This week concludes my list of favorite books from last year. Except for the last book, which is best suited for ages 16 through adult, all of these books are good for ages 9 and up.
Super, by Matthew Cody, is actually the second book in a series, but it’s not necessary to read the first one to enjoy this story. Daniel is surrounded by super-powered friends. When an evil force comes to town, Daniel finds that he can borrow some of his friends’ abilities to help save the day. But does he really need these powers? Kids will really enjoy this adventure.
Brixton Brothers: Danger Goes Berserk, by Mac Barnett, along with illustrations sprinkled throughout by Matthew Myers, is another interesting and humorous story in this exciting mystery series. Twelve-year-old Steve Brixton must go deep into the ocean to recover a stolen surfboard. But he soon discovers that there’s much more going on out in this water besides surfboards.
The Inventor’s Secret, by Chad Morris, is an exciting mystery when twins, Abby and Derick, find that their inventor grandfather, and their parents, have gone missing. The year is 2074 and their grandfather has invented an amazing device that allows the students to actually relive history and partake in activities far beyond the confines of the school – where they can even become animals through an avatar device. The problem is they don’t know whom they can trust as they begin their search. The history that these twins experience becomes real throughout the story making it all come to life for the reader.
Sophie’s War: A Tale of the Revolution, by Avi, is a historical fiction that centers on twelve-year-old Sophie as she lives in New York City. Her city has recently been taken over by the British and she decides to become a spy by becoming a maid in the household of the British commander. There she learns many events that help the Patriots and George Washington win the war. This story follows the history accurately and the glossary found at the back of the book includes eighteenth-century terminology. Don’t miss the author’s interesting note about writing this book.
The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp, by Kathi Appelt, is a richly told tale that seems to sway to the rhythms of the bayou. Bingo and J’miah are two rambunctious raccoons that officially scout Sugar Man Swamp to help keep their land safe. But life becomes topsy-turvy when a group of feral hogs are about to destroy the tenuous canebrake sugar that grows wild. At the same time, twelve-year-old Chap Brayburn is trying to keep a “Gator World Wrestling Arena and Theme Park” from developing on this precious land he loves so much. The chapters are short, succinct and folksy, so it would be great fun to read out loud.
Of Giants and Ice, by Shelby Back, finds Rory has just begun another after-school program called “Ever After School”. But this school is extremely different! This is a school for “characters-in-training” who are taught by fairytale stars, such as Rapunzel and Hansel and Gretel, to fight the evil forces in tales. This is the first book in a planned series. The second book, “Of Witches and Wind”, was recently published and looks to be just as good.
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Elise HowellJanuary 10, 2014
I've just read two perfect books to start the New Year feeling positive and confident titled coincidentally BE POSITIVE and FEEL CONFIDENT. Both of these colorful bursts of fresh joy written by Cheri J. Meiners. The kind you could read each morning to start the day.