Book Recommendation for Tweens & Teens

[muffinator]

I'm coming out of the woodwork because I'm hoping that some of y'all will be able to help me today.

I am a Teen Librarian in NH looking for some good books on Disney World for my Tween & Teen Book Club. In September I am going to Disney World and my group has decided that our theme for Sept. is going to be Disney. I looked into fiction titles for their age group (12-15) and didn't come up with too much. So now I am looking into Non-Fiction. I was thinking of maybe a history of the parks or something along those lines. However, we have nothing other than the WDW travel guides I've donated over the years in my small library, so I'm coming to you guys.
Can you recommend a good non-fiction (or even a fiction book) book about Disney World that will appeal to a group of Tween & Teens? I do have a back-up in Kingdom Keepers, but would like them to branch out into a non-fiction book. (I make them step out of their comfort zone with reading materials!) I'm not big on non-fiction so I'm out of my comfort zone here myself! Thanks for all your help!

PS. I should also add that I really liked the look of Designing Disney by John Hench, but only one library in the state owns it, so I can't use that one... (I don't have the budget to purchase 12 copies of each book, much as I would love to...)

 

[LionKingDramaQueen]

I recommend looking into Realityland! I am only 12 years old and I was able to read it although I read on a tenth grade level! :l It may look very thick, but if you pick certain parts to read or if you pace yourself accordingly, it will be a great success! Let me know if this helps at all!

 

[muffinator]

It helps very much, thank you! I will look into it when I go to work on Saturday. I appreciate your help.

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

I am reading "Hidden Mickey" by Nancy Temple Rodriguez and David W Smith. It is a non-fiction based fiction book if that makes sense. Premise is that Walt hid clues before he died leading to a "treasure". I am about 2/3 of the way done and have really enjoyed it. The men that found the book of clues have been on a scanvenger type hunt thru the history of Walt's life. Much of it is set in Disneyland but the attractions and things are familiar. And they made a trip to Marceline and other places in Walt's history. Very fun book so far. Seems thick but it is pretty easy reading.

 

[ToddyLu]

I like Kingdom Keepers. So far I only have the first one in the series. It is a fiction series based on five teens(14 year olds) who get chosen to be Disney Holograms (I can't remember what the "I" stands for)...anyway the DHI's are trying to solve a fable and prevent Malificent and other "Overtakers" from controlling WDW. It has several stops around the park and one of the characters lives above the Fire Dept on Main Street. The DHI's escort guests around the parks and act like tour guides.

 

[muffinator]

I am reading "Hidden Mickey" by Nancy Temple Rodriguez and David W Smith. It is a non-fiction based fiction book if that makes sense. Premise is that Walt hid clues before he died leading to a "treasure". I am about 2/3 of the way done and have really enjoyed it. The men that found the book of clues have been on a scanvenger type hunt thru the history of Walt's life. Much of it is set in Disneyland but the attractions and things are familiar. And they made a trip to Marceline and other places in Walt's history. Very fun book so far. Seems thick but it is pretty easy reading.

Oh, that sounds AWESOME! I looked it up on Amazon, and I want to read it now. Unfortunately, no one in our state has it available for loan. At least until I suggest it for purchase, LOL. Thanks for your suggestions!

 

[drwitz]

My wife and I, as well as our two kids (10 and 13) love the Kingdom Keeper series. It it great read for all. We are through book 1 and 2, and anxiously awaiting book 3 from the library...

 

[dolphindan1]

The Imagineering guides for each park...talks about the design concepts for each park...very good...I think the Final book about DHS just came out

 

[polkadotsuitcase]

I am reading "Hidden Mickey" by Nancy Temple Rodriguez and David W Smith. It is a non-fiction based fiction book if that makes sense. Premise is that Walt hid clues before he died leading to a "treasure". I am about 2/3 of the way done and have really enjoyed it. The men that found the book of clues have been on a scanvenger type hunt thru the history of Walt's life. Much of it is set in Disneyland but the attractions and things are familiar. And they made a trip to Marceline and other places in Walt's history. Very fun book so far. Seems thick but it is pretty easy reading.

Okay, that sounds really neat! Gonna have to look for that one. Never heard of it before -- thanks!

In September I am going to Disney World and my group has decided that our theme for Sept. is going to be Disney. I looked into fiction titles for their age group (12-15) and didn't come up with too much.

I know you said you were looking for nonfiction, but what about doing some stories (abridged, even, if you don't have much time) that relate to Disney attractions -- Tom Sawyer, Swiss Family Robinson? That could be pretty fun.

Sounds like a great group -- so much fun!

 

[tigger813]

I also loved the Kingdom Keepers series. DD1 is finishing up the third book. I loved all three! Can't wait for the next one. I also have most of the Imagineers Field Guides. I have been reading Realityland. It's interesting but a slow read for me!

Polkadot Suitcase: Can't wait to check out your book next month and the free online book about World Showcase next week. DD1 did a project for school a few years back on World Showcase. This December she will be doing a project on the holidays around the world, recording each storyteller and reporting on it for her class. She's missing school so she still has to do some work!

 

[polkadotsuitcase]

I also loved the Kingdom Keepers series. DD1 is finishing up the third book. I loved all three! Can't wait for the next one. I also have most of the Imagineers Field Guides. I have been reading Realityland. It's interesting but a slow read for me!

Polkadot Suitcase: Can't wait to check out your book next month and the free online book about World Showcase next week. DD1 did a project for school a few years back on World Showcase. This December she will be doing a project on the holidays around the world, recording each storyteller and reporting on it for her class. She's missing school so she still has to do some work!

Sounds like a really fun project -- how cool!

 

[LionKingDramaQueen]

Kingdom Keepers is an amazing series and I hear that the 4th one is coming out in April! Soooooooo excited! Also, I just got a book for Christmas called The Mystery at Walt Disney World. I found it on Amazon pretty cheap. It is part of a mystery history (i made a rhyme ) series, such as mystery of King Tut, mystery at the Colesseum, etc.

 

[kelseighrox925]

The Kingdom Keepers books are a spectacular series. Plenty of action and adventure, and has a lot of interesting Disney trivia. I highly reccomend them.

 

[kristina87]

KINGDOM KEEPERS!!!

Ridley Pearson (the author of the series) lives in my town and I go to his talks at the library all the time, he's unbelievably nice and its so interesting to hear him talk about his behind the scenes tours and things he does to research the books. I think any teen/tween that likes Disney would love these books!