Top-rated books by Ben Balistreri
Books like Ben Balistreri’s
Award winning
The Wonderling
Mira Bartok, 2017
464 pages
Why to read
Explores friendship, bravery, and self-discovery.
Enhances empathy and emotional intelligence.
Stimulates creativity and imagination.
Encourages resilience and determination.

The Wonderling
Mira Bartok, 2017
Mr Gum and the Goblins
Andy Stanton, Kate Winslet, 2007
144 pages
Why to read
Adventure-filled narrative enhances creative thinking.
Humorous tone, engaging for young readers.
Encourages resilience through character challenges.
Strengthens reading skills in a fun context.

Mr Gum and the Goblins
Andy Stanton, Kate Winslet, 2007
Award winning
Mac Undercover: Mac B., Kid Spy
Mac Barnett, Mike Lowery, 2018
160 pages
Why to read
Adventure-filled plot sparks imagination and joy.
Builds critical thinking through spy-themed challenges.
Relatable, clever protagonist enhances connection.
Fosters curiosity and love for history.

Mac Undercover: Mac B., Kid Spy
Mac Barnett, Mike Lowery, 2018
The Mystery of the Cranky Collector
Mary Carey, M. V. Carey, Mary V. Carey, 1987
182 pages
Why to read
Engages kids with a fun, mystery-solving adventure.
Enhances critical thinking through clues and plot twists.
Characters teach valuable lessons in teamwork and persistence.
Encourages a love for reading with a captivating story.

The Mystery of the Cranky Collector
Mary Carey, M. V. Carey, Mary V. Carey, 1987
Award winning
The Case of the Weird Blue Chicken: The Next Misadventure
Doreen Cronin, Kevin Cornell, 2014
128 pages
Why to read
Engages kids with mystery and humorous storytelling.
Boosts deductive reasoning and analytical skills.
Characters display teamwork and resourcefulness.
Ideal for encouraging a love of reading.

The Case of the Weird Blue Chicken: The Next Misadventure
Doreen Cronin, Kevin Cornell, 2014
Award winning
Unplugged
Steve Antony, 2017
32 pages
Why to read
Highlights benefits of outdoor play over screen time.
Encourages creativity and imagination in young readers.
Addresses balancing technology use in children’s lives.
Engaging illustrations captivate and retain interest.

Unplugged
Steve Antony, 2017
Award winning
The Kingdom of Wrenly Series
Jordan Quinn, Robert McPhillips, 2015
496 pages
Why to read
Exciting magical adventures captivate young readers.
Builds empathy through diverse, relatable characters.
Enhances critical thinking with engaging plots.
Strengthens reading skills in a fun way.

The Kingdom of Wrenly Series
Jordan Quinn, Robert McPhillips, 2015
Award winning
Sofia the Lagoon Dragon
Maddy Mara, 2023
144 pages
Why to read
Engaging fantasy adventure promotes creativity and imagination.
Introduces teamwork and friendship values.
Enhances vocabulary and reading comprehension in young readers.
Encourages exploration of diversity and inclusivity.
