100 Cupboards by N.D. Wilson

SYNOPSIS:  Henry is staying with his aunt and uncle when he makes a mind-blowing discovery.  There are cupboards hidden behind the wall in their house!  What he finds in the cupboards makes his heart race with excitement and fear.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I had a really hard time getting interested in this story.  The idea of a room full of cupboards which lead to other places was a little hard for me to digest.  In addition, the story was dark and a little gruesome in parts, so I would recommend it to pre-teens and older.

AUDIENCE:  Pre-teens, Teens

RATING:  PG with violence and disturbing imagery

STARS:  1 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Secret Garden

Chomp by Carl Hiaasen

SYNOPSIS:  Wahoo Cray is the son of an animal wrangler.  He's always been more or less proud of his dad and his unique skill set.  However, since his dad's accident, things have been hard for their family.  When they get offered a substantial sum of money to provide animals special effects for a television program, they're not in a position to refuse.  When the star of the show proves to be more unruly than the animals, however, things start to get even more tricky.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I think this book would be fun and exciting for pre-teen readers.  There is plenty of action and suspense, but it is all age-appropriate.  There's also a healthy dose of drama, however, so I'd save it for pre-teen readers and above, and choose another book for story time.

AUDIENCE:  Pre-teens and Teens

STARS:  3 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Death Cloud, Artemis Fowl

Young Sherlock Holmes Series by Andrew Lane

SYNOPSIS:  Sherlock Holmes' life is turned upside down after he encounters a body beneath a mysterious cloud on his estate.  With the help of his tutor, Mr. Crowe, he begins to make deductions that will throw him into danger, and help him to solve the mystery.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I thought this was a good mystery for teens and older kids.  There is some violence however, along with some adventure, so I would recommend readers be aware of those elements.

AUDIENCE:  Pre-teens and Teens

RATING:  PG for Violence and Suspense

STARS:  3

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Theodore Boone Series, I'd Tell You I Love You, but Then I'd Have to Kill You

SYNOPSIS:  Sherlock is back, this time to solve the mystery of why the once-thought-dead John Wilkes Booth is in England.  His adventure will lead to the capture of one of his friends, and a resultant journey to America to bring him home safely.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  Although I still thought the mystery was fun and adventurous, I thought this book was a bit gruesome for younger readers.  I will allow, however, that older boys may be interested in those aspects of the book.  I would reserve it for Teens and older, because of the violence and grotesque imagery.

AUDIENCE:  Teens

RATING:  PG with Gruesome Imagery and Violence

STARS: 2

Ever After High Series by Shannon Hale

SYNOPSIS:  Apple White (daughter of Snow White) has always been at peace with her destiny.  She is more than happy to endure a poisoned apple because she knows it will lead to her Happily Ever After.  However, Raven Queen (daughter of the Evil Queen) is not content to follow her mother's footsteps.  She would rather choose for herself.  Unfortunately, there are others affected by her choices, and they are not happy with the changes she would like to make.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I have been a big fan of Shannon Hale's books, but these two were a little disappointing to me.  When compared with Princess Academy, which is intended for readers of the same age, it is clear that Ever After High is inferior.  While anyone, child or adult, can enjoy Princess Academy, these books seem simplistic and shallow.  However, I will admit that younger readers would likely enjoy them.  I just didn't feel the writing quality was equal to that of Hale's other novels.  Because the books are written for young readers, there was no mature content.  They were very mild.

AUDIENCE:  Children and Pre-teens

RATING:  G

STARS:  1 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Percy Jackson, Small Persons With Wings

Hoot by Carl Hiaasen

SYNOPSIS:  Roy thinks Montana is Heaven.  So when his family moves to Florida, he is miserable.  When looking out the school bus window, however, he sees a boy running.  Roy's decision to follow the boy and discover his story leads him to become involved in a fight for the miniature owls who make Florida their home.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I really enjoyed this story.  I think it would be an entertaining read for teen readers, especially those interested in animals.  I would caution, however, that there is some language in the book, so I wouldn't recommend it for young children.

AUDIENCE:  Preteens and Teens

RATING:  PG for language

STARS:  3 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Holes, The Invention of Hugo Cabet

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

SYNOPSIS:  Mary has always been a sour, spoiled little girl whose parents ignored her.  Her life is changed forever, however, when she is sent to live at her uncle's estate in England.  There she meets Dicken, who can charm any wild animal; Colin, who is just as spoiled and sour as she is; and Martha, who states things plainly without sparing Mary's feelings.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This is a sweet and charming story about children, and the power of the mind.  It is a good reminder about how to be a healthful person.  I would recommend it to readers of any age, although I will caution that there is some racist language in the book, as one might expect from the time period.  I would recommend discussing this language and racism in general with younger readers before having them read it.

AUDIENCE:  Children and Pre-Teens

RATING:  PG (with some racist terms)

STARS:  3 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  An Old-Fashioned Girl, The Story Girl

Rules by Cynthia Lord

SYNOPSIS:  Catherine has always wished her autistic brother was different.  Especially when a new girl moves in next door, who Catherine would like to impress.  When she meets Jason, who can't walk or speak, her views change completely.  She learns things about her brother and others like him that she will never forget.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This book was poetic and thought-provoking.  I think it would make an touching and eye-opening read for pre-teens and teens.

AUDIENCE:  Children, Pre-Teens, and Teens

RATING:  G

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  The Mighty Miss Malone, A Corner of the Universe

Weedflower by Cynthia Kadohata

SYNOPSIS:  Sumiko has always stood out from her classmates.  As a Japanese-American girl living in the midst of WWII, her life is turned upside down.  Her family is sent to Japanese Internment camp, where she spends her day fighting the Ultimate Boredom.  In the end, she must decide who she wants to be in a country that doesn't celebrate her heritage.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I thought this was a great portrayal of life as a Japanese-American girl in the WWII era.  The character was strong, smart, and believable.  I would recommend this book to preteen and teen readers.

AUDIENCE:  Preteen, Teens

RATING: PG

STARS:  3 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, Holes

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly

SYNOPSIS:  Calpurnia isn't an ordinary girl living in at the turn of the century.  Unlike her friends, who are eagerly learning how to sew, knit, and cook, Calpurnia thirsts for knowledge.  Scientific knowledge, to be exact. She wants to know all about the world around her, and her grandfather, with his love of Darwinian theory is the perfect person to teach her.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This is a good book for young girls who love science.  Calpurnia is a hapless cook, but a budding scientist.  Her adventures are fun and comical.  There is some brief allusion to the theory of evolution, however, which some readers may not enjoy.

AUDIENCE:  Children, Pre-teens

RATING:  PG

STARS:  3 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Little House Series, Anne of Green Gables

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell

SYNOPSIS:  Karana has never known anything but her island.  She loves the animals, and her life with her family.  But when foreigners come to the island, everything changes.  In the end, Karana is dependent on her skills and knowledge to survive, alone.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I had never read this book, and knowing it was a classic, I decided to try it out.  I'll be honest and say it wasn't really my style, but I think that is mostly personal preference.  The main character is definitely a strong protagonist, and the storytelling and description are great, as well.  I would recommend it for teen and pre-teen readers who enjoy stories of strength and survival.

AUDIENCE:  Pre-teens and Teens

RATING:  PG for Violence and Graphic Imagery

STARS:  3 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Hatchet, Little House Series

Theodore Boone Series: Kid Lawyer, and The Abduction by John Grisham

SYNOPSIS:  Theo Boone is the result of a lawyer mother and a lawyer father, and no siblings.  In other words, he loves everything related to the legal system.  In fact, he considers himself an amateur lawyer, and frequently gives his schoolmates legal advice.  Being involved with the legal scene also means he gets an inside look at a lot of drama and adventure.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  Although I found these books a little dull, I think they would be great for younger readers, especially any who are interested in the judiciary system.  They are not all action and adventure, but there is some detective work going on, which kids should love.  I would recommend them for younger readers.

AUDIENCE:  Preteens and Children

RATING:  PG for Mild Violence

STARS:  2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  The 39 Clues, Dave At Night

The 39 Clues

SYNOPSIS:  Dan and Amy Cahill's lives are changed forever when their parents die.  Then their grandmother dies and sends them on a quest to find 39 clues that will change the world.  However, they are not the only ones on the quest, and their competitors are ruthless.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  We have only made it through book 9 of this series, but so far, my kids and I have enjoyed the series.  What kid wouldn't like to pretend they are on a hunt for massive power?  Another thing I loved is that each book takes them to another location where they learn about different cultures and historical figures.  Plus, it gets them interested in reading.  For me it's a win/win situation.  We have been listening to the audiobooks, but in paper format, they are a pretty easy read (I would say older grade schoolers should have no problems with it).  However, there is some espionage-type violence, so that is one thing to be aware of.  I think this would be a good series to get preteens and older children excited about reading.

RATING:  PG for some Violence

AUDIENCE:  Older Children and Pre-Teens

STARS:  3

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  The Magic Tree House Series, Artemis Fowl

Top Ten Books for Pre-Teens and Children

1.  The Invention of Hugo Cabret
2.  Holes
3.  Eight Cousins
4.  Charlotte's Web
5.  Matilda
6.  The City of Ember
7.  Little House Series
8.  Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle
9.  Wonderstruck
10.  Diary of a Wimpy Kid

The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

SYNOPSIS:  The Heroes of Olympus series continues with this installment, picking up their story as a select few of the demigods unite to continue their quest.

AUNTIE SHARON RECOMMENDS:  If you liked the first two of the series, you will like the latest in the series.  However, I did wish there had been more teamwork and collaboration from the characters.  It seemed like for most of the book, they took turns having adventures, as though there were too many characters, and the author couldn't find use for all of them.

RATING:  PG for Fantasy Violence

AUDIENCE:  Teens and Young Adults

STARS:  3

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Kane Chronicles, Nobody's Princess

My Unfair Godmother by Janette Rallison

SYNOPSIS:  After her questionable success (See My Fair Godmother), Chrysanthemum Everstar is again assigned to be a Godmother, this time to Tansy Miller, who finds herself living with her father and stepmother after her mother and sister find fortune in the world of fame.  As in her last adventure, Chrysanthemum finds herself making things worse instead of better.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I liked this book better than the first.  The storytelling is entertaining and fun, although parts of the plot seemed to be a little unrealistic, even within the genre of fantasy.  The content is audience age-appropriate, and I would recommend it as a fun, sweet read.

RATING:  PG for subject matter, including teenage rebellion

AUDIENCE:  Pre-Teens and Teens

STARS:  3

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Small Persons With Wings, Artemis Fowl

The Chronicles of Avonlea Series by L.M. Montgomery

SYNOPSIS:  This collection of short stories takes place in Avonlea.  Although there are some stories featuring our beloved characters, there are others included to add to the volume, as well.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I loved this book.  I like to have an audiobook downloaded at all times to listen to while I am working out, and librivox.org makes catching up on the classics so easy.  My favorite story in the book was "The Materializing of Cecil." This book would be great for any audience, but is based mostly on adults, so I would recommend it for Pre-teens and above for that reason.

RATING:  PG for Subject Matter

AUDIENCE:  Teens, Young Adults, Adults (Pre-teens, also, if they are up to it.)

STARS:  3 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  The Story Girl, Anne of Green Gables

Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick

SYNOPSIS:  This story is actually two stories in one.  One is about Ben, whose mother has just died, and finds himself adrift in the world. The other, told mostly in pictures, is about Rose, living decades previously, who is a Deaf girl in an unaccommodating world.  Their stories converge in a surprising way.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  Like The Invention of Hugo Cabret, this story is great for reluctant readers because it is interspersed with many pictures, a book that straddles the line between picture book and chapter book.  However, the subject matter is slightly more mature, and more dramatic, so I would recommend it for slightly older readers.

RATING:  PG for Subject Matter

AUDIENCE:  Pre-teens and Teens

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Dave at Night

The Story Girl Series by L.M. Montgomery

SYNOPSIS:  Beverly and his brother Felix go to live with their cousins while their father is away.  While there, they meet the Story Girl, a cousin who is good at telling stories.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  These books were great, and would be wonderful read-alouds to younger children, because of their layout.  The books mostly consist of stories, but also include everyday happenings amongst the cousins and friends.  I think L.M. Montgomery is a genius at capturing childlike innocence and everyday cares.  However, it might be hard reading to younger readers, so for that reason, I would recommend it more for precocious readers.

RATING:  G

AUDIENCE:  All

STARS:  3 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Eight Cousins, Little House in the Big Woods

Small Persons with Wings by Ellen Booraem

SYNOPSIS:  Mellie has always been able to see fairies.  One was her constant companion as a child.  However, when he leaves right before she was planning to show him to her classmates, she becomes the butt of their jokes.  When her grandfather mysteriously disappears, she and her parents move, and she discovers there is a lot more to their story than she knows.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This was an entertaining story, with fun fantasy, and a believable main character.  The content is age appropriate, and it would make good reading for a pre-teen or teen.  However, it might not be as interesting to an older audience.

RATING:  PG for subject matter (including bullies)

AUDIENCE:  Pre-teens and Teens

STARS:  3

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Artemis Fowl, Witch and Wizard

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

SYNOPSIS:  Lina and Doon are friends living in Ember, a city founded by The Builders over 200 years earlier.  Things are changing--food is running out, the power cuts off at times, and the town's leaders are corrupt.  Lina tries to unravel the mysteries of the city, with the help of Doon.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This is a good series for younger readers.  It is exciting and mysterious, and the characters in the book are courageous and smart.  I would recommend it readers of any age.

RATING:  PG

AUDIENCE:  Pre-Teen

STARS:  3 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Matilda, Dave at Night