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R. L. Stine
R. L. Stine is the bestselling author of --- literally --- hundreds of books for children and young adults, including the titles in his popular Goosebumps, Fear Street, The Nightmare Room, Mostly Ghostly and Rotten School series. In this interview, Stine talks about the inspiration for his latest series, Goosebumps HorrorLand, and explains why these books are even scarier than his previous works. He also discusses how he started writing horror stories at a young age, gives advice to aspiring authors and shares his favorite "fan" letter.
» Read an interview with R. L. Stine and reviews of REVENGE OF THE LIVING DUMMY and CREEP FROM THE DEEP.
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Blue Balliet
In Blue Balliett's latest novel, THE CALDER GAME --- the sequel to CHASING VERMEER and THE WRIGHT 3 --- Calder, Petra and Tommy set out on another adventure to investigate a new piece of art located in a remote English village. In this interview, Balliett describes why she's always been drawn to the work of sculptor Alexander Calder and discusses the research she performed on both the artist and setting of this third installment in the series --- from getting lost in hedge mazes to eating Cadbury chocolate. She also explains how her upbringing in New York has impacted her storytelling abilities, reveals what she learned about children from teaching grade school and shares what she hopes readers will take away from her books.
» Read an interview with Blue Balliet and the review.
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Michael Reisman
In Michael Reisman's debut novel, SIMON BLOOM, THE GRAVITY KEEPER, readers are introduced to an inquisitive 11-year-old boy who stumbles upon a way to control the laws of physics. In this interview with Kidsreads.com's Brian Farrey, Reisman describes what inspired the concept behind this series and explains how the story gradually evolved over the course of several drafts. He also reveals plans for recurring characters in future installments, shares his favorite compliment from a fan and recalls the various odd jobs he held before becoming a writer.
» Read an interview with Michael Reisman and the review.
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Stephanie Watson
Stephanie Watson's debut work of fiction, ELVIS & OLIVE, follows two unlikely friends who form a spying club in order to uncover secrets in their neighborhood. In this interview with Kidsreads.com's Alexis Burling, Watson explains how and why she kept the writing of this novel a secret, and describes some of her own childhood friends and memories that inspired elements of the story. She also elaborates on the book's lesson concerning forgiveness, shares a few of her non-writing hobbies and reveals the unusual things she does when she thinks no one is looking.
» Read an interview with Stephanie Watson and the review.
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 SIMON BLOOM, THE GRAVITY KEEPER by Michael Reisman
Sixth-grader Simon Bloom can’t believe his luck when he finds a book that enables him to control the laws of physics. By simply reciting the formulas it contains, he can cancel gravity to fly around his bedroom, or decrease friction so he can slide down the street as if he were on Rollerblades. When two thugs with evil intentions come after Simon, he must use the formulas to save himself and the book from falling into their hands. This funny, fast and imaginative novel from first-time author Michael Reisman will appeal to fans of both fantasy and action adventure.
» Click here to read a review of SIMON BLOOM, THE GRAVITY KEEPER.
» Click here to read an excerpt from SIMON BLOOM, THE GRAVITY KEEPER.
» Click here to read our interview with Michael Reisman.
» Click here to read Michael Reisman's bio.
» Visit the author's official website, www.MichaelReisman.com.
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 ELVIS & OLIVE by Stephanie Watson
Natalie Wallis thought she'd be spending her summer riding her bike around and around her block --- but that was before she met her quirky new neighbor, Annie Beckett. Before long, Annie is revealing the hiding place beneath her porch, the dead bird she keeps in her pocket, and the details of her mother's death. Natalie and Annie become fast friends, and soon, they've hatched a plan to spy on their neighbors, using the inscrutable code names Elvis and Olive. Spying is the most fun Natalie's ever had --- but are some things best kept secret?
» Click here to enter our ELVIS & OLIVE giveaway.
» Click here to read a review of ELVIS & OLIVE.
» Click here to read an excerpt from ELVIS & OLIVE.
» Click here to read our interview with Stephanie Watson.
» Click here to read Stephanie Watson's bio.
» Visit the author's official website, www.Stephanie-Watson.com.
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 THE WILLOUGHBYS Giveaway
Abandoned by their ill-humored parents to the care of a less than pleasant nanny, Tim and his siblings --- twins Barnaby A and Barnaby B, and sister Jane --- attempt to fulfill their roles as good old-fashioned children. To celebrate the release of THE WILLOUGHBYS, a glorious tongue-in-cheek romp through the images and icons of classic stories by two-time Newbery Medal winner Lois Lowry, Kidsreads.com is awarding 25 readers the chance to win a copy of the book.
THE WILLOUGHBYS by Lois Lowry
From serious, Newbery Award-winning fare such as NUMBER THE STARS and THE GIVER to brilliantly funny family comedy in the Anastasia Krupnik series, Lois Lowry has successfully explored many different genres and moods in her fruitful career. Now, in THE WILLOUGHBYS, she demonstrates her range once more. Specifically, this book exhibits her extensive knowledge of the history of children's literature and playfully re-purposes those occupants of the bookstore's "Classics" shelf into a clever parody.
» Click here for all the contest details.
» Click here to read a review of THE WILLOUGHBYS.
» Click here to read an excerpt from THE WILLOUGHBYS.
» Click here to see Lois Lowry’s bio.
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April’s roundup of Cool New Books includes THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY AND THE PERILOUS JOURNEY, the highly anticipated sequel to Trenton Lee Stewart’s bestseller about four children who are brought together to go on secret missions that only the most intelligent and inventive youngsters can complete; THE PENDERWICKS ON GARDAM STREET, a feel-good follow-up to the National Book Award-winning THE PENDERICKS by Jeanne Birdsall; THE CALDER GAME, Blue Balliett’s third art-centered mystery featuring University of Chicago Lab School students Calder, Petra and Tommy; QUESTE, the fourth installment in Angie Sage’s Septimus Heap series, in which the protagonist continues his journey of Magykal self-discovery; and picture books that mark the returns of Fancy Nancy (who is determined to enhance her readers’ vocabulary) and Curious George (who offers words of encouragement to those entering a new phase in their lives). » Click Here
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April’s roundup of New in Paperback titles includes THE TITAN'S CURSE by Rick Riordan, the third adventure featuring Percy Jackson and the other half-blooded Olympians who populate Camp Half-Blood; JOHNNY AND THE BOMB, which marks the intriguing end of Carnegie Medalist Terry Pratchett's Johnny Maxwell Trilogy; THE TALENTED CLEMENTINE, the sequel to Sara Pennypacker’s New York Times bestseller starring a third grader who has the spunk of Ramona Quimby and the curiosity of Jo March; VANISHING ACT, another fast-paced, action-packed sports mystery from John Feinstein that takes place at the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament in New York; and THE DRAGON'S EYE, the first installment in The Dragonology Chronicles --- full-length novels that fans of DRAGONOLOGY and THE DRAGONOLOGY HANDBOOK will simply devour. » Click Here |
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THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY AND THE PERILOUS JOURNEY by Trenton Lee Stewart
The fabulous foursome readers embraced as The Mysterious Benedict Society is back with a new mission, significantly closer to home. After reuniting for a celebratory scavenger hunt, Reynie, Kate, Sticky and Constance are forced to go on an unexpected search --- a search to find Mr. Benedict. It seems that while he was preparing the kids' adventure, he stepped right into a trap orchestrated by his evil twin Mr. Curtain. Reviewed by Norah Piehl and excerpted.
-Visit the official website of the series, www.MysteriousBenedictSociety.com.
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THE PENDERWICKS ON GARDAM STREET by Jeanne Birdsall
The beloved Penderwick family returns for a second outing --- but this time they're home on Gardam Street in a rollicking, romantic family novel that hearkens back to an earlier time with old-fashioned storytelling and a feel-good ending. Reviewed by Norah Piehl and excerpted.
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DIARY OF A WIMPY KID by Jeff Kinney
In this hilarious blend of comics and prose, fifth-grader Greg Heffley grapples with his classmates ("bunch of morons"), girls ("I have ALWAYS been into girls") and various misguided and ill-fated schemes to make himself popular and wealthy, all while avoiding the dreaded Cheese Touch. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.
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DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: RODRICK RULES by Jeff Kinney
In this sequel to DIARY OF A WIMPY KID, Greg Heffley continues his deadpan, laugh-out-loud funny tale of woe. But no matter how bad his life is, he can rest easy knowing that his big brother Rodrick lives to make it way worse. And Rodrick (who will gladly stoop to blackmail) also knows Greg's darkest secret. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.
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GOOSEBUMPS HORRORLAND #1: REVENGE OF THE LIVING DUMMY by R. L. Stine
For the millions of fans who mourned the end of the Goosebumps series, rejoice! Master horror storyteller R.L. Stine kicks off a new 12-book series with this enjoyably creepy tale about a ventriloquist's dummy with mayhem on its mind --- directed at 12-year-old Britney Crosby. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.
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GOOSEBUMPS HORRORLAND #2: CREEP FROM THE DEEP by R. L. Stine
In the second book of this eerie series, Billy and Sheena go on a deep-sea treasure hunt with their uncle. But what they find is a monstrous shock and a life-threatening adventure that will terrify readers, in the very best way. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.
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THE CALDER GAME by Blue Balliett
In Blue Balliett’s third art-centered mystery (following CHASING VERMEER and THE WRIGHT 3), Petra and Tommy must leave their home base of Chicago and travel to England in order to uncover two missing Calders --- a sculpture and their best friend. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.
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THE GOLLYWHOPPER GAMES by Jody Feldman
Twelve-year-old Gil Goodson prepared as well as he possibly could, and the day is finally here! He and nine other finalists are about to begin the Golly Toy & Game Company’s absolutely amazing Gollywhopper Games, a competition requiring clever brains, swift feet and a knowledge of Golly Toy history. Gil has all three, but will it be enough to win? Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.
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THE BUDDHA'S DIAMONDS by Carolyn Marsden and Thay Phap Niem
A tale both quiet and dramatic, the story of 10-year-old Tinh is at once an adventure, a coming-of-age tale and a religious text. THE BUDDHA'S DIAMONDS is based on Thây Pháp Niem’s own experiences as a young boy in post-war Vietnam. Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.
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THE TRUTH ABOUT MY BAT MITZVAH by Nora Raleigh Baskin
For most young people, cultural and religious identity is clear-cut; they are what their parents are. But for children of interreligious or multicultural families, it can be a bit confusing, especially if the backgrounds of the parents are seemingly at odds. In THE TRUTH ABOUT MY BAT MITZVAH, Nora Raleigh Baskin explores the issue of identity through the story of 12-year-old Caroline. Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.
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THE MOZART QUESTION written by Michael Morpurgo and illustrated by Michael Foreman
Like any young boy, Paolo becomes obsessed with what he can’t have --- in his case, a violin. Michael Morpurgo's THE MOZART QUESTION, touchingly illustrated by Michael Foreman, might be a small volume in size, but this ode to history, bravery, family and music has an enormous heart. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.
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THE BRONZE PEN by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
Set in California in 1973, THE BRONZE PEN is a nostalgic story about Audrey Elgin Abbott, a lonely girl who dreams of becoming a writer. One day, while sitting outside writing in her notebook, Audrey follows a strange duck to a vine-covered cave, where she meets an old woman with special powers --- and a unique gift. Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt.
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LOST BOY by Linda Newbery
While Matt Lanchester explores his new surroundings, he notices a cross nailed to a tree marking the site of an accident and a death. The initials on the cross match his own, sending chills down his spine. Though he soon learns that M.L. are the initials of a kid who had been killed years ago, Matt begins to feel the dead boy’s presence and his urgings to make something right. Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.
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TENNYSON by Lesley M. M. Blume
In 1932, times are tough for everyone. When Tennyson and Hattie’s mother disappears and their father sets off to look for her, they find themselves with relatives in their historically rich yet quickly deteriorating southern plantation house. Though she painfully butts heads with her rigid aunt, Tennyson slowly begins to bond with the house, despite all of its horrific secrets. Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.
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TUB TOYS written by Terry Miller Shannon and Timothy Warner, illustrated by Lee Calderon
One enthusiastic bather and more than 20 tub toys make for an excellent (if crowded) bath and a charming read. TUB TOYS is the story of one little guy’s attempts to stall his bath --- not to avoid it, but to make sure that all his favorite things get to go into the tub with him! Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.
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The Debut Titles from TOON Books --- Comics to Get Young Children Reading!
New Yorker art editor Francoise Mouly and her husband, acclaimed cartoonist Art Spiegelman, recently launched TOON Books, a new line of comics designed for children ages four and up. Its inaugural titles, now available in stores, are BENNY AND PENNY IN JUST PRETEND, SILLY LILLY AND THE FOUR SEASONS and OTTO'S ORANGE DAY. In an interview with Contributing Editor John Hogan, Mouly describes how her son, a reluctant reader, inspired the idea for this line and explains the benefits of these comics over conventional picture books. She also discusses how the books will be incorporated into school reading programs, shares some of the feedback they've received from teachers and librarians, and muses on the constantly changing attitudes towards comics.
» Click here to read a review of the TOON Books debut titles.
» Click here to read our interview Francoise Mouly about TOON Books.
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GREAT BOOKS FOR BOYS
Kidsreads.com Founder Carol Fitzgerald frequently has been told by mothers how difficult it is to get their sons to read. Some are busy participating in sports and other extracurricular activities, watching television, playing video games and surfing the Internet, while others simply don't like to read, no matter how much free time they may have.
This inspired Carol and her 11-year-old son Cory, an avid reader, to compile a list of books that Cory thinks are great reads for boys. Included are series titles and stand-alone fiction that cover a variety of genres: fantasies, mysteries, thrillers, action/adventure novels and historical fiction. While many of these selections also will appeal to girls, they especially will capture the attention of boys, who often are much more reluctant readers.
» Click here to see our complete list. |
 Start Your Own Book Club!
Thinking about starting a Book Club? Trying to find new ideas for your Club? Wondering what the heck a Book Club is?! Never fear, Kidsreads has all the answers to your Book Club questions, and some guides to help you lead a good discussion with your friends. Book Clubs are easy to start and lot of fun, so if you love books, this is for you! |
CLASSICS AND NEW FAVES READING LISTS
Listmania! We've freshened up our Reading Lists, adding new titles to our Contemporary Favorites and Classics age categories. Be sure to check them out when you need a great book to read. |
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