Marcel (Age 11) recommends this chilling series.

Author: Darren Shan

Who might enjoy this series? Kids who enjoyed the Harry Potter series. These books are scary and very suspenseful – not your sunshine and lollipops type of books.

If you’re ready to be haunted page after page, book after book, Darren Shan’s series is precisely what you’re looking for, according to Marcel. School Library Journal agrees with him in saying, “Shan creates heart-pounding, page-turning action that will keep readers reading.” Sounds like super summer reading, doesn’t it?

The back flap of Book One, Cirque du Freak: A Living Nightmare, reads, “This is a true story. I don’t expect you to believe me – I wouldn’t believe it myself if I hadn’t lived it – but it is. Everything I describe in this book happened, just as I tell it…I just wanted to make that clear before I began.” Knowing this makes Cirque du Freak: Sons of Destiny, the twelfth and final book of the series even more compelling. Indiebound states that, in Sons of Destiny, the time has, “…finally come for protagonist Darren Shan to face his archenemy, Steve Leopard. One will die. The other will become the Lord of the Shadows – and destroy the world!” Kind of a definite ending, wouldn’t you say?

Read the Cirque du Freak series this summer, if you dare. And, if you do, keep the hall light on all night, won’t you? Boo!

Piper (age 4 – almost 5) recommends this series

Author: Bobby Lynn Maslen

Illustrator: John R. Maslen

Who might enjoy these books? Anyone who is learning to read independently

Piper is eager for her first days in kindergarten. Because of this, she is busy developing her reading skills to assure she’ll be a super success. Her sets of Bob Books are helping her do so. Piper is a naturally confident and self-assured little girl. Couple that with a solid foundation of the basics of reading, her kindergarten experience is going to be sensational!

Not only are the books fantastic, the Bob Books website is packed with downloadable supplemental activities and helpful instructional videos, all designed to make those first reading experiences as positive as they can be. Take Piper’s lead and commit this summer to sharpening those reading skills in a fun and productive way!

Our friend Gabe, age 10, lives in Connecticut and is a big reader. So is his brother Nate. Here are their great reading suggestions for this summer. Gabe first:

Born to Fly by Michael Ferrari – “This book was a very exciting adventure, told in historical fiction, that tells the story of a Japanese boy and an American girl.”

The Ranger’s Apprentice series by John Flanagan – “This series had lots of descriptive language and was extremely adventurous.  It was a medieval style series with knights and archers, etc.”

Where The Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls – “This book was a very emotional book that gives you feelings for the characters.  The author used very descriptive language to help you picture the story and that helps make it a great story.”

Big Nate series by Lincoln Pierce – “These books were very funny and styled in a comical way.  They bring laughter to all who read them!”

Gabe’s brother, Nate, who’s seven, likes a slightly different kind of book. Here are some of his ideas:

Magic Treehouse #9 Dolphins at Daybreak by Mary Pope Osborne – “Because I just love submarines.” 

Amazing Rescues by George Shea – “Cool rescue stories.”

Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein – “I really like funny poems.”

Great recommendations! Thanks, Gabe and Nate. If any other young readers want to suggest books they love, please leave a comment below or send your recommendation to readerkidz at readerkidz dot com. Let’s spread the word about great books – for kids, by kids!