"reading is good for the soul." - yours truly
The Mysterious Benedict Society
Author: Trenton Lee Stewart
Age Group: 10-18 years
Book Count: 4
(with 2 extra books called The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict and Mr. Benedict's Book of Perplexing Puzzles, Elusive Enigmas, and Curious Conundrums)
Summary:
This book series (4 books total) is about 4 remarkable children, Reynie Muldoon, George "Sticky" Washington, Kate Wetherall (A.K.A "The Great Kate Weather Machine"), and Constance Contraire who are each special in their own unique ways. These children are called to a single mission: To stop Mr. Benedict's twin brother, Mr. Curtain and his genius machine "The Wisperer" from taking over the world.
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Author: Andrew Peterson
Age Group: 10-18 years
Book Count: 4
Summary:
This series is about the adventures and transformations of the Igiby family (grandfather Podo, mother Nia, and three children, Janner, Tink, and Leeli), as they discover secrets of their family history, flee the evil Fangs of Dang who are occupying the country of Skree where the Igibys were raised, seek their place in the world, and make a stand against the mysterious ruler behind the Fangs of Dang, Gnag the Nameless.
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Author: S.D Smith
Age Group: 10-12 years
Book Count: 9
Rating:
Summary:
Heather and Picket are extraordinary rabbits with ordinary lives until calamitous events overtake them, spilling them into a cauldron of misadventures. They discover that their own story is bound up in the tumult threatening to overwhelm the wider world.
Kings fall and kingdoms totter. Tyrants ascend and terrors threaten. Betrayal beckons, and loyalty is a broken road with peril around every bend.
Author: Natalie Loyd
Age Group: 10-12 years
Book Count: 4
Summary:
When the Problim children’s ramshackle bungalow in the Swampy Woods goes kaboom, the seven siblings—each born on a different day of the week—have to move into their grandpa’s bizarre old mansion in Lost Cove. No problem! For the Problim children, every problem is a gift!
But rumors about their family run rampant in the small town: tales of a bitter feud, a hidden treasure, and a certain kind of magic lingering in the halls of #7 Main Street. Their neighbors, the O’Pinions, will do anything to find the secrets lurking inside the Problim household—including sending the seven children to seven different houses on seven different continents!
Author: Various
Age Group: 10-12 years
Book Count: 30
Summary:
Since this series consist of 30 (probably+) books, I can't summarize the whole series. But I personally really enjoy reading these because their not to long (each book is around 150 pages each), as well as their pretty simple and easy, so they don't take a lot of effort to keep up with... But each book is about a girl from a different time period (ranges from 1690-1944) and how life was during that time.
Highly recommended for girls 10-12 years old.
Author: Wendy Lawton
Age Group: 10-12 years
Book Count: 9
Summary:
Daughters of the Faith is very similar to Sisters in Time, except that each girl actually lived. For example. one of my favorite ones is about Mary Bunyan, daughter of John Bunyan, author of Pilgrims Progress. But each of these books give an exciting and insightful look into life during different time periods and what it was like living during those times as a young girl.
Author: Karina Yan Glaser
Age Group: 10-15 years
Book Count: 5
(new one releasing Sep. 20, 2022)
Summary:
The Vanderbeekers is about 5 sibling who live in Harlem, New York City. There's Isa and Jessica (twins), Oliver, Hyacinth, and Laney, who live with their mom and dad in a typical brownstone home. These siblings go on exciting adventures together like, saving a run-down garden in need of some TLC, saving their mothers bakery before it has to close for good, and preparing a special 40th birthday for their dad, only to have their plans ruined, and their disagreeable grandparents show up on their doorstep.
Author: L.M Montgomery
Age Group: 10+ years
Book Count: 8
Summary:
Need I even say anything about this AMAZING series?! I guess I will to those who haven't read Anne of Green Gables (I have no idea who hasn't!)
Anne Shirley, a young orphan from Nova Scotia is sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert. Marilla and Matthew had originally decided to adopt a boy from the orphanage to help Matthew run their farm at Green Gables, which is set in the town of Avonlea. Through a misunderstanding, the orphanage sends Anne instead.
Anne is fanciful, imaginative, eager to please, and dramatic. She is also adamant her name should always be spelt with an e at the end. However, she is defensive about her appearance, despising her red hair, freckles and pale, thin frame, but liking her nose. She is talkative, especially when it comes to describing her fantasies and dreams. At first, stern Marilla says Anne must return to the orphanage, but after much observation and consideration, along with kind, quiet Matthew's encouragement, Marilla decides to let her stay.
Anne takes much joy in life and adapts quickly, thriving in the close-knit farming village. Her imagination and talkativeness soon brighten up Green Gables.
Author: Janet & Geoff Benge
Age Group: 10-18 years
Book Count: 100+
Summary:
This wonderful series is about dozens of Christians/Missionaries in history, including Lottie Moon, Mary Slessor, Elizabeth Elliot, Gladys Aylward, Corrie Ten Boom (The Hiding Place Book Review), David Livingston, C.S Lewis, Eric Liddell, Jim Elliot, and John Wesley. Each of these men and women have impacted the spread of the gospel and these talented authors bring these Heroes of God into the light for all to read.
Author: Mary Christner Borntrager
Age Group: 12-16 years
Book Count: 10
Summary:
This interesting and insightful book series gives a peek into the life of the Amish community. Each book explains a new generation in Ellie Eash's family. For example, the first book is about Ellie as a young girl growing up as an Amish, the second book is about Ellie's daughter, Rebecca, and then the third book, Ellie's granddaughter, Rachel. Definitely a recommended read.
// Okay readers, now that I've addressed my top 10 suggested books series, I'll be getting into the single books that I love! (I won't be including the Book Count category, because obviously, these are only single books) I hope you enjoy them! //
Author: Diane Stevenson Stone
Age Group: 10-15 years
Summary:
For thirteen-year-old Mary Chilton, every day is filled with adventure. She is surrounded by friends and family, and her windmill house feels like a castle to her. But Mary can't forget that her family was forced to leave their last home because of their religion, and even in Holland, things are looking dangerous again. Mary's world is changed forever when her father announces that they will join the Pilgrims traveling to the New World in search of more freedom and a better life. She must leave her older sisters and friends, and even give up her cat. With only the clothes on her back and her grandmother's locket, Mary joins her parents aboard the Mayflower and starts the dangerous journey across the Atlantic Ocean. Mary faces deadly storms, cruel bullies, cold, starvation, and illness. With the help of some new friends and a special message on her grandmother's locket, Mary discovers she is stronger and braver than she ever knew. But when the unthinkable happens, will Mary find the courage to make her dreams of a new home come true?
Author: Elizabeth Goudge
Age Group: 10-12 years
Summary:
When orphaned young Maria Merryweather arrives at Moonacre Manor, she feels as if she's entered Paradise. Her new guardian, her uncle Sir Benjamin, is kind and funny; the Manor itself feels like home right away; and every person and animal she meets is like an old friend. But there is something incredibly sad beneath all of this beauty and comfort--a tragedy that happened years ago, shadowing Moonacre Manor and the town around it--and Maria is determined to learn about it, change it, and give her own life story a happy ending.
Author: Kathleen Duey
Age Group: 8-15 years
Summary:
The year is 1875, and twelve-year-old orphan Margret and her sister, Libby, are living with the kind Mrs. Fredriksen in her sod house in rural Littleton, Colorado. Margret would be happy to stay forever, but she knows that Libby, with her basic distrust of anyone other than Margret, will have them moving soon enough. Then a tornado sweeps through, bringing with it an injured horse. Immediately Margret lays claim to the horse, naming him Flynn, nursing him back to health, and teaching herself to ride. Now more than ever, Margret yearns for some stability in her life. Somehow, she’s got to find a way to convince Libby to stay so she can make Flynn hers.
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Author: Kathleen Duey
Age Group: 8-15 years
Summary:
The year is 1773. and in Boston the tensions between the colonists and the British are heating up. For twelve-year-old Silence, the tensions at home are running high as well. All Silence wants is a chance to call Lily - the family's beautiful snow-white mare - her own. But Silence's mother does everything she can to keep Silence and Lily apart. Then, in the days leading up to the dramatic Boston Tea Party, Silence makes a startling discovery: someone has been taking Lily out to secret meetings under the cover of darkness! When it becomes clear the the whole family is threatened by the developing events, Silence begins to worry that if she doesn't do something drastic, she may lose Lily forever...
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Author: Noel Streatfeild
Age Group: 8-12 years
Summary:
When Cora Wintle goes to pick up her orphaned niece, Rachel, she discovers that Rachel's adopted sister, Hilary, would be perfect for her dancing troupe. The only problem is that Hilary might be as good as her own precious daughter, Dulcie. Still, she's determined to take sulky Rachel and sprightly Hilary and make them into members of Wintle's Little Wonders dance troupe.
But Rachel doesn't want to be a Little Wonder! She can't dance, and she'd rather die than wear the ruffly costume. Nothing seems to be going as planned, until Rachel discovers her talent for acting. . .
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Author: Noel Streatfeild
Age Group: 8-12 years
Summary:
Pauline, Petrova and Posy are orphans determined to help out their family by attending the Children's Academy of Dancing and Stage Training. But when they vow to make a name for themselves, they have no idea it's going to be such hard work! They launch themselves into the world of show business, complete with working papers, the glare of the spotlight, and practice, practice, practice! Pauline is destined for the movies. Posy is a born dancer. But practical Petrova finds she'd rather pilot a plane than perform a pirouette. Each girl must find the courage to follow her dream.
Author: Corrie Ten Boom
Age Group: 12+ years
Summary:
Corrie ten Boom was a Dutch watchmaker who became a heroine of the Resistance, a survivor of Hitler's concentration camps, and one of the most remarkable evangelists of the twentieth century. In World War II she and her family risked their lives to help Jews and underground workers escape from the Nazis, and for their work they were tested in the infamous Nazi death camps. Only Corrie among her family survived to tell the story of how faith ultimately triumphs over evil.
Here is the riveting account of how Corrie and her family were able to save many of God's chosen people. For 35 years millions have seen that there is no pit so deep that God's love is not deeper still. Now The Hiding Place, repackaged for a new generation of readers, continues to declare that God's love will overcome, heal, and restore.
Author: Grace Mally
Age Group: 10-100 years
Summary:
Lovely book! This was a fantastic read and I was dreading finishing this wonderful book when I was close to the end! This book is a excellent bible study book for any of those who are looking for some tips and encouragement on being more bold with the gospel. I absolutely LOVE this family and what they've done with their lives!
Author: Lois Lowry
Age Group: 8-16 years
Summary:
The Willoughby's—Timothy; his twin brothers, Barnaby A and Barnaby B; and their little sister, Jane—are old-fashioned children who adore old-fashioned adventures. Unfortunately, the Willoughby parents are not very fond of their children, and the truth is that the siblings are not too keen on their parents either. Little do the Willoughby kids know that their neglectful mother and father are hatching an evil plan to get rid of them! Not to worry—these resourceful adventurers have a few plans of their own...
Author: Shannon Hale
Age Group: 10-12 years
Summary:
High atop Mount Eskel, Miri's family pounds a living from the mountain itself. But Miri's life will change forever when word comes that the prince of the kingdom will choose his princess from among the village girls. Every eligible girl must attend the makeshift princess academy and prepare for royal life. At the school, Miri confronts bitter competition among the girls, a harsh teacher, and her own conflicted desire to be chosen. But when the academy comes under siege, Miri must set aside her feelings and find a way to save her classmates, and their beloved village.
Author: Gene Stratton-Porter
Age Group: 14-18 years
Summary:
Elnora Comstock, though void of her mother's love and affection, was determined to go against the odds and reach her dreams. She has always believed that she will never remain a small town girl. In fact, this persevering young woman maintained a positive disposition as she proved herself to be worthy of people's – and most especially her mother's – admiration. As a student, she managed to excel in class, gain new friends, and play the violin with so much refinement. She was able to achieve all these through her strong yearning to succeed, coupled with the selfless love and constant support of the Sintons. Elnora, who was once an unknown girl in her school, transformed into an extraordinary and confident young lady. Elnora's life became more interesting when she met Philip, a charming man who eventually fell in love with her. Much to her disappointment, however, she learned that this man was engaged to Edith, a spoiled and wealthy woman. Nevertheless, she accepted the fact that he was not the man for her and decided to move on despite the heartache.
Author: Frances Hodgson Burnett
Age Group: 8-12 years
Summary:
When the kind and imaginative seven-year-old Sara Crewe reaches Miss Minchin s Select Seminary for Young Ladies with her papa, she doesn't quite like it. The apple of her fathers eye, Sara has all the privileges at the seminary and is treated with special care. Soon enough, she befriends her classmates and is nicknamed a princess , which she often pretends to be. But just after her eleventh birthday, when the news of her fathers death arrives, everything changes.
Author: Louisa May Alcott
Age Group: 12-16 years
Summary:
Little Men is the story of widowed Jo Bhaer and her life running Plumfield, a school for boys. When Nat arrives and finds love and friendship at Plumfield, he begins to warm up to Jo and her boys. But when Dan arrives, a previous friend of Nat, trouble begins to spread around Plumfield and Jo has to make the hard decision to ask Dan to leave. Follow Jo and her boys as they experience ups and downs, with the arrival of tom-boy Nan and sweet twins Daisy and Demi.
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Author: Joan Aiken
Age Group: 10-15 years
Summary:
Wicked wolves and a grim governess threaten Bonnie and her cousin Sylvia when Bonnie's parents leave Willoughby Chase for a sea voyage. Left in the care of the cruel Miss Slighcarp, the girls can hardly believe what is happening to their once happy home. The servants are dismissed, the furniture is sold, and Bonnie and Sylvia are sent to a prison-like orphan school. It seems as if the endless hours of drudgery will never cease.
With the help of Simon the gooseboy and his flock, they escape. But how will they ever get Willoughby Chase free from the clutches of the evil Miss Slighcarp?
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Author: Deborah Wiles
Age Group: 10+ years
Summary:
Ruby Lavender and Miss Eula are a pretty good team, for a couple of chicken thieves. What other granddaughter-grandmother duo could successfully drive the getaway car for chickens rescued from a journey to the slaughterhouse, paint a whole house shocking pink? But now Miss Eula as up and left for Hawaii to visit her new (smelly) grandbaby. Poor Ruby. Stuck in boring, old Halleluia, Mississippi, with nothing to do except read to her chickens, sweep floors (torture), and be tormented by the curly-haired, tip-tapping, Melba Jane. But nine-year-old Ruby is in for some BIG surprises!
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Author: Sarah Mally
Age Group: 10+
Summary:
Yet another impressive book by the Mally family! I really enjoyed this read, with it's wise advice, and exciting first-hand stories of real-life girls struggling with the value of truth. This book was very insightful and gave suggestions for growing in God's truth, as well as having it in your heart for a time of spiritual struggle. Definitely a suggested read!
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Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen
Age Group: 12+
Summary:
This book was so exciting! I had picked up this book somewhere and decided to try it, but I was not prepared for such an exciting story. This book is about Chaya, a young 15-year-old girl, sent from her family to live on her own, who joined up with the Akiva, and German resistance group. Really exciting and definitely a book to try!
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Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen
Age Group: 12+
Summary:
Whoo-hoo Jennifer Nielsen! I was SO excited to find this book, because just a few weeks before I had finished Resistance, the other book read this month! I also enjoyed this book as well, not as much as Resistance, but nevertheless, still very good. This story is about Gerta, a young girl living with her family in Berlin. After her father and brother leave for a short time, the Germans build the Berlin Wall, separating Gerta, her mother and oldest brother from the rest of the family. Will Gerta ever get out? How can she reach her family on the other side? Very exciting read!
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Author: Anna Rose Johnson
Age Group: 12+
Summary:
Norvia is an average 14-year-old girl growing up with her parents, brothers and sister, grandma and great-grandmother in Beaver Island, Michigan. But Norvia's world suddenly changes when her parents get divorced and her mom remarries soon after. Mr. Virgil Ward seems like nice stepfather, but all the Nelson children are sceptical at first. Well, all except Dicta, Norvia's little sister. Now the whole Nelson family must move to the Wards home in town, and leave the Old Mary (Norvia's great-grandmother) and Young Mary (Norvia's grandmother) to live on their own. But some exciting surprises are in store for Norvia; beginning high school, a first crush, and a school dance! Throughout this book, Norvia learns about racism, growing up, and the difficulties of a blended family. Anna Rose Johnson does a fantastic job of writing a moving and relatable story every teenage girl is bound to love.
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