Books recommendation for advance readers

Jazz reads avidly, and excessively. Almost like the air she breathes. Happy problem, I know. 

Since she reads so widely, I asked her for a list of recommended books for advance readers. She is 10, I guess her recommended titles are good for 7 to 12 year olds. Sometimes, just likes movies and dramas, I prefer watching and reading them recommended. It can be a total waste of time chasing one that is ultimate boring. Preference may be subjective, but at least there is a trace of recommendation for reference. No spoilers here. 

We usually buy books from Book Depository (Free shipping) or the annual book box sale, which the daughter said some of her favourites were from this hunt. And of course, our most well visited place for books would be our well stacked local libraries. In fact, most of her recommended titles here were loaned from the library.

Here are FIVE titles the daughter listed as MUST READ. More titles to come, but these first:

1. Switched at Birthday: A Wish Novel
By Natalie Standieford

Lavender and Scarlet are nothing alike. Scarlet is tall, pretty, and popular -- the star of the soccer team and the queen of the school. Lavender is none of these things. Her friends aren't considered cool, her hair is considered less than uncool, and her performance at the recent talent show is something nobody will ever forget -- even though she really, really wants it to be forgotten.

There's only one thing Lavender and Scarlet know for sure they have in common: the same birthday.

They've never had parties together. They've never swapped presents. But this year, because of two wishes that turned all too true, they are about to swap something much bigger than presents. Because the morning after their birthdays, Lavender is going to wake up in Scarlet's body and Scarlet is going to wake up in Lavender's. But in order to change back, they're going to have to figure out how to be someone completely opposite of who they ordinarily are.

 

2. Times Squared
By Julia DeVillers and Jennifer Roy

Identical twin sisters Payton and Emma Mills have "traded faces" and created "twin-dentical chaos" at school and at home. But you haven't seen anything yet. Payton and Emma are off to "twin-vade" New York City! Payton's drama club plans a field trip to see an off-Broadway show, and Emma's mathletes team will compete in an elite competition. Sounds twin-tastic! But Payton never imagined the star of the show would be Ashlynn, her old nemesis from summer camp whose chores Payton traded for designer clothes. Are Payton's "Summer Slave" days coming back to haunt her? Or will she be saved by a flip-flop twin swap? Emma has her own nemesis to face--she and Jazmine James are on the same team. But teamwork? Not so much. Since Jazmine is in it to win it...will Emma have to "twin" it? Payton and Emma must do a 'twins-formation' to rescue each other again. And again! (Not again!) Toss in cute boys, crazy triplet poofy Pomeranian stage puppies, and New York City and things get a little twin-sane. Is the big city ready for Payton and Emma! (or is it Emma and Payton?) and their mixed-up mayhem? Which is which in the biggest twin switch yet!

 

3. The Polka Dot Shop 

By Laurel Remington

When Andy's school announces a new no-uniform policy, her classmates  are over the moon - but her heart sinks. All she wants is to dress like everyone else, but her mum's the owner of a run-down kooky vintage boutique, so she's bound to look - well - different. But when Andy finds a gorgeous bag full of designer goodies in the shop's storeroom, everything changes. Can she learn to love vintage, and help transform her Mum's shop into something truly special?

4. Spy School

By Stuart Gibbs

Can an undercover nerd become a superstar agent? Ben Ripley sure hopes so--and his life may depend on it! Ben Ripley may only be in middle school, but he's already pegged his dream job: C.I.A. or bust. Unfortunately for him, his personality doesn't exactly scream "secret agent." In fact, Ben is so awkward, he can barely get to school and back without a mishap. Because of his innate nerdiness, Ben is not surprised when he is recruited for a magnet school with a focus on science--but he's entirely shocked to discover that the school is actually a front for a junior C.I.A. academy. Could the C.I.A. really want him? Actually, no. There's been a case of mistaken identity--but that doesn't stop Ben from trying to morph into a supercool undercover agent, the kind that always gets the girl. And through a series of hilarious misadventures, Ben realizes he might actually be a halfway decent spy...if he can survive all the attempts being made on his life!

There are a couple of Spy school series for read. 

5. The World's Greatest Chocolate-Covered Pork Chop

By Ryan K. Sager

This is her most recommended title of all. I can't find it on Book Depository, or any local book stores. It is available on Amazon, with applied shipping fees. Jazz encountered this book from our library, call number SAG. 

Twelve-year-old chef Zoey Kate's Fried Banana Fondue is delectable, her Maple Cinnamon Crab Fajitas are divine, and her Chocolate-Covered Pork Chops are to die for. Zoey is the best cook in town and she wants everyone to know it. She's on a mission to start her own restaurant, but quickly learns that the restaurant industry is competitive and dangerous. There are people who see Zoey as a threat, and they'll use any means necessary to make sure that she fails.

Featuring a precocious, larger-than-life character, lots of humor, fast-paced action and mouth-watering foods, this cooking story is sure to appeal to young foodies and fans of shows like MasterChef Junior and Rachael vs. Guy: Kids Cook-Off.

If your child loves to read, you may hunt these down to keep him/her occupied this upcoming school holiday! We believe something magical will happen if you read a good book, like taking a journey away from reality. 

Happy Reading!