Hey guys! I’m a huge Austenite (as in Jane Austen; Wikipedia her if you don’t know who she is… then go live under a rock 🙂 …just kidding!) and so I thought I would put together a list of a few books that a Jane Austen-esque lady would read– as in no bad words, no PG-13 stuff. So I have ten books for this month. That leaves a book every three days for you people who pace yourself. (I don’t.)

1. The Mysterious Benedict Society, by Trenton Lee Stewart
Really good first book in this series. Read if you like travel, adventure, and no romance.

2. Princess Academy, by Shannon Hale
A cute book about a girl in a small mountain village who finds out that she might have a shot at being princess. Chick-lit fantasy with a bit of romance.

3. The Mother-Daughter Book Club, by Heather Vogel Frederick
Super cute chick-lit for kind of younger audiences. I would recommend 6-8 grade.

4. When You Reach Me, by Rebecca Stead
A really interesting book set in 1979 about time travel. It’s short but it’s definitely not a light read– this one will test your higher thinking skills

5. Once Upon a Marigold, by Jean Ferris
A good book for younger readers (or when you need a break from all those metaphorical books you read in English class) and has a sequel called Twice Upon a Marigold. They are really fun and lighthearted, but romance is a big theme– sorry guys.

6. Secrets of my Hollywood Life, by Jen Calonita
Awesome insight on what it means to be a celebrity “it” girl 24/7 and just wanting a normal life. Definitely chick-lit.

7.  The Lightning Thief, by Rick Riordan (and any other book Rick Riordan has written…)
Riordan is a great author whose books appeal to ages 10-18, give or take a few. His books are all about mythology and are super lighthearted, with lots of appeal for both a male or female reader.

8. Artemis Fowl, by Eoin Colfer
An awesome book about a super genius 12 year old who always wins, when he wants to capture a fairy. This book is great for boys and girls, and I think all ages can appreciate Artemis’ cunning and… compassion?

9. Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine
Super cute book. I know all you girls that have read it are like, “I read that in the 3rd grade. I don’t want to read it again.” But trust me. It’s a super sweet book and it’s one of my all time faves.

10. Fablehaven, by Brandon Mull
This five book series is awesome– about a brother and a sister that go on vacation to their grandpa’s house and find out he is caretaker for a magical wildlife preserve. It is really funny and sweet. I’d say that it’s gender-neutral and for all ages.

-Becka O., 8th grade