“Let’s face it: it was either this . . . or video games.”
(Note: Some of you may notice that this is shorter than my list of Best MG/YA Books for Girls Part I or Part II. This is NOT a short post because I don’t think books “for boys” are worth writing about. It’s because I’m in a time crunch this week, that’s all. So please, if you have additional recommendations, leave them in the comments. Boys deserve great MG/YA books too! 
Anything by Bernard Evslin. No, “Anything” is not the book title. I mean, read anything he’s ever written. A master of Greek mythology, the author combines adventure with humor and heart. He brings less well-known myths back to life, and writes at a level that both kids and adults can enjoy. Don’t be fooled into thinking that his illustrated monster series is just for kiddies, either. They only look like picture books. If your son’s a Percy Jackson enthusiast, I all-but-guarantee his next great read is something by Evslin.
A Series of Unfortunate Events, by Lemony Snicket (a.k.a. Daniel Handler). I put off reading this MG collection for years. Every time I passed its prominent display in the bookstore, I thought, “That’s horrible! They shouldn’t write about such terrible things happening to children.” Then I’d walk away with my nose in the air.
Well, the joke was on me, because the books are that good. And the horrible things that happen are just my kind of horrible 
You’ve probably already heard, but the series is about three orphans on the run from their greedy (and possibly mad) uncle, who’s after the family fortune. The movie with Jim Carrey is also terrific.
P.S. The books above would easily work for daring and intelligent girls as well!
And just to wrap up with some shameless self-promotion (*grins*): if your son or daughter likes the material above, they may also enjoy my new novel. It’s an MG fantasy called The Adventures of Stanley Delacourt: Book I of Hartlandia. It’s coming to you veeery soon, but you can read the first chapter here for FREE!
(Top image by bobrpics)