You guys I am so excited to share this post with you. I asked my kids to share their favorite books with you and they came up with so many good options. I had them write out their favorites with a brief synopsis, and why they love the book. I’ve included their ages on each part! Here we go!
Hannah’s favorites (age 15):
1. The Books of Bayern series by Shannon Hale
Description: This is a fantasy series set in mythical land that could remind you of medieval times through the series there are wars, arranged marriages and other things that have been seen throughout history, however in this world there is an element of fantasy that changes everything.
My Opinion: I absolutely adore this series, it’s adventurous and romantic and the rules of its fantasy seem more organic and real. And it doesn’t overdo it, there are no fairies, dragons or anything like that, and it makes sense how the rules of this world work. I also love this author so much in all that she writes, but this is my very favorite series.
2. Unfortunate Fairy Tale series by Chanda Hahn
Description: This series is about an awkward high school girl who has her life flipped upside down when she learns the truth of her past, she is descended from the Brothers’ Grimm and that there is a curse on her family. I won’t say anymore because… spoilers.
My Opinion: I honestly love this series, it was the first time I had read anything from this author and I loved it so much that I have literally read and own every other series by her. These books pull you in and are totally not what you expect, and for me I felt that I liked every book more than the last.
3. The Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull
Description: This series is about a sister and brother who go to stay with their grandfather for the summer and soon learn that the grandfather is a caretaker of Fablehaven, a hidden refuge for mystical creatures to prevent their extinction.
My Opinion: This series is so enchanting and the magic of it instantly takes you there. This is another one of those series where every book is more exciting and dangerous than the last. This book is also super nice because it’s told from both the brother’s and the sister’s perspective, if you love adventure fantasy this book is really amazing.
4. The Neverwood Chronicles by Chanda Hahn
Description: This series is like a real-world take on the story of Peter Pan, it follows Wendy who can not remember anything before when she washed up on a beach when she was 10. What she doesn’t remember is Neverland and the experiments done to her there. She lives a seemingly normal life with her adopted family, except she sees shadows. One day a mysterious boy named Peter shows up and the adventures really begin.
My Opinion: This series is such a cool take on Peter Pan and it is such a fun adventure, and it’s engaging. It isn’t what you expect it to be (in a good way), and it balances fantasy with reality really well. I also love how even though lots of elements are drawn from the original story it doesn’t have the same plot, it is its own thing completely.
5. Land of Stories by Chris Colfer
Description: This series tells the adventures of twins Alex and Connor when they find that through the powers of a book of stories they are brought to another world where they run into the fairytales they grew up reading about.
My Opinion: These books are so exciting and magical, they keep you on the edge of your seat and the author makes all the characters seem real, even the villains. You really grow to care about them and their adventures are so engaging that you can’t put the book down once you start it.
Carter’s favorites (age 14):
1.Micheal Vey, by Richard Paul Evans. Ages 10 – 16
Description: This book is about a teenager with special powers up against a powerful corporation in order to save the world. He and his friends travel the globe, race through the jungle and hunt down the evil corporation in order to stop them once and for all.
Why I like it: I love this book because it’s full of action and adventure and it’s a very engaging read. The characters each have their own amazing personalities and the author is an amazing writer.
2. Gregor the Overlander, by Suzanne Collins. Ages 10 – 15
Description: This is a book about a boy that discovers a whole underground world with huge animals and in a desperate gripe for power and peace. At the brink of war, Gregor must try and save the underground civilisation from numerous threats, and at the same time stay alive so he can make it back to the normal world.
Why I like it: I like this book because it is full of adventure and will keep you up for hours at night reading. The intense plot has many twists and is full of action.
3. Spy School, by Stuart Gibbs. Ages 10 – 14
Description: This series is about a boy that is accepted into a secret spy school that no one knows about and has to try to save the world numerous times from an evil organization while undercover.
Why I like it: I like this book because it is very fun and mysterious and has many twists that will take you by surprise every time.
4. Percy Jackson, by Rick Riordan. Ages 10 – 18
Description: This series is about a teenage demigod that has to save the world from the many threats of greek mythology that turn out to not just be myths. From trying to save the world from monsters and titans to trying to appear a normal teen, Percy has much to deal with and his adventures will keep you on your toes.
Why I like it: I love this book because it is full of adventure and a perfect book for greek mythology nerds who are looking for a story with some action and plenty of adventure.
5. Where the Red Fern Grows, by Wilson Rawls. Ages 9 – 16
Description: This heartfelt book is about a young boy who goes and purchases two hunting dogs and over time and plenty of adventures gains a great bond with them.
Why I like it: I love this book because it was the book that got me into reading and is very sweet, but still loads of fun and adventure.
Ethan’s favorites (age:12) :
1.Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien
Description: Frodo Baggins is charged with the task of taking the One Ring to mount Doom, the one place in which it can be destroyed.
Why I like it: It is a very enjoyable book(s) and plenty of fun, offers hours of entertainment. Ages 12+
2.The Three Musketeers by Alexander Dumas
Description: D’Artagnan, a swashbuckling Frenchman has many adventures with his three musketeer friends, in which he uncovers several dangerous plots.
Why I like it: It is a fun adventure and is quite fun to read (if you like old french novels) Ages 12+
3.My side of the mountain by Jean Craighead George
Description: Sam Gribley, a young boy from New York City, decides to run away into the woods and live there, learning many things along the way.
Why I like it: It is a nice book, not quite as fast moving as the others. It actually is quite a slow moving book. Though if you don’t want a large epic adventure (But honestly who doesn’t?) this is the book for you. Ages 8 – 14
4.The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Description: Bilbo Baggins assists Thorin Oakenshield in retaking the lonely mountain from the dragon Smaug, but in the process he finds the One Ring. Prelude to the Lord of the Rings.
Why I like it: It is a good beginner book if you want to read an epic fantasy but don’t really want to read something that will take forever to read. It is fun and simple. (Though I think Lord of the Rings is much more enjoyable) Ages 8+
5.The Belgariad series by David Eddings
Description: Garion, a simple farm boy, follows his aunt Pol on a journey in which he discovers his power and true name.
Why I like it: I think this is a very fun book that includes a fast moving plot so the reader will never get bored but not so fast that there are no details. Ages 10+
Ava’s Favorites (age 7):
1. Heidi by Johanna Spyri:
Description: a little Swiss orphan girl goes to live in the mountains with her Grandfather.
Why I like it: Heidi is a sweet girl and her mountain life is fun to read about. I like that she loves her Grandfather so much.
2. Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis:
Description: book series about 4 kids who discover a magical world with talking animals and adventure.
Why I like it: You don’t know what’s going to happen, and I love the kids, Aslan and all their adventures.
3. Ramona books:
Description: Ramona is an ordinary girl who has a knack for mischief.
Why I like it: Ramona is funny and silly, and I like that she’s a normal girl, and has a big sister.
4. Magic Treehouse series:
Description: Jack and Annie have endless adventures transported through time and space in their magic treehouse.
Why I like it: The adventures are always different and interesting. The books are fun.
5. If you give a mouse a cookie books:
Description: Fun books about what happens when you give animals different things. They’re all made up, but perfect for young readers and lots of fun.
Why I like them: I can read them all by myself, and they’re fun and have great pictures.
Thank you so much for the recommendations! I have an 11 year old son who loves to read and I’m excited to show him this post.