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BEST BOOKS OF THE
YEAR
Best of Year 2010
(12-14 Yrs)
Best of Year 2009
Best of Year 2008
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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ALICE'S ADVENTURES
IN WONDERLAND
written by Lewis Carroll, illus. by Robert Ingpen, (Sterling
Publishing, $19.95, ISBN 978-1-4027-6835-4), 192p,
Ages 10+.
Alice's nonsensical and curious adventures begin when she follows
a frantic white rabbit down a hole into a magical world called
Wonderland. There she meets a Cheshire Cat, the hookah-smoking
Caterpillar, a Mad Hatter, the March Hare, a Doormouse, an absurd
Dodo, a Dutchess, a Gryphon, and the bossy Queen of Hearts,
with whom she plays a bizarre game of croquet. Through her adventures
and predicaments, where the nonsensical become the norm, Alice
retains her humor, reason, and sense of justice. Robert Ingpen's
artwork is fascinating and memorable. As Alice states, "and
what is the use of a book…without pictures or comments?" Told
to a group of children in 1862, this unabridged edition will
capture the heart, mind, and imagination of children everywhere.
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ALICE THROUGH
THE LOOKING-GLASS
written by Lewis Carroll, illus. by Helen Oxenbury, (Candlewick
Press, $14.99, ISBN 978-0-7636-4262-4), 208p, Ages
10+.
In the sequel to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Alice climbs
through a mirror on the family's mantel and into a giant chessboard
world, where it takes walking backward to get anywhere. In order
to become a queen, Alice must move through sequences on the
chessboard to reach the other side and return home. On her way,
she meets Tweedledee and Tweedledum, Humpty Dumpty, the Lion
and the Unicorn, the White and Red Queens, the White Knight,
and the oyster-loving Walrus and Carpenter. Throughout all her
sideways, upside down, and backward adventures, Alice maintains
her sensible and analytical ways. Lewis Carroll also uses clever
wordplay, symbolism, and hidden messages for older readers to
enjoy. |
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