Tweens Book Reviews
Parents and Grandparents.....
Here you will find book reviews for Tweens, ages 8-12. The goal here is to introduce you to books that would be appropriate for kids who are between 8 and 12 and who love to read. Since I tend to look for books that are Newbury and Caldicott winners, most of the books I've read tend to be gems. But there are also some that were suggested to me by others who enjoy a good kids' book, too! If you enjoy these books, don't hesitate to send me an email and let me know! Or suggest books for me to read before you purchase it and I will review it for you. Thanks!
- In: Tweens
Here in NH we have an award called the Great Stone Face award for Best Children's book. In 2012-2013, author R.J. Palacio won the award for her novel, "Wonder". I just finished reading the book and was quite impressed with her insightful story that shares the thoughts and observations of a boy with a condition similar to Treacher-Collins syndrome - a specific craniofacial anomaly.
I loved how Ms. Palacio not only told the story through August, the main character's eyes, but also through the eyes of several of the other characters. And often it was the same scene from the different perspectives.
- In: Tweens
I was in a rut and couldn't get into any one of the, at least ten, different books I was currently reading. Of course, I'm big time into writing mode so maybe that explains my lack of input since I've been outputting so much.
Anyway, I wanted to get through this slump so I did what I usually do - I went to my local library. I walk down the aisles, looking through the shelves, checking a list I carry with me to see if my library carries any of the Newbery winners or other books that I want to read. Something usually jumps out at me and this time I found two books that I wanted to read, both JFic/Middle Grade. I finished this book "When You Reach Me" by Rebecca Stead in just two days. The 2010 Newbery Medal Winner was a joy to read. It kept my interest and reminded me why I love to read and write juvenile fiction, also.
- In: Tweens
When Zachary Beaver Came to Town by Kimberly Willis Holt was another great find from our local swap shop. I had never heard of the book or the author but the write-up on the back cover was enough to peak my interest and the book looked like a quick read so I decided to give it a try and add it to my books read in 2014 list.
- In: Tweens
Ever since I saw "You've Got Mail" starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, I've wondered about the books that Meg Ryan's character talked about with such obvious emotion; Ballet Shoes, Theater Shoes, and Dancing Shoes. For some reason I never looked them up, thinking about them usually only when I was watching the movie. But after having seen the movie so many times now, I finally grabbed my IPad and looked them up while they were on my mind. She even gave the name of the author, Neil Streatfeild, which made it that much easier to find the books, if they existed, on the internet. And they did exist! They are real books and Neil Streatfeild is the author. So, I bought Ballet Shoes, Meg's favorite one, and the very first book in the series.
- In: Tweens
Paperboy by Vince Vawter. Living in a small town, you get to know the people who keep the town together and running smoothly day to day. One of my favorite people in my town is our librarian, Holly. I stop in regularly to find a book or two that I want to read, beyond the books in my own extensive library. Holly and I spend some time chatting, often about our shared passion for books. She recently recommended a book so highly that I knew I had to read it. And I'm glad I did because it was a wonderful book, unique in its subject, told from the perspective of a boy who stutters.