Year of Secret Assignments

Description:

The Ashbury-Brookfield pen pal program was designed to bring together the "lowlife Brooker kids" (as they're known to the Ashburyites) and the "rich Ashbury snobs" (as they're called by the Brookfielders) in a spirit of harmony and the Joy of the Envelope. But things don't go quite as planned. Lydia and Sebastian trade challenges, like setting off the fire alarm at Brookfield. Emily tutors Charlie in How to Go On a Date with a Girl. But it's Cassie and Matthew who both reveal and conceal the most about themselves -- and it's their secrets and lies that set off a war between the two schools.

Review Quotes:

Praise for The Year of Secret Assignments:

* "[T]his is an unusual novel with an exhilarating pace, irrepressible characters, and a screwball humor that will easily attract teens, many of whom will yearn for madcap adventures and unshakably devoted friends like these." -- Booklist, starred review

* "Moriarty's story is complex, original, and unpredictable enough that it's much more than a guilty-pleasure read." -- The Horn Book, starred review

"Containing elements of mystery, espionage, romance and revenge, Moriarty's story will likely satisfy hearty appetites for suspense and fun." -- Publishers Weekly

"This delightful book set in Australia is full of fun, engaging characters, and important messages about friendship." -- School Library Journal

"Between the love stories, the criminal activities, and the working-through of pain, there is a bit of something here for everyone." -- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Who can resist Moriarty's biting humor?" -- Kirkus Reviews

Praise for The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone:

* "Highly entertaining and brilliantly plotted... with its storytelling aplomb, humor, imagination, and many twists and turns, this novel places Moriarty firmly in Diana Wynne Jones territory. Readers will want to begin rereading this spell-binder just as soon as they finish it." -- The Horn Book, starred review

"Her eventful story, seemingly as delicate as gossamer, yet strong as silk, is well structured and entertaining. An episodic, high-spirited tale of adventure and magic." -- Booklist

"Imaginative." -- Kirkus Reviews

"This quirky and endearing adventure set in a captivating, off-beat world is an excellent purchase wherever fantasy circulates well." -- School Library Journal

"[A] delightful book... The author does a wonderful job crafting this fantasy story to make it believable with word play, figurative language, and imagery. Readers will be drawn in with likeable, unforgettable characters and nonstop action ... This title would make a great addition to any school or classroom library and would be a great read aloud." -- School Library Connection

Praise for The Cracks in the Kingdom:

* "Madcap, whimsical, smart and even heartbreaking... Even better than the first." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "Full of clever invention and intrigue, excellent surprises... and all the sophisticated wit Moriarty's fans expect." -- The Horn Book, starred review

* "Readers will be clamoring for the next title after the thrilling yet satisfying conclusion." -- School Library Journal, starred review

Praise for A Corner of White:

A Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book

A Kirkus Best Book of the Year

A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

A Horn Book Fanfare Book

"Jaclyn Moriarty makes me laugh, hysterically -- and cry, unexpectedly... Startlingly original fantasy." -- E. Lockhart, New York Times bestselling author of We Were Liars

"A marvelous novel -- in every sense of the word... A Corner of White slips through a previously unnoticed crack in the reader's heart and changes everything." -- Deborah Harkness, New York Times bestselling author of A Discovery of Witches

* "Quirky, charming, funny, sad: another winner from this always-surprising author." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "Irresistible characters help readers navigate a tantalizingly complex plot that will leave them eagerly awaiting the next book." -- The Horn Book, starred review

* "In this lovely fantasy... mysteries abound." -- School Library Journal, starred review

* "[A] genre-blending feat of stylistic energy... The plotting is as innovative and riveting as the world-making." -- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review