Story of Pablo Neruda among books for teens

An adventure, a Cinderella story and the tale of a dreamer are among a number of fine reading choices recently released for middle and young readers.

"THE DREAMER," by Pam Munoz Ryan and Peter Sis, Scholastic Press, $17.99 (ages 9-14)

Neftalí is a dreamer. He has been for as long as he can remember. Where some see an old boot or a pile of sticks, he sees a story and new places. His imagination is always working, and it drives his father nuts.

While Neftalí finds beauty in the wonder of words and books, his father is looking for the practical. He wants Neftalí to become a doctor. But to accomplish that, Neftalí must become robust — something he definitely is not.

Neftalí is cripplingly shy and stutters his way through even the simplest of conversations. But Neftalí has a strong spirit. He learns to push forward and eventually becomes a Nobel Prize winner for literature under the name Pablo Neruda.

Written with beautiful prose matching the spirit of Neruda's own work, Pam Munoz Ryan has created a fictional work based on the events of the Chilean native's childhood.

Poetry, prose and elegant illustrations by Peter Sis transport the reader on a journey unlike any other. This is one novel parents may enjoy as much, or more, than their children.

"MIDDLEWORLD: The Jaguar Stones Book One," by J&P Voelkel, Egmont, $8.99 (ages 8-12)

All 14-year-old Massimo (Max) Francis Sylvanus Murphy cares about is his family's planned summer trip to Italy. Who cares that the Mayan calendar is coming to an end when Italy is calling? Max's parents, that's who.

The elder Murphys are in love with everything Mayan. They've made a career of studying it. So when they get the opportunity to head to Central America on a dig, they jump at the chance, leaving Max and their plans for Italy in the dust.

Max is furious with his parents. How could they leave him behind? But just as he's set to start his summer alone, he's summoned to join them. But something's not right. When he arrives in San Xavier, his parents are nowhere to be found.

Max learns his parents are linked to the Jaguar Stones — five sacred stones of Middleworld, the ancient Maya name for the world of men. Together with Lola, a modern day Mayan, Max begins to unlock the secrets of the stones.