Dr. Ernie Bond, Carnegie Foundation's 2007 Maryland Teacher Educator of the Year, has long been an advocate for connecting to students and is a well respected reviewer for tradebook offerings of new, young adult literature.  Linking these two passions, Bond has written a delightful and contemporary new text for YAL courses.  Bond's own wide reading and uncanny ability to recognize what students 10-14 will and should read plays out in rich text sets and authentic classroom features designed to help teachers captivate both motivated and reluctant readers.  This YAL text provides a fresh and exciting experience for pre-service and in-service teachers as it leads them to the newest and best offerings of literature available for adolescents today.