The Stinky Cheese Man by Jon Scieszka (Viking Juvenile, $18). What if the Ugly Duckling grew up to be even uglier? These wonderfully warped fairy tales have shown up in a couple of my Cross novels, when Alex Cross would read Stinky Cheese to his kids. They always laugh uproariously, as did my son Jack when he was younger.
Nate the Great by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat (Delacorte, $14). Nate understands that you have to solve a few minor-league cases before you can move on to Sam Spade–style crime-stopping. Great stories and snappy, clear writing. Attentive readers can help Nate pick up clues along the way.
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My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett (Yearling, $7). Something we often forget is that kids love to laugh, and books can achieve this sometimes even better than film or TV. What makes My Father’s Dragon work so well is how Elmer always seems to come up with the most unexpected solutions to problems he encounters on his journey. How did he know that two dozen pink lollipops and six magnifying glasses would come in handy?
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick (Scholastic Press, $25). This novel might be intimidating if Selznick hadn’t decided to make half the story a cool flipbook of illustrations. It’s like watching and reading a great silent movie. An engaging story with fun, interactive elements that will help turn your kid into a reader.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney (Abrams, $13). The wildly popular Wimpy Kid books successfully bridge the gap between graphic novels and chapter books—which is quite a feat. Boys especially love this series.
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What happens to a Democratic Party without Nancy Pelosi?TODAY'S BIG QUESTION The storied former speaker of the House is set to retire, leaving congressional Democrats a complicated legacy and an uncertain future
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The plant-based portfolio diet focuses on heart healthThe Explainer Its guidelines are flexible and vegan-friendly
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Gregory Bovino: the officer leading Border Patrol’s aggressive tacticsIn the Spotlight He has been referred to as the Border Patrol’s ‘commander-at-large’
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Beth Macy’s 6 favorite books about living in a divided nationFeature The journalist recommends works by Nicholas Buccola, Matthew Desmond, and more
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Gilbert King’s 6 favorite books about the search for justiceFeature The journalist recommends works by Bryan Stevenson, David Grann, and more
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Nathan Harris’ 6 favorite books that turn adventures into revelationsFeature The author recommends works by Kazuo Ishiguro, Ian McGuire, and more
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Marisa Silver’s 6 favorite books that capture a lifetimeFeature The author recommends works by John Williams, Ian McEwan, and more
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Lou Berney’s 6 favorite books with powerful storytellingFeature The award-winning author recommends works by Dorothy B. Hughes, James McBride, and more
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Elizabeth Gilbert’s favorite books about women overcoming difficultiesFeature The author recommends works by Tove Jansson, Lauren Groff, and more
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Fannie Flagg’s 6 favorite books that sparked her imaginationFeature The author recommends works by Johanna Spyri, John Steinbeck, and more
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Jessica Francis Kane's 6 favorite books that prove less is moreFeature The author recommends works by Penelope Fitzgerald, Marie-Helene Bertino, and more
