From the article: Recommended Reading Lists
Share your children's favorite book and help make an Upper Level (Grades 5-12) recommended reading list to share with others who are looking for great books to read. Please include the title of the book, author, reading level if you know it, and tell a little about the book and why you recommend it. Recommend your Favorite
Anything by Sophie Kinsella
- My twelve year old daughter loves, loves, loves Sophie Kinsella's books, particularly the Shopaholic series. I have read them myself. The only drawback is your child has to be slightly mature in order to be able to read and understand them...there is brief sensuality, etc. Probably a high school level book, but if you think your child can handle it, go ahead.
- —Guest Fun in the Sun
Spirit Fighter
- Parents today are looking for fiction that makes Christianity and the Bible exciting for their kids. This series is the Christian answer to Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Kane Chronicles, The Secret Series and other middle-grade series packed with adventure, action, and supernatural fights. Son of Angels, Jonah Stone will be the first series in the market to explore this topic from a biblical perspective with content that is appropriate and exciting for middle-grade readers.
- —Guest MMullinix
Ranger's Apprentice (Series)
- By John Flanagan is written in the age of Kings, Night, and Rangers (a Kings secret weapon). These series are about an orphaned boy who is to become a Ranger, and through growth and (many) mistakes, he learns that he can overcome anything - and makes some great friends along the way.
- —jcjabdj
Skulduggery Pleasant
- She says they are funny and exciting. Parental warning: Books include wizardry and plenty of sarcasm.
- —Robin_StoneSoupHomeschool
The Wednesday Wars
- Must read for middle schoolers! I purchased the book for all (12) of the 13-year-old boys who attended my son's birthday party and they all read it within two weeks!
- —Guest The Wednesday Wars
Chronicles of Prydain
- My son just found these books a few weeks ago and loved them so much he's waiting for the last book to get back to the library. It's kind of a mix between Lord of the Rings and Chronicles of Narnia. Great for 5th grade and up.
- —Guest wetaf
House of the Scorpion
- Grandson, 15, read this by Nancy Farmer last year. LOVED IT! Lots of moral dilemmas and good discussion possibilities. Very unique story with much to think about. Includes cloning, organ harvesting, growing opium...gives child food for thought and helps them develop their own ideas on concepts they'll face in their lives as medical science advances...and gives parent/child lots of opportunity to talk about some pretty serious and timely topics. Well written and keeps your interest! Recommended for 14 and up.
- —NANASARAH
The Prophecy of the Stones
- This book is a really good read, not because it shows that anyone can become friends, no matter what social standing you are, or preconceived notions that you have, the book was written by Flavia Boujour, a thirteen year old French girl, which tells you that you're never too young to have your feelings heard.
- —Guest Kaitlyn
Gone-Away Lake and The Penderwicks
- These two books and their sequels, Return to Gone-Away and The Penderwicks on Gardam Street, share an indescribable appeal felt strongly by my 10-, 12-, and 14-year-old daughters and myself. They delight and satisfy us with unforgettable characters, ample humor, gentle suspense, and delicious language. Elizabeth Enright's Gone-Away Lake earned Newbery Honors in the 50's, while Jeanne Birdsall's stories are contemporary with the feel of modern classics. Both take readers to realistic yet other-wordly summertime realms--just the stories for summer reading.
- —marg39
Montooth and the Canfield Witch
- My 13 year old daughter and 15 year old son call this the "coolest" book ever. Lots of action but a challenging vocabulary that probably keeps it out of the younger set's hands. No bad words though. Set in 1950 Florida with a gator, nasty treasure hunters and four teens who save the day (the girl is primary heroine to Sandy's delight). Could only find it at the book's online site, though.
- —jeannefraley
The Stranger Next Door
- It is good for 5th grade and up. It was interesting and fun. It was mysterious...all around good book!
- —Guest Lisa Chambers
Students Favorite Book
- Anything that is on the banned book list! Seriously I print that list every year and we pick books to read off that list. We have read Shakespeare-Tom Sawyer all banned!
- —Guest LC
Peter and the Star Catchers Series
- by Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson. Fascinating story about Peter Pan, prior to what takes place in the Disney movie "Peter Pan". There are 3 books in the series: Peter and the Star Catchers, Peter and the Shadow Theives, Peter and the Secret of Rundoon. My daughter (age10) was not in the least intimidated by the number of pages (over 500), and was so intrigued with the story line, it took her only a few days to complete each book of the series. In fact, she took the second book with us on vacation (a 12 hour drive) and read most of the way! She highly recommends this series! For 5th grade and up.
- —Guest MsLafate
The Ishbane Conspiracy
- by Randy Alcorn. demon is instructing a lesser-demon on how to deceive some everyday, run-of-the-mill, high-school teenagers into hell. Great Christian fiction! High school level.
- —Guest Angie Allen
The Lightening Thief series by Riordan
- Sean loves all the books in this series he says they are full of excitement and action. Plus, he now knows more about Greek Gods than I do. For ages 10 and up.
- —Guest Blair Lee
