We are on the brink of summer, and I'm sure most of you have a huge summer reading list that doesn't need to be any longer. Nonetheless, I thought I'd share a list of excellent books I've enjoyed. If you're above sixteen, you can enjoy all of these. If lower, I try to indicate the appropriate age range. I hope it helps! This post was inspired by an article by Jill Williamson over at Go Teen Writers.
A- Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery
This classic series never fails to charm and enchant. If you're a writer, this a great way to gain perspective of the joys and trials of an ordinary life. Plus, the descriptions are beautiful.
B- Ben and Me by Robert Lawson
This was one of my favorite books as a kid. A story about Benjamin Franklin through the eyes of his good mouse, Amos, who, of course, is behind all the greatness. Absolutely hilarious with great illustrations. All ages.
C- Codetalker by Joesph Bruchac
I don't usually like war books, but this novel set in World War II focuses on the Navajo codetalkers. The story follows a Navajo youth through his childhood in school and his experiences as a Marine during the war. While there is some mildly violent content in battle, I consider the most disturbing scenes to be at the children's school where the teachers are like monsters. The book is filled with great humor, and I really love it. While the main character is fictional, all the events are real. Everything is done very tastefully, so I say ages 13 and up!
D- Dealing With Dragons series by Patricia C. Wrede
I finally read these fairytales, and boy, are they so cute and funny! If you're looking for great humor, action, and a bit of romance, don't pass these up! All ages, although very young kids might find some scenes too intense (even though they're usually diffused by some funny situation.)
E- Eragon by Christoper Paolini
I think this is a good book for any fantasy writer to read. I stopped with the first one, because I fell in love with the wrong character. Does the name Murtagh mean anything to you? But after some major-spoiler containing research, I discovered that Murtagh's story ends off on a much better note then I had thought, so I think I will continue the series. For the first book, I'd say ages 14 and up.
F- Fairy Haven and the Quest for the Egg by Gail Carson Levine
Okay, so it's a Tinkerbell book. But when I couldn't get enough of Ms. Levine's work, I pulled this book out. I loved it and its two sequels! The illustrations are great, and the stories are cute and clever. Don't be fooled, there are actually some fairly intense scenes in these books that very little kids could find upsetting. I know I nearly cried at points. :) Ages 10 (maybe 8) and up.
G- The Golden Goblet by Eloise Jarvis Mcgraw
A great historical novel set in Egypt. Most kids can handle this story as it was written for them, but there is an abusive uncle and some nail-biting content, so I say 12 and up.
H- The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
Who does not love this wonderful classic? It has charming humor and great action, plus good lessons learned. Yes, we love it, don't we, precious?
I- Isle of Swords by Wayne Thomas Batson
Talk about a rip-roaring adventure! I had so much fun reading this book! Set on the high seas, this story concerns a pirate ship captained by a noble man, his fiery daughter, and the mysterious young man they rescue. As Mr. Batson is a Christian, there are such themes woven throughout as we follow the character's paths to redemption. You'll really want to read the sequel, Isle of Fire, once you're done. It depends on the maturity of the reader, but I'd say 14 and up, because the bad guys are really bad, and there are various scenes of torture, though the most graphic content is mostly alluded to.
J- Justin Morgan Had a Horse by Marguerite Henry
A great story about a boy and the horse he loves who will eventually be the beginning of the beloved Morgan breed. Any book written by this author is great!
K- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
I just finished this book recently and thought very highly of it. It is a very serious book, but tastefully handled as it is seen through the fairly innocent eyes of a nine-year old girl. A great story with sad parts about prejudice. I read this at age 16, and for me that was a good age, because this classic novel deals with serious issues.
L- Lysbeth by H. Rider Haggard
A wonderful historical novel about the Netherlands during the Spanish Inquisition. This little-known classic has great action and awesome characters.Violence abounds, but sexual content is very clean despite the fact there are two forced marriages in it (one results in a child). A pulse-pounding experience! 14 and up.
M- Moccasin Trail by Eloise Jarvis McGraw
A historical tale of a young white man raised by Indians finding his place and identity in the settling of the Oregon Terriorty. A great read!
N- North! Or Be Eaten by Andrew Peterson
Okay, so I haven't actually read this book. As a matter of fact, I had no intention of reading this book. I mean, what a title! But I've been hearing wonderful things about this series ever since (this is book 2), so I'll give it a try. Besides, I couldn't think of any other book that starts with 'N'. Believe it or not.
O- One Minute After You Die by Erwin W. Lutzer
This is a non-fiction book dealing with what happens after you die. I love dreaming about heaven, and this is a wonderful and thought-provoking book! Scripture-based.
P- The Princess and Curdie by George McDonald
So you really ought to read The Princess and the Goblins first, but this one was my favorite. I just adore Lina. Interestingly enough these books finally made me break away into writing novels that were not based off Star Wars and Lord of the Rings! All ages.
Q- The Queen's Thief series by Megan Whalen Turner
One of my favorite series! These books will astonish and delight you with their incredible quality. I have to say 14 (maybe older) and up, because book 2 deals with depression and recovery from torture, plus a love story that will boggle any reader. In book 3, the married couple are very much in love and mature content is alluded to, though not seen. Book 4 also deals with serious issues. But they're absolutely great, and to my delight, I've discovered two more books are supposed to be coming out!
R- The Redwall series by Brian Jacques
A series composed of 22 books revolved around a vivid world of animals. Full of adventure, battle, love, and sacrifice; these are some awesome books. They considered appropriate for kids, but because of violent content, I'm saying 12 and up.
S- Shadow Hawk by Andre Norton
This is a great novel set in Egypt during its oppression under the Hysko invaders. Following the adventures of a young captain, this story bristles with adventure and political intrigue, concluding with an intense battle. The writing takes a little getting used to, but this is great stuff! Because of violent content, ages 13 and up.
T- The Tales of Goldstone Wood series by Anne Elisabeth Stengl
If you've been watching my blog at all, you know that I'm nuts about this series. Click here to learn my thoughts about them. They're awesome. 14 and up.
U- Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe
The size of this book and the issues it deals with is enough to daunt anyone. But this is not a story to miss. I read it this year and was astounded by the beauty and truth that shines forth amidst the darkness. While Uncle Tom is a primary character, the book is mostly seen through other character's perspectives and follows many storylines. The ending for Uncle Tom, though very sad, is triumphant, and there are several happy endings for others. The message of God's love was heralded in this book like I've never seen before. Absolutely incredible. Not for young readers. I read it at 16 and handled it just fine though.
V- The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C. S. Lewis
Of course, the entire Chronicles of Narnia are wonderful, but since I needed a 'V' title, I chose this one.
W- The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
As I loved some of Ms. Speare's other work, I decided to give this one a try. My, wasn't it a wonderful story! I fell in love with the characters and enjoyed the drama. 12 and up.
X- is for X-tra, because I haven't read one book that starts with 'X'. However, I have read The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander. As you will notice, the author's last name has a 'X' in it. And The Chronicles of Prydain are absolutely awesome tales of magic and heroism. Probably safe for 12 and up, though the final book is very intense and heart-wrenching.
Y- Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze by Elizabeth Lewis
Another historical novel, this one set in China. At the moment, I can't remember much about it save that I really liked it. 10 and up.
Z- Zia by Scott O'Dell
I have not read this book, but it is the sequel to the excellent "Island of the Blue Dolphins'!
So there you have it, folks! Any books you're really looking forward to reading this summer?
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