Great Reads

 

Something special happens when a child begins to read independently or when you read a novel aloud to your family.  Whether a classic or a new favorite, novels are a wonderful way for our children to explore the world around them, to take from the books what they need at the time.

Here, then, are the most recent best of the best, the books we couldn't put down!  We've indicated in each review the age level most appropriate for the book. 

Ever (Paperback)

$6.99
ISBN-13: 9780061229640
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: HarperCollins, 04/01/2010
The author of Ella Enchanted returns with another fairy tale, this time set in a world of both gods and humans.  To save her mother from a curse, Kezi volunteers her own life and has but a few days to live.  She meets Olus, god of the wind, who will risk everything to save her.  Together, they endure impossible quests to try to stay together.  An entertaining story full of gods in ancient times that is best for grades 5 and up, now available in paperback.

Wings (Paperback)

$8.99
ISBN-13: 9780061668050
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: HarperTeen, 04/01/2010
Laurel and her family have moved to a new town and she enters school for the first time.  The classes are interesting enough, but she chafes at being inside and longs for the family’s cabin in the redwood forest.  One day, she notices a bump on her back that continues to swell until she can no longer ignore it.  What, exactly, is that bump?  The revelation of who (and what) Laurel really is unfolds beautifully.  Now in paperback, this is a fun summer read for grades 7 and up.

$16.99
ISBN-13: 9780061870903
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: Greenwillow Books, 05/01/2010
On his way to archaeology field camp, Ry learns that camp’s been cancelled.  When he steps off the train to tell his grandfather, his cell phone dies.  Ry suddenly finds himself in the middle of nowhere, with no one expecting him to arrive anywhere.  Ry meets Del, who offers to drive Ry home to Wisconsin, and they set off on a road trip full of misadventures.  Perkins tells this tale with her trademark quirky, gentle humor.  It’s best for grades 7 and up.

$16.99
ISBN-13: 9780061375934
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: HarperCollins, 06/01/2010
This, the third in Prineas’ trilogy, finds Conn the Thief imprisoned and banished from the city of Wellmet.  Returning to the city means certain death, but Conn is determined to discover who’s behind the danger that threatens to destroy Wellmet.  This tale is another satisfying read in a solid fantasy series.  Best for grades 4 and up.

By Lincoln Peirce, Lincoln Peirce (Illustrator)
$12.99
ISBN-13: 9780061944345
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: HarperCollins, 04/01/2010
For fans of Wimpy Kid, there’s another kid in town – Big Nate.  Nate’s not bad, he just does a lot of weird things that get him a record number of detentions.  From trying on the gym teacher’s pants to eating enough green beans to break a world record, Nate is, indeed, in a class by himself!  For grades 3 and up.

Radiant Shadows (Hardcover)

$16.99
ISBN-13: 9780061659225
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: HarperCollins, 05/01/2010
The focus of the 4th installment in Marr’s Wicked Lovely series is Ani, the half-hound, half-faerie.  All the other familiar characters are included, as well.  This novel is much darker and bolder than the others, and the political wave of the faerie courts splashes over the reader time and time again.  Sensual, sinister, and risk-taking, Marr’s writing is stellar for the older YA crowd.

Fragile Eternity (Paperback)

$8.99
ISBN-13: 9780061214738
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: HarperCollins, 04/01/2010
In this direct sequel to Wicked Lovely, Ash has become the Summer Queen and is indelibly linked with Keenan.  Their attraction grows stronger every day.  At the same time, she refuses to sever ties with her human love, Seth.  Dark, gritty, sexy, and at times very political, Marr delivers every time. 

Trackers, Book One (Hardcover)

$14.99
ISBN-13: 9780545165006
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: Scholastic Press, 05/01/2010
Four teenagers, led by tech-savvy Adam, believe they can find almost anyone in any location.  After a mysterious stranger visits Adam’s clubhouse, games begin to appear on his computer.  Soon he and his friends believe they are tracking the famous hacker Shantorian.  Or are they?  Carman alternates chapters of the book with web-based videos, brilliantly combining two mediums into one great story.  A very high-interest read, perfect for summer.  For grades 5 and up. – Cathy

$17.99
ISBN-13: 9781423113386
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: Hyperion, 05/01/2010

On Christmas Eve, Sadie and Carter Kane head to the British Museum with their father, a renowned Egyptologist.  He proceeds to destroy the Rosetta Stone and disappear, while he releases Set, the Egyptian god of chaos.  Before they know it, Sadie and Carter are on the run, trying to solve the mystery of their father’s disappearance and their mother’s death.  Riordan has clearly done his research and spins an intriguing tale while teaching us all about Egypt’s magic and mythology.  What a great read!  For grades 5 and up.  – Cathy 

 


$15.95
ISBN-13: 9780810984219
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: Harry N. Abrams, 04/01/2010
Lydia and Julie are determined to become popular, and carry out experiments to crack the popularity code.  Most of the experiments don't work (Lydia gets a bald spot when she tries to bleach her hair) and they start drifting apart.  As fifth grader Abby says, "this book is hilarious," and her mom agrees.  For grades 4 and up. – Cathy