Reading Recommendations for precocious young readers - Page 2

nomesque · 07-01-2010, 01:39 AM

Terry Pratchett? My 14yo enjoys them, and started reading them about 3 years ago. The 'silly' really appealed to him

Is she a sci fi/fantasy fan? If so, I'll try to remember to ask him for some recommendations.

Darqref · 07-01-2010, 01:56 AM

Piers Anthony is a definite maybe. Some of his work is wonderful for a child, but even the Xanth series depends completely on double entendre and adult puns. ("The Color of Her Panties" ????) And even the best of them have gotten old very quick. But sometimes, that is exactly what a child wants - something that is pretty close to identical to the last one.

There are other books that he's written which ask some very adult questions about life, politics, and religion. Depending on the family and their policies, those might get you in trouble.

And, last of all, there is one Piers Anthony book which borders on child pornography, and would be something I'd never give to anyone else, let alone a child.

My advice would be to remember all the animal books, especially horses. Misty of Chincoteague, and such. At that age, I devoured the Joseph Altsheller Kentucky books (they're available here on MR) and also his Civil War series. More currently, I recommend Tamara Pierce, and Diane Duane (which has the ulterior motive of introducing the child to her more adult books as time goes on - she wrote a lot of Star Trek stuff.)

You might also search out stuff like the old media tie-in books from older TV shows and movies. I remember several books about the 6-million-dollar Man, for example (I think those were by Martin Caidin, who also wrote a bunch of aviation books)

Time travel and alternate history could be fun, and could tie in to both school studies of history and planned vacation travel, to see sights described. Biographies of explorers, such as Lewis and Clark, or people from the Hudson's Bay Company. ( I remember reading "Land of Giants" by David Lavender, and as a result knowing more Northwest history than my 7th grade history teacher, who came from somewhere else. Heady stuff to know more than the teacher....)

kindlekitten · 07-01-2010, 02:33 AM

I picked all of them up when they were free at the Kindle store. haven't read them yet but look forward to it

edit: the Lemony Snickets books

kindlekitten · 07-01-2010, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nomesque

Terry Pratchett? My 14yo enjoys them, and started reading them about 3 years ago. The 'silly' really appealed to him

Is she a sci fi/fantasy fan? If so, I'll try to remember to ask him for some recommendations.

I hadn't thought of Terry Pratchett for her. not sure if she is sci fi/fantasy friendly. her Mom was supposed to give me her list yesterday but forgot it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darqref

Piers Anthony is a definite maybe. Some of his work is wonderful for a child, but even the Xanth series depends completely on double entendre and adult puns. ("The Color of Her Panties" ????) And even the best of them have gotten old very quick. But sometimes, that is exactly what a child wants - something that is pretty close to identical to the last one.

There are other books that he's written which ask some very adult questions about life, politics, and religion. Depending on the family and their policies, those might get you in trouble.

And, last of all, there is one Piers Anthony book which borders on child pornography, and would be something I'd never give to anyone else, let alone a child.

My advice would be to remember all the animal books, especially horses. Misty of Chincoteague, and such. At that age, I devoured the Joseph Altsheller Kentucky books (they're available here on MR) and also his Civil War series. More currently, I recommend Tamara Pierce, and Diane Duane (which has the ulterior motive of introducing the child to her more adult books as time goes on - she wrote a lot of Star Trek stuff.)

You might also search out stuff like the old media tie-in books from older TV shows and movies. I remember several books about the 6-million-dollar Man, for example (I think those were by Martin Caidin, who also wrote a bunch of aviation books)

Time travel and alternate history could be fun, and could tie in to both school studies of history and planned vacation travel, to see sights described. Biographies of explorers, such as Lewis and Clark, or people from the Hudson's Bay Company. ( I remember reading "Land of Giants" by David Lavender, and as a result knowing more Northwest history than my 7th grade history teacher, who came from somewhere else. Heady stuff to know more than the teacher....)

I think Anthony is maybe a bit much pre 16 or so. I forgot about the Misty books! the historical ones are a good suggestion as well!

ardeegee · 07-01-2010, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kindlekitten

I think Anthony is maybe a bit much pre 16 or so.

Hey, you want to give your kid books that she will remember for the rest of her life! Give her Firefly or Pornucopia, and she will!

kindlekitten · 07-01-2010, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ardeegee

Hey, you want to give your kid books that she will remember for the rest of her life! Give her Firefly or Pornucopia, and she will!

ummmmm

SameOldStory · 07-01-2010, 07:23 PM

I'm a little too old for young adult books but I still re-read Andre Norton science fiction from time to time.

These are all free.

All Cats Are Gray, 1953

The Defiant Agents, 1962

The Gifts of Asti, 1948

Key Out of Time, 1963

The People of the Crater, 1947

Plague Ship, 1956

Ralestone Luck, 1938

Rebel Spurs, 1962

Ride Proud, Rebel!, 1961

Star Born, 1957

Star Hunter, 1961

Storm Over Warlock, 1960

The Time Traders, 1958

Voodoo Planet, 1959

But for a girl!

Why not. They were written by a "girl".

ardeegee · 07-01-2010, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SameOldStory

I'm a little too old for young adult books

You are never too old for a well-written book, even if it is written with a YA audience in mind.

kindlekitten · 07-01-2010, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SameOldStory

I'm a little too old for young adult books but I still re-read Andre Norton science fiction from time to time.

These are all free.

All Cats Are Gray, 1953

The Defiant Agents, 1962

The Gifts of Asti, 1948

Key Out of Time, 1963

The People of the Crater, 1947

Plague Ship, 1956

Ralestone Luck, 1938

Rebel Spurs, 1962

Ride Proud, Rebel!, 1961

Star Born, 1957

Star Hunter, 1961

Storm Over Warlock, 1960

The Time Traders, 1958

Voodoo Planet, 1959

But for a girl!

Why not. They were written by a "girl".

coolness! I think they are part of the collected works which I had downloaded. they are a lot easier to handle individually!

SameOldStory · 07-01-2010, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kindlekitten

coolness! I think they are part of the collected works which I had downloaded. they are a lot easier to handle individually!

One of the 3 books I'm reading now (almost finished) is THE DEFIANT AGENTS.

WillAdams · 07-02-2010, 07:58 AM

Susan Cooper's _The Dark is Rising_ pentalogy is wonderful --- a book which makes the world a better place. Excellent choice if the child finds Arthurian works of interest.

kindlekitten · 07-02-2010, 12:58 PM

never heard of that one! need to check it out!

HarryT · 07-02-2010, 01:32 PM

I'd recommend Edgar Rice Burroughs - especially the Barsoom, Pellucidar, and Tarzan books. All in the US public domain and available here at MR.

kindlekitten · 07-02-2010, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

I'd recommend Edgar Rice Burroughs - especially the Barsoom, Pellucidar, and Tarzan books. All in the US public domain and available here at MR.

yep! I got those! and the Princess of Mars and such

(hey Harry, could you stick a *g* on the end of reading for me? I apparently lost it)

HarryT · 07-02-2010, 01:42 PM

No problem - there you go.

07-01-2010, 02:33 AM	#18
kindlekitten Professional Adventuress Posts: 13,368 Karma: 50260224 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: The Olympic Peninsula on the OTHER Washington! (the big green clean one on the west coast!) Device: Kindle, the original! Times Two! and gifting an International Kindle	I picked all of them up when they were free at the Kindle store. haven't read them yet but look forward to it edit: the Lemony Snickets books Last edited by kindlekitten; 07-01-2010 at 09:52 AM.

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07-01-2010, 01:39 AM	#16
nomesque Snooty Bestselling Author Posts: 1,485 Karma: 1000000 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Ipswich, QLD, Australia Device: PRS-650	Terry Pratchett? My 14yo enjoys them, and started reading them about 3 years ago. The 'silly' really appealed to him Is she a sci fi/fantasy fan? If so, I'll try to remember to ask him for some recommendations.

07-01-2010, 01:56 AM	#17
Darqref space cadet Posts: 330 Karma: 2963633 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Seattle area Device: Rocket PRO, gen3, Pocketbook360	Piers Anthony is a definite maybe. Some of his work is wonderful for a child, but even the Xanth series depends completely on double entendre and adult puns. ("The Color of Her Panties" ????) And even the best of them have gotten old very quick. But sometimes, that is exactly what a child wants - something that is pretty close to identical to the last one. There are other books that he's written which ask some very adult questions about life, politics, and religion. Depending on the family and their policies, those might get you in trouble. And, last of all, there is one Piers Anthony book which borders on child pornography, and would be something I'd never give to anyone else, let alone a child. My advice would be to remember all the animal books, especially horses. Misty of Chincoteague, and such. At that age, I devoured the Joseph Altsheller Kentucky books (they're available here on MR) and also his Civil War series. More currently, I recommend Tamara Pierce, and Diane Duane (which has the ulterior motive of introducing the child to her more adult books as time goes on - she wrote a lot of Star Trek stuff.) You might also search out stuff like the old media tie-in books from older TV shows and movies. I remember several books about the 6-million-dollar Man, for example (I think those were by Martin Caidin, who also wrote a bunch of aviation books) Time travel and alternate history could be fun, and could tie in to both school studies of history and planned vacation travel, to see sights described. Biographies of explorers, such as Lewis and Clark, or people from the Hudson's Bay Company. ( I remember reading "Land of Giants" by David Lavender, and as a result knowing more Northwest history than my 7th grade history teacher, who came from somewhere else. Heady stuff to know more than the teacher....)

07-01-2010, 07:23 PM	#22
SameOldStory My True Self Posts: 3,126 Karma: 66242098 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Trantor, Galactic Center Device: Galaxy Tab 2 7.0	I'm a little too old for young adult books but I still re-read Andre Norton science fiction from time to time. These are all free. All Cats Are Gray, 1953 The Defiant Agents, 1962 The Gifts of Asti, 1948 Key Out of Time, 1963 The People of the Crater, 1947 Plague Ship, 1956 Ralestone Luck, 1938 Rebel Spurs, 1962 Ride Proud, Rebel!, 1961 Star Born, 1957 Star Hunter, 1961 Storm Over Warlock, 1960 The Time Traders, 1958 Voodoo Planet, 1959 But for a girl! Why not. They were written by a "girl".

07-02-2010, 07:58 AM	#26
WillAdams Wizard Posts: 1,234 Karma: 3350652 Join Date: Feb 2008 Device: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (300ppi), Samsung Galaxy Book 12	Susan Cooper's _The Dark is Rising_ pentalogy is wonderful --- a book which makes the world a better place. Excellent choice if the child finds Arthurian works of interest.

07-02-2010, 12:58 PM	#27
kindlekitten Professional Adventuress Posts: 13,368 Karma: 50260224 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: The Olympic Peninsula on the OTHER Washington! (the big green clean one on the west coast!) Device: Kindle, the original! Times Two! and gifting an International Kindle	never heard of that one! need to check it out!

07-02-2010, 01:32 PM	#28
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	I'd recommend Edgar Rice Burroughs - especially the Barsoom, Pellucidar, and Tarzan books. All in the US public domain and available here at MR.

07-02-2010, 01:42 PM	#30
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	No problem - there you go.

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