BOOK: The Magic Thief (Book One)

The Magic Thief
by Sarah Prineas

One of my friends received this book as a gift from a friend years ago but no one ever read it.  When my 9-year-old was sick this summer (and his siblings were out of town) I wanted to read aloud to him and decided to give this one a try.  We were both delightfully surprised.  The story is fun and compelling and the writing is decent (I was occasionally annoyed by the clunky style, but that may have been mostly because I was reading it aloud).  It is a bit of a Harry Potter rip off, but that's OK.... the author knows what sells to kids. 

There is no offensive language, but a bit of very mild violence (thugs beating up a boy), and a few mildly frightening scenes. 

Recommended for:  Ages 8-12

BOOK: Beauty Sleep (Once Upon a Time series)

Beauty Sleep (Once Upon a Time Series)
by Cameron Dokey

This retelling of "Sleeping Beauty" was fun and charming, with plenty of twists and turns and lots of adventure.  I think my boys would even like it.  Aurora is spunky and courageous, and the story teaches lessons of doing the right thing no matter what, even when it's really, really difficult.  It's also a story of true love, of course, based on a real relationship, and not just looks, or "love at first sight."  Thank goodness.

There is no inappropriate language and contains nothing more than a sweet kiss.  However, there are a few brief moments of violence, but nothing graphic.

I look forward to reading more of this series.

Recommended for ages 12 to adult

BOOK: The Castle Corona

The Castle Corona
by Sharon Creech

This charming tale is simple and complex at the same time; a traditional fairy-tale that tells the story from the point-of-view of the numerous characters, and keeps the reader engrossed and guessing. There is absolutely nothing offensive in this sweet story that children of all ages (and adults) will enjoy.  It would also be great for reading aloud. 

Creech continues to be one of my favorite authors.  Her books are all unique, but equally compelling and well-written.

Recommended for:  Ages 8 to 12

BOOK: Secrets at Sea

Secrets at Sea
by Richard Peck

This charming story of a family of mice and their adventures is clever and very fun.  There are plenty of interesting characters, lots of excitement, and a few plots twists.  There is nothing offensive and will appeal to both genders.

Recommended for:  Ages 9 - 12

BOOK: Anson's Way

Anson's Way
by Gary D. Schmidt

This book was sometimes difficult to read because of the injustice imposed upon the Irish subjects of 18th century England.  Though loosely based on history there is much more fiction than fact, and several plot holes that would probably drive a history buff crazy, but it's a compelling story and an enjoyable read.  There are some scenes of fairly intense violence, and some deep issues at hand so I wouldn't recommend this for elementary school.

Recommended for ages 12 and up

BOOK: What Came from the Stars

What Came From the Stars
by Gary D. Schmidt

I couldn't resist checking out Schmidt's latest book since I have thoroughly enjoyed all the others I have read by him.  Once again I was not disappointed.  This capitivating Tolkein/C.S. Lewis-esque story is part family drama, part coming-of-age tale, and part adventure, with a sci-fi twist.  It is also well-written and compelling.

There is no offensive language.  There is some violence in the form of battle scenes, and yet the author somehow manages to leave out all descriptions of violence without taking away from the intensity of the scene.  Authors who feel the need to include gratuitous violence should take a page out of Schmidt's book. 

Recommended for:  Ages 12 to adult

BOOK: The Kingdom Keepers: Disney After Dark

The Kingdom Keepers:  Disney After Dark
by Ridley Pearson

This is the first book in a series about a small group of middle-schoolers who fight real-life Disney movies villains who "come to life" after the Magic Kingdom closes.  It's cute and fun, especially for Disney fans.  I haven't read the rest of the series (it didn't entice me enough to read more), but it was pretty entertaining. 

There is really nothing offensive, though it's probably geared more toward older children and young teens (the age of the characters).  There are some mildly frightening scenes involving the villains (kids in peril and such), but it's all fairly silly and fun, and there is nothing graphic. 

Recommended for:  Ages 10-16

BOOK: Heart of a Samurai

Heart of a Samurai
by Margi Preus

This true story (in novel form) is a fascinating read both for children and adults.  It's a story of courage, adventure, family, determination, and friendship.  The book if full of action, and the story moves along quickly, but there are also plenty of tender scenes, and even a few that produce tears.  It would be a great read-aloud for families to enjoy together.  I really enjoyed it.  In fact, I was surprised to find I had a hard time putting it down!

There are a couple of scenes of mild violence involving 19th century whaling practices, and a couple of scenes of bullying/fighting, but nothing graphic or intense.  There is no offensive language. 

Recommended for:  Ages 10 to adult

BOOK: The Masqueraders

The Masqueraders
by Georgette Heyer

I had taken a break from Georgette Heyer for a while, so it was time for another one.  Oh, yes, I was seriously overdue.  I realized again how much I truly enjoy her books!  It's true, not everyone can enjoy these books... only those who don't mind challenging language, as in archaic and old-fashioned.  And yes, it's true, I find I sometimes have to re-read passages to make sure I understood what was just said.

But the books are wonderfully witty and fun, and the characters are delightful and varied.  This one is filled with drama, adventure, humor, romance, and even a little mystery.  It kept me guessing, giggling, and grinning.  And I couldn't put it down.  I think it might possibly find a spot in my top-ten favorite books!

Recommended for:  Jane Austen lovers, and those who enjoy great wit

BOOK: First Light

First Light
by Rebecca Stead

I had a hard time getting in to this story, but once I finally did I enjoyed it.  It didn't start coming together though until about half-way through, which seems a long time to stick with a story.  But since I had enjoyed another book by this author, I stuck it out. 

I was a little bit annoyed by a few loose ends (though they are minor), and the author's occasionally "preachy" tone but I can usually overlook that... or pretend that's not the author's intention.  Overall it's a good book... not fantastic, but enjoyable.  There is really no love story, which was a bit surprising for young adult fiction, but actually kind of refreshing.

The book contains nothing offensive (I don't even remember any mild profanity, though it's possible I missed some), but the subject matter is pretty intense.  There is also a brief mention of human reproduction as regarding the paternity of a character(s), but it's not detailed.... just matter-of-fact and brief, but it would be confusing or possibly disconcerting to a child who is unaware of the "facts of life."

Recommended for:   Ages 12 and up

 

BOOK: Straw Into Gold (Gary D. Schmidt)

Straw Into Gold
by Gary D. Schmidt

This is the fourth book by Gary D. Schmidt I have read... and I'm sure I will read more.  I have not been disappointed, but have thoroughly enjoyed them all.

This charming story is a retelling of Rumpelstiltskin with a continuation of the story as we know it.  It's well-written, fast paced, and clever, with plenty of plot twists and turns, but also sweet and tender.  It will appeal to all ages of both genders.

There are a few minor swear words and some mild violence, but really nothing offensive.  

Recommended for:  Ages 9 to adult

FILM: Avalon High (2010)

Avalon High
rated PG

This made-for-TV Disney movie is full of factual errors, nonsensical situations, and plot holes, but my kids thought it was great fun and very entertaining.  There is some mild violence, but nothing offensive.  Good for family-movie-night.  Just remember it's a children's movie and ignore the goofy stuff.  You might even be entertained yourself.

I'm feeling generous because it made my kids happy.

BOOK: The Clockwork Three (Matthew J. Kirby)

The Clockwork Three
by Matthew J. Kirby

This partly magical story of three central characters whose stories gradually come together is charming and exciting.  It's well-written and has a very satisfying ending. There are a few small bits of mild violence but nothing offensive. 

Recommended for ages 10 - 16

BOOK: Icefall

Icefall
by Matthew J. Kirby

This excellent book is a story about stories and storytellers, and it's told by a wonderful storyteller.  It's filled with great characters, plenty of plot twists and page-turning action, but also beautiful writing, fantastic imagery and Norse legends brought to life.  Though the narrator is female, the book's appeal easily pulls in readers of both genders.

There is no inappropriate language, but there are some pretty intense moments of battle and some deaths, though no graphic descriptions.  I have no doubt that both my 12-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter will enjoy this book, and I have no hesitations in recommending it to them.

Recommended for:  Ages 10 - 16 (and beyond)

BOOK: A Tale of Two Castles

A Tale of Two Castles
Gail Carson Levine

This is a great read; part fantasy, part detective story, completely clean, and very fun.  AND positive values are reinforced.  I read this to review for our school library, and I'm sure my daughter will love it, but I really enjoyed it too.

When I read books like this and compare them to some of the garbage out there that is written for kids, I want to hold this up to all those authors who resort to trash because they think it's appealing, and say, "See, you can be clean and successful!"  

Recommended for:  Ages 9 - 15 (or younger than 9 if they are good readers)

BOOK: The Night Circus

The Night Circus
by Erin Morgenstern

This book grabbed me on the first page and I could hardly put it down.  I stayed up until 2:00 am this morning to finish reading it and never even got drowsy.  (Books that do that to me are few and far between.)  I wouldn't say it's the best book I ever read (though I think it would easily make my top-20 favorites, possibly top-10), but the writing is so fantastic and imaginative that I was completely sucked in, and the story is so compelling that I simply had to find out what would finally happen to the many characters I had grown to know and love over the decades through which the story unfolds.

And it unfolds very slowly.... and beautifully.  The descriptions of this amazing magic circus of dreams left me wishing it were all real.  I savored the description of each exhibit and could easily imagine myself there.  The magic is lovely and sweet, occasionally harsh, but rarely dark or evil. 

The one disappointment with this book was actually early on, and it worried me... the f-word appears rather unexpectedly and is quite out-of-place.  Thankfully that was it.  There was one other instance of mild profanity, and a couple of moments of very mild violence.  There is also one love scene near the end that is mild and very vague.

Another great book from a first time novelist.  Impressive.

Recommended for:  Adults

BOOK SERIES: The Sisters Grimm

"The Sisters Grimm" Series
by Michael Buckley

I read the first book in this series to review for our school library.  What fun!  (I read the other books in the series for fun.)  A cute and exciting story brings together classic fairy tale characters, sets them in present day, and thrusts the two young heroines into their world as Fairy-tale Detectives (also the name of the first book in the series).  There is plenty of action and adventure, some mild violence, and no offensive language.  Both boys and girls will find these book appealing.

Age recommendation:  8 - 12 years

BOOK: Matched (Ally Condie)

Matched
by Ally Condie

This young adult novel was quite interesting.  I would put it in the same category as Twilight and The Hunger Games, though it's far superior to both (and their sequels), in a number of ways. 

1)  There is more depth to the characters and relationships, making this book much preferable for teen readers (or any reader, for that matter).

2)  There is nothing offensive, which is more than I can say about most books for this audience... Twilight, The Hunger Games, et al.  Not even one swear word that I can recall.  Refreshing.

3)  There is plenty of tension and action, but this intriguing story has more depth and causes the reader to really think.

It's not a perfect book by any means, but it is quite good.  In fact, unlike T & THG, I would be fine with my own teenage children read it.  That's saying something.

The sequel, Crossed, was just released this week.  I hope the author doesn't let me down.

Age recommendation:  13 and up

BOOK: Mandie and the Secret Tunnel

Mandie and the Secret Tunnel (first book in the Mandie series)
by Lois Gladys Leppard


This is the first in a series of "Mandie books."  I think I would have liked these books as a girl, and I'm sure my daughter will enjoy them.  (There are twenty-something in the series.)  The writing isn't fantastic, but it's adequate and there are no glaring errors.  However, the story is quite compelling, which is what makes it worth reading (part adventure/mystery, part heart-warming family story).  If the rest of the series follows suit there will be much to like.  The book contains nothing offensive.

Age recommendation:  9 - 12 years old (writing level is a bit younger, but it's OK)

BOOK: The Secret of Platform 13

The Secret of Platform 13
by Eva Ibbotson

This is a fun fantasy for children and makes for a good real-aloud (probably preferable, since some of the british-isms might be confusing for American children).  There is nothing offensive, though there are some moments that might be mildly frightening to very young children.  In addition to being entertaining, there are plenty of opportunities for parents to discuss the differences between the "good" characters and the "bad" ones and how those who are "good" and kind are happier.

Recommended for ages 8 - 12.