Congrats to the 2012 Michael L. Printz Award winner (aka Best YA book of 2011) Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley, which was announced today. I have to admit, this book wasn't even on my radar, but I've already put a copy on reserve.
The Printz Honor books are:
Why We Broke Up by David Handler, art by Maira Kalman. Written as break up letter paired with illustrations of momentos of the doomed relationship, anyone who is ever been the dumper or dumpee will appreciate this story.
The Returning by Christine Hinwood. A soldier tries to find his place in the world when he returns to his village after losing his arm and five years of his life to a brutal war.
Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey. When a popular girl is murdered, rebel Jasper and brainiac Charles become unlikely allies and try to solve the crime before Jasper is blamed.
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater. A bloody horse race on mythical water horses brings Puck Connolly and Sean Kendrick together and then threatens to tear them apart.
Happy reading.
This Dark Endeavor review
"The purest intentions can stir up the darkest obsessions." Written as a prequel to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel, introduces Victor Frankenstein at age sixteen, his twin brother Konrad, goofy friend Henry, and beautiful crush Elizabeth. The foursome lives a privileged life at the Frankenstein mansion in Geneva. Their days are filled with fencing lessons, drama performances, and boating on the lake. But everything changes when Konrad falls deathly ill and no doctor can cure him. At the same time, Victor discovers the existence of a forbidden Elixir of Life. Believing that the Elixir may be the only way to save his brother, Victor leads Elizabeth and Henry on a dangerous adventure that puts them all in danger and is the catalyst for Victor's future obsession with science.
The idea of creating a back story for Victor Frankenstein explaining his roots is intriguing. Despite taking place in the 1800s, Victor at sixteen is a relatable teen, hanging out with his friends, competing with his brother and getting into harmless trouble. The characters are likeable and the action doesn't stop. You don't have to have read Frankenstein, to enjoy this gothic story. But you might be tempted to read (or re-read) it after finishing this dramatic page turner.
The Hobbit Trailer
The Hobbit trailer was released today. While it looks great, we'll have to wait another year for the release of the film, which isn't until December 14, 2012. In the meantime, enjoy the preview.
Teen Centre 
