No More Dead Dogs by Gordon Korman

This is a great, fast read. It is about a boy who will not lie. And when his English teacher asks for an essay on the book they just read, he tells the truth about how much he hates it. Because he refuses to change how he feels about it he gets detention and ends up helping with the play based on the book. It's not only a fun read, but it can lead to an interesting discussion on friends and truth.

Reading Level: grade 3 & up

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

I love these books. Why can't I get anyone else in my house to read them? They are so much fun. I think my daughter doesn't want to read them because Artemis is a criminal. But, there is so much more to the story.

It is the story of a boy genius who is a criminal mastermind. He decides to search out fairies because he thinks they still exist. And thus begins the adventure with 6 books in the series so far. These books have a great mix of science fiction and fantasy.

My favorite part about these books are the characters and the dialogue between them. Mulch Diggums, the tunnelling dwarf, is my favorite, although I really love Artemis' bodyguard, Butler, too. There is a lot of humor mixed in which is why they are so fun to read.

Reading Level: Grade 4 & up

Gender: boys & girls

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

"Are you a gifted child looking for Special Opportunities?" is advertised in the newspaper. A boy named Reynie, who always reads the paper with his tutor, decides to apply. He is subjected to a series of "tests" and passes along with 3 other children. These gifted children all have their own special talents and must learn how to work together as they embark on a mysterious and dangerous adventure.

I love the characters in this book. My family has had discussions about who is our favorite and who do we compare ourselves with the most. This is a thinker's book. It is not a can't-put-down thriller. But good. There are two more in the series. When I picked up the second book to read it was slow at first. Then I remembered, "oh yeah, these are my friends". A younger reader might not be able to read by themselves but it would be a great book to read to them.

Reading Level: grade 5 & up

Gender: boys & girls

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