(3) YA Anchor & Sophia series. The Descendancy, a new cult-like civilization banning all technology, was founded off the ruins of mankind's old corrupt one. Brothers Clive and Clover are true believers thanks to their Descendant minister father. But when they come across a technology-embracing community in their travels, it ignites a civil war. Tremendous world-building and spare language stand out in this accomplished dystopian series-opener.

Reviewer: Jessica Bushore

(2) YA Parker, seventeen, has psychogenic aphonia; he stopped talking after his father died. Then he meets Zelda--a mysterious, silver-haired girl who says she's lived for centuries. Parker recounts their adventures with a whip-smart, sardonic narrative voice in this fast-paced romp around an atmospheric San Francisco, interspersed with Parker's fantasy short stories and sustained by a steady course of philosophical (and flirtatious) banter.

Reviewer: Jessica Tackett MacDonald | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2016

(4) 4-6 Stagestruck series. Based on real events, this series recounts the summer Wallach, then twelve, started Random Farm Kids' Theater, a theater company created and run by kids. These fictional narratives highlight the challenges of sustaining a business venture (e.g., hard decisions, personal sacrifice, stage moms). While the plots are thin and both books end abruptly, the premise is inspiring. Review covers these Stagestruck titles: Curtain Up! and Showstopper!.

Reviewer: Andrea Curtis

(4) 4-6 Stagestruck series. Based on real events, this series recounts the summer Wallach, then twelve, started Random Farm Kids' Theater, a theater company created and run by kids. These fictional narratives highlight the challenges of sustaining a business venture (e.g., hard decisions, personal sacrifice, stage moms). While the plots are thin and both books end abruptly, the premise is inspiring. Review covers these Stagestruck titles: Curtain Up! and Showstopper!.

Reviewer: Andrea Curtis

(3) YA When an asteroid is predicted to destroy Earth in two months, civilized society begins to crumble in anticipation of the disaster. Told in alternating perspectives, this debut novel follows four Seattle teens as they make major life changes and seek meaning in their final days. A compelling pre-apocalyptic story with a strong narrative voice and an intimate, character-driven approach.

Reviewer: Jessica Tackett MacDonald

(4) K-3 First Facts: Snakes series. These books give basic introductions to rattlesnakes and garter snakes. Though the information is limited, each book does a good job of explaining the snakes' habitats, defense mechanisms, and life cycles. "Fun Facts" (e.g., "Snakes shed their skin in one whole piece") are interspersed throughout. Some of the photographs are not for the faint of heart. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these First Facts: Snakes titles: Rattlesnakes and Garter Snakes.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear