Jen Robinson calls Greg Leitich Smith's middle grade CHRONAL ENGINE irresistible and "a fun, well-researched novel with an appealing premise."  PJ Hoover says "CHRONAL ENGINE is what happens when JURASSIC PARK meets GIDEON THE CUTPURSE. Yes, dinosaurs and time travel all in one awesome place."


The launch party for CHRONAL ENGINE is this weekend - Saturday, March 24th - at BookPeople in Austin, Texas. I can't make the party - will be working in Houston that day - but I'm sure it'll be a fun celebration with Austin writers and readers.


I really want to get my hands on CODE NAME VERITY by Elizabeth Wein. I'll have to wait a few months before it's out in the US - released May 2012 - but I've been reading good things.  Over on

Here's a link to the author's website: http://www.elizabethwein.com/


A book I recently read and loved - disturbingly delicious - is the middle grade THE SINISTER SWEETNESS OF SPLENDID ACADEMY by Nikki Loftin. I read an ARC and couldn't put it down - staying up wayyyy past my bedtime to finish it. Razorbill releases it in August.

From the publisher: "When Lorelei's old school mysteriously burns down, a new one appears practically overnight: Splendid Academy. Rock-climbing walls on the playground and golden bowls of candy on every desk? Gourmet meals in the cafeteria, served by waiters? Optional homework and two recess periods a day? It's every kid's dream.

But Lorelei and her new friend Andrew are pretty sure it's too good to be true."

Nikki's website: http://nikkiloftin.com/