February may be the shortest month of the year, but there are times when it feels like the longest. This weekend there were some bright sunny days in New York, but the whipping winds brought us back to the reality of winter. Our favorite winter escape --- a book.

Over the years so many of you have told us that you are aspiring poets. With this in mind we're very excited to be bringing you all the details about the Claudia Ann Seaman Poetry Contest on Teenreads.com. The winner will receive a $500 cash prize and publication of their winning poem in the literary journal HANGING LOOSE. It's a fantastic opportunity for all of you who love to write poetry!

Think you're a history buff? This month we're featuring THE ESSENTIAL BOOK OF PRESIDENTIAL TRIVIA by Noah McCullough, who you may recognize as "The Whiz Kid" from "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." This book is chock full of fun and surprising presidential facts that we're pretty sure your history teacher never mentioned.

Along with the regular updates of our Cool New Books feature and reviews section, we have a review of HOLLY'S STORY --- the third book in Lurlene McDaniel's Angels in Pink trilogy --- and nine more Manga reviews.

Spring still may seem months away, but you can drown those winter blues with a good book and Teenreads.com.

Happy reading from all of us.

Carol Fitzgerald (Carol@bookreporter.com)

Welcome to Teenreads.com's new Japanese manga section! Japanese manga, or Japanese print comics, are fast becoming the most popular comics for teens. Full of wacky humor, intense action, blossoming romance and true observations on everyday life, manga covers every kind of genre and taste. Manga tells their stories in their own unique combination of text, images and symbols (half the fun is figuring it all out). Aside from the stereotypical giant robots and cute schoolgirls, you'll find everyone from stealth government agents to spacy classical musicians to historical legends brought to life in these titles.

The reviews we will be posting are courtesy of the graphic novel review website for teens No Flying No Tights. We will be updating this feature every month with new manga reviews, so be sure to check back to see what's new!

AZUMANGA DAIOH, Volume 1 by Kiyohiko Azuma (ADV Manga, 2003)
This is the story, in quick snapshots, of six high school students and their teachers. Sometimes funny, sometimes cute, and sometimes puzzling --- all are refreshing, light, and different from anything else out there. Reviewed by Katie Morrissey

CROSSROAD, Volume 1 by Shioko Mizuki (Go Comi Manga, 2005)
Abandoned by everyone but each other, Kajitsu and her two stepbrothers make one last attempt at building a family. It's hard enough getting along in a home with rampant hormones and no adults, but when an unexpected bundle of joy is dropped in their laps, can they learn to be parents, too? Reviewed by Robin Bremer.

DESCENDANTS OF DARKNESS [Yami No Matsuei]: Volume 1 by Yoko Matsushita (Viz, 2004)
Employed by the Summons Department in the afterlife, Asato Tsuzuki is in charge of rounding up souls. Now if he can just break in a rookie partner, guide souls, fight demons, and locate the perfect dessert. Reviewed by Alison Kotin.

DESCENDANTS OF DARKNESS [Yami No Matsuei]: Volume 2 by Yoko Matsushita (Viz, 2004)
Hisae is a fatally ill dancer who is stubbornly clinging to life. Tsuzuki arrives just in time to witness the aftermath of a horrific crime --- Hisae's home is splattered with blood! Who is responsible for the gory graffiti? Reviewed by Alison Kotin.

STEADY BEAT by Rivkah (Tokyopop, 2005)
Sarai is the golden girl --- pretty, athletic, independent, smart, popular, and her mother's favorite. A secret love letter clues younger sister Leah that maybe her sister's life isn't so perfect after all. Reviewed by Robin Bremer.

UZUMAKI, Volume 1 by Junji Ito (Viz, 2001)
Kirie stumbles across her boyfriend Shuichi's father transfixed by the sight of a swirling snail shell. Shuichi explains that his dad has been locked in his room mesmerized by the spirals in swirling water and painted umbrellas. What could be the cause? Reviewed by Alison Kotin.

UZUMAKI, Volume 2 by Junji Ito (Viz, 2002)
In this second volume of the saga, Shuichi's girlfriend Kirie becomes further involved in their town's terrible secret when schoolmates start turning up as horrible human snails and something unspeakable is discovered within the walls of the local hospital. Reviewed by Alison Kotin.

YONGBI THE INVINCIBLE, Volume I by Ki Woon Ryu (CPM Manhwa, 2004)
Yongbi is a young and daring bounty hunter who isn't afraid of anything. When he captures the feared leader of the Black Snake assassination organization and retrieves the child of a powerful merchant, Yongbi finds himself caught in the middle of rivals. Reviewed by Jack Kotin.

YOTSUBA&!, Volume 1 by Kyohiko Azuma (ADV Manga, 2005)
Yotsuba is an energetic, naive little girl who's just moving to the city with her father. She finds adventure (and hilarity!) in the most ordinary tasks. Laugh out loud at the perfect comic timing; the ride through Yotsuba's life is not to be missed. Reviewed by Robin Bremer.

-Click here to read all our Manga reviews.

GRAND & HUMBLE by Brent Hartinger (Psychological Thriller)
Two boys who seem to have nothing in common share more than it appears at first in this unsettling, complex novel by Brent Hartinger, who takes readers on an intense psychological journey as Harlan and Manny struggle with a fear they cannot name. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

-Click here to read an excerpt from GRAND & HUMBLE.

A BRIEF CHAPTER IN MY IMPOSSIBLE LIFE by Dana Reinhardt (Fiction)
In this promising first novel by Dana Reinhardt, Simone's typical teen concerns are put in perspective when her birth mother contacts her, seemingly out of the blue. Simone discovers love, heartbreak, and a family history she never could have imagined. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

-Click here to read an excerpt from A BRIEF CHAPTER IN MY IMPOSSIBLE LIFE.

THE ESSENTIAL BOOK OF PRESIDENTIAL TRIVIA by Noah McCullough (Political Science)
Noah McCullough, the political whiz kid famed for his appearances on "The Tonight Show," offers up brief bios and fun facts about our nation's leaders, as well as trivia questions. Confident about your prez-smarts? Take Noah's Ultimate Presidential Trivia Quiz and see where you stand. Forget your p's and q's; know your stars and stripes. If you love your country, you will love THE ESSENTIAL BOOK OF PRESIDENTIAL TRIVIA.

The Claudia Ann Seaman Poetry Award is open to all high school students across the country. Each young writer may submit two poems on any subject and in any form as long as their submission does not exceed 10 pages in length. The deadline for entering this annual contest is June 1, 2006.

Just in time for the Academy Awards, Universal Studios is releasing the DVD of Pride & Prejudice, the film adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel. If you missed it in theaters, this is a perfect opportunity to see why Keira Knightley's performance as the headstrong Elizabeth Bennet is Oscar-worthy. And the DVD promises to thrill even those of you who already saw (and loved) the movie in theaters. It is full of bonus features that immerse viewers in the romance and intrigue of the Bennet sisters' quest for love and provides an exclusive look behind the scenes as filmmakers recreate the vivid and beguiling word of Jane Austen.

ANGELS IN PINK: HOLLY'S STORY by Lurlene McDaniel (Fiction)
The summer before their senior year promises to be busy but fun for best friends Holly, Raina and Kathleen. But Holly's world forever changes when tragedy strikes close to home. She, Raina and Kathleen will need each other now more than ever. Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.

-Click here to read an excerpt from ANGELS IN PINK: HOLLY'S STORY.

CELL by Stephen King (Thriller)
Clayton Riddell has just landed a comic book deal that might finally enable him to support his family. He's feeling good about the future --- but that changes in a hurry. The cause of the devastation is a phenomenon that will come to be known as The Pulse, and the delivery method is a cell phone. Everyone's cell phone. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub and excerpted.

THE LAST TEMPLAR by Raymond Khoury (Suspense)
Following a bizarre incident at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, in which four masked horsemen dressed as Templar Knights steal an artifact from "The Treasures of the Vatican" exhibit, an FBI investigation led by anti-terrorist specialist Sean Reilly is launched. Soon, he and archaeologist Tess Chaykin are drawn into the dark, hidden history of the Templar Knights, plunging them into a deadly game of cat and mouse with ruthless killers as they race across three continents to recover the lost secret of the Templars. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub and excerpted.

DEATH DANCE by Linda Fairstein (Thriller)
New York Times bestselling author Linda Fairstein takes readers behind the scenes of New York City's theater world as Assistant DA Alexandra Cooper --- with the help of longtime friends Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace --- investigates the disappearance of a world-famous dancer who suddenly vanished backstage at Lincoln Center's Metropolitan Opera House during a performance. Reviewed by Roz Shea and excerpted.

GENTLEMEN & PLAYERS by Joanne Harris (Thriller)
For generations, privileged young men have attended St. Oswald's Grammar School for Boys. But this year the wind of unwelcome change is blowing, and Roy Straitley, the eccentric Classics teacher who has been a fixture there for more than thirty years, is contemplating retirement. He is joined this term by five new faculty members --- and one of them has nefarious plans that involve the ultimate demise of St. Oswald's. Reviewed by Roberta O'Hara and excerpted.

THE FINISHING SCHOOL by Michele Martinez (Suspense)
In a glittering penthouse high above Park Avenue, two beautiful teenagers, students at an exclusive Manhattan girls' school, lie dead under suspicious circumstances. Michele Martinez, author of the critically acclaimed MOST WANTED, brings back savvy, sexy federal prosecutor Melanie Vargas in a new case that pits her against a very clever, very scary killer. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

SIZE 12 IS NOT FAT: A Heather Wells Mystery by Meg Cabot (Mystery)
In book one of Meg Cabot's Heather Wells mystery series, Heather is irritated by the general assumption that size 12 is chunky (when it's the average size of American women) and by being recognized as a previous pop teen idol. But when Heather stumbles across a murder, she puts these trivial irks behind her to focus on sleuthing, in her own endearing and humorous fashion. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

LIGHTING THE WAY: Nine Women Who Changed Modern America by Karenna Gore Schiff (Women's History)
In this highly readable, illuminating narrative that spans the twentieth century, Karenna Gore Schiff tells the remarkable stories of nine influential women who each in her own way tackled inequity and advocated a change. These women recognized our country wasn't living up to its promise and fought to alter it. Reviewed by Andi Shechter.

BAD KITTY by Michele Jaffe (Fiction)
Jasmine Callihan wants nothing more than to enjoy her family vacation in Las Vegas, but she's also looking to avoid her evil cousin and possibly meet a hot guy she's been eyeing. Unfortunately, Jas doesn't get what she wishes for --- instead she becomes the central figure in a murder mystery! Reviewed by Paula Jolin.

COPPER SUN by Sharon Draper (Historical Fiction)
Fifteen-year-old Amari loves life in her home village in Africa. She spends her days strolling along the stream, daydreaming about her handsome future husband, teasing her little brother, and avoiding chores. But everything changes the day the pale-faced visitors arrive. Reviewed by Chris Shanley Dillman.

GUITAR HIGHWAY ROSE by Brigid Lowry (Fiction)
In a small seaside Australian town, Rosie Moon longs to see more of the world and experience life in new ways. So when quiet, nonconformist Asher Fielding comes to town and catches Rosie's interest, the two decide to leave their troubles behind and embark on a cross-country search for adventure, freedom and love. Reviewed by Emily Shaffer.

THE FRUIT BOWL PROJECT by Sarah Durkee (Fiction)
Rock superstar Nick Thompson visits the kids in 8th Grade Writer's Workshop to talk about writing. He gives the class two weeks to complete an assignment --- each student must tell an interesting story, reflecting his or her style --- using seven seemingly ordinary elements. Reviewed by Paula Jolin.

DIRTY LIAR by Brian James (Fiction)
Due to his mother's drinking and her boyfriend's verbally and sexually abusive behavior, Benji moves to Portland to live with his father and stepmother. His stepmother is nice but he doesn't trust her, while his father is testy and refuses to trust Benji. Benji is just trying not to self-destruct. Reviewed by Alexis Burling.

WARRIOR GIRL: A Novel of Joan of Arc by Pauline Chandler (Historical Fiction)
Paulne Chandler takes a classic historical story and puts an intriguing new spin on it in this riveting novel that shows France during the 1400s through the eyes of Mariane, the mute cousin of Jehanne --- the girl who will become known as Joan of Arc. Reviewed by Kristi Olson.

FORBIDDEN by Judy Waite (Fiction)
Fifteen-year-old Elinor is very lucky. At least that's what the other members of True Cause think. But what she doesn't know is that True Cause isn't just a religious group, but a dangerous cult headed by a creepy man who claims to be descended from an ancient group of non-humans. Reviewed by Hannah Gomez.

HAZING MERI SUGARMAN by M. Apostolina (Fiction)
Self-proclaimed loser Cindy Bixby is determined to become a member of Alpha Beta Delta, the best sorority on campus. After surviving Pledge Week, Cindy discovers that Meri Sugarman, who controls the sorority, is more than just an egoist: she's downright evil. Reviewed by Carlie Webber.

MASSIVE by Julia Bell (Fiction)
Carmen is devastated when her mother moves them out of their house into a dinky apartment in Birmingham. As her life spirals out of control Carmen begins to take charge of the only thing she can --- what she eats. If she were thin, could it all be different? Reviewed by Amy Alessio.

What are your favorite series titles? Please check as many as apply.

-THE A-LIST by Zoey Dean
-ALIAS
-BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER
-CHARMED
-CIRQUE DU FREAK by Darren Shan
-THE CLIQUE by Lisi Harrison
-THE DATING GAME by Natalie Standiford
-THE GOSSIP GIRLS by Cecily von Ziegesar
-HARRY POTTER by J. K. Rowling
-MATES, DATES by Cathy Hopkins
-THE MEDIATOR by Meg Cabot
-THE PRINCESS DIARIES by Meg Cabot
-SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS by Ann Brashares
-None of the above
-I do not read series books.

What series titles would you like to see featured on Teenreads.com?

This contest period, one teen reader will be randomly chosen to win a copy of A BRIEF CHAPTER IN MY IMPOSSIBLE LIFE by Dana Reinhardt (Click on the link below for the official rules) To automatically enter to win, e-mail us your recommendations and book ratings.