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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, June 8, 2012 · 30 Summer reads for kids/teens ummer vacation is almost here -- a time for sun, fun, and freedom. If you're planning to travel, or just want to give your kids the option of quiet time, check out our recommended reads for kids and teens. There's the obvious mega bestseller/ blockbuster The Hunger Games trilogy, but if it's already been read, here are two similar series that may peak interest: · Uglies by Scott Westerfeld -- fans of vividly imagined, dystopian future societies and character driven plots will enjoy this series about a young girl, Tally, who is given a license to become pretty at age 16. After becoming friends with Shay and David, however, Tally realizes the downsides of becoming a "Pretty" -- it can change not only your look but who you are inside. · The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann -- aimed at a slightly younger audience, The Unwanteds tells the story of 13 year old Alex, who tries his hardest to remain stoic when his fate is announced as Unwanted, while his twin brother Aaron is labelled Wanted. Every year in Quill, 13 year olds are sorted: the strong, intelligent Wanteds go to university, and the artistic Unwanteds are sent to their deaths. For children at a younger reading level, we recommend two new and very interesting reads: · McGillicuddy Book of Personal Records by Colleen Sydor -- Lee loves setting personal records for himself to escape being perceived as ordinary, so when he's confronted with saving his pesky friend from certain death, the strength of his character demonstrates that he is anything but ordinary. This book portrays kids as they really are and captures the special kind of friendship that blossoms before children become aware of the rest of the world. · Acts of Courage: Laura Secord and the War of 1812 by Connie Brummel Crook -- as this coming June marks the bicentennial of the War of 1812, there's no time like the present to learn its history. This story revolves around the now famous journey Laura Secord took through a war zone to warn a British commander of an imminent American attack near what is now Thorold, Ont. An exciting entrance into Canadian historical fiction for young readers. To explore an archive of our Staff Picks for all ages, visit www.opl.on.ca. -- Submitted by the Oakville Public Library S