Youth Book List

As an educator, I review quite a few books every year, looking for teaching material, recommendations, and discussion starters. Having begun a master book list covering the books that I am reading for personal pleasure, it makes sense to keep a list of the books reviewed while wearing my teacher shoes. Undoubtedly, I'll overlook several books that I read more than a year ago, but I'll try to include all the books I've reviewed since beginning my job as a sixth grade English teacher.








The Golden Compass - Philip Pullman

A young girl travels to the far north to rescue her friend while seeking to unravel the mystery of Dust and its dangerous role in her fantastic world. Pullman successfully weaves adventure, fantasy, and a bit of imaginative physics together in the first book of the trilogy His Dark Materials. (Rating: A / G.L. 6+)


Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - J. K. Rowling

Harry Potter demonstrates to the wizarding world the power of sacrifice, loyalty, and love as he battles Voldemort in Rowling's last HP book...an outstanding finale. Parents, screen the book for your children due to some strong language use and shocking imagery. (Rating: A / G.L. 7+)







Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - J.K. Rowling

The stakes are high during year six at Hogwarts. Harry suspects Malfoy of carrying out a deadly plan for Voldemort, Snape seems to confirm Harry's long suspicions, and Dumbledore enlists Harry's help in unraveling the mystery of Voldemort and his rise to power. Year six also finds Harry and friends struggling with an equally daunting task: trying to figure out the opposite sex and the rules of love. (Rating: A / G.L.: 7+)








The Prophet of Yonwood - Jeanne DuPrau

In this prequel to The City of Ember, 11-year-old Nickie travels with her aunt to fix up an old home, armed with big plans and an even larger curiousity. She meets a Mrs. Beeson, whose ambitions to protect her town from nuclear disaster ensnare Nickie in a misguided witch-hunt for all "sinners." Readers will be underwhelmed by this book and left confused as to what truly is the source of truth and righteousness. (Rating: B- / G.L.: 6+)






The Final Storm - Wayne Thomas Batson

The conclusion of the Door Within trilogy hums with intense battle sequences, life and death struggles, wrestling for the souls of men, all the things that made the first two books enjoyable (but on a larger scale). Readers will revel and rejoice in the last few pages of the book as they imagine for themselves that final battle and the manifestation of a new Kingdom that will never end. (Rating: A+ / G.L. 5+)





The Rise of the Wyrm Lord - Wayne Thomas Batson

Readers of the first book in The Door Within trilogy may be surprised that Aiden has a minor role in this second installment, but they will surely enjoy meeting Antoinette--brave, stubborn, faithful,...hair dyed red. The action intensifies as Paragor unleases an ancient menace and the battle for men's souls wages ever more fiercely. You'll want to pick up the third book as quickly as you can. (Rating: A / Grade Level: 5+)






The People of Sparks - Jeanne DuPrau

After escaping the dying city of Ember, Lina and Doon lead their people above ground into a strange, new, marvelous, and deadly world. The Emberites find help and shelter from the people of Sparks, but as tensions mount, Lina and Doon hope to avoid the same mistakes their ancestors made which led to the great Disaster. (Rating: A- / Grade Level: 4+)






The City of Ember - Jeanne DuPrau

A masterful work of science fiction, The City of Ember launches DuPrau's promising career as a novelist. In a city where no one has the answers to food and supply shortages, where darkness reigns but for the ever-present amber streetlights, where even the Builders could not have foreseen the imminent disasters, two young heroes seek for answers. Salvation must be found! (Rating: A+ /Grade Level: 4+)

Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry - Mildred D. Taylor

Cassie's family fights to hold onto their land and livelihood in the segregated South while Cassie learns to face life with her chin up -- (A- / 6+)


Sing Down the Moon - Scott O'Dell

The Navajo branch of the Trail of Tears is illuminated from a young woman's perspective in this haunting and beautiful historical work -- (B+ / 6+)


Rascal - Sterling North

Sterling North recounts his explorations of the Wisconsin countryside with his racoon, Rascal--a true portrait of a naturalist -- (B / 5+)


Johnny Tremain - Esther Forbes

Rub shoulders with John Adams, Paul Revere, and others as you travel with Johnny through Boston on the brink of war -- (A / 6+)

The Bronze Bow - Elizabeth George Speare

Roman occupiers. Jewish zealots fomenting rebellion. A boy bent on revenging his father's death. Jesus Christ. One powerful story -- (A / 6+)


Shadowmancer - G.P. Taylor

Taylor shows his familiarity with the northeast English landscape and English myths in this ambitious attempt at Christian fantasy -- (B / 6+)


Harry Potter (#1-5) - J.K. Rowling

Controversy surrounds this hugely popular fantasy series, but few deny Rowling possesses a wide imagination and keen sense of humor (B+ / 7+)






The Door Within - Wayne Thomas Batson

In the tradition of C.S. Lewis, Batson has written a rather solid Christian fantasy book which combines adventure and faith without coming across as being preachy. Aidan, the main character, enters the kingdom of Alleble through the "door within" and discovers what a Mighty King can do with a little pawn. (Rating: A- / Grade Level: 5+)


Eragon; Eldest - Christopher Paolini

Young fantasy writer Paolini shows great promise, cranking out the first two installments of what will likely be a solid trilogy. Young Eragon must strengthen his skills and his resolve if he ever hopes to challenge the evil Galbatorix. Tolkien, Lucas, and LeGuin are clear influences -- (A- / 7+)


The Voyage of the Dawn Treader - C.S. Lewis

Certainly one of the finest of the Chronicles of Narnia, Dawn Treader is an exploration of tempation and the faithful Christian walk, resplendent with Lewis's imaginative power -- (A+ / 4+)