It’s one of my all-time favorites and my children love it too. They think it’s sad and horrible that the tree keeps giving away everything it has. They can’t believe the tree is so dumb. I tell them they will understand the tree when they are parents. They laugh.
Because it is so well written, it can be read to a six year old and a nine year old at the same time. Also they love the mouse and it’s good to love all creatures great and small.
This is a book I always recommend to kids. It is funny, sad, tough, mean, kind all at once. The character’s journey is such a noble one and yet it is written as though it weren’t noble at all. Beautiful.
Ages 12 and up | Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers | Apr. 1, 2009 | ISBN-13: 978-0316013697
This is a great series for young readers because it is so focused—two orphans with a large fortune and a crazy uncle who wants to steal it again and again. The voice is masterful and the plots are so clever. We start by reading it together and then they’re off reading it on their own, in bed, under the covers with a small light. I love it.
I have about four books of poetry from Pablo Neruda and love his words. Sometimes, at night, I’ll read four or five poems and ask the younger kids what they think he means. It’s great because the boys are mesmerized by the imagery he creates so vividly about the sea and the island he lived on while in exile.
About the Author
Maria Lennon Photo credit Chiara Berruto
Maria T. Lennon is a graduate of the London School of Economics, a novelist, a screenwriter, and the author of Confessions of a So-called Middle Child, the first book featuring the irrepressible Charlie C. Cooper. When not driving one of her four children to school or volunteering at school libraries, she can be found sitting in a parked car, a café, or a library, writing novels, travel articles, or just passed out. To learn more, and to download a free curiculum guide, visit her website: http://confessionsofasocalledmiddlechild.com/.
Hilarious tween heroine Charlie C. Cooper—reformed bully, misguided fashionista, and so-called middle child—is back! This sequel to Confessions of a So-called Middle Child will delight fans of Louise Rennison, Mean Girls, andHarriet the Spy.
Charlie’s adventures offer a fresh look at middle school, bullying, and mean girls. In Book Two, Charlie navigates sudden celebrity and auditions for a television series, but a little white lie may endanger the one friendship Charlie can truly count on—and her connection to swoon-worthy crush Bobby! Poignant and seriously funny, Charlie’s account of her dilemma is one all tweens will relate to.
Charlie knows what it feels like to be stuck in the middle, but it’s finally her time to shine. After saving her friend Marta in the old Houdini tunnels of Los Angeles, Charlie’s become a local hero, gained sudden celebrity, and *MIGHT* just become a TV star! But will Charlie let her newfound fame go to her head? Watch out, Hollywood!
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The Children’s Book Review, named one of the ALSC (Association for Library Service to Children) Great Web Sites for Kids, is a resource devoted to children’s literacy. We publish reviews and book lists of the best books for kids of all ages. We also produce author and illustrator interviews and share literacy based articles that help parents, grandparents, teachers and librarians to grow readers. This article was written and provided by a guest author.
The Giving Tree
The Tale of Despereaux 
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
A Series of Unfortunate Events 
Watch Out, Hollywood!: More Confessions of a So-called Middle Child