#55 Anne of Green Gables

This is the story of a girl named Anne Shirley who gets adopted by Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert of Green Gables. They requested to have a boy sent from the orphanage and they end up getting a girl with red hair instead. Marilla is reluctant to keep her but Matthew convinces her that Anne has a great personality and will fit in fine. Anne is a very creative and imaginative child and gets wrapped up in acting out scenes from plays and becomes close friends with Diana Barry. She detests Gilbert Blythe who is a boy that makes fun of her and calls her carrots. Find out what other interesting things happen and how Anne is finally able to fit in by picking up a copy of this book.

Author:L.M. Montgomery
Genre: Fiction/Friendship
Great for girls ages: 9-12.

Other books in the series:

book 2- Anne of Avonlea
book 3- Anne of the Island
book 4- Anne of Windy Poplars
book 5- Anne's House of Dreams
book 6- Anne of Ingleside
book 7- Rainbow Valley
book 8- Rilla of Ingleside

#54 Chronicles of Narnia; The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe

This is the story of four children: Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy who are sent to live with a professor during World War II since their parents died. Lucy the youngest discovers a magical wardrobe during a game of hide and seek. She decides to enter the wardrobe which takes her to the enchanted Land of Narnia. Here she meets Mr. Timnus who is half fawn-half person who tells her that Narnia is in trouble. He shares with her that it is always winter and never Christmas because of the White Witch who is evil and in charge of the land. Lucy tells her brothers and sisters and eventually everyone is entering the wardrobe to help the people and creatures of Narnia. See if they able to stop Winter and help the land of Narnia in this book.

Author: C.S. Lewis
Genre: Fantasy
Great read for tweens ages 9-12

Other books in the Series:
Book 1:The Magicians Nephew
Book 3:The Horse and his boy
Book 4:Prince Caspian
Book 5: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Book 6: The Silver Chair
Book 7: The Last Battle

#53 Rock Band- Video Game

In this game players can play lead guitar, bass guitar, drums and vocals in five separate modes.
These modes range from Tutorial Mode for beginners to Band World Tour Mode for experts. Players will need to do a real impressive job of performing so they can go from garage to the main stage.
So grab a bunch of friends and pick up the game today.
Better for older tweens 10-12.

Game System: X-Box360
ESRB Rating: Teen

#52 Kirby's Epic Yarn- Video Game

Everything in this game including Kirby is made out of Yarn. Kirby must catch enemies and to do so he uses a whip of yarn to stun them. Kirby also can take on the shape of a train, a truck, a ufo and countless others. This game also includes hidden levels which appear when one pulls on stray threads. Enjoy hours of fun playing this unique game and don't forget to pick up gems along the way!

Great for tween boys and girls ages 9-12.
Game System: Wii (Nintendo)
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Type: 2D Platformer

#51 Star Wars: The Clone Wars TV Show

This is a 3-D CGI Animated Television Series by the creator of the original Star Wars movies, George Lucas. Prior to the launch of the Television series a movie was released titled Star Wars: The Clone Wars that was the introduction to the series. This show is officially on their 3rd season and the series airs on Cartoon Network. Join all your favorite characters including:Yoda, Anakin, Padme and Obi-Wan in this highly rated and super popular show.

Ages: 9-12.
Genre: Science Fiction
Creator: George Lucas

Interested in catching the next episode? Check out: http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/

#50 Holes- the Movie

This movie was released in 2003 and based on the book of the same name by Louis Sachar. This tells the story of Stanley Yelnats who is a kind-hearted teenager whose parents blame their bad luck on a family curse. Stanley gets wrongly accused of stealing a pair of sneakers that belong to a famous baseball player who had donated them to charity. Even though he is wrongly accused Stanley agrees to attend a juvenile detention camp for over a year instead of going to jail. As part of their discipline they must dig a hole in the desert amid the snakes heat from the sun. If they find anything interesting while digging in the hole they can get a day off.
Find out what interesting things they find and the conclusion of this story by renting this film at your local public library!

Director:Andrew Davis
Starring: Shia LeBeouf, Sigourney Weaver, Henry Winkler, Jon Voight and Patricia Arquette.
Rating: PG
For ages: 9-13.

#49 Naruto- manga

This is a japanese manga series about a boy named Naruto Uzumaki who is a ninja but really wants to be a Hokage, which is considered to be the strongest of all ninjas. Naruto takes on two comrades named Sasuke and Sakura and they name themselves team 7. In this team they are under the direction of Kakashi Hatake and learn new abilities and grow up with each other. Learn more about the adventure of Naruto and his friends by picking up a copy of the manga today.
There are currently 50 volumes in the series.
Author/Illustrator: Masashi Kishimoto
Genre: Action/Adventure

Great read for reluctant readers... especially boys ages 9-12.

#48 Maniac Magee

This is the story of boy named Jeffrey that is an orphan who has been living with his Aunt and Uncle for eight years. He eventually decides to run away during a musical performance at his school. He soon ends up in a town in Pennsylvania. Once there he meets Amanda who he becomes friends with and who takes him in. This book incorporates elements of racial identity and is used quite often in school curriculum. Pick up this Newbery Award Winner at your local bookstore or public library.


Author: Jerry Spinelli
Ages: 9-12
Genre:Fiction

#47 The Indian in the Cupboard

A boy named Omri receives a cupboard from his brother for his birthday. To open the cupboard he must use a magical key which belonged to his great grandmother. Once opened a plastic native American figurine named Little Bear comes to life. Patrick, Omri’s best friend brings along a plastic cowboy doll named Boone and these two characters fight and Little Bear gets injured. Trying to help injured Little Bear Omri tries to awaken the medic that lives in the cupboard but the key is missing and it is up to the two boys to find it. See if they are able to help Little Bear and continue on with their adventures in this wonderful read.

Author: Lynne Reid Banks
Genre: Fiction/Fantasy
Appropriate for ages: 9-12, especially boys.
Winner of the 1985 California Young Reader Medal Award
The Return of the Indian and The Secret of the Indian were written to continue the story of Little Bear and his adventures.

This book was turned into a movie in 2001.

#46 Sideway Stories from Wayside School

This school was built with 30 classrooms one right on top of another instead of side by side. You will meet all sorts of crazy characters in this book from Mrs. Gorf who is the meanest teacher around, a boy named John who can only read upside down and Kathy who loves to see bad things happen. Get to know the crazy students, teachers and faculty that make up Wayside School by picking up this wacky and hilarious read.

Author: Louis Sachar
Genre: Comedy/Fiction
For ages: 9-12.

Book 2: Wayside School is Falling Down
Book 3: Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger

A cartoon movie was released on the book in 2005.

#45 Number the Stars

This is the story of Annemarie Johansen who lives in Denmark and sees the rescue of the Danish Jews. Annemarie and her family risk their lives to save her best friend Ellen by having her portray her older sister so she can be saved. Since her friend Ellen has dark hair and everyone in her family is blond the Nazi's need to be convinced that she is really a member of the family.
The title refers to Psalm 147- stating that God has numbered all the stars in the Universe and specifically refers to the star of David which is a necklace that the main character in the story wears.

Awarded the Newbery Medal in 1990.
Author: Lois Lowry
Genre: Historical Fiction
Deep insightful read for ages: 9-12.

#44 The Phantom Tollbooth

This is the story of Milo who is a young boy that receives a tollbooth one afternoon that is magical. He decides to drive through the tollbooth in his toy car and is then taken to a land called the Kingdom of Wisdom. Once he enters the kingdom he must rescue two princesses named Princess Rhyme and Princess Reason. On his journey to rescue these princesses he meets up with Tock who is a watchdog with the body of clock and he continues on with this dog creature at his side. Find out about what happens on his journey and the other characters that he meets in this wacky story.

Perfect read for tween boys and girls.
Genre: Fiction
Author: Norton Juster

#43 Black Beauty

This is the story of a beautiful black horse named Black Beauty who lives in London. Black Beauty moves around a lot and shares his stories both good and bad from his point of view. Some parts of the story shares how inhumane animals were treated during this time.
Interesting fact about this book: The author died five months after publication of the story- just in time to see the success of her writing.
It is also one of the best selling books of all time.

A movie was released back in 1994 to celebrate this classic story.

Author: Anna Sewell
Appropriate for ages 10-12.
Love Horses??? Check out these other titles- The Black Stallion by: Walter Farley, All The Kings Horses by: Dandi Daley Mackall and Whirlwind by: Alison Hart.

#42 Eragon-Inheritance

This is the story of a farm boy named Eragon who finds a blue stone in a mountain place. From this stone (which we find out is an egg) a dragon hatches who he names Saphira. An evil king by the name Galbatorix learns about Eragon and his dragon and wants to capture them. Both Eragon and Saphira must flee their hometown in search for Varden who will help them stop Galbatorix.
Author:Christopher Paolini
Genre: Fantasy

Great read for ages 9-12, especially boys who are crazy about dragons.
A movie was released in 2006 based on the first book.

#41 Miley Cyrus- Can't be Tamed CD

In this third album by Miley Cyrus released in the summer of 2010. Miley collaborated with producers Antonina Armato, John Shanks and Tim James. Included on the tracks are pop dance numbers as well as ballads. As with the release of this album Miley is interested in taking a different path in her writing and hopes to create things that have more meaning for her.

Great for older tweens specifically girls ranging from 10-15 years old.

Track Listings:

1. "Liberty Walk"
2. "Who Owns My Heart"
3. "Can't Be Tamed"
4. "Every Rose Has It's Thorn"
5. "Two More Lonely People"
6. "Forgiveness and Love"
7. "Permanent December"
8. "Stay"
9. "Scars"
10. "Take Me Along"
11. "Robot"
12. "My Heart Beats For Love"

Check out Miley's previous CDS entitled: Breakout and the Time of Our Lives
Love Miley? Find out the latest news by checking out her website @ http://www.mileycyrus.com/

#40 39 Clues- Book 1: The Maze of Bones

After the death of their Aunt, Dan and Amy plus other family members must decide to inherit a large sum of money or go on a treasure hunt. Dan and Amy and other family members decide to take on the task of finding the clues. The kids must compete with other members of the Cahill family that are not as proper and ethical. An interesting fact about this family is that they are related to Benjamin Franklin. While they search for clues these children learn more about their parents and the world around them. Follow Dan and Amy in an exciting and action packed adventure.
Author: Rick Riordan
Great read for boys and girls ages 9-12!
Genre: Fiction/Mystery

Other books in the series:

2- One False Note
3- The Sword Thief
4- Beyond the Grave
5- The Black Circle
6- In Too Deep
7- The Viper's Nest
8- The Emperor's Code
9- Storm Warning
10- Into the Gauntlet

#39 Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole - the Movie

This movie is based on the first three books of The Owls of Ga'Hoole series: The Capture, The Journey and The Rescue.
The story tells of Soren who is a young Barn Owl who more than anything loves hearing his father tell stories, especially about the legend of the Guardians of Ga'Hoole which is a group of owls that dedicates their life to doing good for others. Soren's brother Kludd isn't too happy about all the attention receives. One evening these brothers both fall out of the tree, get attacked by a tasmanian devil and get captured by two owls that are part of metal beak's clan.
Find out what happens next by catching this movie!

With the voices of:
Emily Barclay, Jim Sturgess, Zack Snyder, Abbie Cornish, Helen Mirren and Geoffrey Rush.

There is also a video game based on the books and movie available for all three popular game systems: X-B0x, Wii and PS3.

Director: Zack Snyder
For tweens ages: 9-12.
Released: September 2010.

#38 Goosebumps Graphic Novel- Creepy Creatures

This is the first graphic novel of the Graphix series which are based on the Goosebumps books. This particular graphic novel titled: Creepy Creatures contains three stories: The Werewolf of Fever Swamp, The Scarecrow Walks at Midnight, and The Abominable Snowman of Pasadena. Each page is filled with black and white sketch illustrations by three different illustrators: Greg Ruth, Scott Morse and Gabriel Hernandez.

In the first book: The Werewolf of Fever Swamp we meet Grady who has just moved to Florida with his family. Some unusual things occur especially at night and a girl that lives in the neighborhood swears that she has seen a werewolf.

In the second book: The Scarecrow Walks at Midnight it shares the story of brother and sister- Mark and Jodie who are at their grandparents farm for the summer. An interesting farm hand named Stanley has also been wondering why there are so many scarecrows in the field.

In the third book: The Abominable Snowman of Pasadena is the story of siblings Luis and his sister Ana who get really hot in Pasadena and are eager to see snow for the first time in their lives. Their father gets offered a job to photograph in Alaska they would love nothing more to go with their father to see snow and get a glimpse of this Abominable Snowman. Certainly things don't go as planned and some unexpected events unfold.

Author: R.L. Stine
want to learn more about this interesting writer check out his website: http://www.rlstine.com
Great for tweens ages 9-12 that like scary things.
Genre: Scary

Other Graphix books in the series:
Terror Tips
Scary Summer

#37 Kat + Mouse Graphic Novel

Life changes when Kat's dad gets a new job as a science teacher at this private school. Everyone that attends this school is rich and Kat who is smart is put at the bottom of the social realm. Kat soon meets Mouse who is considered a computer geek and they soon become friends. It is up to Kat and Mouse to see who is blackmailing their dad so he doesn't lose his job.

Authors: Alex De Campi and Federica Manfredi

Great for girls ages: 9-12
Genre: Mystery (Also known as a Modern Day Nancy Drew!)

Other graphic novels in the series:
Vol. 2 Tripped
Vol. 3 The Ice Storm
Vol.4 The Knave of Diamonds

Check out other Graphic Novels by Tokyo Pop. Check out their website @ http://www.tokyopop.com/product/1664

#36 Wonderland Graphic Novel

This six chapter Graphic Novel is based on Lewis Carroll's original Alice in Wonderland. The main character in this story is Mary Ann who is the White Rabbit's maid and gets mistaken for Alice. Mary Ann and the White Rabbit are on the run in this remarkable tale where they meet all the usual characters, the Chesire cat, the Mad Hatter and the Jabberwocky.
The illustrations are amazing and help the story come to life.

Author: Tommy Kovac
Genre: Fantasy
Great for ages: 9-12

#35 Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief

Sammy Keyes is a curious seventh grader who enjoys playing around with her grandmother's binoculars but never expects to be able to catch a thief. The first book in the anticipated series of 20 gives readers a chance to learn about Sammy and how she needs a bit of help in the detective department. Learn if she is able to catch a thief in this great read.

Great for Readers that have enjoyed Nancy Drew or Harriet the Spy!
Ages: 9-14
Author:Wendelin Van Draanen
Genre: Mystery/Comedy
Winner of the Edgar Award for Best Children's Mystery in 1998.

Other books in this popular series:
Sammy Keyes and the Skeleton Man
Sammy Keyes and the Sisters of Mercy
Sammy Keyes and the Runaway Elf
Sammy Keyes and the Curse of Mustache Mary
Sammy Keyes and the Hollywood Mummy
Sammy Keyes and the Search for Snake Eyes
Sammy Keyes and the Art of Deception
Sammy Keyes and the Psycho Kitty Queen
Sammy Keyes and the Dead Giveaway
Sammy Keyes and the Wild Things
Sammy Keyes and the Cold Hard Cash
Sammy Keyes and the Wedding Crasher

#34 A Series of Unfortunate Events -Book 1: The Bad Beginning

In this first book we are introduced to the three Baudelaire Children- 14 year old Violet, 12 year old Klaus and baby Sunny. They soon learn that their parents have died in a house fire and must live with Count Olaf. With money grubbing Count Olaf around they realize that their families fortune is in trouble. While this story doesn't grant a happy ending it is one interesting read.
Check out the other books in the series.

Author:Lemony Snicket
Genre:Fiction/Gothic Literature
For ages: 9-12

# 2 The Reptile Room
#3 The Wide Window
#4 The Miserable Mill
#5 The Austere Academy
#6 The Ersatz Elevator
#7 The Vile Village
#8 The Hostile Hospital
#9 The Carnivorous Carnival
#10 The Slippery Slope
# 11 The Grim Grotto
#12 The Penultimate Peril
#13 The End

#33 Paint the Wind

This is the story of Maya who lives at her Grandmother's house in California. She is unable to have fun and hang out with friends. Her grandmother tells her lies about her deceased mother. Maya soon moves to Wyoming where her mother's family lives. They are kind people who are against lies and help Maya discover who she really is.

Author: Pam Munoz Ryan
Genre:Fiction
Great for tween girls ages 9-12.

Other great reads by the same author:
Esperanza Rising
Riding Freedom
Becoming Naomi Leon

#32 Mario Kart- Video Game

In this game one can race as one of their favorite Nintendo characters or even their own personalized mii. One can play with 3 other friends on the system or play againist up to 11 other components once one is hooked up to a wii-fi connection. There are original courses that one can play from other Super Mario brothers games including: Super Mario Kart and Mario Kart 64 and you can change from a car to a motorbike if you wish.

Make sure to pick up the wheel to be a part of this awesome adventure!

Game System:Wii
ESRB Rating:Everyone
Type: Racing Game
for all ages!

#31 Stormbreaker

Alex finds out about the untimely death of his uncle and adopted father who die in a horrific car crash. Knowing that his adopted father would never go without wearing his seat-belt Alex decides to take it upon himself to find out what really happened. He soon learns that his stepfather Ian did in fact not die in a car crash and really died being killed in the line of duty as a spy.

Author: Anthony Horowitz
Genre:Mystery/Suspense
An ideal read for boys ages 9 and up.
A movie based on the book was released in July 2006.
Was on the New York Times #1 Children's Bestseller list!

#30 Dork in Disguise

This is the story of Jeremy Flack who has been labeled a geek and dork throughout his years in school. By moving into a new town he is ready to make some changes and put the past behind him. He hides his glasses, dons some ripped jeans, and tries out a new walk. He thinks being part of the cool crowd would be exciting, however he finds out that it is not all it is cracked up to be. Learn that it is better to just be yourself than trying to pretend to be someone that you are not- in this great book for tween boys or girls ages 9-12.

Author: Carol Gorman
Genre: Comedy
other titles in the series: Dork on the Run, A Midsummer Night's Dork.

#29 The Spiderwick Chronicles: Book 1- The Field Guide

This is the first book of the series- The Spiderwick Chronicles. This book focuses on the Grace Children - Mallory who is 13 years old, and twins Jared and Simon who are 9 years old and their mother Helen who decide to move into an estate called Spiderwick Chronicles. This place is run down and desperately in need of repair. They eventually find a hidden library in the house where they locate a book named the Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around. They soon learn about the magical world of fairies.

Other books in the series:
Book 2-The Seeing Stone
Book 3- Lucinda's Secret
Book 4- The Ironwood Tree
Book 5- The Wrath of Mulgarath

Authors: Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi
Appropriate for ages:9-12
Genre: Fantasy
A movie based on the first book of the series was released in February 2008.

#28 Jeremy Cabbage

Jeremy is an orphaned eleven year old boy that lives in a home filled with stray animals and children. The owner of the home is cruel and Jeremy wants to get adopted so much so that he can leave this horrible place. Two people who are considered cloons (people that can turn into clowns)and live at the circus eventually adopt Jeremy. Find out what happens to this boy and his crazy circus family in this book.

Author: David Elliot
Genre: Fantasy
Interesting read for ages: 9-12.

#27 The Simpson TV Show

Is an American Animated Television show that broadcasted back in 1989. It still continues to be popular with kids, tweens, teens and adults. The Simpson family is made up of Homer- who works at the Nuclear Power Plant, Marge- wife and stay at home mom, and their three children: Bart, Lisa and Maggie. The shows airs on Fox Broadcasting Channel on Sunday nights. Homer always makes for a laugh and it is fun seeing his wife Marge try to keep him in line!

Genre: Comedy
Writer: Matt Groening
It is the winner of 27 Primetime Emmy Awards and even awarded a star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood.
Great Website for all the news on your favorite episodes and characters!
http://www.thesimpsons.com/

for ages 9 and up!

#26 Hoot

This is the story about a boy named Roy who just recently moved to a new school in Coconut Grove, Florida. He isn't too fond of going to school since there is a bully named Dana there who is always pushing him around. He soon meets Beatrice who is considered to be another bully at the school but soon Roy is able to gain her trust. She soon shares with him information about these burrowing owls who will be losing their home since a Pancake House Restaurant wants to build on their habitat. It is decided that Roy and a few friends will do anything to stop the destruction of their home. Find out if they are able to save the owls in this Newbery Award Winning Book
by author Carl Hiassen.

A movie was released with the same title in 2006.

Other books by the same author:
Flush
Scat

Genre:Fiction
Great read for ages 9-14.

# 25 The Suite Life on Deck

This sitcom is the spinoff to the ever popular The Suite Life staring Zack and Cody.
The cast consists of real life twins Zack and Cody, as well as funny Mr. Moseby, Bailey Pickett and one of their fashion conscious friends London.
This time the twins live aboard a ship called the S.S. Tipton. On this ship they attend school just like any other kids except that it is aboard a boat. They are able to travel to many exotic and interesting places such as Italy, Tokyo and Greece just to name a few.

Check out this highly popular TV show on the Disney Channel.
Interested in other shows on this channel? Check out http://home.disney.go.com/tv/

Starring
Cole and Dylan Sprouse
Brenda Song
Debby Ryan
Phill Lewis

#24 Coraline- The Graphic Novel

This Graphic Novel is adapted from the book of the same name. Coraline is a young girl who is curious about the new house that her and her family moves into. She discovers a door that is flat and which she thinks leads to nowhere, however that is not the case. Upon entering this room she finds that it is full of interesting things and even a table with delicious foods is awaiting her. In this room she finds another mother that certainly looks (has button eyes)and acts a lot different than her own. Coraline parents are eventually kidnapped and it is up to her to save their lives.

Author: Neil Gaiman
Ages: 9 and up. (Some dark scenes- parents should preview before they let their tweens read/watch)
Coraline- the movie was released in February of 2009. The DVD is available to rent, purchase or check out from your local public library.

#23 The Tale of Desperaux

This is the story of a mouse named Desperaux who is on a mission to save a human princess. Desperaux is certainly not like other mice and he isn't afraid of humans, he doesn't like to scurry and would rather read a book than to eat one. This particular book is split up into 3 different parts.
Part 1 is about how Desperaux falls in love with Princess Pea and he must meet his fate.
Part 2 is about Desperaux meets a rat named Chiaroscuro who doesn't like living in the dark dungeon and ends up in the light in a bowl of the Princess' soup.
Part 3 is about a girl named Miggery who gets picked on about her cauliflower ears and would one day like to be a princess herself.

Author: Kate DiCamillo
Newbery Award Winner
Great for Ages: 9-12
Genre: Fantasy

Other books by the same author:
Because of Winn Dixie - Winner of a Newbery Honor Award.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
The Magician's Elephant

#22 Percy Jackson & the Olympians- The Lightning Thief

The main character Percy has to deal with getting kicked out of school again, having a mean stepfather and his bouts with ADHD. He soon finds out that he is the offspring of the Greek God Poseidon -God of the Sea. He learns that these beings of mythology still exist and that some live in the 600th floor of the Empire State Building. Percy has to deal with being attacked by monsters because of the power of Poseidon. Along the way Percy meets other demigods that are his age that are discovering their background and learning about their powers.

Other books in the series:
The Sea of Monsters
The Titan's Curse
The Battle of the Labyrinth
The Last Olympian

Author: Rick Riordan
Genre: Fantasy
Great Read especially for boys 9-12.

Given the popularity of the book a movie was made with the same title and released in Feb.2010.

#21 Little House in the Big Woods

This story is based on the real life adventures of Laura Ingalls Wilder and her family who live in the Wisconsin Woods in 1870's. Many events take place in this story including surviving a Wisconsin Snowstorm, having to get maple syrup from a tree, and finding off a panther who was ready to attack.

Author: Laura Ingalls Wilder
Genre: Historical Fiction
Perfect read for ages: 8-11
Learn all about what it was like to live in the Pioneer Days by reading this book and the rest in the series.


Little House on the Prairie
Farmer Boy
On the Banks of Plum Creek
By the Shores of Silver Lake
The Long Winter
Little Town on the Prairie
These Happy Golden Years
The First Four Years

#20 The Chocolate Touch

This book which was first published in 1952, tells the story of John Midas who loves to eat candy, especially chocolate. Similar in fashion to King Midas who can turn things into gold. John Midas gets thoroughly obsessed with chocolate and his parents want nothing more than for him to eat healthy meals. Even though John's doctor gives him strict orders to stop eating chocolate he still continues. One day John finds a coin that has the intials J.M. on one side and a picture of a fat boy on the other and soon everything that touches his mouth turns to chocolate.
Find out if he is able to break this transformation and stop being greedy in this great book for 9-12 year olds.
Author: Patrick Skene Catling
Genre: Fiction

# 19 Warriors Series- Book 1

Book 1: Into the Wild
This book tells the story of Rusty- a house cat that really wants to explore and be part of an adventure. A feral gang in the area known as ThunderClan wants him to join and so without hesitation he agrees. Here Rusty gets trained to become a warrior. Soon they are in a fight with another rival gang. Find out what happens next by picking up a copy of this book.
Author: Erin Hunter
Genre:Fantasy

Here are the rest of the books in the series:
Book 2:Fire and Ice
Book 3:Forest of Secrets
Book 4: Rising Storm
Book 5: A Dangerous Path
Book 6: The Darkest Hour

This series gained instant popularity and the author has written more books with cats as the main character.
Check these out:
Warriors: The New Prophecy Books 1-6
Warriors: Omen of the Stars Books 1-4
Warriors: Power of Three Books 1-6

# 18 The Karate Kid Movie - 2010

This is the remake of the 1984 film by the same name.
Jaden Smith (son of Will Smith)plays the main character Drek Parker and Jackie Chan plays Mr. Han his mentor.
The story tells of Drek Parker who has just moved to a new place and gets bullied by other kids his age. Considered to be a intense film at times it certainly shares the message that respect and having mastery of one's body is important.

Interesting facts....This film takes place in China unlike the original and kung fu is what is practiced in the film not Karate.

Director: Harald Zwart
Starring: Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith
Rated: PG
For ages: 8 and up!

Want to view the originals....
The first three films star the original main character- Ralph Macchio
The Karate Kid
The Karate Kid II
The Karate Kid III
The Next Karate Kid- Starring Hillary Swank

#17 The Essential Calvin and Hobbes

For over twenty years Calvin and Hobbes comics have been delighting audiences with their witty and fun look at what happens when a young boy thinks that his toy tiger is real. In this particular comic book, which was created back in 1988 one will find out how these books were able to sell millions of copies. This particular book includes the comics where Calvin gets upset with his oatmeal, his obsession with monsters under his bed, and when he thinks that the lunch bag is attacking him.

Author: Bill Waterson

Other Calvin and Hobbes Comics you will enjoy!

Scientific Progress Goes Boink
The Indispensable Calvin and Hobbes
Homicidal Psycho Jungle Cat: A Calvin and Hobbes Collection
Weirdos From Another Planet
It's a Magical World

#16 How to Eat Fried Worms

This story which was released in 1973 is about a boy named Billy who is challenged to eat 15 worms in 15 days. If he is able to accomplish this dare he will be awarded $50 for a new mini bike. Many of Billy's friends come up with some interesting ways to coat the worms to make them more appetizing including frying them in butter and cornmeal and even an ice cream worm cake.
Author: Thomas Rockwell
Fun book for ages 9-12.
Genre: Humor

The movie based on the book was released in 2006.

# 15 Little Big Planet Video Game

Little Big Planet is a unique game allowing one to create their own worlds. The main character named Sack Boy can be customizable with clothes, accessories and more. In this game you can play by yourself, with a team or compete with others.

Game System: Playstation 3
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

#14 Fairest

This story is about Aza who is considered awkward and homely but has a beautiful singing voice. She also has the ability to mimic any voice. When the new queen Ivi finds out that she can throw her voice she thinks it will be a great for protection and disguising her own talent. Aza must deceive the court and use her voice as the queen's in order to save her family. See what happens next in this modern day fairy tale by Gail Carson Levine.

For ages; 9-12
Genre: Fantasy

other books by the same author: Ever, Ella Enchanted

#13 Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone

This blog certainly would not be complete without the mention of a Harry Potter Book.
The first book in the series titled Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone is an ideal read for tweens ages 9-12. This story tells of Harry's whose parents died when he was just a baby and he is sent to live with the Dursleys. When he turns 11 is his sent to Hogwarts - a school for witchcraft and wizardry. He meets all sorts of fascinating people and becomes close friends with two other students, Ron and Hermione. Find out what happens by picking up this magical tale at your local public library.

Author: J.K. Rowling
Genre: Fantasy- (Magic)
Other books in the series:
Book 2: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Book 3: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Book 4: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Book 5: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (more appropriate for older readers)
Book 6: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (more appropriate for older readers)

Movies have also been released for books 1-5.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be released in 2 parts. Part 1 is being released on Nov. 19, 2010 and Part 2 is being released in July 2011.
Learn more about this awesome author @ http://www.jkrowling.com/

#12 Kiki's Delivery Service

Another cool find.... The movie Kiki's Delivery Service. Originally released in 1989.
This tells the story of a thirteen year old girl named Kiki who is currently an apprentice witch that must live on her own for a year before she can officially become a witch. While living in a new town she begins a delivery service to support herself with her beloved companion Jiji a black cat. Meet some fun characters and enjoy the adventure.

With the famous voices of Kirsten Dunst, Janeane Garofalo, Phil Hartman and Debbie Reynolds.
Directed by:Hayao Miyazaki

If you like this film you may also want to check out the film by the same director titled: Spirited Away.

#11 The Enormous Egg

Twelve year old Nate Twitchell takes care of a gigantic egg laid by one of his hens. After a very long wait the egg finally hatches and to his surprise a baby triceratops pops out. He decides to keep the baby dinosaur to raise it but soon realizes it is not all that it is cracked up to be.
Find out what happens by picking up a copy of the book.

Author: Oliver Butterworth
For ages: 9-12
Genre: Fiction

#10 The Invention of Hugo Cabret

This book is about a boy named Hugo who is an orphan who tends to the clocks in a train station. His father who just recently deceased worked as a clockmaker and also in a museum where he finds an automaton. After Hugo's father showed him the robot he has become obsessed to have it back in working order with the help of a notebook left to him. Along the way he runs into a eccentric girl and interesting old man that runs the toy shop in the Train Station. Primary told in a series of pictures this book is a fascinating and most enjoyable read.

Author: Brian Selznick
Genre: Adventure
Perfect selection for ages: 9-12
Winner of the 2008 Caldecott Medal
Soon to become a movie in 2011 to be directed by Martin Scorsese.
For more information about this book and other books written by Brian Selznick check out his website @ http://www.theinventionofhugocabret.com/index.htm

#9 My World 2.0 CD- Justin Bieber

Famous for posting homemade videos on back on You Tube in 2007- Justin Bieber has rised to superstardom with his singing and dancing talent.
This album- My World 2.0 includes 10 tracks including the newest single featuring Ludacris.

Track Listing:
Baby
Stuck in the Moment
U Smile
Runaway Love
Never Let You Go
Overboard
Eenie Meenie
Up
That Should Be Me

Release Date: Mar.2010

#8 The BFG

The BFG also known to be called the BIG FRIENDLY GIANT is another great story by beloved author Roald Dahl. This story is about a girl named Sophie who can't fall asleep and soon she is picked up by the BFG and carried away to his home in giant county. Good Dreams happen here and nightmares are bottled forever or used as a way to start fights with other giants. The BFG isn't great at speaking and so Sophie becomes his teacher. The BFG refuses to eat people like the other giants and so must eat bitter vegetables called snozzcumber and a fizzy drink called frobscottle.
These other Human eating giants must be stopped and so Sophie and the BFG devise a plan with the assistance of the Queen of England.
Want to find out what happens next? Pick up a copy of The BFG at your local public library.
Genre: Friendship
Ages: 9-12
Other books by the same author for this age group: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Charlie and the Glass Elevator, The Witches, & Matilda.

#7 New Super Mario Brothers Video Game

Join Mario and Luigi on an epic adventure across the mushroom kingdom in order to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of the evil Bowser. This game has multiplayer mode allowing one to assist another player or put them in the way of danger. One can choose to play Mario, Luigi or two toads.
With a colorful and fun setting tweens will have countless hours of fun playing this highly rated game.

Game System: Wii (Nintendo)
ESRB rating: E (Everyone)
Type: 2D Action Platformer
All ages!

#6: Charlotte's Web

One of my favorite books growing up was Charlotte's Web.
The story tells of a friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte. Wilbur soon finds out that he will be slaughtered and starts getting worried. Determined to save her buddy Charlotte spins webs with different sayings to get the farmer to rethink his decision. She spins a web reading "Some Pig" convincing the farmer that Wilbur isn't some ordinary animal and deserves to be saved. Find out what happens by picking up a copy of the book at your local library.


Author: E.B. White
Perfect for Ages:9-12
Genre: Friendship

Two movies have since been released about the book one in 1973 and another in 2006.