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: Moon Over Manifest

Moon Over Manifest
by Clare Vanderpool

This is a delightful read that is well-deserving of it's Newberry Medal.  It's a wonderful story of family, friendship, hope, hard work, and love, along with plenty of action and mystery... and great characters.  This book will appeal to both boys and girls, as well as adults.

The book contains no offensive language, however, there are some mildly frightening scenes, references to alcohol use (the story takes place during prohibition), and a scene of violence (mostly just alluded too) that might be too much for younger children. 

Recommended for ages 10 and up

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: Liar & Spy

Liar & Spy
by Rebecca Stead

I enjoyed this story that's a little bit mystery, a little bit drama, a little bit comedy, and lot of good old plain "human."  I don't know how else to describe it.  It's a wonderful story with interesting characters, and a delightful surprise ending.  This book contains nothing offensive.

Recommended for:  Ages 10 and up (including adults)

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: Love, Ruby Lavender

Love, Ruby Lavender
by Deborah Wiles

I read a lot of children's book since I review them for our school library, especially during the summer when I (supposedly) have more time.  (Ha!)  Even though I read children's book out of obligation (sort of) I generally really enjoy them.  And I always like to have books to recommend to my own children.

This delightful novel was quite touching and tender.  Ruby and her grandmother are very colorful characters, and the small town atmosphere is always fun.  The story is fun and interesting, but there is also a lot to learn from the characters and how they handle difficult things in life.  There is some nice character growth, and plenty of fun. 

The book contains nothing offensive, and it would make a great read-aloud book as well as enjoyable for children to read on their own.  Though the main characters are all female (and strong ones) I don't see any reason why boys wouldn't enjoy this book as well.

Recommended for:  Ages 8-12

BOOK: Out of My Mind (Sharon M. Draper)

Out of My Mind
by Sharon M. Draper

I was surprised and delighted by this excellent book; it's well-written and compelling and teaches valuable lessons about judging those with disabilities and dealing with hardships, as well coping with the normal struggles of growing up and wanting to fit in.

The book contains no inappropriate language, violence, etc., but it deals with some serious issues, making this is a great book for parents to discuss with their children. 

Recommended for ages 10 to adult

BOOK: Darth Paper Strikes Back

Darth Paper Strikes Back
by Tom Angleberger

This sequel to The Strange Case of Origami Yoda is just as fun and clever as the first book.  Once again it's written as a case file with the narrator changing occasionally in order to tell their side of the story.  The story is very clever, partly a mystery, with a surprise ending that no one will see coming.  It's also very positive in that the kids in the story learn good lessons and behave appropriately for their age.  I really appreciate that the book contains nothing offensive. 

And coming later this year, The Secret of the Fortune Wookiee.  Hee hee. 

Recommended for:  Ages 10 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

BOOK: The School Story

The School Story
by Andrew Clements

This fun book is charming, interesting, educational (you learn about the publishing industry), and tender.  The story is quite compelling.... in fact, I couldn't put it down.  It is a tale of friendship, love, courage, hard work, and family.

The book contains nothing offensive.

Recommended for ages 8 - 12.

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: Number the Stars

Number the Stars
by Lois Lowry

This amazing book about how the Danish people bravely smuggled thousands of their Jewish friends and neighbors into Swedish, right under the noses of the Nazis who occupied their country, is all the more thrilling because it's true!  Though the main characters are fictional (a composite of real people) the events actually took place.  

I love that the author doesn't talk down to her reader in this children's book.  She is straight forward and honest about the events that took place, but not graphic in recounting the horrors.  The book is only 137 pages, including an afterword specifying which parts are fictionalized, but that's as long as it takes for the reader to see the whole picture.  Though the story ends satisfactorily (we all know the Nazis are eventually defeated) we are left longing and hoping for that future happy ending.

Recommended for ages 10 and up

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)

BOOKS: My Favorite Christmas Picture Books

One of my favorite Christmas books for children is "Merry Christmas Big Hungry Bear." If you are familiar with the original "The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear" then you will appreciate this one all the more. It is a very sweet story that will take you by surprise.

We all know the old poem "The Night Before Christmas" but I especially love this version with illustrations by Tasha Tudor. [I grew up with a fascination for her lovely book, "A Time to Keep."] She was well into her 80's when she illustrated this one, and it shows, but it's still lovely.
My sister gave us this delightful book a few years ago, and it's been a hit. It's a fun imaginary tale of the adventures of the neighborhood snowmen when no one is looking.

And of course, Christmas wouldn't be complete without "The Grinch," as it is usually referred to around our house. I hated the live-action film with Jim Carrey (who I usually like), but I thoroughly enjoy the old animated version. However, nothing can compare to reading the wonderful words from the book!

So, grab your kids and snuggle up on the couch with a few good books.

Age Recommendation:  1-100

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: Everything on a Waffle (Polly Horvath)

Everything on a Waffle
by Polly Horvath

I didn't love this book, but I didn't hate it.  I DO love the title (and the reason behind it) and the cover illustration.  The story was a little erratic, but fairly entertaining.  A lot happens, so it should keep most kids interested.  The recipe inclusions are kind of fun.  I wonder if any of them are good?  Hm....

Age recommendation:  8-11 years