Are you looking for a great fiction book to get your nine or older child excited to read? I’ve read and reviewed some outstanding books that they will not want to put down – as well as being great for parents to read out loud to families.

Let’s begin with some realistic and historical fiction books. Woods Runner, by Gary Paulsen, is most likely going to be one of my favorites of 2010 because it has all of the elements of a great historical fiction. Thirteen-year-old Samuel lives in the wooded and uncivilized area of frontier America, and the Redcoats, along with the Iroquois, are in battle with the Patriots. When Samuel returns to his cabin from the underbrush, he sees his parents captured and taken prisoner and he must follow them in order to save their lives. The author (who also happens to be one of my favorites) writes an adventure that’s sure to keep you reading to the very end. But he does something a bit differently in this story. As the story progresses and Samuel finds various ways and means to get to his parents, he also encounters trouble along the way.  Mr. Paulsen places a short historically accurate account at the end of each chapter that parallels what Samuel just did or experienced. This documentation brings to light for the reader the reality of the Revolutionary War like I’ve never seen in a book geared for young readers.

Anything But Typical, by Nora Raleigh Baskin, is a story that deals with autistic Jason who is 12-years-old and trying so hard to fit in with his peers at school and having great difficulties in his attempts.  What this book exemplifies so well are the inside thoughts of Jason as he deals with his tribulations, and eventual triumphs, as he explores and discovers relationships and conversing with others.  Fifth, sixth and seventh grade students should read this book to help them understand kids that seem or act differently than them.  I actually thought this book would be a Newbery winner this year – it’s that good!

Confetti Girl, by Diana Lopez, is a story that celebrates books, reading, Spanish proverbs and relationships. The first page is a great indication of the humor found throughout as you immediately learn that Lina loves to collect socks which is due to the fact that there is no TV in her home, so she has found other ways to spend her time. Her father, who teaches high school English, insists on reading, rather than watching TV. But since her mom suddenly died, both she and her father are struggling to get on with life. She finds that making cascornes (eggshells filled with confetti) helps bring a little happiness. But she’s about to find this confetti will bring much more. Each chapter begins with a Spanish proverb and there are more found in the glossary at the back of the book.

Wicked Will: A Mystery of Young William Shakespeare, by Bailey MacDonald, is another historical fiction novel that’s set during Elizabethan England. Young Tom is an apprentice actor who meets and eventually befriends another young player – William Shakespeare. As the two become fast friends, they become embroiled in a mystery when they find the body of a wealthy farmer. Tom’s uncle is accused of murdering the farmer which propels both youths to discover the truth. There is much to discover and learn from in this invigorating story.

The rest of the books are in the fantasy and science fiction genre. The Doom Machine, by Mark Teague, is most likely going to be another one of my favorites this year. Teague, who is nationally known for his award-winning picture books, makes his novel debut here with this exciting new book. It has all of the elements that kids love, making this a page turner from beginning to end. The year is 1956 and young Jack is up early delivering newspapers when he sees a giant flying saucer land nearby. The town is in an uproar and evacuates with the exception of a few members which includes Jack’s family.  Dr. Shumway and her daughter, Isadora, have just recently arrived not knowing the dilemma and they stay until her car, which just broke down, is fixed. In the meantime, the alien creatures (that resemble giant spiders) are about to kidnap the aforementioned protagonists along with Jack’s Uncle Bud. The story moves fast and is filled with adventure and humor and terrific illustrations by Teague. This would be a wonderful read-aloud!

The Genie Scheme, by Kimberly K. Jones, is a story that reflects the events that can happen when reaching out and doing good deeds for others. Twelve-year-old Janna happens to help out an old lady by purchasing a hat for her when the lady can’t afford to buy it. What Janna soon discovers is that this “old lady” is really a thousand-year-old genie who will give her anything she desires. Her wishes soon become more refined – and giving – as Janna matures in selflessness and learns about the pitfalls of greed.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, by Grace Lin, won this year’s Newbery Honor award and exemplifies the importance of family, honor and friendship. Young Minli, whose family is very poor, loves to listen to her father’s tales of the Jade Dragon and the Old Man on the Moon who knows all of the answers to life’s questions. So Minli sets off to find this Old Man on the Moon to ask how her family can obtain wealth. Through this extraordinary adventure, she meets many interesting characters on her way to visit the Old Man. The rich language, interesting tale and beautiful colorful illustrations sprinkled throughout, along with the strong morals learned, make for perfect reading.

Green, by Laura Peyton Roberts, is a great book to celebrate Leprechauns. Lily turns 13 at the beginning of the book and discovers a package on her doorstep.  When she opens it, there’s a slight explosion which knocks her out. When she is brought to her bedroom, she discovers a small wee man standing on her bed. He and three other Leprechauns whisk her away to become their keeper of their clan. This appears to be the first book in a series