December 1, 2011
We are pleased to present this year’s 65 choices for the best Books of 2011, chosen from the more than 6000 books reviewed this year. Novels were a standout, particularly those for teens, with themes of leadership, coming-of-age, and facing tough situations presented in powerful narratives with memorable characters. Fantasy and science fiction genres made a strong showing for middle grades and YA, featuring taut page-turners and selections laced with humor. and we were impressed by the number of novels with exciting visual components that enhanced the storytelling. this was a particularly fine year for nonfiction across the board, from forensic scientists tackling what George Washington really looked like to the collective power of one community to determine its source of energy to 19th-century voyagers setting out to circumnavigate the globe. Spectacularly illustrated memoirs made a great showing, including those from Claire Nivola and award-winning illustrators Allen say and Ed Young. Stunning art appears in all genres, from Vicky White’s evocative work in Can We Save the Tiger? to Shane W. Evans’s outstanding and haunting Underground: Finding the Light to Freedom to extraordinary and highly appealing picture books from masterful veterans and exciting newcomers to the field. We think you’ll find something here to engage all of your readers and enhance your collections in all areas. The month in which the original review appeared follows each annotation.–Trev Jones
AP PhotoLead singer Brad Arnold and the rest of 3 Doors down play the DeltaPlex Arena on Friday.
AP PhotoLead singer Brad Arnold and the rest of 3 Doors down play the DeltaPlex Arena on Friday.
AP PhotoLead singer Brad Arnold and the rest of 3 Doors Down play the DeltaPlex Arena on Friday.
