**Update 1/28/2011** Congrats to our winner, Mary Virginia! Thanks to everyone for your great comments. I read every single one, and I can’t wait to dive into some of these wonderful reads.
I’m very excited to be able to share an Advance Readers Copy of the amazing Above World by Jenn Reese.
From the Goodreads description:
Thirteen-year-old Aluna has lived her entire life under the ocean with the Coral Kampii in the City of Shifting Tides. But after centuries spent hidden from the Above World, her colony’s survival is at risk. The Kampii’s breathing necklaces are failing, but the elders are unwilling to venture above water to seek answers. Only headstrong Aluna and her friend Hoku are stubborn and bold enough to face the terrors of land to search for way to save their people. But can Aluna’s fierce determination and fighting skills and Hoku’s tech-savvy keep them safe? Set in a world where overcrowding has led humans to adapt – growing tails to live under the ocean or wings to live on mountains – here is a ride through a future where greed and cruelty have gone unchecked, but the loyalty of friends remains true.
I deeply love this book. I wish I could have read it as a 12- or 13-year-old. Kirkus calls it “Imaginative and riveting,” and says, “A warrior heroine with a caring heart, stalwart friends, an edgy futurist subtext and the suggestion of a possible sequel make this a thrilling sci-fi adventure.” I couldn’t agree more!
To win this ARC, just comment by telling me a favorite middle grade read that I shouldn’t miss. After midnight EST on Friday, I’ll do a random number thingy and pick a winner.
Good luck! Can’t wait to see your middle grade recommendations!
