Great Reads for Tweens

Recently, I met an incredible group of fourth and fifth graders who were participating in a workshop for young writers.  I was there to teach them all about blogging and I had so much fun talking with them about what they loved to do more than anything else.  The answers were all over the map. Some loved computers and video games, others enjoyed art, photography and sports and a few more mentioned that they loved to go to movies and watch television. But the thread that tied them all together impressed me more than anything.  They all love to read!

In honor of National Reading Month, I'm going to share the books that several savvy fourth and fifth graders love.  

One fourth grader was raving about the book he couldn't put down, "A Whole Nother Story by Dr. Cuthbert Soup." The novel centers on a brilliant scientist who builds a time machine that everyone - including dangerous spies are intent on stealing. Unfortunately, as he tries to protect his invention, his wife is killed and the scientist and his family are on the run ever since. Something tells me this book is eventually going to be turned into a movie, but for now, your kids can devour it!

"Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief" - According to one young girl, if you saw the Lightning Thief movie and didn't read the book, then you will love the movie.  However, if you have read the book, then you will probably hate the movie.   The "Percy Jackson & the Lightning Thief" book series is a huge hit with kids and if you don't get a chance to see the feature film, do the next best thing...read the book!

"Jane Eyre" - I almost fell out of my chair when one incredibly bright young lady told me that she's reading Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte for the third time!  I don't even think I managed to get through that classic the first time.  All I can say is if a fourth grader is tackling "Jane Eyre," then I better start dusting off the classics so I can join my daughter's book club.

"Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Dog Days" - While the kids are unanimous in their love of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid book series, one student warned his classmates that they should avoid the Wimpy Kid film at all costs.  He did not like the adaptation to the big screen one bit.  So before you whip out a ton of money for movie tickets, why not pick up the entire Wimpy Kid book series and keep your children entertained for weeks!

"Harry Potter & The Sorcerer's Stone" - Now celebrating its 10th anniversary edition, Harry Potter is still a classic among fourth and fifth graders.  A few students rattled off other Harry Potter titles that they were currently reading so the bottom line is, once you get your child hooked on the first book, they will want to cruise through the entire series.

So there you have it...run, don't walk to your nearest bookstore or your local library, which I have come to find is a wonderful place not only to read, but to write to your hearts content without any interruptions.  Silence truly is golden and reading great books is a gift that lasts a lifetime.  Happy reading!