Taking over the world is easy. All you need are a few minions and lackeys, an evil robot army, and the right clothing. Oh, and you may want to be able to have to ability to actually destroy the world too. All these simple tips and more are included in Kenn Nesbitt’s new book, The Ultimate Top Secret Guide to Taking Over the World. Nesbitt has lots of great tips for kids who are searching for ways to become geniuses and mad scientists as well as to conquer secret agents. Ethan Long’s illustrations perfectly capture the diabolical nature of the suggestions, complete with evil laughs.

Kids will love this funny guide that includes blank pages at the back along with prompts on how to use them to keep “destruction notes.” My teenage daughter even liked reading this. She said it was a welcome relief to read something just for fun in addition to all the serious books she has to tackle for school. I recommend it for kids aged 8 to 12 or older depending on their sense of humor.

The publisher provided me with a copy of this book to review.

I just ran across an interesting Web site that may be useful for  moms (and dads) looking to find good books for boys. It’s called Guys Read.com, and it’s got lists for young guys middle guys and older guys. The site has an edgy look, and should further appeal to guys who are looking for books on their own as well as their parents. Here’s Guys Read’s stated mission:

The site it run by Jon Scieszka, a former elementary school teacher and author of books that are great for guys to read too, like The Stinky Cheese Man and The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs. Of course, my girls love those books as well, but good books often transcend gender and appeal to everyone.

While I keep a list of good books for boys here too, with titles recommended by boys, parents and librarians, I love the idea of a site dedicated just to boys. Check it out! Guysread.com.

Recently, I’ve been asked several times if I have recommendations for good books for boys to read. Many of the books read in mother-daughter book clubs are appropriate for boys too. A few that come to mind right away are Framed and Millions by Frank Cottrell Boyce, The Book Thief and I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak, and Boy and Going Solo by Roald Dahl.

A listing of Good Books for Boys can be found on the Book Lists page, and if you have recommendations you’d like to see added to the list, email them in to me at info@motherdaughterbookclub.com and I’ll include them.

Cindy Hudson. Photo by Jill Greenseth