For a long time I've wanted to write about books for adolescent and school age children. I kept putting it off, hoping to read more in that category, but finally decided to start with what I have and add posts in the future. Many adults, including me, still enjoy children's books. In the last few years I've made it a point to read some classics that I'd always heard of but hadn't read as a child. These included The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, The Tale of Despereaux, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, Holes, and The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. They were all worth reading and if you haven't read them, go for it!
It's hard for me to know what age group these books are suitable for, but they'd probably be most appropriate for grade 5 and older. Each book is linked to Amazon so if you want to purchase any of them, just click on the blue italicized book title.
I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives by Caitlin Alifirenka and Martin Ganda
nonfiction
This is an absolute must read for all! In fact, it would be a great one to read out loud to your family. It tells the heartwarming true story of the correspondence and friendship between a white schoolgirl from Pennsylvania and a poor black boy in Uganda.
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
fiction
A mystery revolving around the will of Samuel W. Westing and sixteen unrelated people who are named in it. Whoever solves the riddle will win a large sum of money. Funny and unpredictable!
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
fiction
Claudia Kincaid and her younger brother Jamie run away from home to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. They manage to hide at closing time and spend the night in the Museum. I was thoroughly wrapped up in their adventures and how they solved a mystery!
Sparrow Hawk Red by Ben Mikaelsen
fiction
This was quite popular when I read it to my 7th & 8th graders, so I recommend it for that age group. I'm not going to leave a review because it's not a personal favorite, but one I know they enjoyed!
I'll have to read some of these I haven't! Currently I am reading Lassie, Come Home to my children. I'd never read the book! Short little Golden Book versions, yes, but not the whole book. We are enjoying it.
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