The 39 Clues series (various authors)

My son currently discovered this series and digested all ten of them this summer. As soon as one was done off he would go to the library to get the next book. Every book was a cliff changer in which he was unable to wait, he had to get the next book! Each book was written by a different author although a couple of them were written by two authors. (eg. Rick Riordon, Peter Lerangis, Gordon Korman, Jude Watson.....)
The premise of the story is about two teenage siblings who's parents died when they small. They were raised by their mean aunt and it turns out their family are all related to past and present famous people, such as Thomas Edison, Rihanna, Houdini, Howard Carter and Abraham Lincoln. The adventure takes the kids on a scavenger hunt to find 39 clues hidden by their ancestors which could reveal an amazing discovery.

My son gives this 10 thumbs out of ten thumbs!
A great read for 12 years +

A Child's Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson

My youngest son has a fascination with poems. He has always loved them and recently I have noticed that he loves them most when his is very tired. He asks for them. He will lie on the bed with his eyes closed and listen. I think the sing-song verses lull and nourish his soul.

For me, Stevenson's writing is a beautiful dichotomy between the harsh, adventurous 'Treasure Island' and then his beautiful, enchanting, simple poems.

I highly recommend these poems for all ages.

The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke

My son tried to read this book a few years ago and found it too dark. Just recently he picked the book up again and digested it in about two days. He loved the story and intrigue. The basic outline of the story is about two orphan brothers who end up living with their cruel Aunt & Uncle and then running away. On their journey they meet a 13 year old boy who calls himself 'The Thief Lord' who leads a ring of street kids in petty crime. The brothers end up in interesting circumstances which puts into question the authenticity of the Thief Lord!

A terrific read for kids 11+

My son gives this story two thumbs up.

Tumtum & Nutmeg: A Seaside Adventure by Emily Bean

This is the fourth adventure in the Tumtum & Nutmeg series. Delightful stories of mice on adventures! In this story Tumtum, Nutmeg & General Marchmouse travel to the seaside to keep watch over the human children, Lucy and Arthur, as they take a summer vacation. While there mice stumble upon a mystery and end up on a hunt for a lost treasure. Little do the mice know that a villian lurks close by, Purple Claw, who is also after the treasure. Who will will find the treasure first? My son loved the twists and turns the story takes. It is a simple sweet story that is not too scary but has just enough suspense to make it exciting.

A great read-aloud for ages 5+

My son gives this story two thumbs up.

The Mouse and the Motorcyle by Beverly Cleary

This story we listened to in the car on audio on one of our many commutes. Clearly this one caught the attention of my 6 year old. The idea of a mouse riding a motorcycle was wonderous! The story begins with a boy staying in a hotel with his parents when he happened upon a mouse who could talk. They became fast friends and the boy lent the mouse his toy motorcycle to use. You can only imagine the adventures and troubles the mouse got into. Action-packed with an element of soft-hearted friendship.

We give this story 2 great big thumbs up!
Excellent for kids 5 & older.

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell

The first three chapters of this book were wonderful until my 11yo son read the rest without me. He was so intrigued he couldn't put it down and had to finish it. Needless to say I still have yet to finish.
The story begins on an Island in the South Pacific in which lived the people of Ghalas-at. A young girl named Karana finds herself stranded on the island after the Aleut people killed many of her people and the white people captured the rest. The imagery and storytelling captured us and we felt like we were with her. It is a based on a true story that reveals courage, serenity and greatness of spirit.

My son gives this story two thumbs up.
I recommend this book for ages 10yrs and older.

Harry the Poisonous Centipede by Lynne Reid Banks

This was an interesting book. My son was completely engaged in listening to it. It is a story about the adventures of a poisonous centipede told from the perspective of an insect and how we Hoo-Mins, as they calls us, might be strange and scary creatures to them.  My son and I had many discussions about our presence in the insect and bug world.  This was a great story full of laughter and adventure but also had the added element of 'food-for-thought'.

My son gives this story 2 thumbs up!
A great read for 6yrs and older.