Casey's earliest memory of reading was the work of Shel Silverstein. Like Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout he had an aversion to garbage as well. After Shel he remembers "Goosebumps" vividly. Monster Blood and Say Cheese and Die were catalysts in his developing skewed personality. He doesn't think he really became a voracious reader until he hit high school. Then he read Tim O'brien's The Things They Carried in Sophomore English, which opened a door into a wonderful obsession. His interests include (thanks to Shel and R.L.) an intense passion for Children's Literature. Middle reader and young adult fiction dominate his personal library. He loves all things fiction and he's knowledgeable about war novels, literary fiction, and Jewish authors, especially Saul Bellow and Philip Roth (his favorite author). He also knows about Judaica, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Computer and Reference books, and History and Politics. Oh and if you do ask him a Children's question, be prepared for a lengthy monologue, as he can talk kids books for hours.
Casey S.'s Recommends
$8.00
ISBN-13: 9780983497103
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Combustion Books, 6/2011
Goblins, gnomes, and absinthe...oh my!
$28.00
ISBN-13: 9780979956249
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Siglio, 2/2011
Wood has some controversial ideas about what a map should be and what it should do. His ingenious Boylan Heights Atlas Project definitely shows his different points of view. Through these fantastic maps that include the practical and seemingly impractical, Wood shows us that maps don't have to be just about finding a place, they can also be about art, social issues, and even radio waves. Maps can get us to a place, of course, but they can also guide us to a different destination entirely.
$8.99
ISBN-13: 9780142418475
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Speak, 4/2011
When two authors come together to write one book, one never knows how it's going to turn out. In the case of Green and Levithan, two talented young adult authors, sharing a book seems to come naturally to them.
$6.95
ISBN-13: 9780810997127
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Harry N. Abrams, 3/2011
Beneath the luster of algebra and inedible school lunches at Franklin Middle School lies a shadowy underbelly of organized crime. Vincent “Vinny Biggs” Biggio runs it all: the candy racket, the hall pass forgery ring, and, scariest of all: squirt gun assassinations. Among these dark halls, one boy stands up for truth and justice: private detective Matt Stevens. Stevens has never liked “Vinny Biggs” but Vinny’s got a case for Matt and he has to set aside his dislike because justice is blind and the difference between right and wrong doesn’t change from client to client. Who would have thought that middle school was such a sinister place? Brilliant middle reader noir from debut novelist Ferraiolo.
$9.99
ISBN-13: 9780062012173
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: HarperCollins, 9/2010
Spellbinding and downright hilarious, Pratchett's tales of witch-in-training Tiffany Aching always leaves you aching (Ha! get it?) for more. In the first installment, Tiffany discovers her burgeoning powers and, armed with only a frying pan and the help of the wee free men (little blue men with a penchant for drinking and fighting), sets out to save her brother from the evil queen of Faerie. This is a great introduction to Pratchett's weird and wonderful Discworld. Wee Free Men: The Beginning contains the first two books in the series, Wee Free Men & Hat Full of Sky.
$9.99
ISBN-13: 9780765323118
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Tor Teen, 4/2010
Marcus is a hacker. A cyber geek that likes to undermine authority. But when Marcus is in the wrong place during a terrorist attack on San Francisco, his worst nightmares of authority come true. As San Francisco descends into a police state, Marcus is thrust into a dangerous game against the Department of Homeland Security with the direst of consequences. A chilling young adult book worthy of Orwell's darkest thoughts on the future of society.
$10.95
ISBN-13: 9780547335926
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Mariner Books, 5/2010
A solitary island republic remains after a world war in Beckett's stirring debut novel. Society is now ruled by the academy of philosophers, a group of scientists and great thinkers that have given order to a world devoid of it. Anax, a promising student, lies at the center of the tale as she is tested for entrance into the academy by three faceless examiners. Flashbacks to the downfall of the modern world and the birth of the republic are blended cleverly with the examination. Beckett succeeds in breathing life into a familiar genre and creating a story that begs for discussion. One of my favorite books of the last two years.
$12.00
ISBN-13: 9780615332772
Availability: Special Order - Subject to Availability
Published: TBTM Media, 11/2009
Mean-spirited and marvelous, this is the perfect gift for the discerning lefty on your list. The former vice-presidential candidate (I still giggle a bit when I say that) provides so much fodder, there's bound to be a sequel. I can hardly wait for the 2012 presidential edition.
$7.99
ISBN-13: 9780553277531
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Spectra, 3/1985
Having read Fahrenheit 451 and a few other Bradbury stories in my time I was well aware of his prowess as a writer, but, to be honest, I was wholly unprepared for the wonder that is Dandelion Wine
$9.99
ISBN-13: 9780689857720
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Simon Pulse, 8/2003
America is a troubled fifteen year old boy. Trauma in his past has brought him to a residential treatment program, but falling through crack after crack and finding no support, America is reluctant to share with his new therapist. After what he's gone through though, I don't see how anyone can blame him. E. R. Frank, herself a social worker, has constructed a raw, affecting portrait of a boy beaten down by life, struggling to figure out where he fits in the world.
$6.99
ISBN-13: 9780316326599
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 5/1983
"Slick a slug with Super Glue, Stick it on your sister Sue. Place another, maybe two, In her favorite high-heel shoe."
I bet my mother regrets giving me this book when I was little... I know my brother does. There really are so many things that you can do with slugs. But beware! They might fight back in the end. This is one of the few books that I still keep on my coffee table.
$8.99
ISBN-13: 9781423109679
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Hyperion, 7/2010
The author of the fantastic Bartimaeus Trilogy is back with a new epic fantasy. Heroes of the Valley
$10.99
ISBN-13: 9780385733984
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Ember, 10/2010
Fans of John Green will love Bray's first foray into contemporary teen drama. At first, the story of a sleepy Texas town inhabited by chronic underachiever Cameron Smith begins to unfold. But after Cameron learns of his inexplicable contraction of Mad Cow Disease and subsequent visit by what could be his guardian angel, Cameron embarks on a divinely inspired road trip to save the world. Part fantasy, part teen angst tale, Going Bovine
$11.00
ISBN-13: 9780452290037
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Plume, 4/2009
My favorite purveyor of bunny suicides is back with a hilarious new collection of cartoons. If you've been in mourning for years due to the end of The Far Side and wonder why Gary Larson has forsaken you, then cheer up and look no further than the twisted mind of Andy Riley. D.I.Y. Dentistry
$20.00
ISBN-13: 9780547225494
Availability: Temporarily out. Orders usually back in stock in 1-5 days
Published: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 4/2009
A solitary island republic remains after a World War in Bernard Beckett's stirring debut novel. Society is now ruled by the academy of philosophers, a group of scientists and great thinkers that have given order to a world devoid of it. Anax, a promising student, lies at the center of the tale as she is tested for entrance into the academy by three faceless examiners. Flashbacks to the downfall of the modern world and the birth of the republic are blended cleverly with the examination. Beckett succeeds in breathing new life into a familiar genre and creating a story that begs for discussion.
$14.00
ISBN-13: 9780307389930
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Vintage, 1/2010
Eagleman, a neuroscientist, has crafted a clever, fascinating collection of short stories. The difference with this collection is that all of the tales are about separate afterlives. Even if you don't believe in that sort of thing you'll still probably want to visit some of Eagleman's creations and hope beyond hope that he's not prescient with some of his others. Just flip to any page and read one. Most of the stories are less than three pages long and incredibly thought-provoking considering their brevity.
$3.50
ISBN-13: 9780486275420
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Dover Publications, 5/1993
In 1913 Ambrose Bierce, who had joined Pancho Villa's army as an observer, vanished without a trace into Mexico. Considered to be, along with Mark Twain, one of America's greatest satirists, Bierce left behind one of my favorite literary works, The Devil's Dictionary
$6.99
ISBN-13: 9780060783358
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: HarperCollins, 8/2010
Neil Gaiman brings his seemingly limitless imagination to the alphabet book. In thirteen couplets, The Dangerous Alphabet
$16.95
ISBN-13: 9780810970670
Availability: Temporarily out. Orders usually back in stock in 1-5 days
Published: Harry N. Abrams, 9/2008
Beneath the luster of algebra and inedible school lunches at Franklin Middle School lies a shadowy underbelly of organized crime. Vincent "Vinny Biggs" Biggio Runs it all; the candy racket, the hall pass forgery ring, and scariest of all, squirt gun assassinations. Among these dark halls, one boy stands up for truth and justice, Private Detective Matt Stevens. Stevens has never liked "Vinny Biggs" but Vinny's got a case for Matt and he has to set aside his dislike because justice is blind and the difference between wrong and right doesn't change from client to client. Who would have thought that middle school was such a sinister place? Brilliant middle reader noir from debut novelist Ferraiolo.
$7.99
ISBN-13: 9780786838653
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Disney-Hyperion, 3/2006
This is the best contemporary retelling of greek mythology that I've read in a long time and it comes in the clever disguise of a cleverly crafted kid's book. Follow Percy (Perseus) Jackson as he discovers his true identity: the son of a Greek god! Join percy on his adventures as he battles the Minotaur, Medusa and adolsecence at a summer camp for demi-gods. Great action and you even learn a thing or two without even trying. Perfect for the fantasy fan or budding mythology scholar.
$6.99
ISBN-13: 9780439678131
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Scholastic Paperbacks, 8/2004
Sucked down a vent in their laundry room, Gregor and his baby sister Boots are thrust into an underground world embroiled in war. The Underlanders, a pale-skinned race of humans are fighting a bitter battle against the giant rats that also inhabit the Underland. All Gregor wants is to protect his sister and get home, but an ancient Underland prophecy reveals Gregor's visit may not be coincidence; he may be called upon to save the world. Fans of Harry Potter and other adventure/fantasy series will fall in love with Gregor.
$6.99
ISBN-13: 9780553494952
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Yearling, 4/2006
This is one of the best books that I have ever read, childrens or otherwise. Schmidt's novel is based on actual events and is a heartbreaking story of racism and intolerance and a tale of two friends that try to rise above it all. Schmidt transports you to early 20th century Maine and keeps you riveted with his intense and beautiful prose.
$13.95
ISBN-13: 9780345470928
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Del Rey, 1/2005
Finally, an original voice in Sci-Fi/Fantasy. Cash, a member of the band, the Ozark Mountain Daredevils, brings us a story of an amazing immortal race. "The Meq" live for generations while harnessing their ability to control minds and regenerate themselves. Throughout their lives "The Meq" search for a soulmate, for some it takes thousands of years, but once they blend with their mate they become mortal. "The Meq", however, face their toughest test, one of their own is trying to destroy their race. A brilliant blend of fantasy and historical fiction. Look for the sequel Time Dancers .
$12.95
ISBN-13: 9781550379242
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Annick Press, 9/2005
Cornelia Funke watch out! German author Lilli Thal makes her stateside debut with Mimus Mimus she will definitely take the crown from Funke as the queen of German kids lit.
$8.99
ISBN-13: 9780142410707
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Speak, 10/2008
Printz award winner John Green regales readers with his sophomore effort. Green introduces us to Colin, a former child prodigy with a penchant for anagramming and girls named Katherine. Fresh from his break-up to Katherine #19, yes nineteen girls named Katherine, Colin sets out to reclaim his former genius status by discovering a mathematical theory to predict the length and outcome of any relationship. Another geniune and hilarious book by the author of Looking for Alaska .
$5.95
ISBN-13: 9780810992160
Availability: Temporarily out. Orders usually back in stock in 1-5 days
Published: Harry N. Abrams, 4/2006
A terrific time travel adventure! Four kids, while vacationing in a Maine town stumble upon a condemned hotel that is not all it seems. During the Golden Hours, the time just before sunset, strange things begin to happen and that is where our story unfolds.
$7.99
ISBN-13: 9780060766207
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Greenwillow Books, 8/2006
One of the spookiest and most spine-tingling books I've read in a long time. Put down that copy of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark and freak yourself out with Delaney's tale of wicked witches, nasty boggarts and the heroic spooks sent to rid the land of evil. You might want to keep the light on and read this one with a friend.
