TDmonthly´s Top 10 Most Wanted Books for Children Ages 9 to 12 That You May Not Have Heard Of

By Cicely Enright
February 2005

The research for this article was compiled by January 27, 2005

Fantasy novels hold sway on a number of bestseller lists right now. Beyond the proven magic of the "Harry Potter" and "A Series of Unfortunate Events" adventures, other worlds wait to be explored. Authors continue to publish children’s stories that challenge the intellect, broaden the mind and provide hours of fun.

Kira-Kira by ATHENEUM BOOKS

Kira-Kira by ATHENEUM BOOKS Katie, a first generation Japanese-American girl, moves with her family to Georgia, where her parents struggle to earn a living and care for Katie’s sister, Lynn, who becomes ill with lymphoma.

--Published February 2004, this novel is the winner of the 2005 Newbery Medal from the American Library Association.
--It sits at #2 on Barnes & Noble.com’s bestseller list for readers ages 9 to12.
--This is Cynthia Kadohata’s first novel for middle grades. 1/19/2005 (MSRP: $15.95; Age: 9 to 12)

Dragon Rider by SCHOLASTIC

Dragon Rider by SCHOLASTIC Enter a fantasy world where a silver dragon named Firedrake is joined by an orphan boy and a grumpy fairy to find the mythical Rim of Heaven.

--Translated by Anthea Bell into English from German, “Dragon Rider” tops a Jan. 23 New York Times bestseller list.
--The fantasy was third on the January 1 Publisher’s Weekly bestseller list.
--Cornelia Funke is the best-selling author of “Inkheart” and “The Thief Lord.” 1/31/2005 (MSRP: $12.95; Age: 9 to 12)

Eragon (Book One of the Inheritance Trilogy) by KNOPF

A farm boy named Eragon finds a “blue” stone and bonds with a dragon, Saphira, who hatches from it. The pair then embark on a quest in a fantastic land.

--The paperback edition of Christopher Paolini´s book, originally published August 2003, is due out on April 26.
--“Eldest” (Inheritance Book Two) will be released in August.
--“Eragon” takes a top-five place on recent New York Times and Publisher’s Weekly bestseller lists. 1/31/2005 (MSRP: $18.95)

Chasing Vermeer by SCHOLASTIC

Chasing Vermeer by SCHOLASTIC In this clever book from first-time novelist Blue Balliett, two 11-year-old sleuths work together to solve the disappearance of a priceless Vermeer painting.

--Originally published in June 2004, this book makes a number of bestseller lists including Publisher’s Weekly and the New York Times.
--“A tantalizing mix of mysteries, puzzles, possibilities, and art,” makes the book an Editor’s Choice for 2004 by the editors of ALA Booklist.
--The mass-market paperback will be published in May. 1/31/2005 (MSRP: $18.95; Age: 9 to 12)

Travel Team by PHILOMEL BOOKS

Travel Team by PHILOMEL BOOKS Danny Walker takes his best shot after being cut from the basketball traveling team for being too short: He forms his own team and the tale, both on and off court, is inspiring.

--Sports writer and author Mike Lupica has coached youth basketball.
--Second on the Publisher’s Weekly January bestsellers for children, “Travel Team” is fourth on the New York Times bestseller list.
--The novel, published October 2004, is about more then just sport, which makes it universally appealing. 1/31/2005 (MSRP: $16.99; Age: 9 to 12)

Peter and the Starcatchers by DISNEY EDITIONS

Peter and the Starcatchers by DISNEY EDITIONS Straight from St. Norbert’s Home for Wayward Boys, Peter has shipped out aboard the Never Land in this prequel to “Peter Pan.”

--Booklist reviewer Ilene Cooper notes the book’s richly drawn characters and nonstop action in Dave Barry´s and Ridley Pearson´s colorful tale.
--Currently, this tale is #6 on the bestseller lists from both the New York Times and Publisher’s Weekly.
--“Peter and the Starcatchers” has the added bonus of Oscar nominations for the movie “Finding Neverland.” 1/31/2005 (MSRP: $17.99; Age: 9 to 12)

The Chronicles of Narnia by HARPERCOLLINS PUBLISHERS

The Chronicles of Narnia by HARPERCOLLINS PUBLISHERS From the moment Lucy goes through the wardrobe, adventures begin for her, Edmund, Susan and Peter in the land called Narnia.

--The latest November 2004 edition of C.S. Lewis´ The Chronicles holds 8th place on the New York Times children’s bestseller list.
--More than 50 years after their original publication, Lewis’ seven tales continue to delight and inspire.
--The children’s stories are accompanied by Lewis’ essay, “On Three Ways of Writing for Children.” 1/31/2005 (MSRP: $29.99; Age: 9 to 12)

Because of Winn-Dixie by CANDLEWICK PRESS

Because of Winn-Dixie by CANDLEWICK PRESS Follow the adventures of 10-year-old Opal and her lovable dog in their new home of Naomi, Fla.

--This paperback edition was released in December.
--The author, Kate DiCamillo, has a new book out, “Tale of Despereaux,” that is now on many bestseller lists.
--The movie will come out across the United States on February 18. 1/31/2005 (MSRP: $5.99; Age: 9 to 12)

Where the Sidewalk Ends: 30th Anniversary Special Edition by HARPERCOLLINS PUBLISHERS

Published January 2004, Shel Silverstein’s book of verse is accompanied by line drawings.

--This collection makes the all-time classic books list for ages 8-12 from the Association for Library Service to Children.
--According to Publisher’s Weekly, “Where the Sidewalk Ends” is one of the best-selling children’s books of all time, having sold more than six million copies.
--Twelve new poems, in addition to those of the original 1974 edition, are included. 1/31/2005 (MSRP: $17.99; Age: 9 to 12)

The Dark Hills Divide, Vol. 1 by ORCHARD BOOKS

In the first volume of the Land of Elyon trilogy, Alexa Daley ventures outside the walled city of Bridewell and uncovers a terrible secret.

--The next volume in Patrick Carman´s trilogy is set to come out this year.
--The book, published December 2004, is #10 on the New York Times bestseller list.
--“The Dark Hills Divide” was originally self-published to local acclaim. 1/31/2005 (MSRP: $11.95; Age: 9 to 12)