Kid-to-Kid Recommendations
From Scholastic.com's Kids Council to you: raves for both books they read for school and those they devoured in their spare time.
The Call of the Wild by Jack London
"Very sad, yet happy at the same time," this classic tells the story of a pampered dog who gets back to his wild roots. "If you are a dog lover, this is definitely a book for you!"
—Katie P.
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Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett
Venture inside this mystery book about two quirky kids who must solve a wacky, intricate puzzle in order to save a famed Vermeer painting.
—Emily R.
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Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan
Be transported and touched by this "very interesting" book that follows an Indian girl through her teens, as she battles cultural pressures and shows remarkable strength.
—Rebecca B.
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Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli
Part myth, part reality, this Newbery Medal-winning book is about the extraordinary influence of an athletic superstar orphan who mends a town's racial divide.
—Carson M.
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Surviving the Applewhites by Stephanie S. Tolan
Narrated by two very different kids, this Newbery Honor book takes place at an unconventional school called the "Creative Academy" and features a wild and crazy cast of characters.
—Emily R.
The Watsons Go to Birmingham — 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis
Step inside history with a spirited and likable young boy who goes south to visit his grandma and witnesses a horrific act of violence.
—Sean B.
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The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
Ponder and investigate this Newbery Medal-winning mystery of 16 people who must figure out an eccentric millionaire's cause of death before claiming their inheritance. An intricate plot and memorable characters make you "feel like [you're] in it."
—Chanice A.
The Amazing Days of Abby Hayes series by Anne Mazer
These "girl books" feature a fun-loving main character who documents her eventful life in her journal. A great pick for girls who are "creative, funny, smart," and have a love of writing.
—Chanice A.
Artemis Fowl series by Eoin Colfer
These hefty books are "worth spending the time" because of their forceful narrative and the "very exciting" mix of crime families and fairies.
—Chelsye N.
The Pity Party by Alison Pollet
"Light and humorous," this book about the anguished life of an 8th grader is written so realistically that you'll "fall in love with the characters instantly."
—Rebecca B.
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A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
Miserable, but "hilarious," these gothic tales of woe follow the three Baudelaire orphans as they encounter one setback after another.
—Carson M.
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares
"Four really good friends" share pants and an unbreakable bond as they spend the summer apart. Friendship is described with depth and humor — "one second you'll be crying, and the next about to die of laughter."
—Katie P.
12/8/06
