Particular titles dominated people’s conversations here in the Mile High City, so I headed out to the exhibit hall to see for myself.  Here’s some buzz on forthcoming YA books for 2009:

Chasing Lincoln’s Killer by James L. Swanson is the youth version of Swanson’s Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer.  The author was heard assuring librarians that the gory details were neither gratuitous nor excised from this adaptation for younger readers.  

Swedish coming-of-age story  When the Snow Fell by Henning Mankell is a companion novel to his previous two books for YA readers: A Bridge to the Stars and Shadows in the Twilight.  To this point I have only been familiar with Mankell’s Kurt Wallander mysteries for adults, so I’m eager to give this one a try.

Many of our teachers request Holocaust stories on a yearly basis, and I am always on the lookout for new additions to our booklists.  Clara’s War: One Girl’s Story of Survival by Clara Kramer is a personal account of 20 months spent in hiding from the Nazis.

The Carbon Diaries: 2015 by Saci Lloyd combines post-disaster scenarios and contemporary environmental issues.  This “ecothriller” is making its message literal as the ARC is printed on environmentally responsible paper and inks (as will the final book).  

A coveted galley at Midwinter has been Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson.  The rumors say that it is a true successor to Speak.  It looks dark and concerns eating disorders – and has already generated a lot of cocktail party discussion!

And last but not least, a companion novel to Graceling by Kristin Cashore has surfaced.  Fire is being snapped up by Graceling fans in hot anticipation.

Although the economy is faltering, it appears that authors’ imaginations are not!  YA publishing for 2009 is off to a roaring start.  Among other sightings were a new Sarah Dessen title, cover art to the Hunger Games sequel, and a succession of werewolf and fairy/faerie titles slowly surpassing vampire tales.  Did you see or read anything awesome in Denver?  Share with the rest of us in the comments section below!