This little gem is the first in a chapter book series that really got my daughter “hooked on books.” In the same category is Puppy Place and Magic Treehouse, but I like this because it gave her something fun and spooky…a little outside the norm. Some cute illustrations help kids who are finding their way out of picture books and into ones with narratives.
The Lonely Dead
I will admit…I’m biased. I had an exclusive interview with April Henry when she visited Edmond’s Best of Books. I had not read her work before (which is not advisable, if you are sitting down to chat with an author).
Warriors
I will admit, I’m not a cat person. I had a few growing up (we had a barn), but I just like the energy of a dog, I guess. But I wasn’t sure how to tell my daughter “no” when she asked if I would read at least one of the Warrior novels.
Skeleton Tree
Skeleton Tree takes middle grade readers on a funny, heartwarming, and even heartbreaking ride. Talking about death is never easy, but this book takes a character through grief while enchanting us with a skeleton first growing in the back yard, then leading us on a merry chase.
The One and Only Ivan
This story will make you smile as quickly as it will bring you to tears. This novel with short chapters and illustrations throughout is already a timeless classic. I read it myself in an evening and completely fell in love with this very likable gorilla.
Nightbooks
It’s creepy and funny and all things your child is going to love. A few scary stories (written by the main character himself) may have a few sensitive kiddos a little wound up, but those can be skipped if absolutely necessary (my daughter is still shivering when she talks about the “dog story”).
Echo
For any child (or adult) with a love of music (which is most of us), your heart will sing with this beautiful novel. It is a time commitment for kids. At 87,000 words (about the same as Percy Jackson novels), it’s not a quick read. But it’s one that will leave you full long after its over.
Gregor the Overlander
I can’t talk about this series enough. You may be more familiar with Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games. But did you know about this breathtaking adventure she wrote for middle grade (grades 4 through 8) that takes place under our world?
Why I do what I do
By Megan Cox At my nine-year-old’s last school holiday party, I talked about books with parents. You see, most of them know me as a small-time writer, and therefore, I must be a book expert, right? Hah. But, because the third grade was having a holiday book exchange, most of the parents expressed frustration in…
Kid List 