books for 12 year old

[starsinmyeyes44]

My 12 (almost 13) year old son loves to read and I need ideas for a new series for him to start...or else all he will do is play "Halo 3" in his free time. He read the "Narnia" books in 5th grade and has now finished the "Harry Potter" set. Being a mom, I find that I tend to think he will like something, only to find out that he thinks it's "babyish". I value your opinions on what you think would be good science fiction, fantasy type books for him. (He likes the Terminator and Alien/Predator movies and also LOTR) <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#ff00ff">In the book of life, the answers aren't in the back.<br /></font><strong>Charlie Brown</strong></p> </div>

 

[docm]

When I was his age Isaac Asimov's "Foundation" series and his "I, Robot" anthology (nothing to do with the movie) really flipped my switches. Also excellent is any collection of Ray Bradbury's works.<br /><br />When he's a bit more mature the works of Ben Bova, Robert Heinlein and Harlan Ellison will round things out, though some of Heinlein's works have adult themes. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[yevaud]

All of the "Barrayar" (Miles Vorkosigan) series by Lois McMaster Bujold.<br /><br />Anything written by Andre Norton. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><em>Differential Diagnosis:  </em>"<strong><em>I am both amused and annoyed that you think I should be less stubborn than you are</em></strong>."<br /> </p> </div>

 

[starsinmyeyes44]

Thank you. I forgot to mention that he also likes Roman history. He watches the History Channel any time they have anything about ancient Rome. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#ff00ff">In the book of life, the answers aren't in the back.<br /></font><strong>Charlie Brown</strong></p> </div>

 

[docm]

Interesting. The Foundation series follows the themes of Gibbon's "Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire", but in a sci-fi context. He should get a kick out of it, but understand the Foundation trilogy gave spawn to several sequels written over 40+ years. It'll keep him busy for ages if he gets into it. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[starsinmyeyes44]

It'll keep him busy for ages if he gets into it.<br /><br />I would really love for that to happen. Reading for pleasure is becoming somewhat of a lost art, what with all the electronic distractions available. I hope that he continues to love a good read "for ages." <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#ff00ff">In the book of life, the answers aren't in the back.<br /></font><strong>Charlie Brown</strong></p> </div>

 

[starsinmyeyes44]

Thank you, Yevaud, for your suggestions. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#ff00ff">In the book of life, the answers aren't in the back.<br /></font><strong>Charlie Brown</strong></p> </div>

 

[yevaud]

Anytime.<br /><br />Because, I was once that 12 year old, and my Mom (a SF addict) had turned me on at age 8 to SF. Been there, done that.<br /><br />Norton wrote a huge amount of SF perfect for that age.<br /><br />Though Bujold began writing when I was in my 20s, she writes some of the most thoughtful, well-written, inspiring novels I have ever read; the kind that makes your heart hurt from the angst. I rate her right up there with Heinlein. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><em>Differential Diagnosis:  </em>"<strong><em>I am both amused and annoyed that you think I should be less stubborn than you are</em></strong>."<br /> </p> </div>

 

[bobw]

Some people like electronic books and some don't. I like reading them on my computer because they are free! Most, if not all, of these are probably available through your local library system. One good thing about free e-books is that if I start to read one and don't like it I'm not even out the gas for the trip to the library.<br /><br />I don't think you can go wrong with any of these at Project Gutenberg. Some good, some not so good, but all are suitable for a 12 year old. Edgar Rice Burroughs, Andre Norton, H. Beam Piper, E. E. Smith, Jules Verne and H. G. Wells are all classic Sci-Fi authors.<br /><br />http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Science_Fiction_%28Bookshelf%29 <br /><br />Another place for more modern Sci-Fi, also free, is the Baen Free Library. I world give a lot of these books an "R" rating.<br /><br />http://www.baen.com/library/<br />http://baencd.thefifthimperium.com/<br /><br />One of the pages from the last link has a bunch that have a pretty good story and are probably OK for a 12 year old. Somebody with young kids will hopefully correct that if they think I am wrong. I don't think anything at this link leads to anything objectionable.<br /><br />http://baencd.thefifthimperium.com/06B-SaganamiCD/SaganamiCD <br /><br /><font color="yellow">Empire of Man series:</font> by David Weber and John Ringo. A spoiled prince gets marooned on a backward planet and fights his way across it to return home. Makes friends on the way and takes them home with him. <br /><br /><i>March Upcountry<br />March to the Sea<br />March to the Stars</i><br />A fourth book, <i>We Few</i>, tells the story after they get home and may be a bit much for a youngster... his mom, th <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[starsinmyeyes44]

Sounds like you had a "cool" mom, Yevaud. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#ff00ff">In the book of life, the answers aren't in the back.<br /></font><strong>Charlie Brown</strong></p> </div>

 

[yevaud]

Big time. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><em>Differential Diagnosis:  </em>"<strong><em>I am both amused and annoyed that you think I should be less stubborn than you are</em></strong>."<br /> </p> </div>

 

[starsinmyeyes44]

Many thanks, bobw, for your thoughtful reply. The three series that you mentioned sound just like what he would enjoy. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#ff00ff">In the book of life, the answers aren't in the back.<br /></font><strong>Charlie Brown</strong></p> </div>

 

[PistolPete]

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card. Definately, definitely up his alley.<br /><br />The story is set a few hundred years in the future after two nearly disastrous wars with an alien race known simply as the "Buggers" and is centered around Andrew "Ender" Wiggin who, in Elementary School is taken from home to go to "Battle School" to spend the rest of his life training to fight the Buggers should they ever return. It may sound a bit lame, but like all good scifi underneath the strange packaging is something profound. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p><em>So, again we are defeated. This victory belongs to the farmers, not us.</em></p><p><strong>-Kambei Shimada from the movie Seven Samurai</strong></p> </div>

 

[a_lost_packet_]

There is a series called "The Videssos Cycle" written by Harry Turtledove. The first book is called "The Misplaced Legion." It is about a Roman Legion that gets into a battle with some Celts and, through the misfortune of some accidental clash of Druid magics, is transported to a world where magic rules and they are completely lost and on their own. They are hired on as mercenaries by the local King and get mixed up in all sorts of battles and political intrigue.<br /><br />However, I also have to warn you that there are several "adult" themes and situations that occur in the various books. None of them are explored extremely graphically but they do exist. <br /><br />There is a homosexual greek doctor that was attached to the Legion when they were whisked away. He has a relationship with one of the Legionnaires although it isn't a major plotline in the book. It's more of a character development plot and something of a social commentary. It's basically left up to "Don't ask, Don't tell" kind of thing until his lover is killed in battle. However, eventually, he ends up having a "sort of" normal relationship with a woman for a time. The main idea put across is that someone's sexuality doesn't define their ability or their worth, or something along those lines.<br /><br />There are numerous mentions of sexual activity but no graphic descriptions or play by play commentary that I can recall.<br /><br />There are some adult relationship themes along the lines of divorce, infidelity and such.<br /><br />There is violence, some of it graphic but not more than a sentence describing anything disgusting or shocking.<br /><br />However, if you're interested, pick up the first book and thumb through it, glancing over it to see what you think. If you find it acceptable, I think he would enjoy them.<br /><br />Of course, you could always pickup a book describing real life in the Roman Legions. There are any number of excellent books out there that I'm sure he'd love if that is a su <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="1">I put on my robe and wizard hat...</font> </div>

 

[a_lost_packet_]

Excellent recommendation. The "Ender" series would be a good choice. <br /><br />I also thing Robert Feintuch's "Nicholas Seafort Saga" would be good. It's somewhat similar to "Enders." It starts as a story about a young midshipman (early teens) that ends up commanding the ship he is on and having to get it home. Later, there are aliens, political dealings, rebellions (etc) that he ends up having to deal with as he gets older.<br /><br />Robert Heinlein's "Starman Jones" would be an excellent young person's story as well. It's a young kid with didactic memory that ends up going from a ship's steward to an Astrogator/Officer. Excellent story, imo. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="1">I put on my robe and wizard hat...</font> </div>

 

[starsinmyeyes44]

With many of these, I can see myself sneaking the book off of his bedside table to read myself! <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#ff00ff">In the book of life, the answers aren't in the back.<br /></font><strong>Charlie Brown</strong></p> </div>

 

[datalor]

I would reccomend all those books.<br /> For a bit of fun though, get the "Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy"- Douglass Adams series. Space and science in a completly silly off the wall way. Its good for the soul, have to have the silly with the hard science. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[a_lost_packet_]

You know, "The Lord of the Rings" is not beyond his ability. Tolkien does ramble on in spots but, all in all, it's a great series for a young reader. IIRC I was somewhere around 10-12 when I read it. "The Hobbit" is also a good book and it was originally derived as a story for children anyway. If he has seen the movies, reading "The Hobbit" and learning how the ring came to be found may be a big inspiration. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="1">I put on my robe and wizard hat...</font> </div>

 

[Mee_n_Mac]

Let me toss in a classic (series). How about some of the <i>Tom Swift</i> books ? In my case I enjoyed the 2'nd series as a young'un. I never read anything from the 3'rd or 4'th series though so I can't say yea or nea to them. Here's a wiki on the books.<br /><br />Andre Norton's books are another easy, SF / adventure read.<br /><br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p>-----------------------------------------------------</p><p><font color="#ff0000">Ask not what your Forum Software can do do on you,</font></p><p><font color="#ff0000">Ask it to, please for the love of all that's Holy, <strong>STOP</strong> !</font></p> </div>

 

[starsinmyeyes44]

He has read "The Hobbit" and is trying to read "The Fellowship of the Ring," but he is bogged down in the chapter describing the council of Elrond. I remember when I read that chapter that my eyes glazed over a few times! That's why I asked for the forum's help...I think he needs a little bit of a less "wordy" read and with more sustained action. Many of the suggestions posted sound perfect for him. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#ff00ff">In the book of life, the answers aren't in the back.<br /></font><strong>Charlie Brown</strong></p> </div>

 

[starsinmyeyes44]

Thank you, Mee-n-Mac. I went to the wiki site and was surprised at how many Tom Swift books there are. I had to chuckle at some of the 1960's books names...Tom Swift and His Triphibian Atomicar! <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#ff00ff">In the book of life, the answers aren't in the back.<br /></font><strong>Charlie Brown</strong></p> </div>

 

[a_lost_packet_]

<font color="yellow">starsinmyeyes44 - I think he needs a little bit of a less "wordy" read and with more sustained action. </font><br /><br />LOL, yeah, Tolkien isn't the best choice for that. <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> He's even wordier than I am and that's saying a lot. <br /><br />Hmm.. The "Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser" series by Fritz Leiber are pretty good. I remember reading them in my youth and loving every minute of it. They are classic fantasy archetypes and every story is fairly straight forward. There's not a lot of undesirable discussion about adult themes, IIRC. The pair gets mixed up into all sorts of adventures, each a separate story. The "books" are more anthologies than anything else. So, they're a series of collected short stories. Probably perfect for your uses. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fafhrd_and_the_Gray_Mouser <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="1">I put on my robe and wizard hat...</font> </div>

 

[summoner]

Edgar Rice Burroughs and his John Carter of Mars books what were got me hooked on scifi for life. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width:271px;background-color:#FFF;border:1pxsolid#999"><tr><td colspan="2"><div style="height:35px"><img src="http://banners.wunderground.com/weathersticker/htmlSticker1/language/www/US/MT/Three_Forks.gif" alt="" height="35" width="271" style="border:0px" /></div>

 

[yevaud]

<i>Thank you, Mee-n-Mac. I went to the wiki site and was surprised at how many Tom Swift books there are. I had to chuckle at some of the 1960's books names...Tom Swift and His Triphibian Atomicar!</i><br /><br />A-heh.<br /><br />I owned 'em all when I was a kid. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><em>Differential Diagnosis:  </em>"<strong><em>I am both amused and annoyed that you think I should be less stubborn than you are</em></strong>."<br /> </p> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

I was partial to the Hardy Boys, and The Thinking Machine (who was a man BTW) myself. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>