Books for Grandparents January 2010 AARP The Magazine
Books for Grandparents January 2010 - AARP The Magazine Books
By Alexandra Day (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, $12.99; all ages)
The latest in the long-running series has the beloved Rottweiler and his cherubic cohort, Madeleine, enjoying activities such as sledding and making snowmen, but returning home—as always—before their absence is discovered
By Sarah Weeks, illus. by Robert Neubecker (S&S/Beach Lane Books, $16.99; ages 4-8)
In this standout offering about the woes of a new sibling, outspoken Sophie doesn't mince words: a baby—a.k.a. a "monster"—is "your worst nightmare!" Don't worry, though; Sophie softens a bit in the end.
By Kristin Kladstrup, illus. by Matt Tavares (Candlewick Press, $16.99; ages 4-10)
When a boy's gingerbread pirate comes to life on Christmas Eve, his first mission is to save his crew from being eaten by Santa. This laugh-out-loud story may well become a new holiday favorite.
By Lark Pien (Blue Apple Books, $14.99; ages 4 and up)
Five stories about the eponymous feline provide a whimsical introduction both to the graphic-novel format and to gentle friendships. Alert readers will enjoy the wealth of humorous visual and textual details.
By Colin Bootman (Lerner/Carolrhoda Books, $16.99; ages 5-9)
Bootman's dreamy version of the Pied Piper of Hamelin is set during the Harlem Renaissance, when a mysterious visitor who plays captivating melodies on his steel pan offers to rid the neighborhood of rats. FOR THE ELEMENTARY SET
By Patricia MacLachlan, illus. by Brian Floca (S&S/Atheneum, $12.99; ages 7 and up)
In this tender chapter book, Liam visits his grandparents for the holidays, where he becomes determined to raise money to purchase a bovine friend for the lonely white cow on their farm.
By Emily Diamand (Scholastic/Chicken House, $17.99; ages 8-12)
Diamand's story takes place in a watery, post-technological Britain of the future. Strong male and female protagonists, page-turning action, and a sense of humor make this a good pick for adventure lovers.
By Iain Lawrence (Delacorte Press, $16.99; ages 8-12)
Set in 1955 just before the release of Jonas Salk's vaccine, Lawrence's tale follows 11-year-old Laurie, who visits her best friend, Dickie, in the polio ward. There she invents adventurous stories for Dickie and the other "polios."
By Cynthia Chapman Willis (Feiwel and Friends, $16.99; ages 9-13)
Joey's parents have a rocky relationship. That his father can't wait for Joey to shoot his first deer—when Joey would rather play hockey and draw—helps matters not at all. A thoughtful examination of a boy's inner struggles.
By William Gilkerson (Tundra Books, $32.95; ages 10 and up)
Rare is the child not enthralled by the mystique of pirate life. Gilkerson's sumptuously painted nonfiction account explores buccaneers from Vikings to conquistadors to Blackbeard. FOR TEENS
By Margaret Peterson Haddix (Simon & Schuster, $16.99; ages 10-14)
Lindsay, a reclusive former child TV star, is forced to reenter the world and deal with her singular ability/curse: she can hear anything being said about her anywhere in the world. Thought-provoking and compelling.
By Ying Chang Compestine, illus. by Coleman Polhemus (Henry Holt/Christy Ottaviano Books, $16.99; ages 12 and up)
Ideal for teens who relish a good scare, these eight chilling stories center on the Chinese legend of "hungry" ghosts—the souls of those who died unjustly. The tales are entwined with themes of food; for those who can maintain an appetite amid the apparitions, Chinese recipes are included.
By Edward Myers (Clarion Books, $17; ages 12 and up)
Teenage Rick spends a summer with family friends in Mexico, but it's no beach vacation. Instead, Rick takes part in the backbreaking construction of the family's new home and wrestles with issues of class and ethnicity.
By Lauren Kate (Delacorte Press, $16.99; ages 12 and up)
For fans of Twilight, how about angels rather than demons? Sent to a gloomy boarding school, Luce is captivated by the mysterious Daniel. The atmospheric setting and supernatural romance will draw readers in.
By Katherine Sturtevant (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, $16.99; ages 14 and up)
During the winter of 1863, Kit flees village life in Essex and his "simple" twin brother for the freedom, opportunities, and excitement of London. A provocative and moving coming-of-age story. Check out all the great content on our Books channel Featured AARP Member Benefits See more Entertainment offers > See more Entertainment offers > See more Entertainment offers > See more Entertainment offers > Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures
Books for Grandparents January 2010
We' ve teamed up with the editors of Publishers Weekly to find that just-right book for your grandchild
We've teamed up with the editors of to scour the latest titles, from books for babies to cutting-edge fiction and nonfiction for teens, to help you find that just-right book for your grandchild. FOR PRESCHOOLERSBy Alexandra Day (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, $12.99; all ages)
The latest in the long-running series has the beloved Rottweiler and his cherubic cohort, Madeleine, enjoying activities such as sledding and making snowmen, but returning home—as always—before their absence is discovered
By Sarah Weeks, illus. by Robert Neubecker (S&S/Beach Lane Books, $16.99; ages 4-8)
In this standout offering about the woes of a new sibling, outspoken Sophie doesn't mince words: a baby—a.k.a. a "monster"—is "your worst nightmare!" Don't worry, though; Sophie softens a bit in the end.
By Kristin Kladstrup, illus. by Matt Tavares (Candlewick Press, $16.99; ages 4-10)
When a boy's gingerbread pirate comes to life on Christmas Eve, his first mission is to save his crew from being eaten by Santa. This laugh-out-loud story may well become a new holiday favorite.
By Lark Pien (Blue Apple Books, $14.99; ages 4 and up)
Five stories about the eponymous feline provide a whimsical introduction both to the graphic-novel format and to gentle friendships. Alert readers will enjoy the wealth of humorous visual and textual details.
By Colin Bootman (Lerner/Carolrhoda Books, $16.99; ages 5-9)
Bootman's dreamy version of the Pied Piper of Hamelin is set during the Harlem Renaissance, when a mysterious visitor who plays captivating melodies on his steel pan offers to rid the neighborhood of rats. FOR THE ELEMENTARY SET
By Patricia MacLachlan, illus. by Brian Floca (S&S/Atheneum, $12.99; ages 7 and up)
In this tender chapter book, Liam visits his grandparents for the holidays, where he becomes determined to raise money to purchase a bovine friend for the lonely white cow on their farm.
By Emily Diamand (Scholastic/Chicken House, $17.99; ages 8-12)
Diamand's story takes place in a watery, post-technological Britain of the future. Strong male and female protagonists, page-turning action, and a sense of humor make this a good pick for adventure lovers.
By Iain Lawrence (Delacorte Press, $16.99; ages 8-12)
Set in 1955 just before the release of Jonas Salk's vaccine, Lawrence's tale follows 11-year-old Laurie, who visits her best friend, Dickie, in the polio ward. There she invents adventurous stories for Dickie and the other "polios."
By Cynthia Chapman Willis (Feiwel and Friends, $16.99; ages 9-13)
Joey's parents have a rocky relationship. That his father can't wait for Joey to shoot his first deer—when Joey would rather play hockey and draw—helps matters not at all. A thoughtful examination of a boy's inner struggles.
By William Gilkerson (Tundra Books, $32.95; ages 10 and up)
Rare is the child not enthralled by the mystique of pirate life. Gilkerson's sumptuously painted nonfiction account explores buccaneers from Vikings to conquistadors to Blackbeard. FOR TEENS
By Margaret Peterson Haddix (Simon & Schuster, $16.99; ages 10-14)
Lindsay, a reclusive former child TV star, is forced to reenter the world and deal with her singular ability/curse: she can hear anything being said about her anywhere in the world. Thought-provoking and compelling.
By Ying Chang Compestine, illus. by Coleman Polhemus (Henry Holt/Christy Ottaviano Books, $16.99; ages 12 and up)
Ideal for teens who relish a good scare, these eight chilling stories center on the Chinese legend of "hungry" ghosts—the souls of those who died unjustly. The tales are entwined with themes of food; for those who can maintain an appetite amid the apparitions, Chinese recipes are included.
By Edward Myers (Clarion Books, $17; ages 12 and up)
Teenage Rick spends a summer with family friends in Mexico, but it's no beach vacation. Instead, Rick takes part in the backbreaking construction of the family's new home and wrestles with issues of class and ethnicity.
By Lauren Kate (Delacorte Press, $16.99; ages 12 and up)
For fans of Twilight, how about angels rather than demons? Sent to a gloomy boarding school, Luce is captivated by the mysterious Daniel. The atmospheric setting and supernatural romance will draw readers in.
By Katherine Sturtevant (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, $16.99; ages 14 and up)
During the winter of 1863, Kit flees village life in Essex and his "simple" twin brother for the freedom, opportunities, and excitement of London. A provocative and moving coming-of-age story. Check out all the great content on our Books channel Featured AARP Member Benefits See more Entertainment offers > See more Entertainment offers > See more Entertainment offers > See more Entertainment offers > Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures