Favorite Book of the Year....

Alrighty kiddos...its that time of the year....please nominate the BEST book that you have read this year!  Be sure to tell us the title, author, genre, and cover all the story elements---characters, setting, plot (do not give away the ending) and theme.  Talk up your book!!!  Make us WANT to read it!!!
Here is an example...
 
Crash   
By: Jerry Spinelli
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Setting:  Pennsylvania, present day
Characters:  Crash, Penn, Mike, Abby, Jane, Grandpa Scooter, mom and dad
Crash Coogan loves to bully Penn Webb.  Ever since they met each other back in first grade, Penn has tried hard to befriend Crash, but Crash bullies, teases and taunts Penn Webb.  He has gone from making fun of his lack of toys and stealing his buttons and burying them.  To present day---- Junior High where he puts mustard in his shoes, and hangs a bra on his locker.  But when Crash's grandpa gets sick....only one person is there for him.  Is it is his "best friend" Mike or the one he teases, Penn Webb??  He figures out fast, that people should not be judged on looks alone.  This is such a great book!!!  It is written in diary form....and I know you will devour it!!!!  Pick it and give it a read!