Since the pandemic started, we haven’t been able to buy books as there are no bookstores here. The kids vastly prefer paper books to the Kindle, and I do too because they tend to read more and reread their favorites over and over again when they have physical copies. Still I am eternally grateful for the Kindle in these pandemic times because we still have access to new books!
These are some recent reads that Charlie recommends for kids 8-12!
The Wild Robot and The Wild Robot Escapes – Charlie has read both of these books at least 10 times each, so that’s really high praise! This science fiction meets fantasy illustrated novel series is by award-winning illustrator and author Peter Brown of Creepy Carrots fame. It tells the story of Roz, a robot who has to learn to survive on a remote island, and what happens when war comes to the island and the animals try to protect Roz. There is some violence and sadness towards the end, so be sure to read the reviews if you have sensitive or younger readers. Personally I think reading about difficult experiences increases empathy, and I have no problem with the content of these books for my kids aged 9 and 11.
Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales – This illustrated graphic novel series makes learning about history fun! Both Charlie and Olive love this series and reread them over and over again. 10 books have been released so far, and I can’t wait to get book #11 next month because it’s about the Korean War.
Percy Jackson’s Greek Heroes – The love for Greek mythology has not waned in our household since we first introduced Charlie to George O’ Connor’s The Olympians graphic novel series when he was 5-years-old. This illustrated book tells the stories of 12 figures from Greek mythology from Percy’s point of view. Charlie has read this book cover to cover many times. I have to get the first book in this series, Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods.
The Ickabog – J.K. Rowling decided to release The Ickabog for free a couple chapters each day during the pandemic to keep kids entertained. Mr. Bee read each chapter to the kids as it was released, and it really was something to look forward to back in May 2020 of the lockdown. We recently got a physical copy of the book, and both kids are big fans despite its dark plotline. Harry Potter is Charlie’s all-time favorite series, and he says The Ickabog is almost as good.
pomelo / 5621 posts
Thank you for some recommendations. I’m always looking for new books for my 8 year old.
apricot / 457 posts
This is exactly my 9 year old son’s reading list – he loves the Percy Jackson series – he tore through the 3 different series and loves the Heroes and Greek Gods addons, he keeps lugging the books all around.
We loved The Wild Robot – it was his first chapter book that he read by himself and it was a great mix of action and empathy/feelings. I love it so much myself!