The Berlin Boxing Club by Robert Sharenow. In 1936, Ben Stern, considered Jewish despite a non-religious upbringing, learns to box from the legendary Max Schmeling while struggling with the realities of the Holocaust.
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys. Lina and her family are deported to a brutal Siberian labor camp in 1941 by invading Soviet troops - just for being educated Lithuanians.
Divergent by Veronica Roth. Beatrice lives in a future where she must choose between five factions to define her identity for the rest of her life, a decision made more difficult when she learns she doesn't belong in any one faction in a society that is far than perfect. (I listed this book earlier as a book that"Hunger Games" fans would enjoy, see post for different annotation). Note to fans: Insurgent will be published in May 2012.
The False Princess by Eilis O'Neal. For years, Nalia believed she was the princess, but when she learns that's not the case (she has been standing in for the real princess, hidden away for her own protection), she's forced to leave that life behind. As Sinda, she must figure out what to do with her life now.
The Grimm Legacy by Polly Shulman. Elizabeth gets a job as a page in a special library. After gaining coveted access to the Grimm Collection, she and the other pages get drawn into a series of frightening adventures.
Legend by Marie Lu. In a futuristic L.A. June has joined the elite military of the Republic. Her first priority is to capture Day, the enigmatic rebel accused of her brother's death.
--More to come -- all annotations above from the soon to be published 2013 nominees page. In the meanwhile, why don't you check out the previous winners, and previous selections if you need some reading suggestions.....back ASAP your library Sherpa, Mrs. Casey.
