R. L. Stine's Goosebumps Most Wanted: Reluctant Readers are Dying to Read Them!

Series: Goosebumps Most Wanted

Author: R. L. Stine
Ages:  9 to 12*

Rating:  4 out of 5 nightmares

*Warning: R. L. Stine's books are not for younger or sensitive children.  Not only are they scary, but they rarely have happy endings.  If your child is interested in Goosebump books, try reading a few yourself before deciding whether your child is ready to read them.     

What kid's will love about Goosebumps Most Wanted books:

• the escalating creepy (and sometimes gross) situations 
• the main characters they can quickly relate to
• the twist endings
• for fans of the Classic Goosebumps series, another chance to encounter their favourite villains

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Top 5 Free eBooks for Middle Grade Kids!

Have you and/or your child read any of these free ebooks?  If so, which one(s) do you recommend for reluctant readers?

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Before Rick Riordan's 39 Clues was Ellen Raskin's The Westing Game

Title: The Westing Game (Puffin Modern Classics)
Author:Ellen Raskin
Ages: 8 and up
Rating: 4 out of 5 shin kicks

The Westing Game was first published in 1978, but its intriguing plot and quirky characters will still appeal to today's middle grade readers.

In the book, Sam Westing is an eccentric millionaire whose will contains a challenge for his sixteen heirs.  Whoever solves the mystery will inherit his fortune.

What kids will love:

• trying to unravel the mystery 
• the funny characters
• the constant action

What parents will love:

• unlike Rick Riordan's The 39 Clues series, there are no products being promoted (i.e. Clues Card Packs)
• sharing a timeless classic with their kids

Book Review for Parents: Alice Hoffman's Nightbird Soars

Title: Nightbird
Author: Alice Hoffman
Age: 10 and up
Rating: 4 pairs of wings

Alice Hoffman's  first novel for middle-grade readers  will appeal to children who enjoy magic and mystery, and more sophisticated fairy tales.  

Nightbird tells the coming-of-age story of a girl named Twig, who lives in a town called Sidwell that has its very own monster.  Twig's family has a secret she must hide, that all started with a curse a witch placed on her family 200 years ago.

This story has a dream-like quality, and may not have enough action for reluctant readers, so I would recommend reading a chapter a night with your child if you think this book may appeal to them.

You might find the story a bit predictable at times, but overall it is a satisfying read for young and old alike who enjoy fairy tales.

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For book-loving moms and dads I'd recommend Alice Hoffman's The Museum of Extraordinary Things.

From Dragons to Phantom Bullies - Top 5 Summer Reads for Reluctant Middle School Readers

Here is my list of top 5 books to put on your middle school child's summer reading list:

1. The Phantom Bully (Star Wars: Jedi Academy #3) by award-winning author-illustrator Jeffrey Brown.

 


2. Wings of Fire Book Seven: Winter Turning



3. My Life as a Gamer (The My Life series)



4.Middle School: Just My Rotten Luck by James Patterson



5. Geronimo Stilton Cavemice #8: Surfing for Secrets



Please leave your summer read suggestions in the comments below: