Years ago when I had two vivacious-young-boy readers, I created a page called the Middle School Boy's Bookshelf. Contained within the page was a list of books my sons recommended to other readers, as well as ones that had been recommended to them, which they had not read. The years passed, and the girls entered the reading years. Happily they enjoy books as much as their brothers, although no one tops me when it comes to status as family bibliophile. Below is a list compiled by my daughters, followed by a second list of books recommended to us, but that are still on the list to read in the future (or books that my daughters didn't super love but I had to include anyway!). If you have thoughts on any of the books, or reasons why perhaps we should eliminate a book from the list let me know. As I said, I have not personally read them all, but they are a great place to start if you are wandering the library or looking for a gift for a young reader in your life. As with the Boy's list, they are arranged roughly according to ability level. The first ones on the list would be appropriate for ages 9 and up.
If you decide to order any of the books please consider purchasing through the link. I get a percentage back from any sales that originate at my blog and need a way to support my reading habit!
THANK YOU!
Recommended by My Daughters
Ralph S. Mouse and Runaway Mouse (B. Cleary)
Ramona Collection (Beverly Clearly)
Ottis Spofford (and anything else by Beverly Cleary)
Harry and Beezus (B. Cleary)
Bunnicula (James Howe)
Fudge-a-mania and Superfudge (Judy Bloom)
The Puppy Place series (E. Miles)
Ready, Freddy: Homework Hassles (Abby Klein)
Nate the Great (M. Sharmat)
Horrible Harry (Susy Kline)
Curious George (M & H.A. Rey)
Junie B. Jones (Barbara Park)
Diary of a Wimpy Kid series (Jeff Kinney)
Charoltte's Web, Stuart Little, and Trumpet of the Swan (E.B. White)
The Kingdom of Wrenly (Jorden Quinn)
Wild Rescuers (S. Plays)
Mysterious Benedict Society series (Trenton Lee)
*Harry Potter series (J.K. Rowling)*
The Chronicles of Prydian (Lloyd Alexander)
Resistance (Jennifer A. Nielsen)
Rescue (Jennifer A. Nielsen)
A Night Divided (Jennifer A. Nielsen)
Nancy Drew (Carolyn Keene)
Ink heart (Cornelia Funke)
The Princess in Black (Shannon & Dean Hale)
Smile (Raina Telgemeier)
Judy Moody series (Megan McDonald)
The Royal Diaries (i.e. Cleopatra, Catherine, Anastasia, Isabel)
Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Rick Riordan)
Charlotte's Web (E.B. White)
Stuart Little (E.B. White)
The Penderwicks (J. Birdsall)
The Vanderbeekers of 141 Street (K Glaser)
The Rise and Fall of Mount Majestic (J. Trafton)
The Giver (L. Lowry)
Number the Stars (L. Lowry)
The Best Worst Christmas Pageant Ever (Barbara Robinson)
A Long Walk to Water (Linda Sue Park)
Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
The Secret Garden (F. H. Burnett)
Wonder (R.J. Palacio)
Peter and the Star Catchers series (Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson)
The Hunger Games (S. Collins)
*The Hobbit (J. R. Tolkin)*
Rise Up (Virtues devotional from Blessed is She. I was a contributing author)
All You Have (Blessed is She Lent devotional)
Not read yet (or not super loved) by My Daughters,
but really loved by others
Redwall Series (Brian Jacques)
Watership Down (R. Adams)
Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery)
The Chronicles of Narnia Series (C.S.Lewis)
Little House on the Prairie series, (Laura Ingalls Wilder)
Pippi Longstocking (Astrid Lindgren) The Moffats (E. Estes)
The Fantastic Family Whipple (M. Ward)
The Willougbys (L. Lowry)
The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles (J. Edwards)
The Book of Boy (C. Murdock)
The Phantom Tollbooth (N. Juster)
For books more tailored to your young male readers, check here!
For a list of parenting books I loved (I tend to be picky!) look here.
For book reviews and recommendations on books for children of other ages check out a blog I just discovered called Good Books for Catholic Kids. The blog is written by Brittany, a mom of three and very thoughtful, like-minded, well read bibliophile! Enjoy!
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