Chapter book - Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief

Most any kid between the ages of 8-15 knows this series.  It's generally recommended for 9 and up but I started my son on this series for 2 reasons: One, he had read the complete Du'Laire's Greek Myths book and was really into Greek Mythology. I like to encourage this level of absorption in a subject because it offers many opportunities to discuss difficult topics and explore subjects deeper. Plus, many of the Greek Myths are really magical and imaginative. The second reason I let him read this is because I've read the entire series. My son had been asking if he could check these out at the library and I told him only on the condition I read all of them first, and if they were not appropriate, the answer would be "no". Turns out, I think the first two are appropriate for his age.  Like the Harry Potter series, the books get a little darker beginning in Book Three. So I will review the first two, and hold judgment on the third until my son is ready to read it.

Percy Jackson is a "half-blood" (much like Harry Potter... many similarities, which indicates that perhaps common themes repeat themselves throughout all junior books). He is half God and half human.  The books never address the reality of what that means. The older kids will of course figure it out, but you may have to address this with younger ones if they ask. The story is relatively simple: The Greek Gods are real. They exist in an Olympus that follows western civilization, which happens to be the U.S.A. (convenient) The Gods are on the verge of war because Zeus believes Poseidon (the father of Percy) had his son (Percy) steal his master lightening bolt. If the master lightening bolt is not retrieved by the Summer Solstice, then there will be an epic war between the "Big 3" Gods (Zeus, Poseidon and Hades). Percy at this point doesn't know he is a half-blood, nor who his father is. When you are introduced to him he is a SIXTH GRADER (not that ridiculous 17 year old in the live-action movie version) and lives with his mom and his rather repulsive step-father (Gabe).  He is chased by Greek monsters and rescued and taken to Half-Blood Camp - a camp for the children of Gods and humans. There he learns about the whole dust up between Zeus and Poseidon, miraculously learns to fight overnight, gets a quest to find the master lightening bolt, and in the meantime has to somehow rescue his mother who has been taken to the underworld while handling the emotional turmoil of learning his new identity.
The story is fast paced and has a lot of action in it. Honestly, I think kids would enjoy it more if they understood the Greek Myths first. My son was thrilled when he could recognize the Greek characters by their mere descriptions (even though all the Greek characters and monsters are "modernized" for present day). There's a lot of fighting in it. Virtually no guns (except at the end, when Ares, the God of War carries one) but lots and lots of swords and blades.
Things to be aware of : (1)The whole God-Human procreating little half-blood babies issue (2) There is some insinuation of domestic violence between Percy's mother and his stepfather. There is a reference to Gabe raising his hand to hit Percy's mother, and Percy recognizing that Gabe probably hits her regularly when he is not at home.  My son was very upset by this, as our family is extremely pacifist and does not permit hitting for any reason, even joking but it started a discussion about why it is wrong to hit people and differences in families that cause this type of violence to happen (3) Percy's mother is taken to the underworld. This is disturbing in the sense that she is in essence frozen at the moment she "dies" (although she is technically not dead) and so the descriptions of her are of her in pain. (4) Lots of monsters. If your kid scares easily over descriptions of hideous monsters, this is not the series for you. They are all straight out of the Greek myths (minotaur, Medusa, the Furies, etc.) but that doesn't make them any less ugly or awful. (5)Percy fights, a lot. The idea of a 12-year old wielding a sword and killing things (monsters mostly) might be disturbing for some.And he is in danger a lot. (6) Percy fights girls. For those parents who do not want to read about girls getting into battles, don't read. However, these girls kick ass. Just saying. (7) Questionable name calling like stupid, idiot, moron. But I can hardly find a book for kids over 4 that doesn't have those words in them.
Those are the main issues. The good parts? (1) It's a solid story that will keep kids prone to adventure and suspense completely engaged. Each chapter ends with a cliffhanger, which drives my son nuts when we stop reading.  (2) There's no cussing, other than "dang" or "darn". (2) There's no sex. There's a budding relationship between Percy and a fellow half-blood Annabeth (who accompanies him on his quest) but it is friendship. Annabeth has a crush on a boy (who is, of course, a bad boy) but it's not over the top and the most you get is her blushing  (3) The main theme is really about finding your inner hero. Kids like this idea - that they have it in them (through divine procreation or otherwise) to be the one to save the world. I like this idea, too. Stories that encourage you to build your own story are good things. Boys especially are drawn to hero stories, and this is a little different than Superheroes (but not much). So, if you're tired of Marvel and DC Comics (yes, please) then you might want to try this out. (5) Girls kick ass (I already said that, right? Since I have a girl as well, it's nice to see stories that have strong and wickedly smart girls in them). I recognize that kicking ass might be counter-pacifist, but I'm also a feminist, so kicking ass is more a metaphor for owning your own power and confidance. Right? (6) and finally, this book has more humor than Harry Potter, and for that reason, my son loved it. He would laugh out loud. Some of the humor is that sarcastic style that tweeners tend to get, but most of it is just based on juxtaposed Greek and modern elements (like a Satry eating diet coke cans for a snack).

Cabin Creek Mysteries

My son is into mysteries. I discovered this series when I did a search for new Encyclopedia Brown stories. We checked the first one out at the library, and he's wolfed down three since. There are several in the series, and while not as prolific yet as the Hardy Boys or Encyclopedia, there are enough in the series to get involved with it.

This is a modern day version of the Hardy Boys. There are two boys, brothers, and a tag-a-long little girl cousin.  The mysteries occur around "Cabin Creek" where the brothers' family has a cabin.  The first mystery is set in a cave on an island (that, warning, they were ordered not to go to). The boys are older, around tween, early teen, and are often left alone by their mother to get into scrapes and adventures.  This is typical it seems of literature now days as most of the stories and television shows just seem to disregard parental supervision.  However, so were the Hardy Boys. 

The kids get into scary situations (stuck in a cave, or accused of stealing, etc.) but always manage to think their way out.  The girl cousin is generally the voice of reason. She's a bit of a smart-ass to tell the truth, and I like that.  Not great literature, but a relatively easy read with the mystery aspect to keep younger readers hooked.

Chapter Book - Melvin Beederman

We love Melvin Beederman.  This is one of my son's favorite chapter book series ( and one of my favorites, too!) There are seven books in the series so far. The reason I love this series is because the superhero is just a regular boy. He's not super talented, not super good looking, and not super agile either. But seems super nice and super smart. His superhero powers come from his cape, as well as his superhero education. He adheres closely to the "code" of superhero conduct.

Melvin graduates from Superhero Academy, top of his class, despite his difficulties getting off the ground.  He is sent to Los Angeles, of all places, for his first assignment.  It's a rather lonely life being a boy superhero in a city the size of Los Angeles.  Through a series of mishaps a young girl accidentally gets his cape, and becomes a superhero. There's some tension about him getting the cape back (my son was very concerned that the girl would keep the cape and Melvin would no longer be a superhero) but superheros don't give up. In fact, the girl, Candace, and Melvin become friends - and eventually partners.

What's wonderful about this series is that it is funny in a old-fashioned tongue-in-cheek\ way.  The feel is an old 50's superhero melodrama ("Will our intrepid hero be able to save the day?") on black and white t.v.  Every superhero has a weakness, but the weakness is so funny and unexpected that it becomes hilarious and nonthreatening for someone reading the story (hint, bologna). The villains are hilarious both in name and character. None of them are too mean or vicious for this story, but annoying enough you root for Melvin.

He and his new friend, Candace, become partners by cutting the cape in half and each wearing one.  Melvin helps Candace with her math homework, and Candace helps him on his mission.  It's a wonderful contrast that she's the athletic one, with no problems getting into the air to fly, and he's the academic one with tremendous difficulty getting into the air. I like that there is a girl superhero in here, and the idea that anyone can be a superhero, so long as they have a cape and follow the code. Seems very inclusive.

The only issue with the book is that Melvin is a boy, living alone (all alone), with no parents. There's no back story on his parents.  My son was a bit concerned about this. But with a little discussion about suspension of disbelief, and understanding the magic of making up your own story, he moved past it.  Highly recommended.