New Books by Flanagan, Delaney, and Haddix for Xmas

Christmas is fast approaching, and the time is getting short for buying those books for your young readers. My favorite authors have new books and a new series that are worth picking up.

First is John Flanagan, author of the Ranger's Apprentice series. The Siege of Macindaw, Book 6, continues the exciting saga of young Ranger Will and Warrior Horace. Not only does the survival of their homeland fall upon these young shoulders, the Renegade Knight Sir Keren has taken someone very dear to Will hostage!

Second is Joseph Delaney, author of The Last Apprentice series. The Clash of the Demons, Book 6, brings back Thomas Ward's mother to ask for Thomas' help to fight one of the most powerful of old witches! However, Thomas will have to choose: his mother or the Spook.

Third is Margaret Peterson Haddix. Her new series Missing has taken off with readers. If you know someone who loved The Shadow Children series, then introduce them to Found and Sent, the first two books.

Radio Interviews of YA Authors

Browsing through some of my regular internet haunts led me to a site called The Author Hour.
Author Matthew Peterson conducts a weekly online radio show where he interviews a wide variety of authors.

On Dec. 10, 2009, the radio show is dedicated to YA Fantasy authors. Favorite author John Flanagan is featured along with James A. Owen (Here There be Dragons, Starchild comics), Frank Beddor (Looking Glass Wars novels), and James Dashner (The 13th Reality series).

If you and your young reader can't make the live broadcast, Peterson archives the interviews on his site.

More Summer Reading for Kids

If you are still searching for middle grade novels to get your readers and reluctant readers involved in over the summer months, here is one series that will surprise readers and one great horse story to consider.

Among the Hidden

Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix is the first book in the Shadow Children series of novels that explore the lives of children who were not supposed to be born. In this world, families are forbidden to have more than two children.

Luke, the third child in his family, has only spent a few hours outside his house. He has never attended school and spends his days inside keeping to himself. He must be careful never to let himself be seen. Then he discovers a girl like himself living next door. The two meet and scheme to get the government to change the ruling. The compelling nature of children being forbidden and forced to remain in hiding engulfs young readers and hooks them to the end.

War Horse

War Horse by Michael Morpurgo is a story of Joey, a farm horse, who finds himself in the middle of WW1. That fact alone hooks many young readers. Told by Joey, this story follows his journey into war and explores his relationships and friendships with the many people that come into his life. Along his journey, Joey encounters adults and loving children. His view of war and people present readers with unique views. From his beginning friendship with Albert, to his new master in the army, to the young girl in the French countryside, Joey's story holds young readers' attention.

These books, written for ages 8-12, treat readers to fast paced adventures and protagonists close to their own ages. All three novels novels have strong boy and girl characters. The concepts of friendship and trust presented in each story are ones easily understood by young readers. These books are sure to entice reluctant readers.