Are you looking for great books that you can’t stop reading this summer?  I’ve found several fiction books for older readers that fit this description — and what a great way to kick off this sunny, hot season! 

Since it takes me some time to completely read through this type of fiction, I’m only reviewing four books this week.  I’m reading for high interest, excitement, pure pleasure and to make sure the content is appropriate. 

More and more, children’s literature these days seems to have small amounts of inappropriate language and sexual content.  That’s where my reviews become even more unique and important to parents, because I read through the entire book — making sure that it is great literature and appropriate as well. 

So, with that in mind, here are some really great books to begin your summer.  They would all be great for reading-aloud for ages 8+ or read-alone books for ages 10 through adult!

Let’s begin with a book that seems to be garnering a lot of interest.  Tunnels, by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams, fits my theme perfectly.  When I began this 472-page book, I was very glad that I had a few hours to really get into the book because once I started it I could not put it down.  The story is full of mystery and intrigue and weaves the reader into the depths of the earth as 14-year-old Will soon loses his father to the deep underground. 

How did his father suddenly vanish and where is he now?  These underlying questions prevail as Will and his friend, Chester, begin to search deeper in the earth for answers to his father’s whereabouts.  Will’s excavations create a yearning and significant desire for the reader to learn, along with Will, the mysteries of an underground tunneling system. 

Be prepared for an adventure that will excavate your imagination and thrill you from beginning to the deep, unearthed ending.  And from the last sentence of the book, it appears there are more exciting sequels to come.

If you haven’t read any of Brandon Mull’s books, you’re missing out on one of today’s best fantasy writers.  His newest Fablehaven book is his third in this series and once again he lives up to his incredible ability to create a most imaginative storyline.  

Fablehaven:  Grip of the Shadow Plague is filled with intrigue and fantastic fantasy from the very first chapter.  Mull easily recounts where the last book left off without explaining too much, thus keeping the momentum going and the anticipation high. 

Seth sets out beyond his grandparents’ yard into the forbidden woods where dangers lurk. What he discovers within the walled trees begins a journey that will only get him deeper into a threatening predicament.  This is only in the first chapter! 

The second chapter has Seth’s sister, Kendra, becoming involved with the evil “Vanessa” who is caught inside the “quiet box” where she belongs.  Or does she?  This is quite a quandary for Kendra, who has questions that she wants to ask, but letting Vanessa out could cause deadly results. 

Already Mull has created a maze of events that pique the interest of the readers and will surely keep them reading to the end.  The author is a master of ingenuity, creativity and imagination, making the descriptions and adventures of the many diversions the kids experience fulfilling and extremely enjoyable.

Here’s another book that I could not put down until the last page. 

The Missing: Found, by Margaret Peterson Haddix, is an amazing story that is full of mystery, intrigue and suspense.  This is what drives the story because the author, who wrote the exciting Among the Hidden and Running out of Time books, knows just how much information to leave out along the way to keep readers on the edge of their seats.  She is a master storyteller in weaving a storyline that’s unique and unpredictable.

This book begins with a new ticket agent who just spotted an unscheduled airplane pull up to the gate.  Why had no one spotted it on the radar screen?  And now as she approaches the plane to greet the passengers, where are the pilots?  And as she boards the plane, all of the passengers are….babies? 

Now fast forward 13 years as Jonah has just become new friends with Chip.  Why did Jonah just receive a letter with only the words “You are one of the Missing”?  Soon after, he receives another letter that says, “Beware!  They are coming to get you!” 

For some reason, Chip has also received these letters.  Who is coming — and why?  There are many questions that begin to arise as he, Chip and his little sister attempt to solve what seems to be a growing mystery involving them.

The Magic Half, by Annie Barrows, is a cleverly woven story that begins with Miri, who is right in the middle of two sets of twins.  But her life is about to change when she spots a piece of eye-glass partly hidden in her new house.  When she places it up to her eye, she is suddenly transported back in time 80 years.  There in her same house, sits a girl, Molly, who is her same age. 

But unlike Miri, who just wished she could have a twin sister like her siblings have, Molly is miserable and picked upon by her mean aunt and meaner cousins.  Since her mother has died and her father has abandoned her, the relatives feel very put upon to have to take care of her and are about to send her away. 

What happens to these girls and how the author spins this unique and inviting tale will surely make you want more from this author. 

My only complaint is that the author uses the Lord’s name in vain a few times in the book.  It takes away from the story and is offensive.