Children's Books and Young Adult Books
By Elizabeth Kennedy, About.com Guide to Children's Books
Whether you have an eager reader or a reluctant reader, there are many books and other resources available to meet your needs. Children do not move from intermediate fiction to young adult fiction all at once; they do it a book at a time, often moving back and forth for months. In this section, you will learn about recommended books and resources at both levels.
- Recommended Fiction for 9-12 Year Olds
- Recommended Nonfiction for 9-12 Year Olds
- Books and Tips for Parents
- Resources for Reluctant Readers
Recommended Fiction for 9-12 Year Olds
These books include novels, picture books, and chapter books that appeal to 9-12 year olds. They include fiction and nonfiction and cover a variety of topics.
Recommended Nonfiction for 9-12 Year Olds
These books include history, science, language, and more.
- Hurricanes: Earth’s Mightiest Storms
- African American Freedom Fighters
- Eats, Shoots & Leaves: Why, Commas Really Do Make A Difference!
- September 11, 2001: Attack on New York City
- Science Fair Handbook
Books and Tips for Parents
Here are some books and tips to help you raise a reader, who is enthusiastic about books. Learn about the importance of reading aloud to your child at every age, the value of audiobooks, and resources for locating exceptional books for elementary and middle school students.
- The Read-Aloud Handbook
- The John Newbery Medal
- The International Children's Digital Library
- Encourage Summer Reading Fun
- In Praise of Audiobooks
Resources for Reluctant Readers
Is your child a reluctant reader? Some children are not that interested in reading and need help in finding reading material that will arouse their interest. Others read below grade level and consider the books they can read to be "babyish." Here you will find tips on encouraging your child to read and information on some good hi/lo books. The books are at the reader's interest level (hi stands for high interest) but written at a lower reading level (lo stands for low readability) to encourage reading.
- Resources for Reluctant Readers
- Top 10 Hi/Lo Booklists for Reluctant Readers
- How To Encourage Your Child to Read
- How to Use TV, Video and Movies to Promote Reading
Harry Potter
The Harry Potter series by J.k. Rowling continues to be wildly popular and to be challenged by those who think it promotes witchcraft. Learn all about the series, the censorship battles, and the last book.
- Harry Potter Book 7 Spoilers
- Charmed Knits: Projects for Fans of Harry Potter
- Harry Potter: The Censorship Battles
- The Pottersaurus: 1,500 Words Harry Potter Readers Need to Know
- Why Did J.K. Rowling Make Harry Potter an Orphan?
- What's So Special About the Deluxe Edition of Harry Potter Book 7?
- What Is It About Harry Potter Book 7 That Pleases Environmentalists?
- Top 10 Harry Potter Books and Other Gifts for the Ultimate Fan
- Harry Potter Book Six Trivia Quiz With No Spoilers
- Harry Potter Hogwarts School Reference Books
Popular Authors
Most of these authors have remained popular for a number of years. Some are rising stars. Their writing includes fantasy, historical fiction, contemporary fiction, and humor. Some write for 8/9-12 year olds as well as even younger children; others also write young adult books.
- Mildred Wirt Benson, aka Carolyn Keene, Writer for First Nancy Drew Books
- Spotlight on Beverly Cleary
- The Enduring Roald Dahl
- Astrid Lindgren: The Creator of Pippi Longstocking
- Canadian Author Jean Little
- Author Lois Lowry
- Award-Winning Author Cynthia Rylant
- Who Is Lemony Snicket?
- An Interview With Jane Yolen
- British Author Jacqueline Wilson
Young Adult Books and Information
Young Adult books, also known as YA books, are generally written for kids or teens somewhere between the ages of 12 and 18, although many books published for 10 and up are considered YA books. As your 'tweens and middle school students begin to select YA books, they may need your help in finding books they'll like. Here you will find information about the services of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association and information about some excellent readng lists.
