So, you don't want to read Twilight...

Despite the large number of Twilight fans throughout the country and the world, there are many who don't want to read about teenage vampire romances; I am one of those. There are also parents who probably don't want their kids reading about "sexy vampires" either. There are also those who are simply tired of reading the same ol' thing.

Pete came across this post which listed ten excellent novels for young adults, specifically young women. I can't disagree with the list, as Ender's Game, The Secret Garden and Matilda (whose antics I continue to envy) were and still are three favorites of mine. So, without further ado, here are 5 books which any young reader, girl or boy, will love.

The Sisters Grimm by Michael Buckley

I know you've all heard of the Brothers Grimm, but these two sisters are far more daring than their famous ancestors! Upon the realization of their famous relatives, the girls take on the responsibility of being fairy-tale detectives. There are seven books in the series, with an eighth coming next year, so the adventures with Sabrina and Daphne will continue for many reads to come.

Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh

After reading this book, I started to give tomato sandwiches another try just to be a little more like Harriet. From her, we learn that even the cleverest of spies can find difficulty fitting in and keeping friends. A sleuth story, with a twist.

Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos by R.L. LaFevers

Theo spends a lot of her time in the museum where her parents display all of the artifacts they've unearthed. But what her parents can't see, are all of the old spirits still attached to the ancient things. And when her mom brings back an amulet which contains the evilest of spells, Theodosia is the only one who can help save not only her family and the museum, but the entire British Empire as well!

Against the Odds by Marjolin Hof

Originally written in Dutch, Against the Odds is a comical tale about a girl, her dog and her missing father. Kiki is so worried about not ever seeing her father again, that she takes matters into her own hands in an attempt to change the odds. Her mother tries to explain that it's quite unlikely that her father's dead, because how many of her friends' dads have died? The odds are very good that it won't happen. And what better way to increase the chances of her father's return, by attempting to kill her dog? After all, what are the odds of having a dead father AND a dead pet? A funny, poignant tale which deals with very real things and feelings.

The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken

I just recently read this for the first time, and I truly wish I had read it when I was younger. When Bonnie's parents leave for a trip, evil Miss Slighcarp is put in charge of her and her cousin, Sylvia. Before the girls know it, Miss Slighcarp has turned all of Willoughby Chase into a palace of her own; she even sends the girls off to a prison-like orphanage! With the help of their friend Simon and his flock of geese, the girls manage to escape, but how will they get their home back? Full of adventure as well as an abundance of unique words, The Wolves of Willoughby Chase is a story which won't be forgotten. Also, Edward Gorey provides the detailed cover of the book.