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BEST BOOKS OF THE
YEAR
Best of Year 2010
Best of Year 2009
Notables from 2007
Notables from 2006
Notables from 2005
Notables from 2004
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THEMES
Adventure
Classics
Fantasy
Fiction for the Young
Folk Literature
Friendship
Historical Fiction
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Toddlers
Preschool
Kindergarten
First Grade
Second Grade
Third-Fifth Grades
Upper
Grades
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Middle Grades
Reading aloud is a great idea at every age, especially
during a period when independent reading may be tapering off. In fact,
there is very little that can reinforce a lifelong habit of reading
as much as reading to children.
Most ten year olds like books with happy endings, light nonfiction,
and humorous books. Because they are comfortable with what they know,
they may be inclined to stick to familiar books and may even go back
to books they enjoyed at a younger age. This is a sign, in fact, that
the book habit is firmly in place. One way to enjoy poetry is through
anthologies, which are put together in various ways, many times by
themes or authors.
Between ten and twelve is the era of the secret club and the peer
group. Mystery and fantasy continue to be popular, but now more adult
themes and so-called "problem" books become popular. This may arise
from a need to explore life and face adult issues, however, parents
should be careful about the content of "problem" books. Many are not
appropriate for this age group.
POETRY: Children now have acquired a little background in poetry.
For many kids poetry often means humor. Both sunny ten-year-olds and
more mellow elevens and twelves may be ready for poetry of content
and seriousness. They may suddenly be open to metaphor and cadence.
Reading aloud excellent poetry cannot help but educate them to the
possibilities of language.
CONTEMPORY LIFE: Books that parallel their lives and thoughts are
always of interest to children, and probably more now as they move
toward adolescence. They may be drawn to books that are about a test
of ability of a person close to their age and trying to survive.
FANTASY: Many kids still fantasize and these books take them out of
themselves and into other times and places. Many psychologists feel
that reading fantasy to older children is one of the keys to problem-solving
skills in later life. Whether fantasy is simple or complex, historical,
contemporary, or futuristic, these books seem to be enjoyed by both
listener and reader.
MYTHS, LEGENDS, AND FOLKTALES: At this age many children are drawn
to books about the days of King Arthur, the Greek heroes and heroines,
and stories from the Bible. ANIMAL NATURE STORIES: A connection with
nature and caring about the creatures which children share the planet
with is a part of growing up. The instinct to relate to animals and
pets, or the whole outdoors is very strong in many children now, and
they should be given the opportunity to read and listen to as many
as of these stories as possible.
REMINDERS IN CHOOSING BOOKS: Whether the people children get to know
in books are miles away, in outer space or simply people from a different
background or time, books can help develop an understanding of their
lives. Help children to explore morals and values, expand their horizons
and interests, and develop creativity and problem solving. Reading
aloud as a family activity is still a great idea. Discuss books with
your children and encourage them to make wise choices.
Because of the range in maturity of this age group, we have divided
our selections of books into two sections: the 10-12 age group and
the 12-14 age group. We have found that some books that are listed
by the book industry with a Middle Grade classification may not be
suitable for the younger Middle Grade readers. |
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TRICK OF THE TALE: A Collection of
Trickster Tales
written by John & Caitlín Matthews, illus. by Tomislav Tomic,
(Candlewick Press, $18.99, ISBN 978-0-7636-3646-3), 96p,
Ages 10+.
The world of tricksters is an unpredictable one. "Whatever its
size, each trickster animal draws upon its own intelligence,
abilities, and cunning resilience to bluff, cheat, dodge, or
decoy-and so to escape from present danger and gain its freedom."
They may win, lose, or outwit themselves, but always with a
trick. Gathered from four continents, twenty tales in this anthology
were chosen from Japan, the Americas, Canada, Africa, England,
Tibet, Spain, Russia, Ireland, Finland, Micronesia, India and
France. From Japan comes "A Hill of Beans" where Hare, Otter,
Monkey, and Badger play a trick on a peddler and divide the
spoils unevenly. From the United States the favorite Brer Rabbit
is tricked by a rooster into thinking he must cut off his head
and legs in order to get a good night's rest. From England "Chaunticleer's
Dinner" tells of a proud rooster who narrowly escapes being
eaten by Russell the Fox. "The Frog and Crow" from Tibet tells
of a humble frog who outsmarts a crow by distraction and escapes
with his life. An introduction by the authors explains the appeal
of the tales and the commonality of trickster tales worldwide.
The black and white engravings are remarkable. |
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DAY OF THE DJINN WARRIORS
written by P. B. Kerr, (Orchard Books, $17.99, ISBN 978-0-439-93214-1),
384p, Ages 9-12.
In this fourth book of the series Children of the Lamp, twins
John and Phillipa Gaunt become involved with the famous Chinese
Terracotta Warriors, seven thousand life-size, ancient, clay
soldiers buried with the Chinese Emperor of Qin around 210 BC.
Originally created to protect and defend the Emperor in the
afterlife, the twins discover that the warriors were awakened
by the evil djinn, Iblis. They race against time to stop the
warriors, return the rightful Blue Djinn to Babylon, rescue
their mother, as well as halt an aging curse that was placed
on their father. With their Uncle Nimrod and friends, they battle
Iblis, who desires to take over the Universe by capturing millions
of children's spirits. Fans of the series will not be disappointed
in this latest installment. It's a fun, action-packed adventure
with many twists and turns. |
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THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY AND
THE PERILOUS JOURNEY
written by Trenton Lee Stewart, illus. by Diana Sudyka, (Little,
Brown & Co., $16.99, ISBN 098-0-316-05780-6), 448p,
Ages 9-12.
A year has passed, and the children from The Mysterious Benedict
Society meet for a reunion. However an international
scavenger hunt and adventure, designed by Mr. Benedict, turns
into danger for Reynie, Sticky, Kate, and Constance. Upon learning
of Mr. Benedict's kidnapping by his twin brother, Ledroptha
Curtain, the children turn the adventure into a "perilous journey"
to rescue Mr. Benedict. Uncovering hidden clues and riddles
that Mr. Benedict left before his abduction, they travel on
a cargo ship to Portugal, across Europe, and onto a mysterious
island before being captured. With their various strengths,
talents, and courage, the children not only rescue Mr. Benedict,
but also become more understanding of each other, and their
unusual friendship is further strengthened. |
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THORNSPELL
written by Helen Lowe, (Alfred A. Knopf Books, $15.99, ISBN
978-0-375-85581-8), 320p, Ages 8-12.
Based on the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale, Helen Lowe has created
a brave and courageous prince, who dreams of a forbidden wood,
an enchanted castle, and a sleeping princess that is under an
evil spell. Little does Prince Sigismund realize that he is
part of the story, which begins in a remote kingdom where eleven-year-old
Sigismund meets an unusual master-at-arms. Balisan is a teacher
and mentor sent by the King to train and prepare him for a future
quest–a quest involving a Hedge of Thorns, the evil fairy Margarine,
a ragged and elusive girl, a sleeping kingdom, a priceless sword,
and a special dragon. Through the years, Sigismund matures in
wisdom and knowledge, and at eighteen he prepares for the final
battle against evil, which he discovers can sometimes be hidden
behind the mask of friendship. He not only rescues a kingdom
and a princess, but also discovers a future beyond his wildest
dreams. For those who love quests, magic spells, and enchantment,
this tale is sure to please. |
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A CHRISTMAS CAROL
written by Charles Dickens, illus. by Robert Ingpen, (minedition,
$25.00, ISBN 978+0-698-40085-6), 192p, Ages 10+.
This unabridged edition of a classic holiday tale tells of love,
goodwill, mercy, and redemption. On Christmas Eve in Victorian
England, old, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge encounters three spirits:
Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Yet to Come.
Each spirit teaches him the meaning of Christmas by reviewing
his past, disclosing his present, and foretelling his grim future.
Can Scrooge reverse his miserable destiny and change his cold
heart? Every Christmas we should try to read the timeless story
that was first published in 1843. Award-winning artist, Robert
Ingpen, brings his own unforgettable interpretation to this
timeless classic. This edition includes a short biography on
Dickens and circumstances surrounding his writing of this famous
story. Also included is Dickens' A Christimas Tree, a short
story that first appeared in 1850 and written as one of his
yearly Christmas stories for the twopenny weekly Household Words.
Endpapers contain "The Best of Charles Dickens", a listing of
his novels, dates published and a brief description of each
novel. |
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