Monday, December 3, 2012

12 MG Novels on My Must-Read List 2013

It's only the beginning of December and I already have a list of twelve books I absolutely have to read in 2013.

1. Alligators Overhead, by C. Lee McKenzie
I've read good reviews of this book, and I really want to read it! The author offered her e-book for free on Smashwords just as I was starting my to-read list. Lucky me! I downloaded a copy.

2&3. The Magic Thief (books 2 and 3), by Sarah Prineas
I read book one and I loved it! I want to read the other two in the series and review them all at once on my blog.

4. Tua and the Elephant, by R.P. Harris
I won this book on Michael G.G.'s blog back in April and I haven't read it yet. I have to stop winning more free books than I have time to read! I'm saving it for 2013.

5. Keeper of the Lost Cities, by Shannon Messenger
I met Shannon at WriteOnCon in 2010 (she's one of the masterminds that organized that awesome event), and now I can't wait to read her recently released book! I've heard very good things about it, and the cover and summary make me want to read it so bad.

6. Hatchet, by Gary Paulsen
Some people suggested I read this book because it's a bit similar to my WIP's setting. I'm curious now. I absolutely have to read it!

7. The Mapmaker and the Ghost, by Sarvenaz Tash
I came across this book during the YAmazing Race (which I started but never finished), and the cover and title caught my eye. I didn't win a copy of the book, but it ended up on my to-read list.

8. Princess Academy, by Shannon Hale (and possibly Book 2)
I've read this book already a while ago. I need to read it again to post a review on my blog. And I've heard the sequel is out! I might read both while I'm at it.

9. Either Flip or Hidden Talents, by David Lubar
My daughter read these books and more from the same author. She recommended I check him out. I think I will! Not sure which one I'll read yet. Maybe both.

10. Small Medium at Large, by Joanne Levy
I can't remember how I came across this book. On twitter? Through my agent search? On someone's blog? Hmm... All I know is that the title really grabbed me, and when I read the blurb I got totally hooked. I need to read this!

11. Samantha Sutton and the Labyrinth of Lies, by Jordan Jacobs
I've heard of that book, and now I just read a review on Akoss's blog and I want one!! I hope I win the giveaway. If not, I'll have to find another way to get my hands on that book.

12. The Young Healer, by Frank N. McMillan III
I was looking for one more book to add to my list, when I came across a review of this book on Dorine White's blog. The title caught my attention, and her review convinced me I should really read it.

I'm glad I'm using Goodreads now to keep track of all the books I want to read. It helps a lot! Any other MG novels I should add on my must-read list?

15 comments:

Unknown said...

These all sound wonderful, and it's awesome of you to promote your fellow authors' work, especially C.Lee's -- she's the best!
You rock Annie! :-D

AJ Cattapan said...

I recommend Hidden Talents by David Lubar. I've read the book to my sixth grade students for years, and they all love it--even the reluctant readers. I met David Lubar at the International Reading Association Conference last May--nice guy!

Annie McMahon said...

Thanks, Lexa! Your comments are always so encouraging. I hope some time soon I can add your book to my list. :)

Annie McMahon said...

Thanks for visiting my blog, AJ! My daughter loved that book. Can't wait to read it.

Anonymous said...

I'm hosting C. Lee McKenzie during my Third Annual Children's and MG Series later this month. Best wishes for all the above mentioned authors during the holiday season!

Melanie Conklin said...

Thanks for the list, Annie! I have quite a few of these on my goodreads TBR list right now. For the month of December, I'm reading YA (holiday treat!) But in January I'll be back to some of this awesome MG.

Marcia said...

So many great books. It's neat that your list has a mix of young and "old."

Anonymous said...

There's a book that didn't make it to your list, but you still have to read in 2013. Unknown Reality, by Kurt Chambers. I only know that because I want you to edit it for me at some point hahaha!!!

You're the best, Annie <3

Anonymous said...

Great picks! I have a copy of Keeper of the Lost Cities that I haven't gotten a chance to read yet. Soon!

Just friended you on Goodreads. Looking forward to see what you're reading!

Sara Lucinda Bell said...

I always loved Hatchet so much! I don't really recognize any of the other titles very well, but Hatchet is definitely on my list of books to share with my little one someday. =]

cleemckenzie said...

This was a super lift to my day, Annie. Thanks for the shout out. I hope the book entertains you.

All my best, Lee

Kimbra Kasch said...

My boys read Hatchet, by Gary Paulsen, when they were younger. Just the other day they were talking about it - and they are 28 and 25 now! Impressive book.

Akoss said...

I love your list. Maybe I should make one too to keep me "focused". I get distracted by way too many shiny new books. lol

PS: Thanks for the shout out. :)

Ms. Yingling said...

Couple of these I haven't read-- I'll have to take a look!

Annie McMahon said...

Thanks for all your comments!

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