Grandparents can help their grandchildren love reading

Within the last week, two grandfathers from opposite ends of the country e-mailed to say that they regularly buy books for their grandchildren based on my reviews. Of course, I'm very flattered. But more than that, their selfless acts of generosity are an inspiring testimony of the value these grandfathers place in reading and helping their grandchildren connect with books they will enjoy.

Since the goal is to help children foster an interest in reading, it's essential to put the best books in front of the child. That's what these two grandfathers are doing, and that's precisely what you'll find here every week — only the cream-of-the-crop in children's literature.

It would be wonderful if we were all like these grandfathers and took it upon ourselves to provide a steady stream of awesome books to the children in our lives. Theirs is certainly an example worth following.

Books to Borrow

The following book is available at many public libraries.

• "Pirates Don't Change Diapers" by Melinda Long, illustrated by David Shannon, Harcourt, 40 pages

Read aloud: age 5 and older

Read yourself: age 7 — 8 and older

Jeremy's pirate friends have returned to Jeremy's house to dig up their treasure, but the pirates are so loud, they accidentally wake Jeremy's baby sister, Bonney Anne. Before anyone can do any digging, the pirates and Jeremy have to sooth the baby and make her happy.

But pirates aren't accustomed to the baby business, and one hilarious event after another has the pirates scrambling to do the right thing. Once Bonney Anne is finally asleep, it's time to dig. But wait! What happened to the treasure map?

This highly entertaining story will have readers agreeing — pirates don't change diapers, at least not very well!

Librarian's Choice

Library: Sutter County Library, 750 Forbes Ave., Yuba City

Library Director: Roxanna Parker

Children's Librarian: Chalese Valdez

Choices this week: "My Father the Dog" by Elizabeth Bluemle; "My Mom the Pirate" by Jackie French; "Stellaluna" by Janell Cannon

Books to Buy

The following books are available at your favorite bookstores.

• "The Maze Runner" by James Dashner, Delacorte Press, 2009, 374 pages, $16.99 hardcover

Read aloud: age 12 and older

Read yourself: age 12 and older

Sixteen-year-old Thomas wakes to discover he has arrived in the Glade. Like the other boys there, his memory has been erased except for his name. Thomas and the others have no idea why there are here. The Glade is a large expanse surrounded by enormous stone walls. Outside the walls is an ever-changing maze. Giant stone doors open to the maze at sunrise and close at sunset. Those who fail to return from the maze at sunset face certain death from what lurks there at night.

One day after Thomas arrives in the Glade, the first girl arrives, all but in a coma. What she manages to say in her delirium shocks everyone, especially Thomas. The Gladers have always thought that the way out of the Glade must be hidden in the maze, if only they could unravel its secrets.

Thomas feels an eerie connection to the Glade and the maze, but he can't remember why. As events rapidly unfold, it is clear that the Gladers must find an exit or perish. Can Thomas, who is under extreme suspicion and pressure, conquer the maze and find the escape route? And even if he does, will any of the Gladers survive the attempt?

A thoroughly unique futuristic novel that contains threads of "Lord of the Flies" and "The Hunger Games," "The Maze Runner" is a fast-paced adventure. From the first paragraph, the story races forward at nonstop speed, all the way to the dramatic, startling conclusion. Guaranteed — this is one older readers won't be able to put down.

• "Murder at Midnight" by Avi, Scholastic Press, 2009, 254 pages, $17.99 hardcover

Read aloud: age 10 — 11 and older

Read yourself: age 11 — 12 and older

In Italy, in the year 1490, Mangus the Magician has performed yet again another dazzling magic show. His new young servant boy, Fabrizio, attends the performance, but while there, Fabrizio is warned by a man in a black cloak that Mangus is in grave danger.

Before Fabrizio knows what's happening, Mangus is arrested and accused of crimes he didn't commit. It's unclear which powerful man wants Mangus dead. It's up to Fabrizio to prove his master's innocence, but time is running out.

Murder, conspiracy and betrayal are but a small sampling of what readers will find in master storyteller Avi's latest tale of intrigue. Strong, believable characters couple with Avi's trademark of colorful writing, making "Murder at Midnight" a thrilling read for older kids.

Kendal A. Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached at kendal@sunlink.net.