BEST CLASSICS: Ages 9 - 12
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Publisher: Demco Media (October 1998)
Summary v.1
Ella of Frell is given a so called gift of obedience by Lucinda the Fairy. Ella discovers this not the kind of personality she wants. She simply wants to be the true self she was meant to be. Ella does not want to dance to anyone’s tune but her own and hates that she obeys others’ requests. She leaves her home and sets out to end the “curse” placed on her by the fairy. Will she find who she truly is and break the spell? Enjoy the laughs and Ella discovers her true self.
Summary v.2
The central figure of this famous book, the dismal Ella, has been cursed by a fairy named Lucinda, which forces her to follow all instructions, however petty, given to her by anyone. This, is unpalatable to Ella though, who struggles to maintain her identity without having to comply with anyone’s commands. Ella sets forth from home to bring her ill fate to an end. As the story unravels, the reader gets a taste of its humor and excitement. Soon Ella breaks the spell and finds what she really is, beginning a new life which is far more acceptable to her.
Summary v.3
Lucinda the Fairy gives Ella of Frell the gift of obedience. Unfortunately Ella did not want this gift. The personality she acquired was not the one she wanted. Instead she wants to be herself and that is it. The fact that she has to obey others and do what they tell her bothers Ella. To solve the problem, Ella looks for a way to end the problem. Leaving everything will be okay in her eyes. The question is will Ella find herself and break free from the curse? Enjoy the humor as Ella finds herself in this book Ella Enchanted.
Song of the Lioness Quartet #1: Alanna: The First Adventure (The Song of the Lioness) by Tamora Pierce and Trini Alvarado
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Audio Cassette
Publisher: Listening Library; Unabridged edition (October 24, 2000)
Summary v.1
Alanna believes she is supposed to be a lady who is properly raised and living in a convent. That’s not all. The story takes a twist when she wants to become a knight. This goes against Tortall standards where women are not allowed to do many things. She later concocts a plan to trade identity with her twin Thom just to get training for knighthood. Pretending to be a male, she becomes a page with the royal family. Alanna gains status and attention after proving herself (pretending to be himself) as a good knight. The price also respects her strength. Will Alanna be able to save the city from evil destruction?
Summary v.2
Nurtured in a convent amongst stern disciplinarians, Alanna is dissatisfied and looks for a change. The story takes a dramatic turn when Alanna decides to opt for becoming a knight. Living in Tortell era where females enjoyed limited freedom, she finds this a wishful thinking. Undaunted, Alanna garbs the identity of her look-alike twin, Tom and disguised as a man, undergoes training for knighthood and even lands herself a post of a page with a noble family and wins much praise for her good performance. The question is whether she will be able to save the city from imminent disaster.
Summary v.3
Alanna wants to be a proper woman that lives in a convent. That is not her only demand though. She wants to break the mold set before her and become a knight. This goes against the Tortall standards because women are not allowed to a lot of things. She comes up with a plan to trade spots with her brother Thom who is currently in training. Alanna pretends to be a male and becomes a page with the royal family. She becomes a great knight and earns a lot of attention and respect. Everyone admires her strength, especially the prince. Can Alanna save the town from crumbling?
The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles by Julie Edwards
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 224 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (December 16, 1996)
Summary v.1
Once a respected existence, the Whangdoodle was considered to be very wise. He was able to create a land just for him as well other outdoor creatures. Some of the things that live in his land are furry Flukes, his friend the Whiffle Bird and Prock. Sidewinders that has ten legs also lives in the land with Whangdoodle. They lived peacefully in Whangdoodles land. A professor told children about the residents so they set out on a quest to visit them. The professor found a hidden way to get there. Lindy, Ben and Tom were not ready for the cruel schemes of Prock. What happens next? Find out now.
Summary v.2
A figment of imagination, Whangdoodle land is inhabited by strange creatures with the wise Whangdoodle at its helm. Three youngsters, Lindy, Ben and Tom learn of this land from a professor who also helps them to pay the land a visit. The Whangdoodle land has extraordinary inhabitants like furry Flukes, Whiffle Bird, Sidewinders with ten legs, Prock and many more such incredible occupants. The three children come across many adventures in the magical land and have a whooping time of their lives overcoming the nasty conspiracy of Prock. The story is thoroughly entertaining. Relish the excitement in this compelling book.
Summary v.3
The Whangdoodle is a very wise and respected existence. He has the ability to create outdoor places for him and other animals. Some of the characters that live in his land are furry Flukes, his pal the Whiffle Bird, and Prock. There are other creatures that live in the land among them. They all live in peace inside Whangdoodles land. A professor told the kids about the residents who live there so they went on a journey to visit them. The professor found a secret entrance into the Whangdoodles place. Some of the children were not ready to see what they discovered. What was it? Read and find out.
The Complete Little House
(Box Set) by Laura Ingalls Wilder and Garth Williams
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback
Publisher: HarperCollins (May 30, 1994)
Summary v.1
The set has many books that depict the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Some of the books include the most popular one, Little House on the Prairie, Farmer Boy and others. Read about how she grew up and some of the adventures she had as a child through her adult years after marriage and the birth of her child. Learn about her teaching years and about the family she grew up with as well as the friends she had along the way of growing up.
Summary v.2
A set of books by the author cleverly brings to life her formative years and as she grows up, the stories too begin to take on a more mature hue. The collection includes some of the most well known books like Little House on the Prairie and Farmer Boy to name a few. The many escapades that Laura Ingalls has, her ultimate marriage and bearing of a child are very descriptive, touching and real. The reader immediately identifies with her as she passes the various phases of her life and learns of her friends and family she grew up with.
Summary v.3
Laura Ingalls Wilder has a nine book set available for readers. Farmer Boy and Little House on the Prairie are a few of the books found in this set. You will find out a lot about her life and all of the adventures she had as a child. This goes into her marriage and life afterwards. Readers will also get a rare glimpse into her life as a teacher. This is a great set of books for people to read. It proves to be very heart-warming and entertaining at the same time. The best part about the set is that you will have nine favorites that are classics.
Mrs. Mike by Benedict Freedman
Reading level: Ages 9-12
School & Library Binding: 284 pages
Publisher: Turtleback (July 1, 1994)
Summary v.1
Mrs. Mike is a touching romance between Sergeant Mike and Katherine Mary O’Fallon. The novel also contains illustrations of the beauty of the Great North where the love story takes place. Sergeant Mike is an unusual combination of law enforcement and romance. He plays the part of police officer and loving husband which is what makes this story so special. It’s a mix of family life, romance, some laughs and being a fantastic pair of parents.
Summary v.2
The story entirely revolves around the romance between Sergeant Mike and Katharine Mary O’Fallon. It is one of the most sought after love stories as it is rich in description of the Great North where it is set and tender in the way the author has handled the subject of delicate romance between the two. Mike is depicted as a swashbuckling sergeant who cleverly plays both the roles of a doting husband and a police official with ease. A fine blend of strong bonds of kinship, humor and parenting by the couple is what makes the book a true marvel.
Summary v.3
Mrs. Mike is a sweet romance story about the love of Sergeant Mike and Katherine Mary O’Fallon. The story also contains wonderful imagery of the Great North where the love novel takes place. Sergeant Mike has a great combination of masculine enforcement and inner romance. His character is the strong police type with a charming husband role. It is a blend of family life and love. Their roles as parents are also highlighted in this novel. You will find it to be a fantastic read because they are able to open their life and have it shown so clearly through this book. If you are looking for a down to earth story you should read Mrs. Mike.
The Blue Castle by
L.M. Montgomery
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Bantam Books (March 1, 1989)
Summary v.1
Valancy experiences love for the first time. She always believed she would never experience this. Her mother was always troublesome and her aunt also. Valancy loved to read books that were written by author John Foster and spend time dreaming about the Blue Castle. The girl received a letter from another character in the book, Dr. Trent. She broke out of her shell and experienced adventures she only imagines before. Valancy experienced love and found the path to making her dreams come true.
Summary v.2
Valancy lived a life of recluse with her mother and aunt tormenting her. Escaping from them, she delved deeply in her books of romance which she herself never imagined she would someday encounter. She could only fantasize the Blue Castle after reading books by her favorite author, John Foster. Life suddenly took a different turn when she received a letter from Dr. Trent, another character of the book. She emerged from her shell and excitement filled her life as she had had never before dared dream about. Love encompassed her totally and made her previous castles in the air alive.
Summary v.3
For the first time Valancy is exposed to love. It is a big deal to her because this is the first time she has ever felt love. Her aunt and mother always found ways to cause trouble. Valancy liked to read books that were authored by John Foster and daydream as much as she could about the Blue Castle. Dr. Trent is a character in the book that she receives a letter from. She was able to break away from the chains she found herself in so she could experience life. Love eventually came her way as she discovered the path to making all of dreams become a big reality.
The High King (The Chronicles of Prydain) by Lloyd Alexander
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 253 pages
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
(January 1, 1999)
Summary v.1
This is the last book in the series. It is about Taran who is the Pig Keeper’s Assistant. He sets out to become the hero with his fellow characters Eilonwy, Gurgi and Fflewddur Fflam. All become engaged in a battle to end the bad influence and lead Prydain into the world of good. This is another book in the series that has captivated the hearts of many children. It is an award winning novel created specially for the young.
Summary v.2
The book is based on the story of Taran, an assistant to a pig keeper. With eyes on attaining the status of a hero, Taran, along with his comrades, Eilonwy, Gurgi and Fflewddur Fflam, go forth to try their luck. However, all the young fellows get busy fighting against the evils to safeguard Prydain, lead it to triumph and become a better place. The last novel in the five of the series, the book is fascinating and has won great laurel. It is much endearing to the hearts of the young readers as they bid adieu to the characters they loved.
Summary v.3
The High King is the last book in the series. It is about Taran who happens to be the Pig keeper’s assistant. He is on a journey to become the hero with the other characters in the book Eilonwy, Gurgi, and Fflewddur Fflam. They all become a big part of the war and try to lead the Prydain into the world of good. With their influence they try their hardest to make it work. With a great storyline, it is easy to see why so many children fall in love with this series. Young readers will find out why this is among the award winning books.
Song of the Wanderer (The Unicorn Chronicles, Book 2) by Bruce Coville
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Audio Cassette
Publisher: Full Cast
Audio (March 31, 2002)
Summary v.1
Cara is needed back home to help her grandmother who is known as the Wanderer. She must make her journey through the woods of Luster where the unicorns reside. It is a scary adventure where many dangerous creatures reside as well. Cara knows that the only place she will find the passageway to Earth is at Ebillan’s cave which is where a fierce dragon lives. She must reach Earth to help her grandmother and stop the person who is trying to eliminate all unicorns from the face of the Earth. Will the unicorns be saved? Will Cara reach in time to help her grandmother?
Summary v.2
The book is a story of young lass, Cara, who is required to return home to Earth to assist her grandmother, called the Wanderer, to bar the person who is trying to eradicate all unicorns. While embarking on her mission, Cara is aware of the perils which she will have to face, including the journey through the forest of Luster where the unicorns and other dangerous creatures live. The story is a creepy description of Cara’s journey through Ebillan’s cave, the home of a ferocious dragon. The reader’s excitement mounts as he becomes eager to find out Cara’s ultimate fate.
Summary v.3
Cara has to help her grandmother, who happens to be the Wanderer. She must go on a journey through the woods of Luster where the unicorns live. It will not be a typical journey because there are many dangerous creatures along the way. Cara is searching for the passageway into Earth. Unfortunately it is at Ebillan’s cave. A ferocious dragon lives inside of the cave so she must be careful. By reaching Earth she will be able to help her grandmother and stop the person who trying to kill all of the unicorns. Will she be able to save the unicorns? You will have to read Song of the Wanderer to find out.
Christy: The Young Readers Edition by Anna Wilson Fishel and Catherine Marshall
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 160 pages
Publisher: Chosen Books (March 2001)
Summary v.1
The main character of the book embarks on a journey to Smokey Mountains to teach the poor. Unfortunately, she encounters tough students, two men who set out to win her over and strange beliefs and traditions in the vicinity she lives in. With time, her hearts warms with the love she feels for the residents. This fabulously written novel sparked the television series and is a classic that has been loved for years and will be for years to come.
Summary v.2
This endearing little novel is about a 19 year old well-bred damsel who volunteers to proceed to Smoky Mountains to educate the poverty stricken people there. On reaching her destination, Christy is faced with a challenging task of handling students of varying ages who are not too eager to accept her, two men who try to woo her and a set of peculiar principles and rituals. As time elapses, Christy is able to overcome all her hurdles and begins to love the backward people. The entire plot is very carefully woven to make it a timeless piece of literary masterpiece.
Summary v.3
The protagonist of the book goes on an adventure to the Smokey Mountains in this story. Unfortunately she has to deal with tough students on the trip. There are two men that try to win her over and she has to deal with the odd places that she lives in. She is given the time she needs and finds herself coming to term with the new place that she is in and the inhabitants. This is a terrific novel written by Anna Wilson Fishel and it is easy to see why the book became a popular television series. You will really enjoy this book.
Where the Sidewalk Ends: Poems and Drawings by Shel Silverstein
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins
(January 20, 2004)
Summary v.1
The verses written by the author are funny and interesting. The enjoyable book will provide entertainment for hours at a time since your child won’t want to put it down. The illustrations also depict the humor and beauty of the poem that is written. They both go side by side. Even the adults will love reading this humorous poetic masterpiece. Some parts are funny, some disgusting, and some loving. It’s a perfect mix of everything.
Summary v.2
A perfect balance between humor, imagination, revulsion and poetic beauty, the book has won a lot of appreciation from readers of every age. Seldom can a reader shut the book without wishing for it to go on. The vivid pictures add to the overall enjoyment one gets out of reading and reading it. The rhythmic tempo of the verses seems to melt into one another without any fuss or inundating the reader with superfluous words. It is creativity at its best and the uniqueness of each poem makes it a great read of all times. Thoroughly refreshing, the book is priceless.
Summary v.3
Where the Sidewalk Ends is an incredible classic that young readers have enjoyed for years. This wonderful book is so entertaining your kids will not want to stop reading it. The artwork also depicts the humor and beauty of the poems that are written. They both go hand in hand to complement each other. Adults will also love reading this book because it will make them go on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. There are very funny poems in the book that you will remember for years to come. If you want a great read for playtime or bedtime you should pick up this book. |
