L.B. Schulman | The Children’s Book Review | September 19, 2017
Since my daughters were eight or nine, we’ve only read middle grade and young adult books. We share our favorites with each other. No matter how old we get, I’m betting we will stick to this genre because we love the intensity, the emotions, and the plots, which are exciting and full of adventure. These books, in particular, have intriguing, well-written characters and are beautifully written. They will make you think, which most good books do.
Sisters Long Ago
Written by Peg Kehret
After a modern day girl almost drowns, she starts having “flashbacks” about a past life as an Egyptian girl. This book handles reincarnation in a highly suspenseful, believable way. It doesn’t shy away from serious topics such as one character’s struggle with Leukemia.
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Ages 9+ | Publisher: Aladdin | 1992 | ISBN-13: 978-0671734336
Unwind
Written by Neil Shusterman
I love Neil’s writing style. This YA has a fast paced, page-turning plot that twists and turns frequently. I also enjoy amazing premises like this one: What if your parents could unwind you?
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Ages 13+ | Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers | 2009 (Reprint) | ISBN-13: 978-1416912057
I’ll Give You the Sun
Written by Jandy Nelson
This book has multi-dimensional characters that feel so real. The protagonists have intriguing, complex thoughts and realistic quirks that make us feel like we are a part of their people’s lives. The writing is phenomenally gorgeous.
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Ages 13+ | Publisher: Speak | 2015 (Reprint) | ISBN-13: 978-0142425763
Diary of Anne Frank
Written by Anne Frank
I wish every child would read this book. It’s fundamental, in my opinion, for kids to know something about the Holocaust and this is a relatable, easy-to-read way for them to be introduced to the subject.
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Ages 10-13 | Publisher: Bantam | 1993 (Reissue) | ISBN-13: 978-0553296983
The Book Thief
Written by Markus Zusak
This book creates an inventive main character, the narrator “Death.” Death gives us a new perspective on World War II by following the life of a German girl. It’s an incredibly rich, descriptive book for true thinkers and philosophers.
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Ages 12+ | Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf | 2007 (Reprint) | ISBN-13: 978-0375842207
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Stolen Secrets
Written by L.B. Schulman
Publisher’s Synopsis: After an abrupt move across the country to San Francisco, sixteen-year-old Livvy is shocked to find that her mother has lied to her. Instead of looking for work at a bakery, her mom is taking care of Adelle, Livvy’s grandmother, who Livvy thought was long dead. Suffering from Alzheimer’s, Adelle shouts out startling details, mistakes her own name, and seems to relive moments that may have taken place in a concentration camp. When Livvy and her new friend Franklin D. find journal entries from the Holocaust in Adelle’s home, Livvy begins to suspect that her grandmother may have a shocking link to a notable figure — Anne Frank.
Ages 12-17 | Publisher: Boyds Mills Press | 2017 | ISBN-13: 978-1629797229
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About the Author
L.B. Schulman’s second young adult novel, STOLEN SECRETS (September 19, 2017, Boyds Mills Press) is about a family kept in the dark and a secret that could change history. Her first book, LEAGUE OF STRAYS, was published in 2012. L.B. lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, two daughters, and a pair of lovable mutts. You can visit her online at LBSchulman.com.
L.B. Schulman, author of Stolen Secrets, selected these five family favorites. Discover more articles on The Children’s Book Review tagged with Family Favorites.
