Continuing the Series

It is a good thing when kids pour themselves into a series. If you are looking for a change from vampires or one particular wizard, try out these series, all with new books out this year.

Catching Fire

by Suzanne Collins (Scholastic). This is the sequel to the stunning Hunger Games. (Just think American Idol combined with The Lottery.) Appropriate for mature middle schoolers or high school aged kids, the heroes from the first book get a first hand look at political manipulation, mob thinking, symbols of rebellion and teen romance – it is not what you think. A great book for adults as well. Read the first book first. (Ages 12 and up)

A Season of Gifts

by Richard Peck (Dial). Grandma Dowdel was introduced to us in the first book A Long Way from Chicago. And we’ll never forget her! She is a lying, surly, independent and hysterically unvarnished character whose stories will make you double over in laughter. We’ve been waiting for her return in this third book, from the perspective of a new neighbor. A fantastic read aloud. (Ages 10 and up)

Scat

by Carl Hiassen (Random House). Fans of Hoot and Flush will be delighted by this new environmental mystery. A swamp fire, a missing teacher and an endangered panther all add up to a winning combination. Of course, the equation seems to be the same as other Hiassen titles, with an evil corporation behind it all, but the author’s voice and humor always seem to overcome the formula. (Ages 10 and up)

Philippa Fisher and the Dream-Maker’s Daughter

by Liz Kessler (Candlewick). From the author of “the mermaid Emily Windsnap” series, Kessler has scored another winning series in “fairy Philippa Fisher”, starting with Philippa Fisher’s Fairy God-sister. In this second book, Philippa’s best friend has moved away, and she makes a new friend in Robyn. But there are mysteries to friendship, and this one involves danger. Some big-girl issues are skillfully addressed, such as nightmares and grief. (Ages 8 and up)

Syren

by Angie Sage (Bloomsbury). Magyk is the first book in this series about a 7th son, Septimus Heap, switched a birth, who has magykal powers. Don’t be alarmed by the size of these books. They are meant to be fat, like Harry Potter, but they are easier to read. There are all kinds of witches, creatures, and wild things that surround this family that also adopted a little girl (who turns out to be the princess, of course.) Guess what? The movie rights have been sold! Syren is book # 5 and is set on a beautiful island - - ahem, remember the title of the book? (Ages 9 and up)

Julie Hubble read a lot of books while her kids had the flu in Leawood, Kansas.