Artemis Fowl

Artemis Fowl is by Eoin Colfer. The first in the series makes you hunger for the rest. Artemis is a 12-year-old evil genius. The son of a famous crime family stretching back generations. However now that his father is missing, presumed dead, and his mother is bedridden in her grief the family needs cash. Artemis decides the best way to find his pot of gold (literally) is to kidnap a leprechaun and hold her for ransom. The resulting mayhem is delightful! A thoroughly enjoyable read. You can't dislike Artemis no matter how hard you try.

Ratings: 6th grade - 10 out of 10.

Once Upon A Crime

Once Upon A Crime is by Michael Buckley. The fourth in the Sisters Grimm series finds the sisters and Granny Relda in New York. The girls, Granny, Mr. Canis, and Mr. Hamstead go to New York to find Puck's family. Then Puck's father, Oberon, is murdered and the Grimm's must find the real killer. Another gem from Buckley! Not only are young reader's introduced to the rest of the fairies from A Midsummer Night's Dream, but they also meet the Wizard of Oz, Sinbad the Sailor, Long John Silver, Mother Goose, and a never ending host of famous Everafters. Buckley's re-working of these characters is witty and thoroughly enjoyable. Can't wait for the next one!

Ratings: 6th grade - 10 out of 10.

Bully for You, Teddy Roosevelt

Bully for You, Teddy Roosevelt is by Jean Fritz. Part of the "Unforgettable Americans" series, this is a wonderful biography of Teddy Roosevelt written in a way that younger readers will enjoy. It follows Teddy from his birth to San Juan Hill to his two terms as President. It is a fun read and a great way to introduce reluctant readers to non-fiction.

Ratings: 6th grade - 9 out of 10.

What-the-dickens: The Story of a Rogue Tooth Fairy

What-the-dickens: The Story of a Rogue Tooth Fairy is by Gregory Maguire. This is a tale for younger readers written by the author of Wicked. During a storm three children are told a story by their uncle. It is the story of What-the-dickens, a tooth fairy. Born an orphan he struggles to discover what he is and where he fits in. He finds others of his kind and learns his history, but is not welcomed in by the tooth fairy community. The story slips back and forth between Gage telling the story and the story itself and that might be confusing for some readers. It is a cute tale and a fun read even if Maguire does take some snide swipes at Christian families and their values.

Ratings: 7th grade - 9 out of 10.

Sounder

Sounder is by William H. Armstrong. The classic tale of a poor African-American family in the 19th century South. The boy's father is a sharecropper struggling to feed his family. When he steals a ham and is sent to prison the young son must take his place as provider. The fact that none of these characters, other than the dog, is ever named makes them even more realistic as they come to represent so many others who lived as they did during this period. A classic tale and a must read for persons wishing to be considered well read.

Ratings: 5th grade - 9 out of 10.

The Golem's Eye

The Golem's Eye is by Jonathan Stroud. The second book in The Bartimaeus Trilogy. Three years have passed since Nathaniel last summoned Bartimaeus. The resistance has grown and Nathaniel has been unsuccessful in locating Kitty and her friends. Now a golem is loose in London and the magicians are panicked. Nathaniel summons Bartimaeus to help him track down the master of the golem, find the resistance, and save London - not to mention his own skin. Another stellar installment in this fascinating series. Bartimaeus has a wicked sense of humor and a conscience he doesn't want to own.

Ratings: 7th grade - 9 out of 10.

The Ghost's Grave

The Ghost's Grave is by Peg Kehret. This is a cute story of a young boy who goes to stay with his great aunt for the summer and discovers a ghost. Josh meets the ghost of an old miner who wants him to dig up his leg bones and bury them with the rest of his body. Let's all say "EWWW"! When Josh digs up the bones he finds a box full of money and the excitement really starts. A very enjoyable read.

Ratings: 5th grade - 7 out of 10.