Favorite Books by Favorite Authors
Source: Jen Calonita
(27 ratings)
My mom likes to claim that the reason I need glasses is because I spent so much time as a tween reading in bed, in the dark, when I was supposed to be fast asleep. I'd cuddle up under a zillion blankets and read by flashlight for at least an hour after I was supposed to be dreaming, for one simple reason: I could not put down whatever book I was reading. How could I stop in the middle of a huge cafeteria showdown, a bad breakup, or a love confession to the boy I adored reading about from page one? Those late-night sessions are probably not the reason I need contacts today, but even if they were, I wouldn't have stopped reading. My favorite tween novels change all the time, but here are some new ones that I read during the day with the lights on. (I can't risk my eyes getting worse, can I? Thanks Mom.)
1. Magic in Manhattan series, by Sarah Mlynowski (Bras & Broomsticks, Frogs & French Kisses, Spells & Sleeping Bags, Parties & Potions)
I recommend Sarah's books to every tween, teen and parent I come in contact with. Why? Because Sarah's writing is fresh, funny, and quick-paced, and this series is one of the best I've read in years. I cracked up reading about Rachel, a non-witch in an all-witch female household. When her powers don't transpire, she resorts to making her eco-friendly younger sister, Miri, cast love and other spells for her. Need I tell you how that works out?
2. The Harry Potter series, by J.K. Rowling (particulary book three, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban)
Sometimes I feel guilty even putting this on my lists because I assume it's on everyone's list, but I have to. The Harry Potter books are new classics, and I can't wait for my sons to be old enough to read them with me. Harry's journey from lonely orphan to Hogwarts and magical community hero is one that made me laugh, cry and wait with baited breath for the next installment. I feel so fortunate to have read all seven books before the movie series started catching up. The effect of reading J.K. Rowling's story on the written page, cannot be beat.
3. The Princess Diaries series, by Meg Cabot
Meg is my favorite tween and teen author on the planet and I'm equally in awe and awestruck by the stories she creates (and so quickly! How does she churn excellent books out so fast?). The tale of Mia Thermapolis, a geek turned chic princess, is one that captivated me from the first page, and if you have daughters, I'm sure it will be a favorite of theirs as well. What I always particularly admired about Mia was that even with the royal banner flying over her head, she wasn't afraid to be herself, and stand up for what she believed in, even if it wasn't the most popular opinion on the planet. Mia is awkward, manic at times, and often unsure of herself, just like every tween I know (and former ones too, like myself).
4. Thirteen, by Lauren Myracle
Another tween/teen author who nails the whole teen experience smack on the head is Lauren Myracle. I love this series (the first book is Eleven), which deals with all the mixed emotions that come with that difficult period when you're stuck between tween and teen, and Lauren's Winnie says it all in a way that will make you laugh and want to wrap her in a blanket, sit her on the couch, and feed her ice cream till all the hurt goes away.
5. The Lonely Hearts Club, by Elizabeth Eulberg
This one is so new that it only hit stores last week! I read it months ago and loved every minute of Elizabeth's sweet story about swearing off boys. Penny Lane (ah, now you know the Beatles references are the real deal!) is a spunky heroine that learns you should never change yourself for a guy. She writes an article about that very subject for the school paper and soon what feels like the entire female population at school is joining her "lonely hearts club." But this club isn't one that is feeling sorry for themselves. No, they're celebrating being single, putting friends first, and figuring out how to be yourself. Where was Penny when I was growing up? Thankfully she's here now for all the tweens I know and love.
Jen Calonita is the author of the Secrets of My Hollywood Life series. The latest, Broadway Lights, will be out this March. She has two other books out this year as well. The paperback version of Sleepaway Girls debuts in May, and a novel about best friends turned reality stars called Reality Check, hits stores in June. You can find her on the web at www.jencalonitaonline.com.
For additional suggestions, check out theses articles:
Great Books for Preteens, with recommendations by the Bank Street Bookshop.
Favorite Tween Books by Favorite Authors, by Inda Schaenen
Favorite Tween Books by Favorite Authors, by Ginny Rorby