In preparation for our upcoming program at the OLA/WLA (Oregon and Washington Library) Conference in April, I have been reading tween books. This blog is to help Sarah and myself keep track of what we've read and what we might wish to booktalk. I'm a Children's Librarian in Snohomish County and have enjoyed reading books for tweens (ages 10-14) these past few months. Here are a few of the books I've read.
The Last Girls of Pompeii by Kathryn Lasky
When Mt. Vesuvius erupts in Pompeii in the summer of A.D. 79, wealthy Julia and orphan Mitka find their lives altered forever. Excellent quick historical fiction read. The slave girl is to be sold to an “old” man, but this may go over the head of younger tweens. I really enjoyed this book. Good, solid historical fiction for ages 10-14.
Runaround by Helen Hemphill
Eleven-year-old Sassy has her eye on her handsome neighbor, Boon, and she needs more information about love. Only no one will talk to her about it, and her sister sets her up for an embarrassing moment. Mild profanity, sometimes crude. Unlikeable characters. I didn't really like this book, but it did make an impression. Would likely appeal to middle school girls.
The Boyfriend Rules of Good Behavior by Catherine Bateson
All the changes in her life have almost overwhelmed Millie, but she finds she can handle it all when she finds out what's really important. An Australian import. Good portrayal of a tween caught in between. I enjoyed this quick tween read, ages 10-14.
Two Steps Forward by Rachel Cohn
Fourteen-year-old Annabel's extended family gathers in Los Angeles for several weeks over the summer where she must contend with step- and half- sisters and brothers and her own mother's failing second marriage. This is a sequel (which I have not read), and I enjoyed this book on its own. Recommended for tweens ages 10-14.
Rules by Cynthia Lord
Catherine, in an attempt to better interact with her autistic brother, devises a set of rules to regulate his behavior. It is only after meeting another autistic boy at her brother's clinic that she realizes her rules may be flawed. This is a lovely little book, it really needs to be hand sold since the topic is unlikely to attract readers right away. Very well written. For younger tweens, ages 9-12.
Pretty Is by Elizabeth Holmes
Erin is entering middle school after summer break and worries that she will be considered a dork like her big sister Monica. Erin cuts off a former friend’s hair in an act of desperation. I wasn't sure if I'd like this novel, and was pleasantly surprised. It was a quick read and deals well with issues of peer pressure and moving from elementary to middle school. For the younger tweens, ages 9-12.
Love, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
Stargirl returns meeting a new cast of characters including 5 year old Dootsie and a woman who is afraid to leave her house. I liked this novel even better than Stargirl and found it to be appropriate for tweens as well as teens. Stargirl returns better than ever and the friendships in this book are well developed and diverse. A lovely read for tweens ages 10 and up.
Drowned Maiden’s Hair: A Melodrama by Laura Amy Schlitz
Set in the early twentieth century, this first novel tells the classic foundling story with mounting melodrama and multiple twists and turns. Eleven-year-old Maud is always in trouble in the orphan asylum, so she's delighted when she's adopted by the three elderly Hawthorne sisters. Suddenly she has the luxury of new clothes, running water, and good food. This is a great little story for younger tweens as Maud discovers what it means to be true to herself and that loyalty can't be blind. Ages 9-12.
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
I was truly prepared to hate this book since I am skeptical of books promoted by celebrities and pseudo-celebs. Instead I was blown away, I read it quickly and shared it with my husband who pored over the artwork. The format is unusual, it is told with words and pictures. It is not a picture book or graphic novel, but does have similar elements. It is almost like watching a movie. This book also provides a lead in to interest in various subjects including the history of movies and automatons. All ages!
Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson
Hattie is looking for a place to belong after being shuffled from family to family since her parents’ deaths. She inherits a claim from her uncle and sets out to “prove her claim” while learning the true meaning of family. The year is 1918 and anti-German sentiment is strong. Powerful, heartbreaking and heartwarming novel. Kirby earned a Newbery honor for this gem of a novel. Hattie is an unforgettable character and her story truly resonates. The World War I setting certainly parallels World War II and today's world, some things never change. Great tween book for ages 10-16.
How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O’Connor
One day Georgina has a home, a best friend, and plenty to eat. The next, she's living in a car with her mother and brother. Carrying on as usual isn't possible: washing up in a restaurant bathroom, doing homework by flashlight, losing her friend. Mom works two jobs, but it's not enough, so impatient Georgina decides to steal a dog, hoping to collect a reward. She picks her furry victim and makes careful plans; but she doesn't count on her conscience. Recommended for younger tweens, ages 9-12.
Nobody’s Princess by Esther Friesner
Helen of Troy tells her story as it has never been told before. Helen wants to be a warrior like her brothers and doesn’t let anything stop her from following her heart. This volume in the series covers Helen’s childhood up until about the age of 14. A fun, fast historical read for older tweens, ages 10-16.
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