I have frequently found young adult and young reader books far more imaginative than what is on the adult science fiction and fantasy shelves. I want to thank my kids for introducing me to their favorite books. There are so many wonderful new series than when I was growing up, especially for girls.
Special mention must be made of J. K. Rowling, who fueled the young adult explosion with the success of Harry Potter.
The List
First Book in the Percy Jackson series
-The Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan (the two older of Corrina’s kids) (Kevin’s sons, ages 9 and 6) The sons and daughters of Greek gods go to summer camp. And more.
-Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Corrina’s older kids, 16 and 14, Ken’s kids.) With millions waiting on her last word, J.K. Rowling did not disappoint, and gave her series a spectacular ending, despite quibbles about the epilogue.
-Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Corrina’s twins, 10, Ken’s kids) Humor wins again.
-The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (John’s daughter, age 12) Kids fight to the death in a giant area to bring home food & resources to save their communities.
-Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins (Corrina’s son, 14 and 10) A boy falls into the dangerous underland below New York City.
-Zoe’s Tale by John Scalzi (John’s daughter, age 12) The Lost Colony seen from the perspective of a teenage girl.
-Shakespeare’s Secret by Elise Broach (Corrina’s daughter, 16) A modern girl named Hero learns being named after a Shakespeare character isn’t all bad as she solves a mystery.
-The Mediator series by Meg Cabot (Corrina’s daughter, 16) Good, snarky action fun.
-Coraline (Dave G’s daughter, age 9) It’s also available in graphic novel form, which my youngest daughter loved. See link below in comic books.
-Rainbow Magic Fairy Series (Dave G’s Daughter age 9) Two girls on vacation have a magical adventure.
-Llama Llama Red Pajama (Z’s son, age 4): The awe-inspiring tale of a llama, a bed time and the strength of parental love.
-The 13-1/2 Lives of Captain Bluebear by Walter Moers (Kevin’s sons, ages 9 and 6)
-The Secret series by Psuedonymous Bosch (Kevin’s son, age 9)
-Fairest by Gail Carson Levine (Corrina’s daughter, 16) A retelling of a classic fairy time for the modern age by the author of Ella, Enchanted.
-Trickster’s Choice and Trickster’s Queen by Tamora Pierce. (Corrina’s daughter, 16) Proof, my daughter says, that Pierce is getting better with each book.
-The Artemis Fowl series. (Corrina’s sons, 14 and 10) He’s a young evil genius trying to take over the world. My boys love him. I think I’m a bit concerned.
