[Bare with me, I am going to add content as I can]

I read quite a few children’s books/Young Adult fiction/fantasy/adventure, etc. I am going to start keeping track of the latest and the greatest. Feel free to chime in if you feel the need! If this page does get enough exposure I might make it into another blog.

• Arabat Series. Cliver Barker. There are only 2 teen books in print now, third on it’s way– and I’ve read rumors of a 5/6 book series in total (not to mention a movie?). I love these books. I do. They’re imaginative and unique, freaky and exciting, and completely out of the ordinary. Clive’s style reminds me of Lewis Carrol, Roahl Dahl, Paul Stewart & Chris Riddell, and Salvador Dali (if he were a writer) all blended together and then blown up. The best part is– whenever I see a field on a bright day, with the wheat waving in the breeze, like the rolls of an ocean: I wonder how Candy Quackenbush is doing… and I tumble head first in the gorgeous images Mr. Barker painted that accompany his novel so brilliantly.
• Fablehaven. Brandon Mull. Wow. I’m truly impressed with Mr. Mull’s ability to NAIL the personalities of the kids in this book (especially annoying/adventurous Seth who made my camp counselor-blood boil every time he decided to break the rules). It was honest… very VERY honest to how kids view the world. The story’s mystery, excitement, and real-world honesty (in a faux-fairytale world) were all collectively amazing (Grandpa’s constant lies were dead on for worried parents who say “don’t go by the pond, the snapping turtles will eat you” as my parents did for fear of me drowning). There is a sequel on the market, which I shall be purchasing shortly. There is a website that accompanies the series (www.fablehaven.com) but unfortunately I cannot get it to work (after two days it’s still “loading”). Brandon Mull makes an appearance on myspace, which is fine considering Mr. Charles Ogden (E&E) is on it too. As long as it’s not a “Fablehaven” site for kids on myspace I am appeased. ANY TEACHER looking for a GREAT read– I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
• I, Coriander. Sally Gardner.  I surprisingly loved this book.  Even though I’m a sucker for fairytale romances, I have tried to steer clear and go for adventure YA.  I’ve had this book for a few years and finally read it this past winter.  With undertones of a Cinderella story, Gardner managed to make a fantastic fairy tale– weaving together plague-ridden London & a fairy world.  Sweet, endearing, and a fresh perspective… I would recommend this to any girl loving a good adventure romance (kid or tween).
• Princess Academy, The Goose Girl, Enna Burning, River Secrets. Shannon Hale. Shannon Hale’s first book, Princess Academy, was a great read. Strong female character, with elemental magic and friendship. Shortly after, Shannon published the three following books– starting with a Cinderella fairytale, a tale of inner strength & struggle, and finally a tale of personality and honesty. All three had the same style as Princess Academy. The Goose Girl and Princess Academy were my favorite. In Enna Burning it was clear that Shannon’s voice was growing, but so were the opinions of her characters. She had them reigned in for River Secrets. The books reference death, as well as some other tough subjects (wicked mother or not?), but I really enjoyed these books. Had to read all of them in one big gulp. In fact, I’d love to see Enna and Finn again in a fourth book for that particular series (perhaps reference the ladies of the Princess Academy since they seem to come from a similar world).
• Pure Dead Series. Debi Gliori.  A really goofy series I picked up in the UK about 5 years ago.  Has humor and heart and a fun spin on magic & technology (not like Artemis Fowl).  Basically, the novels follow the exploits of a family with a witch-in-training mother, a more-than-she-seems nanny, a dad just trying to hold down the fort, a few mystical pets, a run down castle in Scotland, and the world constantly knocking on their door.  It’s like taking a clever, fun family and sticking them into an Addam’s Family senario.  There are 5 or 6 books in the series. I’ve lost track since I’ve been away from the UK.  I’ve seen the first 3 books here stateside.  For any kid loving modern-casual magic and funny stories… this is a great series.
• Sabriel, Libreal, The Abhoreson. Garth Nix.  Intense trilogy (although there is a 4th book of stories by Mr. Nix that includes a mini-tale connecting to the third book).  Necromancers, bells-as-weapons, the world between life and death, and magic.  I actually really enjoyed the series. I don’t usually get into teen fantasy very often, but this was a great storyline.  I really appreciated the way Mr. Nix used unorthodox measures to save his heroes (not all sword and gun).  Had an undertone that reminded me of Europe post-WWII.  There are several things I hope Mr. Nix writes further about– storylines he dropped off (The Abhoreson’s house, for example).  Good for both girls and boys– however, it does have a written-by-a-man tone, I feel like it would appeal more to girls.  That’s just a personal theory.
• The Secret History of Tom Trueheart. Ian Beck. Another book based on fairytale play. Tom Trueheart’s brothers are the heroes of all fairytales, and when they go missing, Tom steps up to bat. It was a cute story with fun twists on old favorites. Light and fun, this is a great book for any pre-tween/tween.
• Wildwood Dancing. Juliet Martillier. I loved this book. It reminded me slightly of The Frog Prince– but more, expanded, and smarter. Based in Transylvania, this complex fairytale made me wish people took more stalk in traditional tales– even if this wasn’t true folklore, it did have that feeling. Not for anyone under 14 (unless you feel comfortable reading aloud the one particular moment when one of the girls is groped), this tale is for any girl who loves romance and enjoys stories that balance light and dark. And I– not being one for the “darker” teen books, appreciated Juliet Martillier’s use of “Night People” to replace the horror-favorite “Vampires.” It was a great way of avoiding the stereotypical route for anything associated with Transylvania.
•