Night of the Amber Moon

Both creepy and heartwarming, Night of the Amber Moon tells the story of 11-year-old Izzy, a girl with a hard problem. A story of dealing with guilt, the story leads readers on a journey to forgiveness, with just the right amount of suspense.

A Monster Calls

I have been remiss in not giving this book a posting earlier. A Monster Calls paints a dark and beautiful narrative of what it feels like for a child to watch a parent struggle with terminal illness.

The Night Gardener

It’s that time of year when we’re all ready for something a little spooky, right? Well, I’ve got a few scary ideas for you, but I definitely want to mention The Night Gardener.

Fuzzy Mud

Maybe all I need to tell you is that the author of Fuzzy Mud, Louis Sachar, is the author of Holes. Maybe that’s all you need to know to want to read this. Or, maybe you’re like me. Maybe you love contemporary science fiction based on what could really happen. As a former employee of the CDC, I’m a sucker for any book with an epidemic as an external conflict.

I Survived

I was very excited when I first spied these books at Barnes & Noble (I do a lot of bookshelf stalking at that store). What a great way to introduce history to readers through some of the most intense events. My son has consumed a number of these with me, and I imagine he’ll continue to read them on his own as he gains more confidence

Skeleton Tree

Skeleton Tree takes middle grade readers on a funny, heartwarming, and even heartbreaking ride. Talking about death is never easy, but this book takes a character through grief while enchanting us with a skeleton first growing in the back yard, then leading us on a merry chase.

Nightbooks

It’s creepy and funny and all things your child is going to love. A few scary stories (written by the main character himself) may have a few sensitive kiddos a little wound up, but those can be skipped if absolutely necessary (my daughter is still shivering when she talks about the “dog story”).