Zitface (ARC) by Emily Howse

Zitface (ARC) by Emily Howse pub April, 2011 from Marshall Cavendish.
Audience: 5th-7th grade
My Rating: 2.5* of 5
Summary: 13 year old Olivia is already a successful commercial actress, a strong student, and well liked by her classmates. But everything changes when one pimple becomes a serious case of acne.
Comments: Thank you, MC, for this ARC. Howse's debut novel tackles a subject not often covered in tween-lit, but that is relevant for many readers (though this particular book is not boy-friendly). While a bit dry and pedantic overall, Zitface may be just what some girls need at a fragile time.

Seth Baumgartner's Love Manifesto (audio)

Seth Baumgartner's Love Manifesto by Eric Luper, read by Nick Podehl
Audience: Grades 8 and up
My Rating: 4* of 5
Summary: Seth's girlfriend breaks up with him at Applebee's. But wait, there's more. While Seth's girlfriend is breaking up with him at Applebee's, they see Seth's dad veeeeery cozy a few booths over with a woman who is not Seth's mom. Oh, and this Applebee's double whammy makes Seth late for his job at Belgian Fries in the mall so he gets fired. Sound like the start of a great summer?
Comments: A clever, funny, sometimes sweet boy-logic-applied-to-love book. Seth is just dopey enough to still be likable. Plot threads are all sorted well without being cheesy. Some colorful characters add to the charm.
Read-alikes: Swim the Fly / Beat the Band by Don Calame, both read by Nick Podehl; John Green books.

Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke

Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke, 2010.

Audience: Grades 4 and up

My Rating: 5* of 5

Summary: When young Zita discovers a device that opens a portal to another place, and her best friend is abducted, she is compelled to set out on a strange journey from star to star in order to get back home.

Comments: A quick, compelling story with a spunky heroine and clever, likable characters. Fantastic artwork that is both intriguing and accessible. Hatke had me on page 15 when a clump of grass character announced chapter 2. Not as detailed as Amulet, but just as good!

Read-alikes: Amulet series by Kibuishi