Recommended Books

    Paperback books

    1. Magic Tree House Boxed Set, by Mary Pope Osborne, Sal Murdocca

    2. Cloud Atlas: A Novel, by David Mitchell

    3. Tape It & Make It: 101 Duct Tape Activities, by Richela Fabian Morgan

    4. The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky

    5. Life of Pi, Yann Martel

    6. Ivy & Bean's Secret Treasure Box, by Annie Barrows, Sophie Blackall

    7. A Song of Ice and Fire, by George R.R. Martin

    8. The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2013, by Sarah Janssen

    9. Out of My Mind, by Sharon M. Draper

    10. Star Wars Origami, by Chris Alexander

      Chapter books

    1. Gone Girl: A Novel, by Gillian Flynn

    2. The Third Wheel, by Jeff Kinney

    3. The Christmas Story, by Jane Werner Watson, Eloise Wilkin

    4. The Round House, by Louise Erdrich

    5. The Mark of Athena, by Rick Riordan

    6. Notorious Nineteen: A Stephanie Plum Novel, by Janet Evanovich

    7. Guinness World Records 2013, by Guinness World Records

    8. The Round House, by Louise Erdrich

    9. Justin Bieber: Just Getting Started, by Justin Bieber

    10. Michael Vey: Rise of the Elgen, by Richard Paul Evans

    Music Picks 

    1. "Diamonds," Rihanna

    2. "Die Young," Ke$ha

    3. "One More Night," Maroon 5

    4. "Locked Out of Heaven," Bruno Mars

    5. "Gangnam Style," PSY

    6. "Some Nights," fun.

    7. "Ho Hey," The Lumineers

    Folk-rock band The Lumineers are a very simple-sounding band, but it's refreshing to sit back and take in some genuine, straightforward music that comes from the heart. The song starts with whispy, organic mandolin and guitar strumming and cheery chanting in the background. With spirit and feel, it is one of the strongest alternative songs of the year.

    8. "Home," Phillip Phillips

    9. "I Cry," Flo Rida

    10. "Let Me Love You (Until You Learn to Love Youself)," Ne-Yo