The Best of...Emma's Top 10 Books

I have been meaning to feature my daughter on this series for awhile now. But while we were recently vacationing, we actually had a chance to really put our minds to it, and we came up with a specific list. I am directly responsible for some of the books she has grown to love in her 11 years, and some she has found all on her own. So if you want to know what trips a tween girl's trigger, this is it, in no particular order:


1. The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins: We (defined as my daughter, my son and I) listened to this book on audio in the car. We were all entranced with this story, and gave us lots of fodder for discussion for weeks after we finished. What would happen once Katniss gets back home? Which boy will she choose? Who will star as Katniss and Peeta in the upcoming movie? These spirited interactions are priceless when some days you can't get a word out of them.


2. Are You There God, It's Me Margaret - Judy Blume: I had to include this particular picture, which was the cover of this book that I own from my childhood. My mom saved it all these years, and just recently I decided it was probably appropriate for my daughter to read. She read it in one night, and has read it several times since. The who Blume appeal just never wears off, I guess.




3. The Harry Potter Series - J.K. Rowling: Emma started reading this series when she was in second grade, and has since completed it twice. Strangely enough, she has not turned to the dark side or has joined a Wicken cult, like some proclaimed would happen. This series just firmly planted her on the side of a literary obsessive. I'm OK with that.



4. The Graveyard Book - Neil Gaiman: Several days before this book won the Newberry, I sent my mom out to buy it, so I could read it to the kids. (I think I got the tip from Carrie @ Books and Movies). Mom read the first chapter or two, and doubted my sanity. Granted, the plot is a bit morbid, but made it all the more appealing for the young crowd. The kids did not want me to stop reading.



5. Fairest - Gail Carson Levine: I have not read this book. It was one of the many books I ended up buying at a Book Fair last year. But Emma couldn't read it fast enough. Based on the back-of-the-book blurb, I can understand why. It seems to give a little twist on the well-worn Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty or Snow White story. The plain but smart maiden, the mean queen, the handsome prince. Who can argue with that recipe?


6. Gossamer - Lois Lowry: I'm pretty certain we have read most of Lowry's books. They are targeted at a crowd slightly younger than YA, but aren't the least bit dumbed down (which I find to be the case with kids' books at times). They are thought-provoking and beautiful. But this one started it all, and again I credit Carrie @ Books and Movies. In addition to those qualities we see in all Lowry books, this one is magical and sweet and gentle. And Emma fell in love with it.

7. The Warriors Series - Erin Hunter: At this point, I have lost track of how many Warrior Series are out there. At least three, maybe four. But Emma and I read the first series independently, but at the same time. The premise is intriguing...a community of wild cats, their hierarchies, their enemies, their habits, their higher deity, prophecies, death, life and survival. All told from the viewpoint of one narrator cat. I know it sounds hokey, but I found myself unable to put the books down. We are quite the cat-lovers, after all, which meant even more to us. We have yet to read the later series, but I'm sure we will eventually.


8. Shudders - Various artists: Straight off my childhood shelf, along with Judy Blume. These are the short stories that kept my BFF and I up at nights, worrying about shriveled monkey paws and waxworks of serial murderers and transporting corpses on lonely roads. Emma shares the thrill of the heeby-jeebies with me, and has enthusiastically read this one several times.



9. Inkheart - Cornelia Funke: Emma has read the entire series, all umpteen pages. But this one was her absolute favorite. She continues to beg me to read them (I'm hanging my head in shame), and I suppose, based on her list, I should take her good word. I try to explain to her about the TBR, and challenges and such, but she just shrugs her shoulders, rolls her eyes, and says "Whatever mom! Just read them!". Ok honey. I'll get right on it!


10. Princess Academy - Shannon Hale: This was another Book Fair purchase, at the urging of several of Emma's friends. I have not read it, but feel that perhaps I should, considering all the love that Shannon Hale gets in blogdom. This is another twist on a Cinderella story, one that won a Newberry Honor Award.




So how many more "Best of" lists can I do? This is the question. I have TWO PEOPLE who I have asked for lists and haven't received them yet. (You know who you are, Ms. Savard and Ms. Falconetti!) I know it is hard to do. You notice I haven't come up with mine! I'm wondering what in the world I will do when I run out of names. I'm liking the idea of Sunday Salon, but haven't committed yet...