Critics at work

Now that December's here, we're beginning to see all the "Best of 2009" lists roll in. Normally I end up sneering at these (hi, Salon!), but there are a couple from sources I trust. I was pretty stoked to see NPR's list of the Best Young Adult Fiction of 2009—naturally, I haven't read any of their selections (I almost never have), but they've picked some fun-looking titles. This doesn't mean that I'm sold on these books as being the best of the year, but I am willing to check 'em out the next time I'm at the bookstore.