A few weeks ago, I got an e-mail asking what I would recommend for a kid who has read Harry Potter and also Percy Jackson. I actually get this question a lot because we do a lot of reading around here.
Made me think it might be fun to start a blog and talk about what we're reading, and also maybe get some recommendations from YOU! After all, most everything we read was recommended by someone...usually a friend, teacher, or the local librarian! The e-mail and my response are below:
(FYI, Gabe is in 4th grade.)
P.S. Don't forget to read the "P.S.'s" at the end.
P.S. Don't forget to read the "P.S.'s" at the end.
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Hi Emily,
My final total for Gabe's minutes was 2528. If that is incorrect please get back to me ASAP.
What is he into reading lately? I'm always looking for more interesting and challenging age appropriate books for Izzy to read. My usually very non-competitive child feels slightly competitive with Gabe on AR* point total. Izzy has read all the Harry Potters, Percy Jacksons and just discovered the Land of Stories series which she loves.
Thanks,
K_________
(*AR stands for Accelerated Reader. The kids take a computerized test on the books they're read and accumulate points. Gabe LOVES taking AR tests and takes great pride in being at the top of his class in AR points.)
Dear K,
Haha, yes, he has really taken off in reading this year and has loved doing AR! I have no idea about his total, but he's been keeping pretty good track. He read all the Harry Potter books and Percy Jackson, but he also read the Warriors Books by Erin Hunter this year. (They are about cats and have no appeal to me so we got them at the library and don't own them. But he liked them!) After "Warriors" he started "The Guardians of Ga'Hoole" series by Kathryn Lasky which is about owls. He's been loving them. There are about 16 in that series. (My older son Sam loved them in 4th or 5th grade.)
He also enjoyed The Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia Wrede, (a series of 4), Jedi Academy series (sorta like a junior graphic novel--he LOVES these...), Diary of a Wimpy Kid books (We own a few and get some at the library), and I think he read some of the How to Train Your Dragon books, but that could have been big brother.
My boys have all been big fantasy fans.
Two other series my older boys loved at this age were The Misadventures of Benjamin Bartholomew Piff,
and Charlie Bone (recommended by a librarian to read if you liked Harry Potter...)
Three authors the whole family really likes are Jennifer Nielsen (The Ascendance Trilogy was my favorite), Brandon Mull (Fablehaven!), and Brandon Sanderson (The "Alcatraz" series. Most Brandon Sanderson books are geared for teens and up but Alcatraz is really funny and fun for younger kids.).
And, lastly, since you have a daughter, *I* really loved Shannon Hale's "Goose Girl" series and "Princess Academy". (I bribed my oldest to read Princess Academy and Goose Girls and he loved them but couldn't admit it. ;)
As you can tell, we are big readers and I could go on all day, but I'll leave you with those. Let me know if you need any more ideas!
Also, you can check them out on Amazon and there is usually a recommended grade level or reading range. In case you are wondering if they are too old or too young for her. I'll read just about anything if it's good, so I have read many of the above and can recommend them personally.
Good luck!
:)
Emily W
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So, have any of you read the series I mentioned above?
Thoughts?
Any similar you would add to this list?
Happy Reading--
P.S.
If you are ever wondering if a book or series is at your child's reading level, a good place to start is Amazon. Usually there will be some information in the "Product Details" that will give an age or grade level range. Obviously, these are subjective and kids are all at different sensitivity levels, but it's usually a good place to start. You can also just google the book title and look at the info released by the author or publisher.
A second hint is the age of the protagonist--which can usually be determined by a quick glance at the cover or book description. A 12 year old main character means the book will generally appeal to 12 year olds. However, as we've seen with Harry Potter, some books transcend being pigeon-holed.
It's also important to remember that while the first Harry Potter book was scary, but relatively mild, the seventh Harry Potter book was pretty intense and dealt with some seriously deep themes. (Though the recommended age range doesn't change...) When in doubt, read it first! Sounds like a chore, but a lot of these books are surprisingly well-written and entertaining.
Example info from Amazon:
Age 9-12
Grade 4-7
Age 10-14
Grade 3-7 (This doesn't even make sense, but whatever. I would say 4th grade and up.)
P.P.S. The links used above are "Amazon Affiliate Links". They give me a tiny percentage of the purchase price if you use one to buy a book. However, if you go to Amazon on your own, it wont hurt my feelings! ;)
P.P.P.S. Most of these books we own and have on our shelves (with the exception of the Warrior series, and some Diary of a Wimpy Kid books.) HOWEVER, we always started out by buying the first book in the series, or even more commonly, getting it from the library. Usually it is after two or more of us have read a series and loved it that we go back and buy the complete boxed set from Costco or Amazon. We love having favorite books on our shelves to share with anyone searching for a good read!!
P.P.P.P.S. If you liked this post, please share it or pin it!! :)
