In this multi-character fantasy/mystery, almost everyone has a Talent, whether it be knitting, matchmaking, baking, or even spitting. Fates are entwined, hidden identities are revealed, families are created and drawn together, and many cakes are baked (recipes included!). A charming tale for middle-grade readers.

Gidwitz, author of last year's A Tale Dark and Grimm, is back with more horrifyingly dark fairy tales. Jack and Jill meet sinister mermaids, homicidal goblins, and a disgusting, yet somehow lovable giant salamander in this collection of tales not for the faint of heart (or stomach).

Mary O'Hara is a young Irish girl whose grandmother is slowly dying. Enter Tansey, a mysterious woman who comes with an important message for Mary's granny. Soon four generations of women are caught up in an unlikely, slightly supernatural adventure. A lovely family story, perfect for mothers and daughters, and a ghost story for people who don't like ghost stories.

Dodsworth, who has already traveled to New York, London, and Paris in previous books in this funny early chapter series, has now arrived in Rome with his crazy duck companion. From joining a pizza throwing contest to visiting Trevi Fountain, Dodsworth and the duck get into several silly mishaps and adventures (of course!). How do you stop a duck from adding his likeness to the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel?

Scheherazade, Sinbad, sorcerers, open sesame... it's all here in this exciting, fast-paced fantasy for kids. Thirteen-year-old Zardi lives in Arribithia, home of an evil sultan who has banned all magic. But when Zardi's sister is in trouble, she and her friend Rhidan seek out Sinbad the sailor for help, and they become caught up in a series of dangerous and magical adventures. Pulling tales from One Thousand and One Nights, this is a unique story all its own.

Auggie Pullman loves Star Wars, his Xbox, his family, and his dog Daisy. He's just a regular 10-year-old kid except for one thing: he has severe facial deformities that have prevented him from ever going to school. But this year, he's about to start fifth grade at Beecher Prep. Told from many points of view, this story gives us an incredible, realistic look into a year in the life of Auggie, his family, friends, and classmates. I laughed, I cried, I loved Auggie and his family and didn't want the story to end. Definitely one of the best of the year.

Actor, director, and yes, children's author Bob Balaban takes the physical changes of puberty to their illogical extremes, when unpopular nerd Charlie Drinkwater mutates into a giant dinosaur one day! What will he eat? What will he wear? Will he still go to school? And most importantly, what will this do to his social life? This is a really clever take on the always-awkward middle school years.