The real value in our Book Shop is that we've narrowed down the field...significantly. Everything listed below was either read by us or one of our valued contributors. Through our site, by clicking the book title, you will be linked directly with Amazon.com. Once there, you will have access to even more reviews and details about any of the books we've recommended.

Why Don't Your Eyelashes Grow?: Curious Questions Kids Ask About the Human Body - Beth Ann Ditkoff, M.D.

Why we like it: Have your kids ever asked you why they hiccup or why tears taste salty? This book supplies accurate and interesting answers.

Take The Fight Out of Food: How to Prevent and Solve your Child's Eating Problems - Donna Fish

Why we like it: A practical guide filled with in-depth advice that gives parents the tools to help their kids develop healthy eating habits for life.

Amazing Places to Take Your Kids: Hundreds of North American Adventures - Laura Sutherland

Why we like it: This coffee table book offers lots of great ideas and beautiful pictures to inspire family vacations.

Grand Theft Childhood - Lawrence Kutner and Cheryl Olson

Why we like it: The authors investigate whether video games are, as commonly argued, responsible for a rise in social violence.

Thankfully, we have a fairly extensive network of tweens and parents of tweens! As a result, we've been keeping track of some of the books favored for this age group. We've also combed periodicals and librarian-type resources to come up with a list of recommendations. Can anyone have too many books? We think not. Save the landfill, buy a book for your favorite tween!

The Wednesday Wars - Gary Schmidt

Why we like it: A comic tale of a 12-year-old Long Island boy growing up in the Vietnam era. Ages 9-13

It's So Amazing - Robie H. Harris

Why we like it: Answers questions about sex, reproduction and love. This book is age appropriate and light hearted. Ages 7 and up

The Thief Lord - Cornelia Funke

Why we like it: Orphans Prosper and Bo run away to Venice and live with a band of loyal street kids. Ages 9-12

A Single Shard - Linda Sue Park

Why we like it: A carefully crafted novel based in the 12th century that tells the tale of a Korean orphan and his quest to become an apprentice of a master potter. Ages 9-12