2017 Man Booker Prize Longlist (best 13 novels) All nominated titles in stock at Walden Pond Books |
2017 Hugo Award for Best Science Fiction Novel Winner and all nominees in stock at Walden Pond Books |
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2017 Nebula Award for Best Science Fiction Novel Winner and all nominees in stock at Walden Pond Books |
2017 Edgar Award for Best Mystery/Suspense Novel. Winner and all nominees in stock at Walden Pond Books |
Winners and nominees of literary awards for every genre have been announced and we've ensured that you'll find all the titles on our shelves:
(Click on the links for complete lists and reviews now on our website.)
- August 11: The Hugo Awards Committee announced the winner of the 2017 Hugo Award for Best Novel in the field of Science Fiction and Fantasy. The winner - THE OBELISK GATE by N.K. Jemisin - is the author's second Hugo, following her Hugo win last year for THE FIFTH SEASON.
- July 26: The judges of the most prestigious literary award in the world, the Man Booker Prize for best work of fiction, announced the 2017 longlist (the best 13 books). The "Man Booker dozen" comprises an eclectic list of 13 novels "that will surprise and intrigue in equal measure". All nominated titles - including U.K. editions of those titles not yet published in the U.S. - are in stock. These nominees will be whittled down to a list of five finalists to be announced on Saturday, September 9 and the winner will be announced on Tuesday, October 17.
- May 20: The Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America announced the winner of the 2017 Nebula Award for Best Novel in the field of Science Fiction and Fantasy: ALL THE BIRDS IN THE SKY by Charlie Jane Anders.
- April 27: The Mystery Writers of America announced this year's Edgar Awards in the mystery/suspense genre. BEFORE THE FALL by Noah Hawley won Best Novel and THE WICKED BOY: The Mystery of a Victorian Child Murderer by Kate Summerscale won for best work in the Best Fact Crime category.
MORE 2017 NEWS:
- Friday, September 1 through Thursday, September 21: Walden Pond Books resumes buying and trading books. We buy books for cash and trade books for store credit the first 21 days of each month from 10:00am through 3:00pm.
Remember that we do NOT buy or trade books during the month of December.
BOOKS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT:
Here's a list of some outstanding new titles on our shelves at Walden Pond Books.
Fiction, non-fiction, poetry, children's books, graphic novels, mystery and suspense, and science fiction and fantasy. . .
We've carefully picked some of the best for your consideration.
The titles below are just a sample. View more of our favorite books and staff picks on our web site at www.waldenpondbooks.com.
Drop by Walden Pond Books at 3316 Grand Avenue and browse. Or - if you see a book listed here or on our web site that you know you've just got to read immediately - call us at 510-832-4438 and we'll hold that title for you at the front counter or ship directly to your home.
- Fiction: Recently Released in Hardcover (Front Display)
- Fiction: Recently Released in Paperback (Aisle 1-B)
- Non-Fiction: Recently Released in Hardcover (Front Display)
- Non-Fiction: Recently Released in Paperback (Aisle 2-B)
- Recently Released Poetry (Aisle 2-A)
- Recently Released Young Adult & Juvenile Fiction & Non-Fiction (Children's Books Section)
(Simon & Schuster for Young Readers)SAINTS AND MISFITS by S. K. Ali
Fifteen-year-old Janna Yusuf, a Flannery O'Connor-obsessed book nerd and the daughter of the only divorced mother at their mosque, tries to make sense of the events that follow when her best friend's cousin attempts to assault her at the end of sophomore year.
"Ali's debut offers a much-needed, important perspective in Janna. Thanks to her sharp, wry first-person narrative, readers will gain deep insight into her anxieties, choices, and aspirations. For readers unfamiliar with Muslim traditions, Ali offers plenty of context clues and explanations, though she always keeps the story solidly on Janna's struggle to maintain friendships, nurse a crush, deal with bullies and predatory people in her life, and discover her own strength in the process. A wide variety of readers will find solidarity with Janna, and not just ones who wear a hijab." — Booklist *** starred review ***.
"The structured delivery magnifies the teen's rich voice in a character-driven novel about identity, highlighting her faith and typical teenage stress. This timely and authentic portrayal is an indisputable purchase in the realistic fiction category." — School Library Journal *** starred review ***.
"Ali pens a touching exposition of a girl's evolution from terrified victim to someone who knows she's worthy of support and is brave enough to get it. This book is long overdue, a delight for readers who will recognize the culture and essential for those unfamiliar with Muslim experiences. This quiet read builds to a satisfying conclusion; readers will be glad to make space in their hearts - and bookshelves - for Janna Yusuf." — Kirkus Reviews *** starred review ***.
(Hyperion/Hachette)THE DREADFUL TALE OF PROSPER REDDING by Alexandra Bracken
A darkly delightful contemporary fantasy about a modern New England boy who must rid himself of the ancient demon inhabiting his body and break his family's curse.
"The story's mysteries keep readers furiously flipping pages. Prosper shows tremendous growth, Bracken's cast is drawn in loving detail, and her twisty plot will keep readers guessing." — Publishers Weekly *** starred review ***.
"An infectious, entertaining series starter. Hapless, dry Prosper is at hilarious odds with his demanding, old-fashioned demon companion, and the thrilling plot twists will keep even the most savvy readers guessing. Clever, occasionally frightening, and always fun, this will hook plenty." — Booklist *** starred review ***.
"Unique and humorous, the plot is filled with fantastical mystery and paranormal elements. The main characters, including the villain, are likable and flawed. The author's smooth transitions and delightful writing style will draw readers into the story with ease. This is a must-read for fans of Bracken and paranormal mysteries. " — School Library Journal.
(Atheneum)GHOST by Jason Reynolds
A National Book Award Finalist for Young People's Literature
Four kids from wildly different backgrounds are chosen for an elite middle school track team - a team that could qualify them for the Junior Olympics if they can get their acts together. They all have a lot to lose, but they also have a lot to prove, not only to each other, but to themselves. Ghost might be the most talented runner of them all - but for most of his short life he's been running for all the wrong reasons.
"The ferociously talented Reynolds perfectly captures both the pain and earnest longing of a young boy. The first in the four-book Track series, this is raw and lyrical, and as funny as it is heartbreaking. It tackles issues such as theft, bullying, and domestic violence with candor and bravery, while opening a door for empathy and discussion. An absolute must-read for anyone who has ever wondered how fast you must be to run away from yourself." — Booklist *** starred review ***.
"Reynolds paints a realistic picture of a boy who needs the support of his community to channel his talent and energy. Supporting adult characters are positive, nuanced, and well-developed. The diverse team members are dealing with their own struggles, which will be explored in three future installments. The focus on track athletics - a subject sorely lacking in the middle grade space - combined with the quality of Reynolds's characters and prose, makes this an essential purchase." — School Library Journal *** starred review ***.
"Reynolds has created a wonderfully dynamic character in Ghost; his first-person narrative is one with which young readers will readily identify. Conflicting emotions are presented honestly and without judgment. When it comes to providing mirrors for contemporary African American teens, Reynolds has proven himself to be an emerging leader." — Horn Book *** starred review ***.
(Atheneum)PATINA by Jason Reynolds
A BookPage Children's Top Pick, September 2017
A newbie to the track team, Patina must learn to rely on her teammates as she tries to outrun her personal demons in Jason Reynolds' follow-up to his National Book Award finalist Ghost.
"The plot races as fast as the track runners in it. Without ever feeling like a book about issues it deftly tackles topics like isolation, diverse family makeup, living with illness, losing a parent, transcending socioeconomic and racial barriers, and - perhaps best of all - what it's like for a tween to love their little sister more than all the cupcakes in the world. The second entry in the four-book Track series, this serves as a complete, complex, and sparkling stand-alone novel." — Booklist *** starred review ***.
"Writing in Patty's voice, Reynolds creates a fully dimensional, conflicted character whose hard-earned pragmatism helps her bring her relay team together, negotiate the social dynamics of school, and make the best of her unusual family lot. When this last is threatened, readers will ache right alongside her. Another stellar lap - readers will be eager to see who's next." — Kirkus Reviews *** starred review ***.
"Where Ghost was about racing for and against yourself, Patina is about teamwork. Reynolds’ scenes are beautifully done. . . full of sensory details. What elevates this book and its predecessor to such a high level (five stars:) is Reynolds’ fabulous writing." — Educating Alice.
(Atheneum)ALL AMERICAN BOYS by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely
A 2016 Coretta Scott King Author Honor book
Winner of the Walter Dean Myers Award for Outstanding Children's Literature
Two teens - one black, one white - grapple with the repercussions of a single violent act that leaves their school, their community, and, ultimately, the country bitterly divided by racial tension.
"An all-too-timely book. The scenario that Reynolds and Kiely depict has become a recurrent feature of news reports, and a book that lets readers think it through outside of the roiling emotions of a real-life event is both welcome and necessary." — Publishers Weekly *** starred review ***.
"This hard-edged, ripped-from-the-headlines book is more than a problem novel; it's a carefully plotted, psychologically acute, character-driven work of fiction that dramatizes an all-too-frequent occurrence. Police brutality and race relations in America are issues that demand debate and discussion, which this superb book powerfully enables." — Booklist *** starred review ***.
"Timely and powerful, this novel promises to have an impact long after the pages stop turning. VERDICT Great for fostering discussions about current events among teenage audiences. A must-have for all collections." — School Library Journal *** starred review ***.
"Written with sharp humor and devastating honesty, this nuanced, thoughtful novel recalls the work of Walter Dean Myers and is worthy of his legacy. Reynolds and Kiely explore issues of racism, power, and justice with a diverse (ethnically and philosophically) cast of characters and two remarkable protagonists." — Horn Book *** starred review ***.
- Recently Released Books for Young Children & Early Readers (Children's Books Section)
(Simon Spotlight)(You Should Meet) KATHERINE JOHNSON by Thea Feldman | Illustrated by Alyssa Petersen
Get to know the woman who made many of NASA’s early missions possible in this fascinating, nonfiction Level 3 Ready-to-Read, part of a series of biographies about people “you should meet” who have achieved amazing success in their field.
Meet Katherine Johnson, a brilliant mathematician who worked at NASA in the early 1950s until retiring in 1986. Katherine’s unparalleled calculations (done by hand) helped plan the trajectories for NASA’s Mercury and Apollo missions (including the Apollo 11 moon landing). She is said to be one of the greatest American minds of all time.
A special section at the back of the book includes extras on subjects like history and math, plus inspiring careers for math lovers. With the You Should Meet series, learning about historical figures has never been so much fun!
"I am super excited about this amazing new nonfiction Ready-to-Read biography series from Simon and Schuster called “You Should Meet.” Each book also includes extra historical information, math and trivia. These would make great additions to any home school, classroom or home library. Recommended for children ages 6 - 8 in grades 1 - 3. Check them out!" — Here We Read.
( Simon & Schuster for Young Readers)CREEPY PAIR OF UNDERWEAR! by Aaron Reynolds | Illustrated by Peter Brown
Jasper Rabbit is NOT a little bunny anymore. He's not afraid of the dark, and he's definitely not afraid of something as silly as underwear. But when the lights go out, suddenly his new big rabbit underwear glows in the dark.
"This strikes the ideal balance between frightening and hilarious, and like the underwear itself, readers are guaranteed to keep coming back for this storytime platinum!" — Booklist *** starred review ***.
"Reynolds and Brown are in perfect comedic synch as they channel the surprises and creeping dread of a thriller. Brown's noir-style b&w illustrations make the most of the premise, and the innate absurdity of being afraid of one's undergarments will be a surefire winner with many kids." — Publishers Weekly *** starred review ***.
"Balances a really spooky premise with the hilarity that accompanies any mention of underwear. . . Perfect for those looking for a scary Halloween tale that won't leave them with more fears than they started with." — Kirkus Reviews *** starred review ***.
(Scholastic)WE'LL BITE YOUR TAIL, GERONIMO! (Geronimo Stiltonix Spacemice #11) by Geronimo Stilton
Professor Greenfur, the onboard scientist on the spaceship MouseStar 1, has changed color from green to orange. What's going on? To find out, the spacemice travel to his home planet of Photosyntheson. There, they learn that all of Professor Greenfur's relatives are being threatened by the nibblix, tiny aliens with very sharp teeth. Can the spacemice help in time?
"Lightning pace and full-color design will hook kids in a flash." — Publishers Weekly *** starred review ***.
"Explore space with Geronimo Stiltonix, futuristic analog of the familiar Geronimo Stilton! The format includes the customary Stilton staples: wild types and colors, playful illustrations and sidebars that elaborate on aspects of the fictional world. With a story like an old-fashioned episode of Star Trek, this is a wonderful science-fiction introduction for young readers." — Kirkus Reviews.
(Hyperion/Hachette)SAM, THE MOST SCAREDY-CAT KID IN THE WHOLE WORLD (A Leonardo, the Terrible Monster Companion) by Mo Willems
One day Sam, the most scaredy-cat kid in the whole world, makes a terrifying discovery. It's not Frankenthaler the monster. It's her friend Kerry! Kerry, the second most scaredy-cat kid in the whole world, also makes a terrifying discovery. It's not Leonardo the monster. It's his friend Sam!
"A nuanced take on the changeable nature of friendships. The human kids are scared of each other. The monsters, having better things to do, take off, telling the kids, 'Figure it out'. That they do, cavorting across single-color, starkly framed pages, quickly becoming friends who share many wonderful fears, as well as a few unique to only one of them.A book about the shifting alignments of friendships, but also, more subtly, about fears of the other." — Booklist
"Kerry and Sam's timidity gives way to appreciating their differences and similarities - including a mischievous streak. Visually and narratively, this story is a lovely bookend to Leonardo; Willems demonstrates that starting a new friendship - scary as it might seem - is worth it." — Kirkus Reviews.
- Comics and Graphic Novels - Children (Children's Book Section)
( Graphix/Scholastic)DOG MAN: A TALE OF TWO KITTIES (Dog Man #3) by Dav Pilkey | Illustrated by Jose Garibaldi
He was the best of dogs... He was the worst of dogs... Dog Man, the newest hero from the creator of Captain Underpants, hasn't always been a paws-itive addition to the police force. This time, Petey the cat's dragged in a tiny bit of trouble - a double in the form of a super-cute kitten. Dog Man will have to work twice as hard to bust these furballs and remain top dog!
"Pilkey has done it again. This latest installment is just as funny and irreverent as the first two volumes in the series. Sure to be popular, it's a great choice for elementary school graphic novel collections and of particular interest to reluctant readers." — School Library Journal.
"Pilkey has again fired an arrow of joy straight at the fevered childhood psyche of millions of readers." — Booklist *** starred review ***.
"Readers (of any age) will be giggling from start to finish." — Publishers Weekly *** starred review ***.
"Sly jokes, alimentary humor, and Flip-O-Rama sequences aplenty. . . Step-by-step instructions for drawing major characters and monsters, plus a tail-wagging plug for reading to canine audiences, cap a sequel that ably fulfills the opener's great expectations. Only chuzzlewits will be less than delighted." — Kirkus Reviews.
(Scholastic)THE FORCE OVERSLEEPS (Star Wars: Jedi Academy #5) by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Victor Starspeeder's adventures continue in the newest volume of Star Wars: Jedi Academy! Victor is back at Jedi Academy and he truly defines the definition of sophomore, specifically a sophomore in a slump. He was excited about Drama Club and hoped to get the lead in this year's musical. But his best friend, Artemis, got the role. On top of that his sister, Christina, is getting ready to graduate from Jedi Academy. She's always taken care of him, and Victor is lost now that she's not around as much. Can Victor roll with the (force) punches? Or will he revert to his old ways and go back to being the class clown?
"If I were a kid today, I would be obsessed with Scholastic's Star Wars Jedi Academy book series. A ton of fun. Writer/illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka tells the story in comic form along with some of Victor's journal entries. He uses the medium to its fullest effect, sometimes using the school paper (The Padawan Observer) to fill in gaps or showing Victor's graded homework assignments. Highly recommended for any kid who loves Star Wars and can relate to Victor's middle school challenges." — Laughing Place.
(Graphix/Scholastic)SWING IT, SUNNY by Jennifer L. Holm | Illustrated by Matthew Holm
Summer's over and it's time for Sunny Lewin to enter the strange and unfriendly hallways of middle school. When her Gramps calls her from Florida to ask how she's doing, she always tells him she's fine. But the truth? Sunny is NOT having the best time.
"Using a combination of short exchanges of dialogue and frequent wordless reaction shots, the Holms again leverage simply drawn scenes into a loosely autobiographical narrative that is poignant and hilarious in turn and emotionally rich throughout. Another radiant outing." — Kirkus Reviews *** starred review ***.
"While bright, cartoonish art and lively atmosphere are certainly playful, there's a serious undercurrent of emotional complexity here. The Holms do an impressive job of tapping into the free-associative way kids process anxiety, and Sunny's gradual process of facing her fears and finding a way to relate to her brother is sweet and inspiring." — Booklist *** starred review ***.
"Fans of Sunny Side Up will adore this sequel, which provides enough background for new readers to jump right in. The exaggerated, cartoonlike artwork strikes the right balance of humor and heart, candidly conveying Sunny's emotions. The Holms are realistic about Sunny's complicated family situation yet imbue the upbeat narrative with hope. VERDICT: A must-have for middle grade graphic novel collections." — School Library Journal *** starred review ***..
(Graphix/Scholastic)NNEWTS: THE BATTLE FOR AMPHIBOPOLIS (Nnewts #3) by Doug TenNapel
As he navigates a dangerous world filled with mysterious wonders, Herk the Nnewt continues to face big challenges in the final book of this totally unique fantasy-adventure trilogy.
"A richly imagined amphibian-vs.-reptile world. . . Masterfully blends just the right amount of exposition and plot to effectively hook new readers with TenNapel's trademark brilliant imagination." — Kirkus Reviews.
"A clever, old-fashioned adventure with some modern twists and a light-hearted tone, this, like TenNapel's previous work, is not to be missed." — Booklist *** starred review ***.
"While keeping the action rolling, TenNapel shapes Herk's world, an expansive and magical everglade populated by strange creatures and steeped in history and lore. His soft spot for oddballs and outcasts gives the book a warm center. A visually rich and abundantly imaginative adventure that lands some serious emotional punches." — Publishers Weekly..
- Comics and Graphic Novels - Adults (Wall Display)
- Fantasy, Science Fiction & Horror: New in Paperback (Aisle 2-B)
- Mystery/Crime/Espionage Fiction: New in Paperback (Aisle 2-B)