Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

SYNOPSIS:  Four sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy live with their mother and try to make ends meet while their father is off fighting in the war.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This story is beautiful and at some points tragic.  I didn't like it as much as others of Louisa May Alcott's books, simply because it had some very sad parts in it, and as a teen, I wanted to read happy stories.  However, it is a wonderful book, which I think every girl should read at some point in her life.

RATING:  PG

AUDIENCE:  Teens, Young Adults, Adults

STARS:  3 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre

An Old-Fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott

SYNOPSIS:  Polly goes to live with her cousins, although she is considered below them in station.  They soon grow to enjoy her influence, and love her.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This is another underrated Louisa May Alcott book.  However, it is a good story about making the most of what you have and being positive in the face of adversity.  I would recommend it to any teen trying to become familiar with the classics.

RATING:  G

AUDIENCE:  Pre-teen, Teen, Young Adult

STARS:  3 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Mansfield Park, Emily of New Moon

Eight Cousins by Louisa May Alcott

SYNOPSIS:  Rose is orphaned and left to her uncle's guardianship.  She lives amongst aunts and several (boy) cousins.  As she grows up, she learns to love her family, and they fall in love with her.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  My dad had an ancient copy of this book, which I read over and over until it fell apart.  It was my favorite book as a pre-teen, and it is still my favorite Louisa May Alcott book.  I think my love for it may have had a lot to do with the fact that the main character, Rose, can do no wrong, and as is even somewhat of a martyr.  I think I liked the idea of being inculpable as a pre-teen.  Also, young people today may not be able to get past the fact that Rose's cousins become love interests in future books.  However, I think this is a pleasant and fun story that is surprisingly easy to read.

RATING:  G

AUDIENCE:  Pre-teen

STARS:  4 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Anne of Green Gables, Little House in the Big Woods

Little House Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder

SYNOPSIS:  These stories recount the true stories from Laura Ingalls Wilder's life.  Laura grows from a young girl to a grown up woman with a child of her own.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  Laura Ingalls Wilder has a great memory for the events in her life and relates them in a pleasant, charming way.  These books are sweet and uplifting, and educational.  When I was younger, I found them to be a little dry at times, however, so some readers may have a hard time with them.

RATING:  G

AUDIENCE:  Anyone

STARS:  4

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Anne of Green Gables, Little Women

Charlotte's Web by E. B. White

SYNOPSIS:  Fern saves the runt pig from a horrible demise, and takes him on as a pet.  Eventually, Wilbur becomes friends with Charlotte, a spider who endeavors to save his life again.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I loved this book when I was young, which is saying something, since I'm not a huge fan of books in which animals talk to each other.  However, it is a Newbery Honor winner, and for good reason.  E. B. White tells a simple and uplifting story about self-worth that would be good for any young person.

RATING:  G

AUDIENCE:  Children

STARS:  4 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Little House in the Big Woods, National Velvet

Holes by Louis Sachar

SYNOPSIS:  Stanley is sent to a reform camp as punishment for a crime he didn't commit.  While there, he is required to dig holes all day.  He finds out, however that all is not what it seems.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This book is a Newbery winner, and for good reason.  It is a fast-moving, well-written story, with lovable characters and a good message.

RATING:  PG

AUDIENCE:  Children and Pre-teens

STARS:  4 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Maniac McGee, Flipped

The Lost Hero and The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

SYNOPSIS:  This series is a spin-off from the Percy Jackson series, so you will most likely be lost if you read them first.  Percy Jackson is missing, and another Demigod appears in his place.  There are more adventures to be had as he tries to recover his memory, and the friends try to find out what happened to Percy.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This series was more grown-up, which is probably why I liked it more.  It also means there will be a more mature audience.

RATING:  PG, for fantasy Violence

AUDIENCE:  Teens

STARS:  3 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Harry Potter, Kane Chronicles

To read about the third book in this series, click here.

The Adventures of Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey

SYNOPSIS:  Two troublemaking boys inadvertently turn their principle into Captain Underpants, who believes he is a superhero.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  Obviously, there is going to be plentiful bathroom humor in this book.  It's crude and rude, and even a bit vulgar.  However, it's an easy read with pictures on every page, and may be a good way to get reluctant readers started with chapter books.  I once saw a documentary about Roald Dahl, in which he defended his use of bathroom humor by pointing out that children love it.  Of course, that is who will likely be reading the books.  So while I think they're a silly and gross, I can see their value among young boys.

RATING:  PG

AUDIENCE:  Children and Pre-teens

STARS:  1

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Diary of a Wimpy Kid, How to Train Your Dragon

Anne of Green Gables Series by L.M. Montgomery

SYNOPSIS:  Anne Shirley is an orphan, but has the good luck to be placed with a brother and sister.  She is willful and lively, and the three come to terms with how their lives have changed forever.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This series is heartwarming and fun.  The books are great reads for any girl.  However, as Anne's life changes, she matures.  Over the course of her life, she faces many tragedies.  Also, there is a lot of descriptive writing, which I think is a great way to increase vocabulary, but may also be slow going for a reluctant reader.

RATING:  G for first few books, then PG

AUDIENCE:  Teens, Young Adults, and Adults

STARS:  4

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Emily of New Moon, Eight Cousins, Wives and Daughters

The Baby-Sitters Club by Ann M. Martin

SYNOPSIS:  Kristy decides to start a club so parents can get ahold of a group of trustworthy babysitters with one phone call.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  Most of my recreational reading in fifth grade came from this series.  I can't remember anything offensive in the books.  For the most part, they were positive and entertaining. It also helps that there are over 100 books, so readers who enjoy the series will always have a ready supply.  The books may seem a bit outdated to today's readers, but they have been given a makeover, and some have been published in graphic novel form.

RATING:  PG

AUDIENCE:  Pre-teens and teens

STARS:  3

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Sweet Valley Twins, Nancy Drew

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle by Betty MacDonald

SYNOPSIS:  Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle loves children.  When parents look for solutions to their children's bad manners, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle always has a solution.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I loved these as a little girl, and my kids love them now, although probably not as much.  They may be slow going for today's readers, but there are pictures to keep them going.  Age appropriate for anyone, these books would also make a great bedtime read-aloud.

RATING:  G

AUDIENCE:  Children and Pre-teens

STARS:  4

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Mary Poppins, Nurse Matilda

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

SYNOPSIS:  Greg Heffley is not the most popular kid in school.  He confides his adventures, complete with doodles in his diaries.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  Although there is some rude humor in these books, as well as some words I wouldn't want a younger reader to pick up (such as "moron"), I thought they were funny and easy to read, which may help motivate a reluctant reader.  I would recommend them to Pre-teens for content, although the reading level would probably be pretty easy for elementary school readers, as well.

RATING:  PG

AUDIENCE:  Children and Pre-teens

STARS:  3 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  How to Train Your Dragon, The BFG

Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

SYNOPSIS:  Sophie is turned into an old woman by a witch.  She takes on work for a wizard, and discovers that everything is not as it seems.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I surprised myself by actually liking this book.  In fact, I liked it a lot.  It was a fun fairy tale, and I found myself rooting for the characters in it by the end.  I would recommend it for young adults and adults, simply because it might prove difficult for younger readers, and there are some fantasy elements that may be a little graphic for young readers.

RATING :  PG

AUDIENCE:  Teens, Young Adults, and Adults

STARS:  4

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Goose Girl, The Sisters Grimm

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

SYNOPSIS:  Ponyboy is a young member of a gang called the Greasers.  He is living with his older brothers, who are struggling to provide the love and care normally shown by parents.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This was my favorite book that I was required to read in Junior High.  It remained my favorite book for several years.  I loved the camaraderie the boys in the gang showed one another, and the main character's struggle to be important.  There is violence and some language, as well as smoking and drinking going on in the book, so I would recommend it to older readers.

RATING:  PG13 for Violence

AUDIENCE:  Teens and Young Adults

STARS:  4

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  The Book Thief, Maniac McGee

Matilda by Roald Dahl

SYNOPSIS:  Matilda has such supernatural intelligence, she finds it extends to telepathy.  Unfortunately, she is surrounded by adults that are anything but supportive.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This is my favorite Roald Dahl book.  It has a good message, and an endearing main character.  Other Roald Dahl books are also fun to read, especially for younger readers, such as The BFG, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Esio Trot, Fantastic Mr. Fox, and The Twits.  Some books have frightening villains, and some (including Matilda) have language.  Most books have some rude humor, too, in the form of belches and other forms of getting rid of gas.

RATING:  PG

AUDIENCE:  Children and Pre-teens

STARS:  4

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Stuart Little

Loves Music, Loves to Dance by Mary Higgins Clark

SYNOPSIS:  A serial killer is on the loose, leaving a dancing shoe on each of his victims.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  Honestly, I just picked a book at random, but this critique will stand for just about any Mary Higgins Clark book, of which I have read several.  These books are generally pretty clean, although there is, of course murder, or at least attempted murder in each book.  Also, sometimes there is some sensuality, or mature content in the form of sexual predators.  As a general rule, the books are entertaining, and easy-to-read.

RATING:  PG13 for Violence, some sensuality, and occasionally adult material

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults and Adults

STARS:  3

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Mysteries by Agatha Christie

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

SYNOPSIS:  Eight strangers are invited to stay at a mansion on an island mysteriously.  One by one they are murdered in a strange manner.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  If you like mysteries, you can't go wrong with Agatha Christie, and this is my favorite.  The same thing can be said of all of her mysteries:  they are well thought out, with surprising endings.  Of course, there is always a murder or two, some in violent manners, and the writing style may prove difficult for young readers to understand.

RATING:  PG13 for violence (although not as bad as other PG13 books)

AUDIENCE:  Teens, Young adults, and Adults

STARS:  4

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, mysteries by Mary Higgins Clark

The Candy Shop War by Brandon Mull

SYNOPSIS:  Nate moves to a new home and befriends three other children from his neighborhood.  They discover a candy shop that sells magical candy.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I'll admit that I am not really a Brandon Mull fan, and this book is not one of his best.  However, I think younger readers will have fun with this story, and the idea that candy gives special powers.

RATING:  PG

AUDIENCE:  Children and Pre-teens

STARS:  2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Charlie and the Chocolate factory, Charlie Bone