Great Books For Kids

Oh my. I thought I could get through this beautiful story about the world and opportunities that await our children without a tissue but darn it, I couldn’t. Anyone who has a child to love will want to share this with them. A perfect graduation gift.

–Sarah

Westerfeld reimagines the grim, dirty fighting of World War I as a battle between the Darwinists, using genetically engineered beasts and bugs, and the Clankers, fighting with steam-driven mechanical giants. Wow. Right in the middle of the action is Alex, the prince of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, on the run from his own people, and Deryn, a young aviatrix masquerading as a boy just so she can fly. This steam punk tale ripples with action, super cool machines, and political intrigue. I couldn’t put it down. If your kids like this, be sure to have them try Airborn by Kenneth Oppel, and books by Phillip Reeves. (Middle Grade readers)

–Sarah 

Mercy me, what is it about lunch ladies? They always seemed such shadowy figures to me. Was it their dutiful plating of globs of mystery meat and mashed peas, their long-term loyalty to their jobs, or perhaps, the wonder at what really lay underneath the hairnet? Well Krosoczka explains all in this terrific tale of…a super crime fighting, secret agent lunch lady! Yes, she has her own hidden lair, spectacled sidekick, 007-like gadgets, and of course, she saves the day when a n’er do well librarians, substitutes, and a children’s book author threaten her school. These action-packed graphic novels are perfect for newly independent readers, as well as any reluctant readers you may know.

–Sarah