Reluctant or avid readers are sure to be pleased when finding any of the recommended books under the tree this year.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney:
The book is recommended for children between the ages of eight and twelve.
There are two so far in the series along with a do-it yourself fun, make your
own diarytype journal. The third volume will be released in February 2009.
I recently discovered, this story arose from a web comic which chronicles the
life of a sixth grader enteringmiddle school. Whatever tribulations a sixth grader
encounters Kinney touches uponwith laugh out loud humor that young guys
are sure to appreciate.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Boxed Set by Rick Riordan:
The 39 Clues: The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan:
The first in a series of ten books excellent for ages nine to twelve, each written by a different
Owlboy by Tom Sniegoski
author. Although the first is by Rick Riordan author of the Percy Jackson series, book 2 - 39 Clues: One False Note, released December 2, 2008 – is by the author of Swindle, Gordon Korman. The series is sort of mystery/treasure hunt surrounding the Cahill’s; a very powerful family whom the reader may be related to. Nonetheless, there are 39 clues hidden around the world and by reading the books and collecting the cards readers have an opportunity to log on, win a number of small prizes and the grand prize of $10,000. (Please note children do not interact with other players nor do they provide any personal information should they choose to long onto the 39 clues website)
Daniel X by James Patterson
The Extraordinary Adventures of Ordinary Boy: The Great Powers Outage by William Boniface:
The third book in the series excellent for ages 9-12. Ordinary boy is the only one in a town full of people with superpowers. In fact his parents have superpowers but he does not. But ordinary boy is very smart so that could be his superpower as he thwarts villains and bad guys. This is a very humorous book and will keep kids laughing and reading.
George's Secret Key to the Universe by Lucy and Stephen Hawking
Here Lies Arthur by Philip Reeve:
The book is a retelling of the Arthur legend with a twist, the story is told from the perspective of a young woman Gwyna. Some characters from the original story are missing and some slightly renamed for example Merlin is now Myrddins. This book is full of battles, historical details and great language. Some of the material may not be good for young readers but appropriate for teens.
Bone Volume 1: Out From Boneville by Jeff Smith:
So far there are eight volumes in this graphic novel geared toward age’s nine to twelve. The story surround three cousins lost in a strange land and tons of wackiness ensues. Its entertaining, great graphics and this too will keep young readers hooked and looking forward to the next installment.
Owlboy by Tom Sniegoski:
This too is a part of a series, at this time there are four books with the fifth to be released on December 9, 2008. Like many of the other recommendations this is on the reading level of children between the ages of nine and twelve. The story takes us into Monstrous city where dust bunnies are actually shaped like bunnies and skeletons walk and talk. Billy Hooten is the young nerd who discovers this city and more importantly that the Owlboy comic may be based on what actually happens in Monstrous city. Billy puts on the Owlboy costume and quickly becomes the town resident superhero. This is a very funny, action packed story with great illustrations.
The Dangerous Days of Daniel X by James Patterson
This fast paced thrilling story will keep kids on the edge of their seat. The book surrounds a fifteen year old orphan with some supernatural powers. His parents were killed by aliens so he sort of becomes an alien hunter to avenge his parents death. There is a great deal of action and adventure slightly reminiscent of the series Ben 10. The story is recommended for middle schoolers and young adults.
Georges Secret Key to the Universe by Lucy & Stephen Hawking
If you have a little science buff between the ages of seven to twelve, this is the book for him or her. Written by Stephen Hawking world renowned physicist, it introduces kids to some awesome concepts about black holes and information about the planets and stars. This book is not dry science, it does have a story line surrounding a young boy whose parents are anti computers, thankfully his neighbors are supremely tech savvy and allow him the opportunity to use their special computer that also allows for space travel.
Maximum Ride by James Patterson
This book is recommended for grades seven and up, however if you have a strong reader they may be able to get through it. I have had fourth and fifth graders enjoy the series so far. The Maximum Ride series surrounds a 14 year old girl and a group of other children who escape from a lab. They are the result of scientific experiments which have given them wings and other super powers. The children are looking for answers as to why they were experimented upon and the identity of their parents. In the meantime Erasers - part wolf creatures- have been dispatched to destroy them. There is a great deal of action and adventure in this series and nail biting suspense.
So please, oh please, we beg, we pray, Go throw your TV set away, And in its place you can install, a lovely bookshelf on the wall" - Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
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