My new blogging friend, Mary Ann Scheuer over at Great Kid Books, has a lot of, well, great books for kids that she has reviewed. I have not read these books, but she has done a fabulous job of reviewing them, and I’ve added some information about reading levels and ratings where appropriate.
The Tree That Time Built – Poetry can be a challenging read, even when the vocabulary is accessible. This collection of poems combines the artistry of words with the wonder of natural science, and is suitable for a wide range of readers.
When You Reach Me – This is a coming of age tale, with a mysterious science fiction twist. The reading level is not a challenge for most advanced readers, but the subject matter is serious and will appeal to readers 10+. RL: 4.5 CSM: 9+ Rating: PG13 Content: some kissing, death of a man
Ida B. and her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and (possibly) Save the World – This is a realistic fiction about a girl’s difficult journey through a year when her mother is diagnosed with cancer. This is not a challenging read for most advanced readers, but because of the difficult subject matter would be best for readers 10+. RL: 5.3 Rating: PG Content: cancer diagnosis
When the Whistle Blows – A coming of age story for boys, this book is a historical fiction tale in 1940’s West Virginia, set alongside the trains of that era. Again not a challenging read, but may appeal more to readers 10+. RL: 4.9 Rating: PG
The Frog Scientist – This non-fiction book centers on the effect of pesticides on frog populations. Non-fiction books are always more challenging to read than fiction at the same reading level, so this book should be a challenging read for advanced readers 8+. RL: 6.3 CSM: 9+ Rating: G
The Sisters of the Sword (series) – This series of books follows two sisters in feudal Japan who disguise themselves as boys to train as samurai. The reading level will not be challenging, except for younger readers (8+), but the bloody fight scenes might be upsetting. Parental Guidance recommended, but this series is probably fine for advanced readers 9+. RL: 5.9 Rating: PG Content: some bloody fight scenes
Check out Mary Ann’s blog for more reviews of books for a wide range of ages!
Susan stop by my blog, I have an award for you Congrats on such a great blog!
Thanks for your kind words! I'm on my way over!
Susan, thanks for your kind words and great summary of these wonderful books. I love your rating system – I think it brings a lot to parents.
The only rating I'd suggest reconsidering is for Ida B. My 10 year old and I both loved it, and I am very strict about not letting her watch PG-13 movies. (spoiler alert) The mother ends up recovering or coming to a more stable state with her cancer; there is no death and the tragedy is manageable in the end for Ida B. It has seemed within the emotional realm of several 10 year olds at our school who've read it and really enjoyed it.
Thanks again for sending readers my way!
all the best with your blog – it's wonderful!
Mary Ann
Mary Ann,
Thanks for the comments! You are right, Ida B. should really be PG (I'll change it). I'm going to do a posting soon on the ratings and what they mean, just so I can keep track of them (as well as everyone else!).
Thanks!