Children’s books which are generally suitable for children age nine to twelve
In this children's book, number 6 in the series, The Squire's Tale, we meet some very odd characters, who of course, turn out to be heroes. This dramatic episode involves the kidnapping of Queen Guinevere, and her daring rescue.
In book number 8 of The Squire's Tales, we follow our Arthurian heroes on an unusual quest, as Beaufils is searching for his father. This is one of the more profound stories in the cycle, as we find the vulnerability of men shown as they recognize themselves in each other.
In this children's book, number 9 in the Squire's Tale series, at last we have a book solely about Terrance the squire. He is the most mysterious of all, being part fairy. We find out so much more here.
In the final children's book in The Squire Tale series, we come to the conclusion of the Arthurian cycle of stories, with it's bittersweet ending. Book number 10 has to bring it all to an end, even though we will come back and read these stories again and again.
Published: 2007 Theme: Finding One's Destiny Best for: 9 and up "Hugo had become a thief to survive and help the automaton. What would his punishment be? Was he now going to spend the rest of his life behind the counter of this toy booth like the old man?...There had to be something else." To spend time with this children's book is a one-of-a-kind experience. The full-page illustrations complement the very dramatic unfolding of events...
Published: 2005 Theme: Wonder in Daily Life Best for: 8 and up "Sit down now, Eben McAllister, and pay attention to what I say," she ordered me. So I sat. Because when folks in Sassafras Springs start to tell a story, it's likely to take a while." It's hard to believe this is a contemporary children's book, as it reads and feels like something from another time and place.. the style is slow, rambling, and filled with stories of ordinary people's little miracles...
Published: 2007 Theme: Loyalty Best for: age 11 and up "If the difference between a surviving group of students and a dead group of students is that a thief managed to sneak behind the enemy and steal a magic weapon or incapacitate a skilled mage, then it's well worth risking moral ambiguity." Here's a children's book that is just non-stop adventure from chapter to chapter, as well you might expect with its title. Well-written and fast-paced...
Published: 1917 Theme: Chivalry Best for: ages 10 and up "Be not robbers to any who are poor and who are good fellows--having only their poverty against them. Be kind to those who help you, but exact toll as heretofore of all who come through the greenwood. The rich to pay in money, and blood--if it be necessary." Given how riveting the tale of Robin Hood is, I surely hope others don't wait as long as I did to finally read this masterpiece of children's literature. It is everything I had hoped it would be...
Published: 2004 Theme: Love Conquers All Best for: 9 and older "It is a failure of courage, and worse yet, a failure of love to relinquish your dreams so easily...Each of us holds within his soul the ability to conquer sorrow, fear, and misery with charity, compassion, and wisdom…. You must find a way to use what your soul knows.” If ever there was a children's book that conveys the deeper meaning of the holiday, this is it. The power of faith in one's dreams, faith in oneself, and faith in goodness, pour out of every page of this book.
Published: 1986 Theme: Courage, Destiny Best for: ages 8 and up "Mattias cut a comical little figure as he wobbled his way along the cloisters, with his large sandals flip-flopping, and his tail peeping from beneath the baggy folds of an oversized novice's habit. He paused to gaze upwards and tripped over the enormous sandals." I have to admit I was hooked on this children's book with the opening lines even before I realized this was a book about mice and small animals. One of the amazing features of this fantasy children's book is that it is so real...
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