The Ferals by Jacob Grey

Caw is a boy who only just remembers his parents. He was raised by crows on the rooftops and trees of a rundown city. It never seemed strange to him that they communicate with him, what he doesn't understand are the other humans living their normal lives. Caw's life is turned upside down when he witnesses a prison breakout by three sinister characters with the ability to control animals. These vicious criminals are linked to Caw, in a way he cannot imagine.

This is a really dark, urban drama about superpowers and the fear of trust. It has some bright moments, but it is definitely not for the fainthearted. A thrilling and dangerous read.

For ages 8-12 (with strong stomachs)

Published by HarperCollins, April 28 2015

The Keepers - The Box and the Dragonfly by Ted Sanders

The first book in a new series of magical adventures where children are chosen as Keepers of arcane magical objects, only to discover themselves in danger from the monstrous Makers of those objects who want their creations back at any price. 

This book takes a welcome step away from the "magical school" plot that has been holding sway over kids magical books for some time. The Keepers have the support of one another, the magical powers of their objects and some rather haphazard advice from a few magical adults. Meanwhile they are responsible not only for protecting themselves, but also their families, even though some of those families are less than perfect. I loved how the fantasy and the very real life situations stand side by side in this book. 

For ages 8-12

Published by HarperCollins, March 3 2015

Gorillas in Our Midst by Richard Fairgray and Terry Jones

Just from the title, we know this is going to be a silly picture book and we are not disappointed. Apparently, you should always carry a banana with you because there are so many gorillas hiding in plain sight amongst the human population. The comic book style artwork underlines this theme by giving the Gorilla characters more detail than the human characters. But the thing to really look out for are the jokes in the illustrations, for example a gorilla reading a book on a train entitled "How to Read on a Train" or another Gorilla wearing a t-shirt that says "I Am Not a Gorilla". 

The perfect gift for little monkeys or for the ape in all of us.

For ages 3-8

Published by Sky Pony Press April 14, 2015

Pip Bartlett's Guide to Magical Creatures by Pearce and Stiefvater

Pip Bartlett is a young girl who lives in a world very like ours, but with one huge difference, in Pip's world, magical creatures are real. People keep Griffins as pets and show unicorns competitively, there are special vets for magical creatures and a supposedly definitive guide book by Jeffrey Higgleston. Pip is really excited when she gets to spend the summer with her aunt who is a magical creatures vet. Pip loves all the magical creatures, plus she can talk to them (although no-one believes her). Unfortunately, Pip arrives in town at the same time as an infestation of Fuzzles. Tiny adorable creatures who burst into flames at the slightest hint of excitement. Can Pip get to the bottom of the mystery of where all the Fuzzles are coming from? And will there be enough time to save the Fuzzles before they are exterminated?

I love this book. It's packed with humor and crazy but simple illustrations. The characters are very easy to love and although the concept is simple, the language is complex enough to make this a stretch for some younger readers. A hit waiting to happen.

For readers aged 8+

Published by Scholastic April 28, 2015

Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman

Challenger Deep approaches mental illness through the medium of a non-linear pirate adventure. Yes, you read that right. What's even more astonishing, is that it works. The small moments of pure reality or pure fantasy are engaging enough in themselves, but when taken together as an uncomfortable maelstrom of thoughts and emotions, the book feels like an accurate portrayal of a mind in disarray. And that's not all. Mental illness does not have a tidy end point, a solution or even an easy cause, Challenger Deep recognizes this and does not offer any easy solutions. In so doing it breaks all the tropes. All of them. 

This book is a sensitive work of genius for clever readers aged 14+.

Published by Harper Teen April 21, 2015

The Alex Crow by Andrew Smith

This is the story of Ariel who escapes from a warzone, to be adopted by a "normal" American family and sent off to camp for the Summer. However, the family is far from normal, neither is the camp and as Ariel shares the unsettling stories of his past, it becomes apparent that this is not a happy ending. A depressed bionic reincarnated crow, a failed arctic expedition in the 19th century and a schizophrenic bomber all converge in this story, which manages to also be real and surprisingly funny. 

Published by Dutton Books, March 10, 2015

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

The Silvers rule the world. Their silver blood marks them apart and their super human abilities ensure that they keep their positions of power with force. Those with red blood are pressed into servitude or outright slavery. Red blooded Mare Barrow is destined to become a palace servant, but on her first day away from home she discovers that she also has a special ability. The Silver royalty adopt her as a lost Silver princess and the color of her blood becomes a secret she must keep to survive. 

Plenty of intrigue, rebellion and action keep you turning the pages as this well written fantasy plot unfolds.

Published by Harper Teen February 10, 2015