Crib Notes - Young Readers 8-12

MONSTROUS DEVICES – DAMIEN LOVE

If You Like…Percy Jackson, Inkheart or Hugo Cabret

12-year-old Alex gets a package in the mail from his grandfather with an old tin robot which turns out to have some special powers. Alex gets pulled out of the daily drone in the life of your average middle schooler into a world of hidden mysteries, magic and supernatural forces. Lots of action and adventure.

More for the higher end of this age range.

NIGHTBOOKS – J.A. WHITE

If You Like…Coraline, Graveyard of Books or Inkheart

A boy is imprisoned by a witch and must tell her a new scary story each night to stay alive. Despite the magical library with thousands of books, this gets a bit scarier as he runs out of stories to tell. This is a bit of a fractured fairytale, my personal preference, and perfect for a young reader with a rampant imagination.

THE MISCALCULATIONS OF LIGHTNING GIRL – STACY MCANULTY

If You Like…Harriet The Spy, Posted or Max Einstein Genius Experiment

Lucy gets struck by lightning which leaves her with genius level math skills. Despite being ready for college, her Nana tells her she needs to attend middle school for a year. Lots of snippets here on how numbers relate to life and lessons on how to fit it in when you are so dramatically different. And ultimately do you even need to?

THE MAGIC MISFITS – NEIL PATRICK HARRIS

If You Like…Lemony Snicket or House with A Clock in Its Walls, Flush

Carnies, clowns, magic and illusion are all enjoy by our misfit posse.  Told with no small amount of jocularity, not surprising given the author, the reader also gets fun secret codes and little games woven throughout. 

More for the lower end of this age range.