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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
by Rowling, J.K.
Harry Potter and the End of a Cultural Phenomenon Rowling has proven in each of the books that even the most exciting action scenes aren't nearly as effective unless the reader is emotionally involved; with the Harry Potter series, it's all about the characters. |
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Evil Genius
by Catherine Jinks
A Bad Education You know the formula: young kid who feels out of place, especially with his family, learns he has special abilities and must learn to use them. What makes this formula so enduring is that it appeals to all kids who have felt like they don't belong. |
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Flora Segunda
by Wilce, Ysabeau S.
A New Magickal Girl in Town In Flora Segunda, Ysbeaus Wilce takes common adolescent miseries and adds magic and adventure in an engaging tale of a girl's coming-of-age. |
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Slippery Slope, The
by Snicket, Lemony
Unfortunately, It's Excellent Doom, despair and agony on me...Here comes another Lemony. |
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The Canning Season
by Horvath, Polly
Dry Humor and Love for Young Adolescents The Canning Season is a lovely book, one that kids (especially girls, most likely) will enjoy immensely, and parents can be pleased their kids are reading. |
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The Ersatz Elevator
by Snicket, Lemony
The Delightful (If Unfortunate) Anxiety of the Elevator The archness, wordplay, genuine likability of the children, and the imaginative twists of the predicaments of the plot make The Ersatz Elevator enjoyable for adults as well as children. |
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Benny
by Posthuma, Sieb
No Bone, No Story Somebody ought to tell the author, Sieb Posthuma, that even kids need some sort of actual story. |
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The Key to My Heart
by Harel, Nira (illustrated by Abulafia, Yossi)
A LIttle Reminder of the Important People The illustrations aren't too good, but the story is so warm and loving, I recommend this one anyway. |
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A Boot Fell From Heaven
by Bluitgen, Kåre
God, a Boot, and a Little Boy Who Cares This is beautiful. That's all, just beautiful. |
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Carnivorous Carnival, The
by Snicket, Lemony
Lemony Snicket's The Carnivorous Carnival: Better Than Paper Cuts The world is a horrible place full of peril, death and despair. The sooner kids get that through their thick skulls, the better. Lemony Snicket is there to light the way with his gospels of gloom. |
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