The Scarecrow and His Servant by Philip Pullman

The boys and I commute to Karate three times a week so audio books in the truck are a must! This story was read by the fabulous Graeme Malcolm and it entertained us for a couple weeks worth of commuting.

The story begins in a cornfield where a beloved scarecrow has been stolen and arrives in another field on a cold rainy night only to be remarkably brought to life. A young orphan boy befriends him and the adventure begins. Hilarious, heartwarming and adventures galore. You will not be disappointed by the thread of events which brings the scarecrow's journey full circle.

We all give this story 6 big thumbs up!
Excellent for kids age 7+

Falcon Quinn and the Black Mirror by Jennifer Finney Boylan

Falcon is an oddball kid that doesn't really fit in. One day he gets on a bus and it takes him to a magical island where everyone is a monster. It's a school for monsters and Falcon will soon discover things he never knew before. Filled with mystery, humor and suspense.

Two big 12 year old thumbs up!
Ideal for kids 12+

Roland Wright Future Knight by Tony Davis

Roland Wright is the under-dog. He's not what you would call 'Knight' material but what Roland has is a terrific will and spirit. This will and spirit takes Roland far and catches the attention of some very important people. Humorous and adventurous, my young son loved this book and the books that follow.

Two big thumbs up!
Recommended for kids 6+

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

I read this book to my 7yo son and he was very intrigued by it. "A spring of water that can make you live forever", this was the experience of one family who accidentally drank from a magical spring. It was a short read but filled with  "what will happen next"!

A young girl happen to meet this odd & and enchanting family only to find herself left with choices. It is a love story but not your typical boy/girl love story. A love story about life.

We both give this story two thumbs up and recommend this read for kids 7years and older.

A Book of Coupons by Susie Morgenstern

This short lovely chapter book delighted my oldest son years ago. Recently he took it off of his book shelf and gave it to his younger brother telling him what a great book it was and he should 'read it with Mom'. That night my six year old son & I curled up and read the whole thing.
The story takes place on the first day of school finding the kids in the class with a new teacher. Not your average every day teacher but a truly special human being. The coupons he shares are not what you think and each child leaves school that year with something special in their hearts.

A wonderful read I highly recommend for all ages.

My son give this book two thumbs up.

The Book of Big Brothers by Cary Fagan

This was a wonderful read-aloud picture book that my young son loved. Having a big brother, he could identify with many of the 'scenerios' in the book. My husband and I also have older brothers, so reading this story as a family revealed much laughter and reflection.

We all give this story 2 thumbs up.

A great read for anyone with an older brother!

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

This novel was typically written for teens but my 12yo son loved the more mature content in it. His thirst for reading has lead him to more intense and complicated story lines.
The story is set in the future with the main character being a 16yo girl. One hundred years from now the tyrannical government holds a tournament for all kids to fight to the death to keep the people from rising up and overthrowing the government. The story takes many twists and turns with a teenage girl as a reluctant heroine. Even with the violent descriptive images and teenage romance my son enjoyed the author's writing experiencing a more mature book.

I do not recommend this book for anyone under 12

My son gives this book & the series two thumbs up.