The link above references Kathy Isaacs' article, "Promoting Literature through Book Discussion: Capitol Choices." It offers an excellent overview of the history and mission of Capitol Choices.
Join us for the "Breathless" tour. Four new and popular authors of books for teens (Marie Lu, Beth Revis, Andrea Cremer and Jessica Spotswood) will take part in a panel discussion at the Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Rd., Bethesda MD 20814 at 5pm on Thursday Feb. 16th, 5pm. Annette Curtis Klause (author and librarian) will moderate the panel. All are invited.
Would you like to become or remain a reading group member for Capitol Choices? Be sure to email the facilitator for whichever group you'd like to join. We are welcoming four new facilitators this year, so be sure to check the Join Us page to see who they are! As an added bonus you'll also find the 2012 meeting dates!
This view shows all of the books in this age group that have been selected in years past and nominated for the current year (but not yet selected). The nominations are marked by a "Nomination(not yet selected):" label.
Laurel is on a downward spiral in her journey from cheerleader and loving daughter and sister to a crystal meth addict. Meth is her "moon" and she spends her days begging for money to buy more drugs and writing poetry. Moses, a young street artist befriends her and starts her on a slow journey away from drugs. 14 and up. Kathie Weinberg.
This graphic novel takes place in Texas in 1968 at the height of racial tensions during the Civil Rights movement. A white man and a black man decided to trust one another for the cause - a difficult decision for both of them and their families. Fourteen and Up. Joan Kindig
Hazel is battling cancer, and is depressed and isolated with only her parents for company. She reluctantly attends a cancer support group session, meets fellow cancer survivor Augustus and her world opens up to love, fun and adventure. These two are on an endearing ride of hope and loss. Fourteen and Up. Kathie Weinberg
Min Green and Ed Slaterton were in love, and now they're not. Min, having been dumped, is now dumping back a box of relationship ephemera on Ed's porch, each item attached to part of a long letter explaining how each one contributed to their breakup. Illustrated with the objects in the box. Fourteen and Up.
Cullen's younger brother has disappeared. And in the town of Lily, Arkansas the endangered Lazarus woodpecker (Remember the book Race To Save the Lord God Bird?) is getting more publicity than the search for Gabriel. In a separate storyline, a missionary deals with the ancient Book of Enoch. This debut author connects it all together at the end of this thriller and gives the reader much to think about. Fourteen and Up. Blair Christolon
This graphic novel biography of Richard Feynman is told from Feynman’s point of view. The science and math explanations included are well-suited to the graphic format as Feynman tended to think in visuals and diagrams himself. The book also covers his always-interesting social life and Feynman’s personality really comes through. Michelle Miller
Lucky is 15 and surrounded by adults who are busy making a mess out of own their lives. Lucky watches all this with humor and patience. He even has a bully on his tail. His preferred escape route from all this is imaginary conversations with his grandfather who has long been listed as MIA in Vietnam. The reader will be brought along on this journey, alternating between laughing out loud and cringing at the reality of Lucky's life. This book is a wonderful reminder that it is hard growing up. Fourteen and Up. Kathie Weinberg
Tryell's story continues with his father's release from prison and the family's re-adjustment to his father's presence.All is complicated by his father's continued abuse of his mother and the fact that his brother remains in foster care. This compelling story of a life with few breaks and/or ways out brings out the urban male teen voice in a very real manner. Fourteen and Up. Kathie Weinberg
Nearly 14-year-old Charlie is awakened one hot night by Jasper Jones, an often misunderstood peer of his, who has found the dead body of a girl they both know. Charlie becomes involved in the incident, and the mystery of what actually happened unfolds. Charlie confronts his fears, racism, and learns about family, friendship and love in a small town in 1960s Western Australia. This very intricate coming-of-age novel, has a strong, evocative plot and accurate teen voices discussing what teens still discuss today. 14 and up.
Karou is an art student in Prague, with a mysterious origin. Her "guardian" is some kind of demon, and Karou is uniquely available to run errands for him, errands that require returning with teeth, often human. Suddenly, the passageway to her home is shut down, and a gorgeous warrior angel named Akiva enters her life. But just when I thought a good gory urban fantasy was going to turn into a star-crossed romance, Akiva and Karou's pasts are made known. This first in a series paints an elaborate and literary urban fantasy. Fourteen and Up Jamie Watson
