I've already made it clear I'm not a huge fan of Harry Potter (I know! sacrilege!). I mean, it was fine and all, but it didn't grab me. Plus, truth be told, I do tend to resist the madding crowds when it comes to trends and all. Which explains my nose ring and tattoo, hallmarks of, um, lots of people. Okay, so I may not be as unique as I thought I was.
But! Maybe your kid never got into the Harry Potter thing either and is looking for alternatives. My 11-year-old son was actually going to read the first book for the first time this year but we couldn't find it, victim perhaps of two cross-country moves in two years. Oh well. He can still read these:
Holes, by Louis Sachar, a novel about kids in a juvenile detention camp. Much better than it sounds, and my kid liked it.
Because of Winn Dixie, by Kate DiCamillo, a coming of age novel about truth. He liked this one too.
Bridge to Terabithia, Katherine Paterson's novel about friendship, imagination, and growing up. I can't say enough about this one; in fact I think I'll read it again myself.
The Island of Horses, by Ellis Dillon, a story of boys and horses in Ireland.
The Doll People, by Ann M.M. Martin and Laura Godwin. Dolls come to life in the night and have a mystery. We read this one aloud as a family.
Dragon Rider, by Cornelia Funke. What's not to like? Dragons, alchemists, an orphaned boy: this one's got everything.
And of course, The Hobbit. Need more ideas? Here's a bunch more.
