10 Books That Will Knock Your Socks Off

Books books books, the wonderful world of books! So many to read, and so little time.

For many of us, it’s summer. And summer means boredom. So, I’ve come up with a small list of book suggestions for tweens and young teens. I’ve read all of these books, loved them, and I would strongly recommend you read.

1. The “Erec Rex” series by Kaza Kingsley. Underground worlds? Cheating royalty? Misuse of power? The Erec Rex series has it all! Erec Rex’s life is tipped upside down when he discovers a whole new, magical world hidden underneath his own. He joins up with friends like Bethany, Oscar, and Jack to take down the evil Baskinia and save himself and the rest of the world! The first book is called “Erec Rex and the Dragon’s Eye.”

2. The “Fablehaven” series by Brandon Mull. Ugh, brothers can be annoying, and Kendra Sorenson can testify to that. But when Kendra and her brother, Seth, are sent to their grandparents’ for the summer, Kendra realizes that she depends on her brother as much as he depends on her. The Sorenson family embarks on a dangerous adventure to collect several hidden artifacts, artifacts that, if placed into the wrong hands, could mean the end of Fablehavens everywhere. The first book is called “Fablehaven.”

3. “Peter Pan in Scarlet” by Geraldine McCaughrean. What’s the word that gets things done? Peter Pan doesn’t know. But with the help of Wendy and the lost boys, he embarks on a thrilling adventure to find out just exactly who he is.

4. “Black Beauty” by Anna Sewell. Who says animals don’t have souls? Black Beauty sure does. In a tale of thrills and suffering, this valiant horse tells his life story: about the friends he made, the humans who hurt him, the adventures he tackled, and the lives he changed. This classic is sure to capture the hearts of people everywhere.

5. “The Call Of The Wild” by Jack London. Stolen from his home and family, a dog named Buck must quickly learn the harsh law of survival among the men and dogs of the gold-crazed North. His intelligence, courage, and cunning transform him into a feared leader. As wolves attack and men grow desperate, Buck must heed the call of the wild. Only the strong will survive. (description copied off the back of the book)

6. “How I Survived Being A Girl” by Wendelin Van Draanen. Being a girl is tough, especially when all your neighbors are boys. How boyish can one get without loosing what being a girl is all about?

7. “There’s A Boy In The Girl’s Bathroom!” by Louis Sachar. This is one of my all time favorite books. “Give me a dollar or I’ll spit on you.” That’s Bradley Chalkers for you. He’s the oldest kid on the fifth grade. He tells enormous lies. He picks fights with girls, and the teachers say he has “serious behavior problems.” No one likes him – except Carla, the new school counselor. She thinks Bradley is sensitive and generous, and she even enjoys his farfetched stores. Carla knows that Bradley can change, if only he weren’t afraid to try. Sometimes the hardest thing in the world is believing in yourself… (description taken from the back of the book)

8. Gary Paulsen’s “Hatchet” and “Brian’s Winter.” These two books are a survival story of a young boy stranded in the wilderness. When the skills learnt in school fail, Brian has to depend on his cunning, intelligence, and one tool: a hatchet.

9. “Mockingbird” by Kathryn Erskine. Growing up with Asperger’s is one heck of a ride for young Caitlyn. Especially when she loses her older brother, Devon, the only one who has ever supported her. Caitlyn knows she needs closure, but how can she find something when she doesn’t even know what it is?

10. “Flipped” by Wendelin Van Draanen. She’s crazy been crazy about him ever since they moved to her street. He’s been avoiding her ever since life rudely forced them into being neighbors. But when fate tosses in an unlucky gesture, everything is flipped.

Get reading!