If you're in grades 5-9 and you've been wondering what to read next, this helpful book is a great resource to keep in mind. Like other reader's advisory titles, this book aims to connect kids with the very best in children's literature. Recommended titles are newer (less than 10 years old), appropriate for kids in the target age group, and have been well reviewed in professional literature).
This book is unique in that it recommends "gentle reads". These books are ones that are inspiring, heartwarming, or in some way uplifting to a reader. The author was pushing back against the plethora of Young Adult titles that focus on the negative aspects of life: drug addiction, mental illness, and other troubles.
The hundreds of titles included in this resource are certainly top notch, and I'm sure that kids who want an uplifting read will truly appreciate the book's positive focus. Recommendations are divided into genres, and include nonfiction as well as fiction titles. The subject index at the back of the book is particularly useful for teachers and literature specialists who are looking to connect a certain type of book with a reader.
Generally, this is an excellent and useful resource. I do hope, however, that readers do not entirely ignore the wonderful selection of books that do focus on the harsher aspects of life for children and teens. Some of these books are incredibly positive, since they show kids who run up against the worst that life has to offer, and somehow pull through with grace and wisdom. As part of a balanced reading diet, Gentle Reads is a wonderful pointer for kids and parents.
Nonfiction: Reader's Advisory
Grades 5-9
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