Since starting at my library three years ago, I've become the "tween expert"-I'm not really sure how that happened! I still try to read a good mix of tween and teen fiction, even if I'm not doing as much tween programming. Tween Tuesday is a new feature where I will post a few of my favorite tween reads. (I know it's almost Wednesday, but I wanted to give the Catching Fire giveaway lots of front page blog time!:)
The Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan
-All five books in the series are out now (although, I will admit I'm still on book four!) But this is a series to know, especially with the movie coming out in February. One of my co-workers just discovered this series and we're planning a program for December. I would suggest it for fans of Harry Potter (it has a lot of the same elements, but I felt it stood on its own instead of reading too much like a HP copycat). There's also a ton of humor and it's a great way to learn about Greek mythology! The series also has great cross-over appeal for teens and adults.
Gregor the Overlander Series by Suzanne Collins
Skulduggery Pleasant Series by Derek Landy
-This is a recent discovery of mine. I was told to listen to the audibook forever ago and I finally did. It's not often that my husband agree on audiobooks to listen to on road trips, but this is one we both enjoyed. Skulduggery is a wise-cracking skeleton detective who meets up with Stephanie. There's mystery, magic, and lots of humor! Plus, the narrator is wonderful and really brings Skulduggery to life. This is another one that I think has great teen and adult appeal as well.
The Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan-All five books in the series are out now (although, I will admit I'm still on book four!) But this is a series to know, especially with the movie coming out in February. One of my co-workers just discovered this series and we're planning a program for December. I would suggest it for fans of Harry Potter (it has a lot of the same elements, but I felt it stood on its own instead of reading too much like a HP copycat). There's also a ton of humor and it's a great way to learn about Greek mythology! The series also has great cross-over appeal for teens and adults.
Gregor the Overlander Series by Suzanne Collins-Before we had The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins gave us Gregor. This is another one that I haven't finished the series completely, but what I've read I've loved. (FYI-the books do get darker as the series goes on, as there is a war being raged) The premise behind the series is it's an "urban Alice in Wonderland."
Skulduggery Pleasant Series by Derek Landy-This is a recent discovery of mine. I was told to listen to the audibook forever ago and I finally did. It's not often that my husband agree on audiobooks to listen to on road trips, but this is one we both enjoyed. Skulduggery is a wise-cracking skeleton detective who meets up with Stephanie. There's mystery, magic, and lots of humor! Plus, the narrator is wonderful and really brings Skulduggery to life. This is another one that I think has great teen and adult appeal as well.
Awesome books! I have tons of kids that have the Gregor and Percy Jackson series. My daughter (5th grader) loves the Gregor series.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love that you take a moment to spotlight tween books! Since I teach 7th graders I need books that are more tween (or MG) and ones that are teens.
I haven't read any of these but I want to read all of them! I found The Lightning Thief at Goodwill the other day, so maybe I'll be reading it soon...? I dunno.
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Jessica
Im very excited for this new Tween Tuesday feature that you are going to start doing! I dont know nearly enough about tween books so this will help build-up my lacking knowledge! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThe only ones I've read are the Percy Jackson series, but now I'm thinking of Gregor the Overlander as well.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the Percy Jackson series. I found them funny and smart and, as you said, a great way to get kids interested in Greek Mythology. I agree. Good for Harry Potter fans without being a carbon copy of Harry.
ReplyDeleteI need to pick up the other two. I've had Skullduggery Pleasant on my TBR list for a while now.
I really loved Savvy by Ingrid Law. I thought it was a fantastic book and very well-written. Definately a middle-grade or tween book, but very enjoyable all the same. It had a little bit of sweet romance, adventure, and mystery.
Anyways, just thought I'd add my opinion out there! I'm new to your blog and I'm really glad I found it!
I'm so glad that you listened to Skulduggery Pleasant on audio. All 3 of these books are actually fantastic on audio - great introductions to series. Try to get them for your library!
ReplyDeleteLove the "Percy Jackson" series! Love the idea of Tween Tuesday. I order for all of Youth Services at my library, and I have to say that I have the hardest time ordering for tweens.
ReplyDeleteMy kids and I all enjoyed Skulduggery Pleasant and are eagerly awaiting the availability of the next book at our library.
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