Children's book recs sought! Queer Narrative Fictional Client Revealed!

[rachelmanija]

I need recommendations for books which are likely to appeal to an 11-year-old who likes sf, fantasy, and the Alex Rider series, AND to a 10-year-old who likes mysteries and Lemony Snicket. To clarify: a single book must appeal to BOTH kids.

On a completely different topic, I double-checked with my Queer Narrative professor, and got an okay to do a fictional therapy session with a queer character from a historical work. He said to just insert myself-as-therapist into their historical context. I am leaning toward one of the heroines in Sarah Waters' Fingersmith. Lots of issues regarding social narratives, personal "stories," "problem-saturated narratives," queerness, and "madness" there! (I could also counsel them as a couple, but we haven't yet gotten into couple's counseling so I don't feel on firm ground with that.)

Comments

[desayunoencama.livejournal.com]

One of which, THE SKULL OF TRUTH, even has a queer character in it.

Not that you need to push that, but you can let the 10 year old stumble across it once they get hooked on the series, presented as a normal part of life, etc.

[rachelmanija.livejournal.com]

Ha! Good thought. It's my favorite of the series, too.

The books have to appeal to both kids, though. They might be a bit young for the older one.