of rape culture. – Goodreads
Similar to: Vigilante by Kady Cross

The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Beats Up the Marvel Universe – Ryan North
What’s it about? Squirrel Girl is an unbeatable superhero who can talk to squirrels and punch really
well. She has already defeated many superheroes and super villians, but will now face her biggest
challenge yet: herself!
What kind of book is it? fun, action packed, superheroes
Reviews: This was a true delight. Amazing if you've read all the Squirrel Girl comics but also a
fabulous way to get INTO this great character if you have never read her before. Her wit, humor,
smarts and the great way the author crafts the plot made this a page turner; add in the truly fabulous
art and you'll be laughing, loving, and delighting in this from start to finish. – Goodreads

Similar to: Marvel Comics, Nimona by Noelle Stevenson, Lumberjanes series

Passenger – Alexandra Bracken SERIES
What’s it about? The first book in this time travel duology focuses on the journey of Etta Spencer, a
modern Manhattan teen, and Nicholas Carter, of 18th century Manhattan, as they race against time
itself to find an object of untold value and save Etta's future.
What kind of book is it? adventure, magic and fantasy, friendship, romance, historical fiction, time
travel, atmospheric, diverse protagonists
Reviews: Readers will come for the adventure, stay for the romantic tension...Replete with historical
details, this novel is a worthy addition to the growing list of time-travel adventure/romance novels and
high-stakes cross-continent treasure hunts. ―The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Similar to: Ruby Red series by Kerstin Gier (YRCA 2014 nominee)

Exit, Pursued by a Bear – E.K. Johnston CANADIAN
What’s it about? A riff on Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale, reimagining the character of the queen
who becomes a statue as a devastatingly popular cheerleader who refuses to become a cautionary
tale after she's sexually assaulted.
What kind of book is it? realistic fiction, trauma, recovery, friendship
Reviews: This story of a cheerleader rising up after a traumatic event will give you Veronica Mars-
level feels that will stay with you long after you finish.— Seventeen Magazine
Similar to: We are Okay by Nina LaCour, Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow, I’ll give you the Sun by
Jandy Nelson (previous YRCA), What Light by Jay Asher, Paper Towns by John Green,
Educator’s guide: https://wordfest.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/EK-Johnston-Exit-pursued-by-
a-bear-Reading-Guide-2016.pdf

Salt to the Sea – Ruta Sepetys
What’s it about? The story is set against the real-life sinking of the WV Wilhelm Gustloff. The novel
is told in alternating chapters between four different teens fleeing from Prussia at the end of WW2.
What kind of book is it? Historical fiction, war, friendship
Reviews? Artfully told and sensitively crafted, Sepetys's exploration of this little-known piece of
history will leave readers weeping. (School Library Journal) This haunting gem of a novel begs to be
remembered, and in turn, it tries to remember the thousands of real people its fictional characters
represent. What it asks of us is that their memories—and their stories—not be abandoned to the sea.
– Booklist
Similar to: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Discussion guide: http://www.penguin.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/SaltToSea_Guide.pdf

Three Dark Crowns – Kendare Blake SERIES
What’s it about? Every generation, magically gifted triplet girls are born to rule Fennbirn, and it is the
duty of each young queen to try to murder the others once they come of age. But this time only the
elemental Mirabella has yet displayed any power, as the naturalist Arsinoe and poisoner Katherine
are deemed weak and giftless. On the triplets 16th birthday the Year of Ascension begins and will end
with one Queen Crowned and her sisters dead by her hands.
What kind of book is it? Dark Fantasy, romance, relationships, plot twist
Reviews: With triplet queens out to kill each other, this may not be a book to share with sisters, but if
you're into dark, complex, nail-biting fantasy, you'll definitely share it with your friends – Common
Sense Media
Similar To: Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake, Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black