Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Age or Ability Specific Forums Picking the right books

YES - Lemony Snicket is AWESOME! Warning though: my DD8 is quite sensitive (we always say her imagination is too vivid) and was too scared to read the first book a couple of years ago. Then this spring, she soared through all 13 in a couple of weeks - I couldn't buy them fast enough! So if yours is sensitive too, it may mean waiting until s/he is ready.

Sorry I keep posting long-winded messages; obviously, we are big readers!

I wanted to make sure you all know about the Scholastic Warehouse Sales. We have a warehouse near us (check http://www.scholastic.com/bookfairs/events/warehouse/). We're on their mailing list, so twice/year usually Dec. and May, they email us an announcement of their upcoming sale. I think all books are at least 50% off with the exception of a short list that are 'only' 30% off. We spend about $150 each time and bring home 1-2 cases of books. My DD8 just goes to the box whenever she wants a new book (luckily she loves to re-read her favorites, so they tend to last about 6 months).

That reminds me: one of the best books we've ever gotten at their warehouse sale is "The Princess Academy". DD8 has read it at least 2 dozen times. I happened to pick it up because it won a medal (we tend to love all children's medal winners, but usually don't love adult winners - what does that say about my maturity level ;-)...). Another one we got there that may appeal to the original princess that started this thread is Ella Enchanted.

I had one more thought--has your daughter read "Miss Hickory" by Carolyn Sherwin Bailey? Reaching back deep into the mists of time (!), I remember that this was one of my favourite books when I was five. Miss Hickory is an appletwig doll with a nut head (hazel? acorn? can't remember) and a corncob cabin; she gets left behind by her human family one hard winter, and has to live outdoors with the animals instead of in the house. One slightly disturbing touch at the end--a squirrel eats her head!!! (I remember my small self being startled but not grieved by this--don't know how your DD would feel.) But she grafts her body onto an apple tree, and so lives on forever near her family's house.

Austin, we love A Wrinkle in Time, too--I haven't read the rest of the series, though. The Black Stallion is also v. good--have you seen the Coppola film as well? Very beautiful, I think.

peace
minnie