Here are more great books geared for ages nine and up, unless otherwise stated, that kids will not want to stop reading. So let them read all day, any day or night, while summer stays a while longer. All of these books would also be enjoyable to read aloud for ages six and up.
Summer of the Wolves, by Polly Carlson-Voiles, is an adventure that involves wilderness, orphans and wolves. When twelve-year-old Nika and her little brother leave a foster parent that they finally trust and love, they’re hesitant of their future. They are now heading to the upper reaches of Minnesota to visit an uncle that no one seemed to know about. Nika is unsure about trusting Uncle Ian who researches wild wolf packs. But when she discovers an orphan wolf pup her heart immediately begins to warm. The trust and love that both Nika and her brother begin to feel in this remote region, along with the beautiful descriptions of summer on the islands, will be enjoyed by all who read this book.
An Accidental Adventure: We Dine with Cannibals, by C. Alexander London, is a fast-paced funny adventure involving twins, Oliver and Celia, as they travel to the dark forests of the Amazon. Some of their adventures include riding a llama, riding the river rapids and flying an airplane. But when they meet cannibals beware – and be aware how their lives are about to get funnier. This is the second in a series, but you needn’t read the first to enjoy this book.
The Bell Bandit, by Jacqueline Davies, is part of “The Lemonade War” series and this book is as good and well written as the other books. The Treski family has just traveled to Grandma’s house for the holidays, but instead of celebrating, they’re helping rebuild Grandma’s burned home. A mystery ensues when the New Year’s bell goes missing and nine-year-old Jessie sets out to find it. There are many interesting elements in the story which includes family relationships and even bullying. This book is good for ages six and up.
Brotherband Chronicles: The Outcasts Book 1, by John Flanagan, is a high seas adventure that has the feel of a Vikings’ expedition, only these Scandinavians are fictitious. Hal is now old enough to train for the Brotherband. He is smart, innovative and always makes studious plans. He has befriended Stig who is easily angered and athletic. Together, these friends make an excellent combination which is beneficial when the Brotherband competition begins. Book 2 is also just out: “The Invaders”.
ParaNorman, by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel, takes place in a New England town with eleven-year-old Norman being completely misunderstood. No one believes that he can see and even talk to ghosts. (The opening chapter has Norman talking to a dead toad floating in formaldehyde in his biology class while his classmates make fun of him.) But his little town is about to change their opinion for the better of Norman, when they find out that their town has been cursed by a witch. Now, Norman can save the day! The story is funny and entertaining and the black and white pictures sprinkled throughout set the mood!
Flyaway, by Lucy Christopher, is a sweet, heartfelt story about a girl, Isla, and her family relationship, especially with her father. Isla and her dad love watching the swans land on the nearby lake when winter approaches. But this winter, her dad falls and can’t move. After the ambulance takes him to the hospital, Isla can’t do anything but worry about him. This story is well written with descriptions of feelings and events colliding together making an interesting page turner.
The Brixen Witch, by Stacy DeKeyser, is a magical adventure that begins with trouble when Rudi accidentally takes a witch’s coin. That inadvertent act cause much havoc to the community as the witch unleashes a curse. Rudi realizes that he must set things right and return this precious coin, but then he loses it. And now life gets even worse when a plague of rats invades the village. Rudi must rise to the occasion and be courageous to overcome what has befallen all. This book is good for ages eight and up.
Kingdom Keepers: Shell Game, by Ridley Pearson, is actually book 5 but you don’t need to read the others to enjoy this fast paced book. (However, the other four books of the “Kingdom Keepers” are great page-turners too.) The books in this series are set in Disney World or have something to do with Disney. The Disney Dream is the newest of the Disney cruise lines but there are problems as someone has stolen an important journal that holds important secrets about Disney.
Oddfellow’s Orphanage, by Emily Winfield Martin, is the perfect nighttime read-aloud as the chapters are short, but contain a story within the story. When a new orphan enters this new home, you are introduced to the most unique and unusual, yet delightful, children. Each child has a unique characteristic that makes them what they are. And each chapter takes you through each child. The black and white drawings sprinkled throughout are a delight! Both this book and the last book are good for ages seven and up.
The Adventures of Sir Balin the Ill-Fated, by Gerald Morris, is another great tale that surrounds King Arthur and the Knights that protected England. These stories are all wonderful in that they teach about strong character, believing in yourself, in being courageous and in standing up for right. This book follows that same recipe with Sir Balin, the Ill-fated.
