Book Reviews Tween

I love to read, and Book Reviews Tween allows me to share some of my favorite books for pre-teen readers. Along with public libraries, I’m a huge fan of independent book stores, including my favorite (which is right here in Denver), the Tattered Cover . Also check out Barnes&Noble.com or this list of independent bookstores . These book suggestions can be found online at all or most of these stores, (as well as at Amazon ). I hope these book reviews tween (for pre-teens and early teens) will help with gifts and book suggestions!

Here’s the basic key I will use when reviewing the plots:

* = sweet book (these, to me, are books which lack angst or intensity/edge -- although I also enjoy books with the edge/angst, sweet books aren’t as easy to find in the current market)

If the book reviews tween book is a favorite of mine (which simply means that I thoroughly enjoyed the book and will definitely read it again), you will see a Favorite in Robin's Take (RT). If you'd like regular updates (including new book reviews) e-mailed to you, please sign up for our e-zine . The pictures of the covers link to the book’s Powells' page. The titles link to The Tattered Cover.

Mysteries can be tough to find for tweens, but whenever I come across some, I'll try to post them here at Book Reviews Tweens.

Dani Noir, by Nova Ren Suma (I)

Dani's having a rough summer, and when she suspects that her babysitter's boyfriend is cheating, she decides it's time to solve the mystery (and successfully avoid figuring out her own life).
DWI: divorce; adultery; lying
RT: I liked this very much because of the authentic tween voice. Dani, although very self-absorbed, is also quite sympathetic, and her struggle to make sense of the adult world when it interferes with hers is real and touching -- and hopeful.

Do the Math: Secrets, Lies, and Algebra, by Wendy Lichtman *

Tessa believes math can solve any problem, but when her mom believes she might know of a murder, Tessa is discouraged to realize that some mysteries could equal 'no solution'.
RT: This is an enjoyable story with a strong (though literal) main character. I liked all the algebra scattered throughout, and I felt like Tessa grew nicely -- with a sweet touch of romance, as well.

The Hunt for the Seventh, by Christine Morton-Shaw (implied V)

After the death of his mom, a young teen moves with his dad and sister to a manor where his dad will be the gardener -- unfortunately, it appears the manor is haunted, and Jim must solve the mystery of what happened to these kids as they appear to him and plead for his help.
DWI: ghosts; curses; grief
RT: This is an entertaining (and spooky) mystery filled with clues and curious happenings. Although the ending is a bit sad, overall, I found the mystery intriguing and the main characters very sympathetic.

The Intruders, by E.E. Richardson (V, I)

When Joel and his sister move into a new house with their mom's new husband (and his two sons), they soon realize that they're not only dealing with new family challenges, but also some old grievances (and ghosts).
DWI: becoming a family; ghosts
RT: I enjoyed this because of the boy's point of view and because of the family aspects -- and it's a good mystery (including some nice creepiness).


Strong girls make for great reading, in my personal opinion -- and along with the boy books, I also try to read tons of 'sheroes' for Book Reviews Tween.


The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z , by Kate Messner *

Gianna loves art and running, but when her science teacher tells her cross-country coach that she's not cutting it in class, Gianna must come up with a leaf project immediately.
RT: Favorite because of the beautiful story, the wonderful science input (through Gianna's tree project), and the poignant discussion of grandparents and aging.

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt, by Beth Hoffman (L, mild talk of S, some V, I)

When CeeCee's crazy mother dies, CeeCee goes to live with a great-aunt and encounters a completely different world where Southern woman stand up for themselves and fight for justice and truth.
DWI: mental illness, racism, death, grieving
RT: Favorite because of the amazing women in CeeCee's life and all they do for and with CeeCee. The humor in this is laugh-out-loud funny in places -- but you'll cry, as well.

Fortune's Folly , by Deva Fagan *

When Nata's father loses his mojo (which he calls fairies), it's up to Nata to find them a way to make money and survive in this fantastical world.
RT: Favorite because of Nata's strength -- even when it's a risk, she doesn't hesitate to find her own way out of every challenging circumstance -- and win the heart of a prince, in the process.


Princess for Hire, by Lindsey Leavitt *

Desi can't believe it when a fairy godmother appears in a bubble and offers her a chance to 'stand in' for princesses around the world -- and as she jumps at the opportunity, it doesn't take long to learn that princesses have hard lives too (and living in two worlds isn't as easy as one might think).
RT: This is such a fun and unique concept -- I liked Desi's spunk and willingness to work hard at fixing someone else's life, while still trying to figure out her own.


Below are a couple of book reviews tween books which were written a while ago, but which are still pertinent to tweens today.

Unclaimed Treasure, by Patricia MacLachlan *

Willa's tale of first crush and first love while dealing with her mom's pregnancy, her neighbor's missing mom, and the aunts is a journey into the extraordinary -- that which Willa constantly seeks.
RT: Favorite because I love Willa's sweet voice, her humor, and the way she finds something amazing in even the smallest aspects of life.


Like Everybody Else , by Barbara Girion (mild S)

When Sam begins seventh grade, she assumes it will be tough to start at a new school -- but she has no idea how tough her mom's new 'adult' book (with sex scenes) will make it!
DWI: fitting in; bat mitzvah
RT: I read this book many times when I was young -- I liked Sam's humor and how she found a way to talk to her mom about her feelings.

Historicals can also fit well into the Book Reviews Tween -- including Margaret Peterson Haddix's new series, which combines time travel (to historical periods) with science fiction.

Sent, by Margaret Peterson Haddix *

Jonah and his sister tag along when their good friend, Chris, is sent back to his own time period -- the 15th century -- hoping to help him right the time problems so they can all return home again.
RT: Favorite because of the clever premise and the mystery tied up in history -- not to mention the great time travel aspect. Although it's not necessary to read the first in the series (Found), it's also a very enjoyable read (and explains how Jonah and the others end up in the 21st century, to begin with).

Winnie's War , by Jenny Moss

Winnie longs for her mom to talk to her and understand her, but before she can find a way to break through the barrier of silence, the Spanish Influenza comes to their small, Texas town -- and suddenly there are more things to worry about.
DWI: Spanish Influenza; historical situations; grief
RT: Favorite because of the gentle story-telling -- and because of Winnie's fighting spirit and loving heart.

The Moon by Night , by Madeleine L'Engle *

Vicki and her family travel across the country seeing the sights before her dad must take a new job in New York City.
RT: Favorite because I love Vicki and her poet's soul -- I like how she falls in love for the first time and her loyalty to her family.

So many book reviews tween books discuss self-image, a concept which is always valuable and timely, whether written in the 1970s or today (such as L'Engle above or Dionne below).

Models Don't Eat Chocolate Cookies , by Erin Dionne *

Celeste's aunt enrolls her in a 'plus' sized modelling competition, and Celeste has no desire to win -- so she decides to lose some weight so she's inelegible.
DWI: body image; nutritious eating
RT: I love the way Celeste learns to stand up for herself and value her body -- even though it's not shaped like the skinny girls society highlights -- I'll definitely have my daughter read this, no matter what size she is!

Katie John and Heathcliff , by Mary Calhoun *

Katie John begins junior high and finds herself falling in love with the classical good looks of another boy in class -- and ignoring one of her closest friends, Edwin.
RT: Fans of Katie John will enjoy this book, as well -- I like how Katie's experiences are so realistic, and how she discovers the true meaning of love and friendship in the end.

Book Reviews Tween also has opportunities for pre-teens and younger teens to experience different cultural influences and upbringings, such as in these books below.

Paris Pan Takes the Dare , by Cynthea Liu

When Paris's family moves yet again, she must face a tiny town with a queen bee who want to rule Paris too -- and playing basketball -- all while her family learns this might be their last move.
DWI: family relationships; learning to do the right thing
RT: I found this look into a Chinese-American family fascinating -- and Paris is a spunky character who finds the way to do what's right, despite the challenges.

Confetti Girl, by Diana Lopez *

Lina and her father are adjusting to life without her mom, who died a few years ago -- at the same time Lina's best friend and her mom are adjusting to life after divorce.
RT: This is a cute story with many neat aspects, including the two girls' friendship and interest in boys, as well as how they work on their parents' love lives. One of my favorite parts were the quotations in Spanish at the beginning of each chapter.

Book Reviews Tween can also encompass PDF books (or e-books) -- in this case, a book I wrote a few years ago, the first of a trilogy.

Dance Round the Wisper Air, by Robin Prehn *

Luona is chosen to leave her home and join the rest of the girls from her land at the Last Duca, a school where those girls get to find a match among the princes and gentlemen of the land -- but Luona fears that her lack of gifts will force her to return home without making life better for her friends and family.
RT: This is a tween fantasy with a little romance, some prejudice, and much dancing.

Book Reviews Tween also gives me the opportunity to be on the lookout for tween boy books, such as these.

Al Capone Shines My Shoes, by Gennifer Choldenko

Moose was shocked when Al Capone did him a favor, but now Al wants something in return, and Moose isn't sure how that will work.
RT: I found this a fascinating book (and I've heard Al Capone Does My Shirts, the first book, is just as good). The historical components are interesting, and this has an authentic mid-30s' feel to it.


Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians, by Brandon Sanderson (Q for quirky)

When Alcatraz receives a box of sand for his 13th birthday, he has no idea how many people will want to steal it -- and him -- and then the real fun begins when his grandfather shows up.
RT: This is a very interesting story. Alcatraz is snarky and self-deprecating, but he's also a very sympathetic character. This seems to fit in well with what I know of tween boys, filled with their quirky humor and zany twists. There are two more in this series now, Alcatraz Versus the Scrivener's Bones and Alcatraz Versus the Knights of Crystallia.

Alibi Junior High, by Greg Logsted (V)

Cody's dad's job has finally gotten too dangerous for him to keep Cody with him, so he sends Cody to his aunt's house -- and for the first time, Cody must learn to cope with his peers in junior high rather than men with high-powered weapons.
DWI: letting yourself love others
RT: Favorite because Cody is a wonderful character, and the combination of his tough-guy skills and his inner vulnerability is worth reading!

Diary of a Wimpy Kid, by Jeff Kinney (mild L)

Greg is starting middle school and he's not sure he's ready for it -- the guys are awfully big, and even Greg's best friend doesn't seem like he used to be.
DWI: making your way through everyday challenges
RT: Favorite because my son loves these books. As he's not that close to pre-teen days yet, I've been skimming them to be sure they're okay, and they are. The illustrations are humorous and boy-centric, and although there are some topics which don't necessarily make sense to a younger boy, they're right on for this age-group. I like how Greg uses humor to deal with the challenges which come his way. Fortunately for tween boys, there are a few of these (Rodrick Rules, The Last Straw, and recently released Dog Days).

Double-Click for Trouble, by Chris Woodworth (mild S suggestion)

When Eddie's friend introduces him to nude pictures on the internet, Eddie's mom sends him to her home town to stay with his great-uncle, who doesn't even have a computer.
DWI: natural curiosity versus obsession
RT: Favorite because Eddie is such a good kid with natural tendencies -- and the older characters here are just as thoughtful and complex as the kids. I thought it was a heart-warming story which dealt with real-life challenges.

Eighth Grade Bites, by Heather Brewer (V)

Vlad thinks he's the only vampire left in the world, but when one of his teachers disappears, he believes the substitute might be another vampire -- one which is looking for Vlad, and not for a good reason.
DWI: death of parents
RT: This is a good mystery with some nice humor mixed in -- and of course, vampires. I'm looking forward to picking up the sequels, as well.

Eli the Good, by Silas House (I, V)

Eli's dealing with a lot this summer, as his dad is back from the War and isn't the dad he remembers; and his best friend has struggles of her own and isn't the support he needs.
DWI: war trauma; coming of age
RT: This is an emotional story, filled with challenges and poignancy. Eli is a thoughtful, sweet boy who's dealing with more than a boy his age should -- but he definitely finds his way through somehow.

First Boy, by Gary Schmidt *

When Cooper's grandfather dies, Cooper is determined to keep the farm running in his memory -- but some powerful people are taking a strange interest in him, and he finds himself with unusual allies as he fights for his home.
RT: Favorite because Cooper is a wonderful character with determination and courage -- and the way the townspeople rally around him is just the way it should be. Schmidt has written a couple of other great books, including Trouble, which is also from a tween boy's point of view.

Swim the Fly, by Don Calame (S, L)

Matt shocks himself and everyone else by agreeing to learn the butterfly during summer swim team -- but he'll do anything to get the pretty girls' attention, even if he makes a fool of himself.
DWI: girls and relationships; trying something new
RT: I thought this was an interesting look at a young teen boy and his priorities; Matt's mom and grandpa are funny characters, and I like how Matt grows and changes through the story.

Villain.net: Council of Evil , by Andy Briggs (I, V)