This series for those kids who don’t mind “dark”. Yes, the children are orphans. Yes, they are followed by creepy characters. Yes. Many bad things happen. But. These villians are no match for the three Baudelaire children, Violet, Klaus and Sunny. Violet is a 14 year old inventor with a hair ribbon. Klaus has read every book imaginable and is a walking encyclopedia. Sunny, just a baby, has a remarkably strong set of teeth. All these skills, inventions, book knowledge and a strong set of teeth are the keys to these children’s survival in the 13 books that comprise this series. Yes. These books are dark. But. These books are great.
Tween series fiction
All posts in the Tween series fiction category
Suddenly Supernatural: School Spirit, by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel
Published January 23, 2013 by Dagmar
Here’s a cute series for your tween/middle school girls who love a mystery and some supernatural powers thrown in. This series has been flying off the shelves since I brought it into the library a few months ago. I just had to read it to see what the fuss was about.
At first I found the “mean girls in middle school” a little boring, but I liked the main character, Kat, and her new best friend, Jac, a gifted cellist. Kat finds out that she is able to see spirits like her mother, who is a medium. Although she is reluctant about her new gift, she and Jac end up solving a mystery. This book is fast-paced and fun. I liked the mystery and didn’t mind the “not subtle” hint that there is a sequel on its way. Lucky for my students that there are actually four books in the series – all on my shelves. My only worry with this series is that it will date itself with its references to modern music.
Ranger’s Apprentice, by John Flanagan
Published January 15, 2013 by Dagmar
The Ruins of Gorlan is the first book in a terrific series for late elementary and middle graders called Ranger’s Apprentice. Will is left in a basket at Castle Redmond as a baby with only a note that says that his mother died and his father died a hero. Will grows up as a ward of the Castle Arald. The wards of the castle are assigned apprenticeships when they become teenagers. Will hopes to become a warrior just as he imagines his father was. To be a warrior, he must train at Battle School. However, when the Choosing Day arrives, Will is apprenticed to a Ranger. As Will learns his new trade, he also learns to appreciate the important role the Rangers hold in defending the kingdom.
Ranger’s Apprentice is an intelligent series, drawing readers in and keeping them engaged. There are 10 books in the series and a book of Lost Stories. Highly recommended for fourth grade through middle school.
Son, by Lois Lowry
Published December 11, 2012 by Dagmar
For your kids that love dystopian novels. Son, is the fourth novel in The Giver series. The Giver is one of the original dystopian novels without all the violence. Son can be read on its own, but definitely has more meaning if you’ve read the Giver and is better yet if you’ve read books two and three, Gathering Blue and Messenger. I loved this book. There was just the right amount of suspense, the characters were really beautifully drawn and there the element of “creepiness” that dystopian readers crave. For those who have read the previous books, it’s fun to try to trace where this book intersects with the previous books in the Giver series.
Synopsis: Claire is assigned to be a birthmother at her 12 ceremony. She and other girls are to give birth to “products”. Once they’ve given birth to three products, they move on to another job in society. Claire has difficulty with her first birth and is quickly reassigned to another job. So quickly, that those in charge forget to give her her daily pills. Slowly her feelings for her son awaken. Claire imagines running away with her son. Her son, a difficult baby and toddler has been chosen for “release”. That’s when Claire discovers that her son is missing, taken away by a boy from the community. So begins Claire’s desperate search for her son.
Cirque du Freak, book 1, A Living Nightmare, by Darren Shan
Published November 14, 2012 by Dagmar
Ah. Finally a great horror book for tweens and middle school. Darren Shan has written a book that will please your readers seeking “creepy” books. My son read the 12 books in the series in a matter of a month – six books in one week. It’s that compelling. I thought the writing was really good. I couldn’t wait to read what was going to happen next.
Synopsis: Darren Shan and his friends see a flyer advertising the Cirque du Freak. They pool their money and buy two tickets. Darren and his friend Steve win a game and get to use the tickets. They sneak out at night to an abandoned theater and are amazed at the “freaks” in the show. When Steve gets bitten by Madame Octa, a spider Darren stole from Mr. Crepsley, a member of the Cirque du Freak, the boys begin a page-turning journey into the world of vampires.
Conspiracy 365 series, Gabrielle Lord
Published November 12, 2012 by Dagmar
If your middle schooler/tween is looking for action and excitement, this may be the series you’ve been looking for. In this 12 part series, beginning with January and ending with December, there is non-stop action and suspenseful endings that keep you wanting more. These books are less than 200 pages, also making them appealing for reluctant readers, and are numbered backwards from page 185 to 1.
Synopsis: Cal is a 15 year old boy whose father died from a mysterious virus. Cal lives with his mother, his little sister and his uncle. One day, Cal is stopped by a stranger and told to go into hiding for 365 days, or else. Suddenly, Cal is in almost constant danger and is even accused of trying to kill his little sister. Cal is forced into hiding, helped by his loyal and brainy friend, Boges. Cal suspects that the work his father was doing in Ireland before his death is at the bottom of this mystery. It’s up to Cal and his friend Boges to discover the secret behind the Ormond Singularity. The final book, December, leaves you wanting for more. Luckily, there are two more books that have been written for the Australian market and will hopefully be printed in the U.S. The first, Revenge, is written from Boges’ point of view. The second follow-on book is called Malice. Stay tuned!
Kids' Lit Corner 