Countdown to Harry Potter

I'm so jazzed about the next Harry Potter movie. Less than 1 month to go! I've already stocked up on a crate of kleenex. It's going to be a tear jerker for sure. My goal is to re-read the books before we see the movie. Since I've read them a million times they are always quick reads for me. Over the past few months I've been reading some new series that I think Harry Potter fans will enjoy.

"The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel" series: The third book in a series of six,"The Sorceress" was recently released. Harry Potter fans will be familiar with Nicholas Flamel from "Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone," although this series' storyline has nothing to do with the world of Harry Potter. The story takes place in modern times in various locations around the world. There are also several other historical characters that play a prominent role in the story. The main characters are twins who's discovery of their magical powers can either doom or save the world.

"Theodosia" series: So far, only 2 books have been published in this series,"Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos" and "Theodosia and the Staff of Osiris." Theodosia lives in turn of the 20th century England with her parents who run London's Museum of Legends and Antiquities. The main character has the ability to identify cursed objects and has taught herself Egyptian magic through the many ancient texts she has access to at the museum. One reviewer dubbed the series as a cross between Nancy Drew and Indiana Jones; I can't think of a more fitting description.

"Percy Jackson and the Olympians" series: The fifth and final book, "The Last Olympian" was released this spring as well. This series deals with modern day teenage demigods and their struggles fitting in between the mortal and immortal worlds. I believe there is another series coming out by the same author with a different demigod as the main character.

"39 Clues" series: I cant say enough good things about this series and how it encourages children to read. Each book is written by a different author. They come with a card pack that will help in the interactive online game to search for more clues. The books are short enough to hold the interest of a reluctant young reader. The authors also sneak in educational facts into the mystery and adventure of the plot line. The male and female main characters must find the clues to become the most powerful people on the planet, before their extended family members do.

The final series, "The Dresden Files", is the only "Grown up" series on this list. The main character, Harry Dresden is a modern day wizard/Private investigator from Chicago. There are a lot of boo scaries "Buffy the Vampire" style and adult themes, so definitely not a book for kids. I'm not much for boo scaries, but the writing is so good the books were near impossible to put down.

So read! read! read! And adults, don't be afraid to read "kid's" books!!!