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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
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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.
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.
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. |
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H.I.V.E.: Higher Institute of Villainous
Education
written by Mark Walden, (Aladdin, $6.99, ISBN 978-1-4169-3572-8),
320p, Ages 12+.
Operated on a volcanic island in a distant ocean by G.L.O.V.E.,
a shadowy organization of worldwide wickedness, H.I.V.E. is
a secret academy that trains the most intelligent young thieves,
hackers, and children from criminal families. They are the next
generation of super villains and are expected to someday dominate
the world. When thirteen-year-old Otto Malpense is kidnapped
and taken to the academy, he decides to put his somewhat special
talents to use and escape the almost impregnable fortress. With
the help of his thirteen-year-old friends-a world famous diamond
thief, a computer genius, and a martial arts specialist-Otto
strives to achieve what no one has ever accomplished in the
school's history. To escape, the group is challenged by an all-seeing
computer system, a giant carnivorous plant, and an undefeatable
assassin in black. This is a fast-paced read filled with humor
and plot twists. The cliffhanger ending begs for a sequel. Those
who love super hero stories will not be able to put it down.
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THE OVERLORD PROTOCOL
written by Mark Walden, (Simon & Schuster, $15.99, ISBN
978-1-4169-3573-5), 256p, Ages 12+.
Otto, Wing, Laura, and Shelby are still trapped at the H.I.V.E.
academy, which trains children to become super villains and
dominate the world. When Otto and Wing are released from school
to attend the funeral of Wings' father, Wing is seemingly murdered, and
Otto and bodyguard-assassin, Raven, barely escape with their
lives. Seeking revenge for his friend's death, Otto begins to
hunt Cypher, a masked, ruthless villain who desires the Overlord
Protocol, a highly intelligent device that will enable him to
control the world. When several teachers and students defect
to the enemy, Otto and his friends, with their highly specialized
talents, join Dr. Nero and computer H.I.V.E. Mind to dismantle
gigantic killer robots that have taken over the school. Unexplained
information and facts surrounding several of the characters
from the previous book are revealed. The startling conclusion
to this page-turner will leave open the possibility of another
entertaining book. |
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SUN AND MOON, ICE AND SNOW
written by Jessica Day George, (Bloomsbury Children's Books,
$16.95, ISBN 978-1-59990-109-1), 336p, Ages 12-14.
Based on a famous Norwegian legend, East of the Sun, West of
the Moon, Jessica Day George has eloquently expanded the tale
of a lass who must rescue a prince from an evil troll's curse.
The lass, with a gift of understanding animals, is sought out
by a magical isbjorn (polar bear) to live in his castle for
a year, with the promise that her poor family will gain wealth.
Cursed by day to take the shape of a bear and by night reverting
to his human form, the isbjorn and lass become friends during
the months of solitude. The lass slowly unravels the mystery
of the bear's enchantment, the strange symbols on the castle
walls, and the silent servants. However, when she discovers
his identity, the Troll Queen whisks him away to her palace,
and the lass must travel on the back of the North Wind to free
the prince from the spell. Find out how the lass and her prince
trick the Troll Queen into releasing the enchantment, save the
hostage servants, and live happily ever after. Magic spells,
talking animals, mythical creatures, enchanted castles, and
friendships made and lost all come together to give readers
an engrossing tale of good triumphing over evil. |
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THE GIFT OF THE MAGI
written by O. Henry, illus. by P. J. Lynch, (Candlewick Press,
$15.99, ISBN 978-0-7636-3530-5), 40p, Ages 12+.
First published in 1903, O. Henry's tale of love and sacrifice
at Christmastime comes alive again with the beautiful illustrations
of P. J. Lynch. A young and poor couple in New York scrapes
by on a meager income, which leaves only pennies for holiday
spending. With only $1.87 to buy a present for her husband,
Della sells her long hair to purchase a platinum chain for his
watch. Jim, in turn, sells his watch to buy Della combs for
her hair. On Christmas Eve, they discover what each has sacrificed
for the other, and realize that their love and devotion are
far more lasting than material things. O'Henry, a master at
humor and plot twists, has entertained readers and listeners
for generations. |
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