To capture the interest of a teen/young adult while summer is in full swing, books need to have an engaging story line and strong characters. The following books represent just that, they are all very hard to put down!

The Cardturner

by Louis Sachar

Reading level: Young Adult

Hardcover: 352 pages

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (May 11, 2010)

Source: Publisher

What to expect: Summer, Family, Game of bridge, Self-discovery

Louis Sachar, a Newberry-winning (Holes, 1998) and bestselling author, sure knows how to take a subject that may be seen as boring—the game of bridge—and turn it into a riveting story of self-discovery, integrity and morals. The story moves around a teenage boy, Alton Richard, and his great-uncle Lester—a rich family member with a large inheritance that everyone is trying to get a piece of. When you combine a teenage boy and a cute girl, old men, greed, and the game of bridge, (you may not believe me but …) you get a real page-turner. Great book!

Add this book to your collection: The Cardturner

Fallen

by Lauren Kate

Reading level: Young Adult

Hardcover: 464 pages

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers; First Edition/First Printing edition (December 8, 2009)

Source: Publisher

What to expect: Angels, Boarding school, Love

Thrilling, exciting, and engaging is what this love story is. Too much vampire talk going on at your house? Lauren Kate has certainly launched us into a new phase: angels. Fallen angels, at that! The characters are captivating and have strong voices. This is a suspenseful book that is very hard to put down.

Add this book to your collection: Fallen

Three Rivers Rising: A Novel of the Johnstown Flood

by Jame Richards

Reading level: Young Adult

Hardcover: 304 pages

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (April 13, 2010)

Source: Publisher

What to expect: Johnstown, Pennsylvania flood; Social classes; Summer

Providing a book of interest is key. This is a book for a true historical-fiction lover. It will also convert your regular-fiction reader into a historical-fiction lover before you know it. Jame Richards takes on social class, romance, and the Johnstown Flood of 1889, and truly touches the hearts of his readers with this novels believable characters and real backdrop.  Very satisfying.

Add this book to your collection: Three Rivers Rising: A Novel of the Johnstown Flood

Summer Sleep-Away

by ofer aronskind

Reading level: Young Adult

Paperback: 174 pages

Publisher: iUniverse, Inc. (January 13, 2006)

Source: Publicist

What to expect: Sleep-away summer camp, Self-discovery, Family, Friends

Mattie, a 12-year-old boy, goes to a sleep-away summer camp. Not knowing anyone at the camp and being away from his family forces him to take the path of self-discovery. For any child that is embarking on their first sleep-away camp, this is a reassuring story and an enjoyable read. The narration is smooth and allows readers to connect with Mattie easily.

Add this book to your collection: Summer Sleep-Away

You may also enjoy the following summer reading lists:

Kids’ Summer Reading Lists: Prereading / Ages 3-5

Kids’ Summer Reading Lists: Emerging Readers / Ages 4-8

Kids’ Summer Reading Lists: Early-Fluent to Fluent Readers / Ages 6-10

Leave us a comment: Now is your chance to share with us your favorite young adult book. Go on. What are you waiting for?

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Elena (Age 11), for The Children’s Book Review
Published: June 30, 2010

I So Don’t Do Spooky

by Barrie Summy

Reading level: Ages 9-13

Hardcover: 288 pages

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (December 8, 2009)

Source: Publisher

This book is part of the “I So Don’t Do…” series about a middle school girl named Sherry who has the ability to interact with ghosts, including her mother, a former police officer, with whom Sherry solves mysteries.  These books are like funny, modern Nancy Drew mysteries with a ghost-twist.

I really liked I So Don’t Do Spooky because it is about how Sherry and her mother (ghost mother) solve the mystery about who is threatening Sherry’s new stepmother.  Sherry’s stepmother is a strict but very nice teacher at Sherry’s middle school (her nickname is “The Ruler”!).   Like the rest of the series, this book is a mixture of realistic fiction, science fiction, mystery and humor. I would recommend this book and the rest of the series! In particular, I would recommend these books for girls ages 9-13.

Add this book to your collection: I So Don’t Do Spooky

Note: Elena composed this with some assistance from her fabulous mom, but it is in her own words.

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Releases on September 28, 2010!

Read why bestselling author Lauren Kate wrote a book series about angels: Why Angels?

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Summer reading is more important than ever for the early-fluent readers. Keeping the reading momentum is critical if your child wants to maintain this newly learned skill. Experts suggest that a minimum of four books be read over the summer to remain at the same reading level and avoid the “summer slide.”

Summer offers a great opportunity to allow children to select their own books—books that reflect their personal interests and curiosities. Sometimes the power of selecting one’s own reading material—not being told what you have to read—can be the key to turning a non-reader into an enthusiastic reader.

The following books have been listed from easiest to more difficult. The list caters to those that still require a little help, as well as independent readers. I’m positive that they will be enjoyed by many—even non-readers that can sit through a chapter book will be happy.

Porky and Bess

by Ellen Weiss and Mel Friedman

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 48 pages

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (February 23, 2010)

Source: Publisher

What to expect: Best friends, Pigs, Cats, Poetry

Calling all early-fluent readers. Large text, great color illustrations, and the story of two unlikely-characters being the best of friends, make this a great introduction to chapter books. Random House Books for Young Readers says, “Porky and Bess is reminiscent of the episodic adventures of Frog and Toad, but this duo has even more humor and heart.” I would have to agree with that.

Add this book to your collection: Porky and Bess

The Sandwich Swap

by Queen Rania of Jordan Al Abdullah

Reading level: Ages 5-8

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Hyperion Book CH (April 20, 2010)

Source: Borrowed

What to expect: Cultural differences, Friendship

A picture book can be just the right reading material for an early-fluent reader—it’s not as daunting as a colorless chapter book with limited illustrations. This picture book offers a great story of friendship and a wonderful look at how we can embrace cultural differences and become emotionally strengthened by them. A very current story that has been thoughtfully put together.

Add this book to your collection: The Sandwich Swap

Babymouse #11: Dragonslayer

by Jennifer L. Holm

Reading level: Ages 7-10

Paperback: 96 pages

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (August 25, 2009)

Source: Publisher

What to expect: Graphic novel, Mathematics, Contests, Schools, Mice, Animals

There’s nothing like a graphic novel (comic style) to capture the attention of a reluctant reader. Spice it up with adventure and drama and you’ll have a hit that captures everybody’s attention. Fun and engaging graphics are accentuated with effective text bubbles to tell this tale of a very likable hero. Babymouse: Dragonslayer is an energetic book. And the good news is that it’s part of a series, so there’s more where this one came from.

Add this book to your collection: Babymouse #11: Dragonslayer

Anna Maria’s Gift

by Janice Shefelman

Reading level: Ages 6-9

Hardcover: 112 pages

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers; 1 edition (April 27, 2010)

Source: Publisher

What to expect: Violin, Orphans, Vivaldi, Conduct of life, Schools, Venice

Deep and important life lessons, such as selflessness and forgiveness, are the principles behind this encouraging and heartening story of an orphaned girl who has a musical gift. This fictional tale is set in Venice, Italy, and is entwined with rich and cultural musical history. It has large text and charming full-page illustrations sprinkled throughout. Janice Shefelman has produced a lovely historical-fiction book.

Add this book to your collection: Anna Maria’s Gift

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle

by Betty MacDonald

Reading level: Ages 6-9

Paperback: 128 pages

Publisher: HarperCollins; Reissue edition (June 3, 1994)

Source: Home library

What to expect: Humor, Positive outlook

I haven’t met a parent or child that has not enjoyed this delightfully humorous series. From her upside-down house to her backyard with buried treasures, there is nothing not to love about Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle. However, the beauty lies in her positive outlook on all of the day-to-day problems that children face; such as, taking baths, picking up toys, and going to bed. With a decent size text and a few scattered illustrations it’s a great choice for independent readers, both boys and girls, or children that enjoy being read to.

Add this book to your collection: Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle

The Dreamer

by Pam Munoz Ryan and Peter Sis

Reading level: Ages 9-14

Hardcover: 384 pages

Publisher: Scholastic Press (April 1, 2010)

Source: Publisher

What to expect: Pablo Neruda, Chile

A poignant, imaginative, inspiring, and encouraging story based upon the childhood of Pablo Neruda, the Nobel Prize-winning poet. It’s a great book for fluent readers who are ready to tackle deeper stories, because the large text and poems by Pam Munoz Ryan are invigorated by Peter Sis’s fantastical pen-and-ink illustrations, heightening the readers experience and offering insight to the upcoming chapters. I foresee a future award for this book. A must read!

Add this book to your collection: The Dreamer

You may also enjoy the following summer reading lists:

Kids’ Summer Reading Lists: Prereading / Ages 3-5

Kids’ Summer Reading Lists: Emerging Readers / Ages 4-8

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Douglas E. Richards, author of The Prometheus Project series (Ages 9-13), is giving away 3 sets of autographed books in celebration of the release of the third book in the series—Stranded (Book 3) releases in July. Each winner will receive a copy of the first two books, The Prometheus Project: Trapped and The Prometheus Project: Captured

The Prometheus Project is a science-fiction mystery series that has a lot to offer: mystery, adventure, action, suspense, team work, determination, problem solving, scientific facts, aliens and their well imagined city, and a little dose of humor. You can read what we had to say about the first two books back in early ‘o9: The Prometheus Project by Douglas E. Richards, as well as read an interview between Luisa LaFleur and Douglas E. Richards: Interview.

How to enter (maximum entries, 3):

• Leave a comment in the comments field below. If you are one of the lucky winners, you will be contacted via e-mail.

• An extra entry will be given for each time you twitter about the giveaway and/or blog about it. You will need to paste the link in a separate comment to make this entry valid. Click here to follow us on Twitter.

• Don’t forget: A valid e-mail address is a must.

• Shipping Guidelines: This book giveaway is open to participants with a United States mailing address only (international readers can enter if they have a friend in the States who can accept their prizes by mail.)

• The contest will run June 9, 2010 – July 7, 2010, with the winners being drawn July 1, 2010.  Administrator’s computer is the official time keeping device for the Giveaway. Winners will be picked at random using a random sequence generator (your comments are numbered in the order they are received and the numbers are like raffle tickets drawn from a hat). Winners have 72hrs to claim their prize. Unclaimed prizes will be awarded to an alternate winner.

• Comment away!

Disclaimer: Books will be shipped directly from Douglas E. Richards, delivery of the giveaway item lies solely on the sponsor. Names, e-mail address and physical addresses of all winners will be shared with the sponsor for the purpose of fulfillment of the giveaway.

Click covers to enlarge for easier reading …

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Add this book to your collection: Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Magickeepers: The Pyramid of Souls

by Erica Kirov

Reading level: Ages 9+

Hardcover: 208 pages

Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky (May 1, 2010)

What to expect: Magic, Magicians, Good and evil, Family, Edgar Allan Poe, Las Vegas

Just like book one in the Magickeepers series, book two, Magickeepers: The Pyramid of Souls, manages to capture readers right from the gold embossed, razzle-dazzle cover. And, just like in the first book of the series, book two maintained the alluring super-natural power that the Magickeepers beholds. If you missed book one, I recommend starting from the beginning; however, you could certainly pick up the series with book 2 and not skip a beat.

After uprooting and moving to the Las Vegas Winter Palace where the world-famous Damian puts on the greatest magic show on earth, Nick, a teenage boy,  is beginning to adjust to his new and completely different lifestyle—that is until the Pyramid of Souls, the most closely guarded secret in the magician community, is stolen. Then his life, once again, becomes a jumbled mix of magic, danger, self-doubt, destiny, and an added touch of dive-bombing ravens. Using a modern city like Las Vegas as the setting for the book, and tossing in some pizza and skateboarding, Erica Kirov has very intelligently created a base in which she can grasp her middle school audience and still manage to keep them engaged when she blends in historilcal figures; such as, Alexander the Great, Edgar Allen Poe, and P.T. Barnum. Selecting Las Vegas as the backdrop makes for a very believable read.

Another vonderful novel!

About the Author: Erica Kirov is an American writer of Russian descent. Though she is not from a family of magicians, she is from a proud family of Russians, and she grew up hearing stories of their lives there.

Erica lives in Virginia with her husband, four children, three dogs, parrot, her son’s snake (she really hates snakes), and a pet hedgehog. She is busy at work on the next Magickeepers novel.She also writes on http://teenfictioncafe.blogspot.com as well as her parenting blog, http://demonbabyandme.blogspot.com/.

Add this book to your collection: Magickeepers: The Pyramid of Souls

Add book one to your collection: Magickeepers: The Eternal Hourglass

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Add this book to your collection: Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer

John Grisham—the infamous, best-selling, thriller novelist— has a middle grade novel, THEODORE BOONE: KID LAWYER, which is on sale today!

Penguin Young Readers Group has created two websites dedicated to Theo:

www.theodoreboone.com is a website where kids can explore Theo’s office and the clues he’s gathered for his latest case, and a courtroom where they can learn about what goes on during a trial, funny laws, and send a Mad Libs-type “summons” to their friends!

www.whoistheoboone.com is an interactive and mysterious web page of evidence ready to be explored.

Ooh, this is going to be a good read—I can feel it!

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Add these books to your collection: A-Z Mysteries, Capital Mysteries, and Calendar Mysteries

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.