10 great Canadian summer books for the kids

This story was originally titled "10 All-Time Great Canadian Summer Reads" in the August 2008 issue. Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!

Els Kushner and Alison Campbell, librarians with North Vancouver District Public Library, give us their top picks for tweens and teens.

1. The Isabel Factor  (Kids Can) by Gayle Friesen. A thoughtful friendship story for girls aged 12 to 15.

2. The Canning Season (Douglas and McIntyre) by Polly Horvath. When Ratchet's mother dumps her with her 91-year-old aunts, Ratchet finally finds a home. Great for girls aged 12 to 14 who like offbeat stories.

3. Alice, I Think (HarperCollins Canada) by Susan Juby. The hilarious tale of a teenage misfit in Smithers, B.C. Great for girls aged 13 and up who like quirky humour.

4. Son of the Mob (Hyperion) by Gordon Korman. A mobster's teenage son finds himself dating an FBI agent's daughter. For ages 13 and up.

5. The Wreckers (Dell Yearling) by Iain Lawrence. Perfect for boys 12 to 14 who are looking for a suspenseful and sometimes grisly tale.

6. Crush (Orca Soundings) by Carrie Mac. Hope is taken aback when she gets a crush on a girl. Girls aged 13 and up.

7. Hold Fast  (Douglas and McIntyre) by Kevin Major. A boy leaves rural Newfoundland to live with relatives in the city; for ages 12 to 15.

8. Airborn (HarperCollins Canada) by Kenneth Oppel. A rip-roaring airship adventure in a slightly alternate universe. A hit with anyone of any age.

9. Red Sea (Orca) by Diane Tullson. When pirates attack her family's sailboat, Libby must get herself and her mother to safety. Especially good for girls aged 12 and up, but boys will like it, too.

10. Run (Puffi n Canada) by Eric Walters. The story of Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope, through the eyes of a 14-year-old boy. Especially good for boys 12 to 14 who like sports.

Read more:
30 fun things to do with your kids this summer
6 ways to help your children learn to read