Recently in review of several books we found many will leave a lasting impression on kids.
Starting with our Top 10 List #1, True Colors by Krysten Lindsay Hagen, what makes this book engaging is the way it's written. Teens will be drawn to the character of Landry. She has a terrific personality. She's not popular, doesn't sport any drama--she's an ordinary girl, who just so happens to have what it takes to make it in the American Ingenue modeling competition. One might think all this attention will go straight to her head, but it does not. Landry's character stays consistent no matter what she faces, happiness, heartache, even disappointment. She stays true to who she really is--a great role model for teens these days. Good thing there's a next in series to satisfy the reader's curosity. Look for it--it's titled Friend's Forever in the Landry's True Colors Series.
Our other Top 10 List #1 is Thaddeus Whiskers and the Dragon by H. L. Burke, which has quite a bit staying power with the reader. As soon as the reader begins they become engrossed seeking to know more about the little princess, more about Thaddeus, her kitten, the evil plot being set upon the kingdom, the dragon, and so very much more. The story flows in a back and forth type manner giving the reader the bits and pieces of information necessary to carry them forward through to the very end. Thoughts of the dragon and this little kitten remain with the reader well after finishing the book.
The second spot on our Top 10 List is The Traveler's Rock: Flaming Eagle by Rick Heiman,
which is a fantastically written piece of fiction involving time travel. The uniqueness in which this story was written is the fact that it's focused on one leap into the past allowing the reader to discover a different place in time. The lasting effects relate to the character of Elkbone, his adventure and journey growing over a five-year period, wondering whether he'll see his family or River again, and because it is the first in series the cliffhanger leaves the reader wanting for more--the hanging questions of what's next and how is this story going to end. Talk of the next in series titled, Time Traveler's Rock: White Buffalo is in the works, yet no set date on its release--keep an eye out for it.
In our Top 10 List in the #3 spot is The Golden Campout by John Alexander. This book sets a wonderful outdoor camping scene for young kids enjoying the sunshine,
jumping in the lake, having a cookout, roasting marshmallows, and enjoying the great outdoors. As Amber and Autumn breath in the fresh air they never expect to uncover a mystery. Although the mystery is fun and exciting what kids enjoy most is the connection with nature. This book was recently read to a group of child in an ourdoors setting, wherein the author hosted the reading, giving this book a more dynamic, powerful, and lasting quality.
Number 4 on our Top 10 List is a terrific book that has staying power titled, i Think
by Kristen Iten. It's a picture book, though the images and words get the reader thinking about similarities between humans and animals, thinking about general things, such as the wind, all in a different way probably not yet thought before. The story makes the reader wonder about if bugs were as big as humans what they would do and how they would act. Further, thoughts about clouds having colds runs through the reader's mind contemplating many different situations and happenings one might never have taken the moment to ponder. Be sure to also take a look at another unique and wonderful book by this author titled No Rain Today, it's sure to get the reader thinking and stay with the reader for a very long time.
Another book that stays on the reader's mind is titled Juicy Jack Adventures:
Meet the Wild Pack by Leigh Carrasco. It comes in at #8 on our Top 10 List. The reason it stays with the reader is right from the very beginning when introduced to the character of Juicy Jack, a red haired guinea pig, one can't help but be automatically intrigued with his character and then later on in the storyline with his adventure. It is the adventure of being in a foreign land, away from the protection and comforts of his owner where the fondness and concern attatch itself upon the reader's mind. The reader cheers for Jack's safety, bravery, and heroism. The odd effect this book has on the reader is once you've finished you have an inkling toward the want to own one of these cute guinea pigs.