Paolini, Christopher. Eragon. Alfred A. Knopf, 2003. ISBN 978-0375826689. Ages 10-14.

In Alagaesia, a fifteen-year-old boy of unknown lineage named Eragon finds a mysterious stone that weaves his life into an intricate tapestry of destiny, magic, and power, peopled with dragons, elves, and monsters. This is an epic tale of a boy whose simple life falls apart with the discovery that he is meant to be more than he could have ever imagined--a Dragon Rider. Tweens who love fantasy will love this first book in a series full of action and adventure, and identify with Eragon's solitary quest to discover who he truly is and what he is meant to do with his newfound abilities.

DiTerlizzi, Tony, and Black, Holly. The Spiderwick Chronicles Book 1: The Field Guide. Simon & Schuster, 2003. ISBN 978-0689859366. Ages 9-12.

When Jared, Simon and Mallory Grace move into the old Spiderwick Estate, they are unprepared for the magical and fantastic occurrences they experience. Eager to explore and learn more about their surroundings, they stumble upon an old book detailing the existence of fairies and other creatures. Readers eager to move on to chapter books will enjoy the simple books in the Spiderwick series, as they join the Grace children on adventure after adventure in the world of Arthur Spiderwick. Readers will not be satisfied with reading just this first volume, as it merely introduces the characters and setting for what is sure to be a wild adventure.

Dahl, Roald. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Knopf, 1964. ISBN 978-0375815263. Ages 9-12.

Poor Charlie Bucket wants more than anything to find a golden ticket in a Wonka bar, so that he can be one of the five to see Wonka’s magnificent chocolate factory. When he does, he is accompanied by four other naughty children who, one by one, lose their right to Wonka’s real intention—to find someone to replace him as the chocolate maker. Dahl’s is a tale of morals, and the consequences that must be paid when children are naughty and misbehave. But it is also a magical adventure into a world that is quite unlike anything children have ever experienced.

Creech, Sharon. Love That Dog. HarperCollins, 2001. ISBN 978-0060292874. Ages 9-12.

This story, written in freeform poetry by Jack, tells of his initial reluctance to write poetry, as well as his growing interest in and penchant for writing that which he thought he could not. Many loose elements eventually come together in his final poems, which are both insightful, as well as heart wrenching. A quick and easy read, the book’s freeform gives the reader a chance to see directly into Jack’s innermost thoughts and feelings. Though written as poetry, the poems as a collective tell a story, and each element of the story builds into one major story about a boy and the loss of his dog. Reluctant readers will enjoy this simple book, and perhaps may be inspired to write some poetry of their own, as the book gives a variety of examples of different styles and techniques.

Cleary, Beverly. Ramona the Pest. W. Morrow, 1968. ISBN 978-0812422733. Ages 9-10.

Everyone thinks Ramona is a pest, but Ramona is just so interested in life and the world around her, she cannot help it. When she finally enters kindergarten, Ramona has a lot to learn about following the rules. But while she loves many things about school, her penchant for not following rules leads to her eventual dropping out of kindergarten. And it is up to Ramona to change her attitude if she wants to continue going to school. Ramona, like other spunky female characters, is the typical inquisitive and determined character who means well, but seldom does well. Her outrageous adventures and shenanigans serve as fine entertainment for young readers of all ages.

Christopher, Matt. Miracle at the Plate. Little, Brown, 1967. ISBN 978-0316139267. Ages 9-12.

Skeeter is the best batter on the Milky Ways, but he’s hopeless at fielding. Tommy is a decent fielder, but has no talent for hitting. When Skeeter accidentally runs over Tommy’s dog with his bike, he takes the dog to the vet without telling Tommy. But when Tommy and the rest of the team find out, Skeeter becomes worried that Tommy will finally take his place. Fans of Matt Christopher’s sports chapter books will not be disappointed with this baseball story. The book offers both exciting representations of the baseball games, as well as a moral story sure to appeal to animal lovers. While the book is geared more towards boys, girls who love sports and animals will also enjoy the story.

Miyazaki, Hayao. (Director). (2004). Howl’s Moving Castle [Motion picture]. United States: Walt Disney Home Entertainment. Ages 9-14.

After being cursed by the Witch of the Waste and turned into an old woman, young Sophie turns to the handsome young magician Howl and his band of misfits as she joins him on his four-legged walking “castle” as the new housekeeper. Befriending the fire demon Calcifer who is bound to Howl, Sophie is determined to find a way to break the witch’s spell and enlists his help. Soon Sophie is whisked across a magical world filled with wonderful sites and senseless war. And she soon realizes that in her quest to break her own spell, she may be able to break Howl’s as well. Based on the enchanting novel by Diana Wynne Jones.

Waters, Mark. (Director). (2008). The Spiderwick Chronicles [Motion picture]. United States: Paramount Pictures. Ages 9-12.

When the Grace family moves into the old Spiderwick Estate, strange things begin to happen. Jared is blamed early on because of his anger issues, but after discovering Arthur Spiderwick’s Field Guide in a secret room in the house, Jared slowly convinces his sister Mallory and twin brother Simon of the secret world of fantastical creatures that lies hidden within their own. So when the evil ogre Mulgarath gets wind of the field guide’s existence, the Grace family puts aside their differences and fights the ogre army in order to protect the book and its secrets, as well as their fragile family. Based on the beloved series by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black.

Claus, Richard. (Director). (2006). The Thief Lord [Motion picture]. United States: Twentieth Century Fox. Ages 10-14.

After Prosper and Bo’s mother dies, Prosper rescues Bo from their evil aunt and uncle and they run away to Venice (their mother always told them it was a magical place). There they run into the Thief Lord, who turns out to be a wealthy boy named Scipio who has taken in a band of orphans. These orphans normally help him steal from the rich, including his neglectful father, but when a mysterious job is offered to the Thief Lord for a large sum of money, Scipio and his gang are plunged into an adventure involving a magical carousel capable of altering time itself. Based on the bestselling book by Cornelia Funke.