Angels, Angry Turkeys, and a Kid Who Crafts His Way Out of a Bad Move

by Kim Richardson

Marked follows sixteen-year-old Kara Nightingale, who dies and gets drafted into the Guardian Angel Legion to fight demons. This is firmly teen paranormal, not kids' fare. It sits at 3.7 across more than 7,000 ratings, and the reviews are a real split. One reader compared finishing it to gouging their eyes out with a spoon, while another liked parts of it but wasn't ready for where the plot went. Try it if you like angel and demon lore and can live with a divisive one.

“No, monkey, NO! Do NOT mislead the readers! I give up. If you asked me whether gauging my eyes out with a spoon would be less painful than the thought of finishing this book, I'd be inclined to agree. Well, not really. But still. I read 50% of this book, and I can't read any longer. This book is jus”

by Sierra Prynne

Feral is a Scottish estate inheritance story with a riddle, two stepbrothers who want the property back, and a heavy dose of seduction and betrayal. It's adult paranormal romance that landed in this category, so keep it away from the kids' tablet. Readers have rated it 4.25 across about 200 ratings, which is solid for a free pick. It's a good fit if you want brooding stepbrothers and a gothic mystery.

by V Moua

Sammy runs from Sticks and Stones because he assumes they mean trouble, and of course he never stops to listen. It's a simple setup, and it works as a lesson in not jumping to conclusions. One parent used it for partner reading and phonics with a 6-year-old who loves the Sammy Bird series. At 4.56 from over 130 readers, it's the highest rated of the week, and I get why. Great for Pre-K through first grade.

“Very fun and engaging This book was fantastic for my 6yo and I to partner read and work on phonics. He loves these sammy Bird books and we often read them together. This story had a fun play on the old phrase with a sweet twist at the end. Looking forward to more Sammy Bird Adventures!”

by Jennifer Jones

The turkeys are tired of being chased and roasted, so they leave a letter and walk out, which leaves the kids scrambling to get them back before Thanksgiving dinner. It rhymes, it's bright, and one reviewer loved the colors. Another found the whole premise a bit morbid for little ones, and that's a fair warning if your kid is sensitive about the food chain. It's 4.13 with just over 100 ratings, and I'd say it's best for families who like their holiday books a little cheeky.

“Four Point Five Stars Lovely story of the turkey birds going on strike just before Thanksgiving. Bright vibrant colours with a simple deep message for older children. Good read for kids and adults.”

by Dan Sugralinov

Kenny moves from a big city to a small town after his parents split, and his gaming console turns out to be a doorway to a magical realm where crafting and winning carry over into real life, including standing up to bullies. Reviewers call it a true LitRPG adventure, and one says the starting-over story tugs at the heartstrings. It's 4.4 from 68 ratings, so a small crowd but a happy one. Perfect for the kid who already talks about leveling up at the dinner table.

“imaginative adventure Very much a LitRPG adventure. A young boy moves across country after his parents break up. From big city to small town. From a family life with two parents and double earners, to living with a single mom. Life changed rapidly for Kenny, and just when he thought it was too much...”

by Laurel Veil

Haley Elizabeth is a miserable middle schooler who gets invited to dinner and realizes she's the main course, then meets the mysterious Juniper Hagglesworth, who has a big secret. Add a wicked witch and a title that pokes fun at fairy tale tropes, and it's a lot of fun. One reader read it aloud to her 9-year-old granddaughter and got several laugh-out-loud moments. It's 4.44 from 41 ratings and short enough for a weekend read-aloud.

“Short, delightful and charming, Fairy Godmothers Are For Wimps by Laurel Veil is an adventure full of magic, fun, mystery, humor, a wicked witch and more. This excitement-packed entertainingly bewitching book will tickle all members of the family though it has been primarily designed for young...”