Jacob Two-Two and the Dinosaur

Jacob Two-Two was a literary hero long before he became an animated TV show. Jacob is a likeable protagonist, and many children will identify with his trials as the youngest in a large family. But these bad guys wouldn't be out of place in a Roald Dahl novel. Some parents may be bothered by a country club president who says, "[W]e have to come to accept a few members who are black or Italian or Jewish or Greek, so long as they are also filthy rich."

The broad satire is funny, but the cynicism is what skews the age recommendation to 9 for this easy-to-read chapter book. It's also more intense and darkly funny than in the friendly, sibling rivalry-focused animated series. This is a satisfyingly quick read -- chapters are usually only two or three pages, and the action moves the plot along at a lively pace. This is a good pick for an otherwise reluctant reader.