From the category archives:

Genre

Savvy

October 18, 2010

goThis book has won several awards and is a nice read. Even though the main characters are young teens, the content and story are fine for 9-12 year-olds, and even precocious readers.

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The Catcher in the Rye

September 12, 2010

goThis is the quintessential young adult novel. In fact, it is largely recognized as the first real book of that genre. It’s moving, and poignant and chock full of content to be aware of. I would recommend parents read this before or as their teen is reading it so you can discuss it with them.

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Book Review: The Fight to Survive

August 31, 2010

The-Fight-to-SurviveSurprisingly graphic violence for the recommended age-range. Really, really surprising. Some kids may be bothered by the level of violence and some of the harshness of being a bounty hunter’s child. Proceed with caution.

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The Web of Titan

July 28, 2010

The-Web-of-TitanIn this second installation of the Galahad series, we get more insight into the characters and their relationships with each other. As with the first book, I think it’s appropriate for younger kids then the publisher recommends, easily 11. Of note, there are multiple references to the theory of evolution as a fact.

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The Comet’s Curse

July 28, 2010

The-Comets-CurseAn interesting plot and a good read. Nice to see a straight science fiction book in this age group. I really think this book is appropriate for younger kids, easily 11. There is not a lot content wise to warrant concern. A good, clean book. Strong female main character as well as a mix of cultural diversity.

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Book Review: Story of a Girl

July 21, 2010

Story-of-a-GirlThis book is often used as an example of an authentic teen voice in books. Even though the protagonist is 13, the sexual content of the book is pretty mature and not a good fit for most younger teens. The family situation is fairly dysfunctional.

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Book Review: D.A.

July 18, 2010

D.A.A fun, light read. Good one for girls. No content to be concerned about. Nice to find a true sci-fi with strong female characters. Good for precocious readers, down to 11 or 12

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Book Review: Cosmic

July 17, 2010

CosmicA likeable character, unusual and very interesting story. Likely a better fit for closer to 10 and 11 year-olds, due to just a few bits of mature content.

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Book Review: The Secret Year

July 15, 2010

The-Secret-YearMature content in terms of language and sexual activity. Feels fairly real-to-life for older teens, likely won’t be news to them, but it is fairly mature. I may have said that already…

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Book Review: Gifted - Out of Sight, Out of Mind

June 30, 2010

Out-of-Sight-Out-of-MindAn interesting premise of what happens when a popular girl transports into the life of a non-popular girl. This first book in the series isn’t particularly dark, though there are some social circumstances with parents to be aware of.

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