Book Reviews by Middle School Boy
Capability:Mom gave me her summer camp newsletter because there is a boy there who all the kids go to when they need a good chapter book recommendation. The kids think he is a kind of genius boy wonder that knows pretty much everything on the planet. I believe he is in middle school. He was kind enough to write up his chapter book recommendations for the newsletter and I have retyped it for you. I love peer-to-peer book recommendations. Who better to know what you will like than a kid your age??!
Ages 9>
Ranger’s Apprentice Series. Okay, it’s not wonderful, rather light and fluffy in fact, but a good summer read. No thought-provoking subjects, but fun. Some heavy topics.
Gregor the Overlander series: Again, fairly light and fluffy, but a bit deeper and darker. More for the older end of this age bracket. WARNING: some potentially disturbing imagery and events. You have been warned.
Dealing with Dragons series: An interesting twist on a fairy tale, where the princess runs away to be a dragon’s captive. Hi jinks ensue.
Ages 10-12
Wee Free Men and sequels: Set in England, a girl discovers that her younger brother has been stolen by the Queen of the Fey, and must embark on a journey with a tribe of little blue men to save her brother in this coming-of-age tale.
The His Dark Materials trilogy: Probably better for older kids, but can be read on multiple levels. Can be interpreted as religiously offensive, but it’s a good story.
The Mortal Engines … Pentet (?): In this post-apocalyptic tale, cities roll on wheels in a city-eat-city world. Dark and potentially scary.
Bridge to Tarabithia: Beautiful book. Read it. Expect tears.
Maximum Ride— ONLY the first three books: An imaginative sci-fi comedy. Best described as a “cross between The Boxcar Children and X-Men”. WHATEVER you do, do NOT read books four and five. Six, maybe. My favorite- it’s the equivalent of candy, bad yet fun.
Ages 13+
1984: Scary, depressing, and inappropriate in parts, this book plumbs the depths of psychology that are frightening and strangely beautiful at times. RATED R, you have been warned.
Unwind: Freaky and thought-provoking, this book is an interesting look at just how laws can be twisted. Again, scary as all get-out.
Ender’s Game: Classic sci-fi, brilliant plot- and one of my personal favorites.
Lord of the Rings: You’ve seen the movies, now read the books. I will acknowledge that the books are long, and, at times, rather dry, but they offer the best imagery that I’ve ever seen. Again, classic.
The Reformed Vampire’s Support Group: An alternative view of vampires, and good for getting Twilight-obsessed fanboys to realize the error of their ways.
Peeps: Another alternative vampire novel. It’s good. Rated R, for creepiness and inappropriate content.
Sleeping Freshman Never Lie: Realistic fiction romantic comedy. Atypical, sure, but a very good book. You will like it.
–Ned
Thanks Ned!
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I think he’s a boy genius too. That’s about as good a list as I’ve even seen. Thanks for posting.
I am so impressed with him also. I am going to try to meet him to ask him to guest post for me!
My 13 yo son read Unwind and loved it… but, yes, very creepy concept. We had a lot of discussions about this book.
I haven’t made it through his list yet, but thanks for the feedback on Unwind. I definitely need to check it out!
I’m a 6-8 reading teacher and I’m very curious to know what is wrong with the Maximum Ride books 4 & 5?
Hi Megan,
Let me ask my 7th grader. I think the plot was too crazy twisted up for her but let me ask her again. She loved the series overall though. I had to buy each book for her the second it came out.