School's out and here's my list of my best summer “reads” from this past school year. These top 15 fiction books are a nice variety of different genres which include historical fiction, fantasy and mystery. Almost all of the books are great for ages 9 through adult.

So, let's begin with a quick and exciting book that you can read in one sitting. “On The Run”, by Gordon Korman, is an exciting adventure book full of intrigue, espionage and danger. This six book series begins with “Chasing The Falconers” and has a brother and sister trying to prove their parents innocence of being spies against the United States. Each book in this series picks up where the last book leaves off and the thrills and action will drive even the most reluctant reader to the end! Other series include “Dive” and “Everest”.

“Inkspell”, by Cornelia Funke, is the sequel to Ms. Funke's award-winning “Inkheart”. When I read her first book, I never thought any sequel could match the incredible and wonderfully written “Inkheart”. But my doubts dispersed immediately and I was caught once again in the pages of a book where characters come alive and people are read inside books. If you're looking for an incredible fantasy book, with a love of reading, look no further

“Chicken Boy”, by Frances O'Roark Dowell, is a heart-warming story about a boy who is embarrassed by his grandmother's continual interference in his life and by their dysfunctional family, all occurring since his mother's death. But his life changes when he begins raising chickens with a new found friend. The book has humor throughout, which helps lighten this well written book. You'll bond with Tobin as he searches for happiness and balance in his life.

“Whittington”, by Alan Armstrong, is a tale about a cat by the title's name who wanders into an old barn filled with other cast offs. He befriends two children and the rest of the animals and the stories begin about his ancestor who lived long ago. This book was so well written that it won the Newbery Honor award this year.

“Blast to the Past: Lincoln's Legacy" , by Stacia Deutsch and Rhody Cohon, and illustrated by David Wenzel, is a time travel adventure that will educate the reader about the trials and events that surrounded the Civil War. Here is another great read for even the reluctant reader!

“The House on the Gulf”, by Margaret Peterson Haddix, is a great mystery and page turner that will have you trying to figure out why Britt's older brother has suddenly been asked to house-sit. This will allow his mother to save on rent and enable her to go to school. But Britt is suspicious about this arrangement and soon you will be to.

“The Cranium Big Book of Outrageous Fun” is actually a game but packaged with the same fun activities you find in the game. The game opens with a magnetic touch, has the board and all game parts easily packaged making this the best traveling game ever!

"No Small Thing" , by Natalie Ghent, is a story about 12 year old Nat and his 2 younger sisters. When they answer an ad about a free pony, they can't believe it now belongs to them. And neither can their mother! So begins the quest to keep the horse, and along the way, learn much about life. This book is beautifully written and endearing to the end!

“Spilled Water” , by Sally Grindley, will take you to modern-day China where 11 year old Lu Si Yan is sold into servitude and an arranged marriage. But fortunately she manages to escape and so begins her adventures of returning to her home. This page turner will have you appreciating our great country and the freedoms it affords to all!

“The Empty Mirror”, by James Lincoln Collier, is a great mystery about 13 year old Nick Hodges. He wakes up one morning and something feels different. Then, as he's walking by a pond and doesn't see his reflection, he knows something is amiss. You'll be compelled to read this intriguing story all the way to the end.

“The Magician's Boy”, by Susan Cooper, is a wonderful fantasy for the early chapter reader. When the Magician's Boy loses a puppet for the Magician's performance, he finds himself inside of a book and the adventures begin! This book has wonderful illustrations by Serena Riglietti.

“Twelve Travelers, Twenty Horses” , by Harriette Gillem Robinet, is a historical account of the first African American Pony Express rider.

“Princess Academy”, by Shannon Hale, is a fantasy book unlike your typical “princess” books. Miri will soon go to the academy where a girl will be selected by the prince to be his wife. You'll be reading all the way to end to see how this story turns out.

“Olivia Kidney and the Exit Academy”, by Ellen Potter, is a fantasy full of surprises as Olivia discovers that her new home has a huge lake and lagoon inside.