In My Mailbox 124

This meme was started by the fabulous Kristi who was inspired by Alea. Check out their blogs for more information. All summaries are from the book jackets unless otherwise stated.

For review:

The Terrible Thing that Happened to Barnaby Brocket – John Boyne

There’s nothing unusual about the Brockets. Boring, respectable and proud of it, they turn up their noses at anything strange or different. But from the moment Barnaby brocket comes into the world, he defies the laws of gravity - and floats. Desperate to please his parents, Barnaby does his best to keep both feet on the ground – but he just can’t do it!

One fateful day, the Brockets decide enough is enough. They never asked for a weird, abnormal floating child. Barnaby has to go.

Betrayed, frightened  and alone, Barnaby floats into the path of a very special hot-air balloon – and so begins a magical journey around the world.

This sounds so, so good! I think it’ll be a great introduction to John Boyne! Thanks, RHCP!

Witch Grag – Kate Cann

In a tribe where basic survival is the only priority, Kita must make a choice: to accept arranged marriages and being treated with less value than sheep, or escape and journey to the place that even the strongest men fear with their lvies – Witch Crag.

But a commmon threat is facing the witches and sheepmen alike. The tribes must somehow overcome their prejudices and join together if they are to win a war that threatens to destroy everything they hold as good.

A surprise from Scholastic. I’ve never read anything by Kate Cann, but I’m very intrigued by this.

Ocean of Secrets – Aimee Friedman

Many are drawn to Selkie Island. Few know why.

When Miranda Merchant escapes her lonely, hot summer in New York City, little does she know what awits her. She steps off the ferry on to an island rife with legend and lore.

She isn’t expecting to feel a connection to this unusual place. And when she meets Leo, a mysterious local boy, she finds herself questioning everything she thought she knew about boys, friendship, reality...and love.

But is Leo hiding something she never could have imagined?

I believe this was released in the US as Sea Change in 2009 and I was very surprised when it turned up from Scholastic! Thank you!

The Masque of the Red Death – Bethany Griffin

Everything is in ruins.

A devastating plague has decmated the population. And those who survived live in in fear of catching it as the city crumbles to pieces around them.

So what does Araby Worth have to live for?

Nights in the Debauchery Club, beautiful dresses, glittery make-up...and so many tantalizing ways to escape from it all.

But in the depths of the Debauchery Club – in the depths of her own despair – Araby is going to find more than oblivion. He’s called Will, the handsome, secretive proprietor of the club. And Elliot, the wickedly smart aristocrat. Neither is quite what he seems. Both have secrets. Everyone does.

And Araby may find something not just to live for, but to fight for – no matter what it costs her.

Thanks, Orion/Indigo! I really love the sound of this – so excited!

My Brother Simple – Marie-Aude Murail

‘It’s OK, you can talk – he’s a retard.’

‘I-di-ot,’ Simple corrected.

Kleber is trying to juggle sixth form and two girls. Then he decides to take on his brother, Simple. His brother has learning difficulties, but Kleber can’t bear to see him in an institution. He finds a flatshare in the city, and takes Simple to live with him there.

The flatmates react in a different ways, but one thing becomes clear – Simple is not an i-di-ot. He changes the dynamic between them completely; ultimately he changes their lives.

This funny, moving, award-winning novel is captivating readers across the world.

I’ve never heard of this before, but I think it should do pretty well off the back of Wonder. Thanks, Bloomsbury!

Maze Cheat – BR Collins

Rick and Pir are Gamerunners.

They run, choose their weapons and fight in The Maze.

The Maze is much more than an ordinary computer game.   

True gamers play as if it were life or death.

Now the game has become life or death.

Except the gamers don't know that yet...

Enter The Maze to begin.

Thanks again to Bloomsbury. I think I actually gave away the first book in this series, Gamerunners...

Sophie