I definitely need to read it myself, but don't think I'll have time before the order goes in. I was searching through my bookmarks to reply to a different post and came across this post by bzeteacher. Scorpion is on it
, which makes me think I will go ahead and order. Interesting list!
In her 3 part article at Teacher Magazine web site, Miller (The Book Whisperer) lists "13 Books You Have To Read Before You Turn 13" which was compiled by one of her classes - these are kid recommendations, maybe that would interest your niece. They are:
The City of Ember
*Where the Red Fern Grows
The Thief Lord
Tangerine
*Holes
The Schwa Was Here
The lightening Thief
The Outsiders
The View From Saturday
The House of the Scorpion
*The Boy Who Saved Baseball
*Maniac Magee
*The Giver