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By Mary Van Akin of Random House Children’s Books
Published: June 29, 2012

Two long-awaited conclusions to bestselling series!

RAPTURE

By Lauren Kate

The long-awaited, astonishing conclusion to the FALLEN series is here! To stop Lucifer from erasing the past Luce and Daniel must find the place where the angels fell to earth. Dark forces are after them, and Daniel doesn’t know if he can do this–live only to lose Luce again and again. Yet together they will face an epic battle that will end with lifeless bodies and angel dust. Great sacrifices are made. Hearts are destroyed. And suddenly Luce knows what must happen. For she was meant to be with someone other than Daniel. The curse they’ve borne has always and only been about her–and the love she cast aside. The choice she makes now will be the only one that truly matters. In the fight for Luce, who will win?

Random House Children’s Books | 978-0-385-73918-4 | June 12, 2012 | $17.99 | Ages 12-17 | 464 pages

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THE ENCHANTRESS

By Michael Scott

The sixth and final book in the New York Times bestselling Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel Series.  This internationally known series introduces readers to legendary historical and mythological figures—weaving history, myth, folklore, and magic together seamlessly. The twins of prophecy have been split. Nicholas Flamel is near death. John Dee has the swords of power. And Danu Talis has yet to fall. The future of the human race lies in the balance–how will the legend end?

Delacortes Press | 978-0-385-73535-3 | May 22, 2012 | $18.99 | Ages 12 and up | 528 pages

Check out The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel Series on Facebook!

Read the book that everyone is buzzing about!

WONDER

By R.J. Palacio

An emotional and beautiful novel about being the new kid.  August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school–until now. He’s about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you’ve ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie’s just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he’s just like them, despite appearances? R.J. Palacio has written a spare, warm, uplifting story that will have readers laughing one minute and wiping away tears the next. With wonderfully realistic family interactions (flawed, but loving), lively school scenes, and short chapters, Wonder is ac

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By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: May 23, 2011

As the school year ends, join Random House Children’s Books to

BEAT THE HEAT with SUMMER READING!

Because every beach bag should have sunscreen, a pair of shades, and a story…

PASSION

By Lauren Kate

Before Luce and Daniel met at Sword & Cross—before they fought the Immortals—they had already lived many lives. Desperate to unlock the curse that condemns their love, Luce must revisit her past incarnations to understand her fate. Sweeping centuries and spanning the globe, PASSION is the third novel in the thrilling and romantic Fallen series by New York Times bestselling author Lauren Kate.

Delacorte Press | 978-0-385-73916-0 | June 14, 2011 | | $17.99 / $19.99 Can. | Ages 12+ | 432 pgs

THE WARLOCK: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel

By Michael Scott

The fifth book in Michael Scott’s riveting six-part New York Times bestselling series, which has introduced readers to legendary historical and mythological figures—weaving history, mystery, and magic together seamlessly. Before penning the first novel, The Alchemyst (2007), Michael Scott devoted nearly a decade researching this series—and it shows. In THE WARLOCK, the twins of prophesy—Sophie and Josh—have been separated, and as the end of the series nears, the action-packed plot is more intense and absorbing than ever. With Scatty, Joan of Arc, Saint Germain, Palamedes, and Shakespeare all in Danu Talis, Sophie is on her own with the ever-weakening Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel. She must depend on Niten to help her find an immortal to teach her Earth Magic. Much to the surprise of readers, she will find her teacher in the most ordinary of places.

Delacorte Press | 978-0-385-73533-9 | May 24, 2011 | | $18.99 / $20.99 Can. | Ages 12+ | 400 pgs

THE EMERALD ATLAS

By John Stephens

Fourteen-year-old Kate, 12-year-old Michael and 11-year-old Emma have moved from one orphanage to another over the last 10 years. Taken away from their parents as babies, and seemingly unwanted, these children are more remarkable than they possibly could imagine. They are being protected from a horrible evil about which they know nothing—that is, until they discover a magical prophecy that is tied to three books of magic, the first of which is The Emerald

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By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: January 25, 2010

Thanks to Lauren Donovan from Random House Kids, I have the following book list to pass on …

Join in GLSEN’s No Name-Calling Week (January 24-28, 2011) with titles from Random House Children’s Books:

CONFESSIONS OF A FORMER BULLY
By Trudy Ludwig; Illustrated by Beth Adams
(Tricycle Press / on sale August 24, 2010 / $18.99 / Ages 8-12)

Ever wonder what goes on in the mind of a bully? Katie has been caught bullying a classmate and now she’s in big trouble: both her parents and the principal insist that she meet with the school counselor, Mrs. Petrowski, to get to the bottom of her behavior. Mrs. Petrowski encourages Katie to keep a diary where Katie can explore her reasons for bullying and the repercussions of what she’s done, not only for those around her, but for Katie herself. Over the course of writing her journal, Katie uncovers the various forms bullying can take, both emotional and physical. She discovers how her actions have isolated her from her peers and kept her from making real friendships. Ultimately, Katie comes to the conclusion that she needs to make right her wrong and learn how to become a better friend. Chock full of useful, real-life advice and information, Confessions of a Former Bully will help kids identify bullying right from the start and gives them a “toolbox” with everything they need to stop it in its tracks. The notebook format, including full-color cartoons and relevant facts and quotes, makes this highly accessible for upper elementary students. Trudy Ludwig is an award–winning author who specializes in writing children’s books that explore the colorful and sometimes confusing world of children’s social interactions. She has received rave reviews nationwide from educators, experts, organizations, and parents for her passion and compassion in addressing relational aggression—the use of relationships to manipulate and hurt others. Since her first book, My Secret Bully, she has become a sought–after speaker, presenting at schools and conferences around the country and educating students, parents, and teachers on the topic. She has been featured on television, radio and in print.

“Confessions of a Former Bully is unmatched in providing effective tools for girls and boys in EVERY social role, whether they are instigators, targets or bystanders. Rarely does a book speak so effectively to both kids and adults alike; certainly a must-read for all young children, as well as educators and counselors.”
–Melissa Norman, Founder & Executive Director, Girl CHARGE, Inc

Add this book to your collection: Confessions of a Former Bully

GOSSIP FROM THE GIRLS’ ROOM: A Blogtastic! Novel
By Rose Cooper
(Delacorte Press / on sale January 11, 2011 / $12.99 / Ages 10 & up)

In Rose Cooper’s debut novel, one sixth grader is all ears—and puts it all online, until she discovers a secret so juicy, it has the power t

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SIX YEARS.

That’s how long it took me- from the time I completed my first book to the time I signed with my agent.
Did I ever think my work was brilliant and the agents were wrong for rejecting me? Yes. Did I ever cry and pout and feel sorry for myself? Of course. Did I ever feel like giving up? Absolutely.

So what happened in those six years that kept me writing, revising, and querying so much that the keypad had been permanently etched into my fingertips?

Simple.

I refused to give up.

Someone told me my work wasn't strong enough? Fine. I'll make it stronger.

The voice isn't there? I'll write until I find it.
The plot isn't believable? I'll twist it around until it is.

I received more rejections than you'd probably care to know. But if I had to go back and do it all over again, would I? Absolutely. Because it made me stronger. I can take critiques. I have tough skin. In the beginning I would cry if someone didn't like my work. So imagine if I had an editor back then take me on and they suggested revisions and even sent copyedits my way. I would've been a mess trying to handle such a thing! I just wasn’t ready.

In those six years, I’ve found a terrific critique group and seriously, I don’t know what I would’ve done without them. I've also had time to research agents, publishers, and make wonderful online friends. But best of all? I became a better writer. How great is it to say that my debut novel will be that much better than it would've been six years ago? And now when I look at my writing from back then, I can honestly say, “I DO understand what those agents were telling me."

Last year I signed with my agent, Rosemary Stimola. And really, it was very unexpected.
I was sitting in Starbucks with my thick textbook studying for my Business Law exam because I wanted to try for a promotion at work. Okay, I didn’t WANT to, but I felt like I had to if I wanted my career to go anywhere. Next to me I had my notebook and pen in case any writing inspiration struck, which it likely did at unlikely times.

Of course this was one of those unlikely times.

And even more unlikely is where my inspiration came from.

Wait for it….

The bathroom!

I put two and two together (my notebook + the bathroom) and came up with a story idea of a girl who listens to gossip in the girls room, then jots it down with funny doodles in her notebook. Hmmmm. Story sounds kind of familiar though, right? A diary/notebook and doodles. Kind of like Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Well, so much for that idea. Back to reading Business Law.

But…

Writers don’t give up. They ta

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