Best selling books for Preschoolers in September

Scavengers
by Michael Perry

In Scavengers, Michael Perry has crafted a brilliant story— every bit for the 8-12 year old audience for which it was intended. It has action, adventure, fight scenes, cool survival techniques, mystery, and a touch of science fiction. It’s also about the possible consequences if the government takes over agriculture and turns it into a monopoly. I suspect kids that read this book now will remember it, and when they reflect on it years from now, a light bulb will go on. I certainly hope so.

Ford Falcon (a name she gave herself with full knowledge that it was the name of a not-so-great car model), the protagonist in Scavengers, lives with her family in the wilderness in “Outer Bubble”. Most of the population lives in the government-protected and controlled Bubble Cities. Those in the “Outer Bubble” must scavenge for food and life is hard. About ten years earlier, citizens had to choose whether they would live in the protected bubble cities or fend for themselves. Ford’s family chose the latter and they’re barely surviving. When Ford’s family disappears one night while Ford is staying at a neighbor’s, Ford is faced with finding them, sorting out family secrets, and ultimately making hard decisions.

One of our favorite writers for young children is Minnesota’s own Alison McGhee. She has written several witch books, which are perfect for October and Halloween: A Very Brave Witch, Only a Witch Can Fly (now available in PB) and her newest, The Sweetest Witch Around.