Children's books and Young Adult books are perfect for me. I love the quick, easy reads, and I don't think a book has to be boring for adults in order to be good for kids. Some of the best plots and characters that are being written right now are showing up in books for children and teens.
As you can see from the lists, I like fantasy. If a book takes a myth or legend to a new place, I really like it. I'm not going to say a lot about most of these books because I want you to go looking for them and see what you think. I will include a few reasons that I liked them.
My Absolute Favorites
Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
A brother and sister visit their grandparents and discover that the area surrounding their home is actually a sanctuary, a haven for the protection of mythical creatures. This series is extremely well-written and very enjoyble.
Artemis Fowl by Eolin Colfer
A brilliant (we're talking mega-genius here) kid discovers that fairies do exists, as do many other creatures of legend, and are actually a technologically advanced civilization. Artemis begins as the kid you love to hate, but actually becomes a decent human being. I love his body guard, and Holly, a member of the LEPrecon Unit.Septimus Heap by Angie Sage
Septimus is the 7th son of a 7th son, and thus is considered to be extremely strong in magic. The midwife declared him dead on the night of his birth. Really he was stolen.
Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia Wrede
You know the story about the princess that is kidnapped by the dragon and someone has to go rescue her? Well, this story turns that all upside down.Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
Percy goes to camp with the other demigods, kids who have one parent that is mortal and one that is a Greek god.You Can't Write a Post on YA Books Without Including These
I do have to talk a little bit more about these, especially since they have become such huge movie hits.Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
When the first Harry Potter books were released, there was an uproar among some parents concerned about promoting magic. But there were also kids that were picking up huge books and enjoying reading for the first time. Now that all the books and all the movies are out, the general consensus seems to be that they are good books and good for kids. I really enjoyed them, but I think I like Fablehaven more.Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Is there any one who doesn't have an opinion about these books and movies? Most people I know seem to either love them or hate them. I'm going to be really honest here. I enjoyed the books. Are they great literature? Probably not. Do they model healthy relationships? Probably not. I think they are fluff and were fun to read. I liked that Meyer created something different than your typical vampires and werewolves. I'm not a fan of the movies.Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Years ago a friend told me about a book she was reading in her mother and son book group. She said that it sounded really awful, but it was really good. She was right. I loved it and not only finished that series, but read other books (Underland Chronicles) by the same author. I like her style, and the stories keep me interested which is my number one criteria for whether or not a book is good.Series that I Liked Enough to Keep Reading
(I would also read other books by these authors).
The Last Dragon Chronicles by Chris d'LaceyThe Giver by Lois Lowry
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
The Mortal Instruments, Immortal Devices by Cassandra Clare
The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini
The Bartimaeus Trilogy by Jonathon Stroud
Protector of the Small, Immortals, Song of the Lioness, Beka Cooper, Daughter of the Lioness/Trickster, Circle of Magic by Tamora Pierce
Princess Academy, Books of Bayern by Shannon Hales
What are your favorite series written for children or teens?
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