Casey

Casey's earliest memory of reading was the work of Shel Silverstein. Like Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout he had an aversion to garbage as well. After Shel he remembers "Goosebumps" vividly. Monster Blood and Say Cheese and Die were catalysts in his developing skewed personality. He doesn't think he really became a voracious reader until he hit high school. Then he read Tim O'brien's The Things They Carried in Sophomore English, which opened a door into a wonderful obsession. His interests include (thanks to Shel and R.L.) an intense passion for Children's Literature. Middle reader and young adult fiction dominate his personal library. He loves all things fiction and he's knowledgeable about war novels, literary fiction, and Jewish authors, especially Saul Bellow and Philip Roth (his favorite author). He also knows about Judaica, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Computer and Reference books, and History and Politics. Oh and if you do ask him a Children's question, be prepared for a lengthy monologue, as he can talk kids books for hours.

The Lightning Thief
by Rick Riordan
This is the best contemporary retelling of greek mythology that I've read in a long time and it comes in the clever disguise of a cleverly crafted kid's book. Follow Percy (Perseus) Jackson as he discovers his true identity: the son of a Greek god! Join percy on his adventures as he battles the Minotaur, Medusa and adolsecence at a summer camp for demi-gods. Great action and you even learn a thing or two without even trying. Perfect for the fantasy fan or budding mythology scholar.

Gregor the Overlander
by Suzanne Collins
Sucked down a vent in their laundry room, Gregor and his baby sister Boots are thrust into an underground world embroiled in war. The Underlanders, a pale-skinned race of humans are fighting a bitter battle against the giant rats that also inhabit the Underland. All Gregor wants is to protect his sister and get home, but an ancient Underland prophecy reveals Gregor's visit may not be coincidence; he may be called upon to save the world. Fans of Harry Potter and other adventure/fantasy series will fall in love with Gregor.

Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy
by Gary D. Schmidt
This is one of the best books that I have ever read, childrens or otherwise. Schmidt's novel is based on actual events and is a heartbreaking story of racism and intolerance and a tale of two friends that try to rise above it all. Schmidt transports you to early 20th century Maine and keeps you riveted with his intense and beautiful prose.

The Meq
by Steve Cash
Finally, an original voice in Sci-Fi/Fantasy. Cash, a member of the band, the Ozark Mountain Daredevils, brings us a story of an amazing immortal race. "The Meq" live for generations while harnessing their ability to control minds and regenerate themselves. Throughout their lives "The Meq" search for a soulmate, for some it takes thousands of years, but once they blend with their mate they become mortal. "The Meq", however, face their toughest test, one of their own is trying to destroy their race. A brilliant blend of fantasy and historical fiction. Look for the sequel Time dancers.

Mimus
by Lilli Thal
Cornelia Funke watch out! German author Lilli Thal makes her stateside debut with Mimus, an outstanding Medieval fantasy for all ages. It's a tale of warring kingdoms, lowly court jesters, and above all, a boy's ability to triumph over impossible adversity. If Thal continues to produce books like Mimus she will definitely take the crown from Funke as the queen of German kids lit.

An Abundance of Katherines
by John Green
Printz award winner John Green regales readers with his sophomore effort. Green introduces us to Colin, a former child prodigy with a penchant for anagramming and girls named Katherine. Fresh from his break-up to Katherine #19, yes nineteen girls named Katherine, Colin sets out to reclaim his former genius status by discovering a mathematical theory to predict the length and outcome of any relationship. Another geniune and hilarious book by the author of Looking for Alaska, which is finally out in paperback in December 2006.

The Golden Hour
by Maiya Williams
A terrific time travel adventure! Four kids, while vacationing in a Maine town stumble upon a condemned hotel that is not all it seems. During the Golden Hours, the time just before sunset, strange things begin to happen and that is where our story unfolds.

Revenge of the Witch (The Last Apprentice #1)
by Joseph Delaney
One of the spookiest and most spine-tingling books I've read in a long time. Put down that copy of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark and freak yourself out with Delaney's tale of wicked witches, nasty boggarts and the heroic spooks sent to rid the land of evil. You might want to keep the light on and read this one with a friend.