Have you ever sat at home on a rainy or snowy day with nothing to do? The next time you’re feeling bored, you should go to your public library and check out one of these books or book series.

Marley & Me by John Grogan is a non-fiction story of how a non-obedient dog changes the lives of a newlywed couple. Marley is a Labrador retriever who comes into the lives of two married news reporters, John and Jenny Grogan, and changes their lives for the better. Throughout the course of John and Jenny’s lives, Marley helps them through the joy of a first born and the heartbreak of a miscarriage. He almost brings them fame and fortune and he was there when the piercing scream of a 17-year-old stabbing victim sounded throughout the neighborhood. This is a great non-fiction book for those who love heartwarming stories about loyal pets who have an unconditional love for their owners.

The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling is a collection of seven fantastic stories of the teenage wizard, Harry Potter, and his two best friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. Throughout the series, Harry and his friends must overcome challenges that change their lives forever. Together, they face a series of complex magical challenges, evil wizards and witches, first loves and breakups, and years of education in magic. Many times, Harry has to duel the Dark Lord, Lord Voldemort, the evil wizard who murdered Harry’s parents. Harry escapes each and every time and finally, at the end of the series, Harry must duel Voldemort one final time and either live or die. Readers will lose themselves in the wonderful and magical place of Hogwarts: School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and will not want to come back out.

The Summer of Riley by Eve Bunting is a fiction story of how an eleven-year-old boy named William gets a dog after his grandfather dies. His dog’s name is Riley and after he brings it home, Riley “playfully” attacks the neighbor’s horse. Riley is taken away from William, and with the help of his best friend, Grace, together they try to get Riley back and save him from an unfair death. This is a really good book and it is a great story for those who love to read about how a faithful dog changes a young teen’s life.

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson is a fiction story of how a young country boy, named Jess Aarons, befriends the new girl named Leslie Burke and they embark on a wonderful adventure in their imaginary kingdom, Terabithia. In Terabithia, they crown themselves king and queen and rule the kingdom. A terrible accident occurs one day and Jess finally realizes how much Leslie meant to him. This story is a wonderful story that takes the readers into the magical world of Terabithia.

A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket is a devastating, yet outstanding collection of thirteen stories of the three Baudelaire children and their horrific lives after their parents are killed in a horrifying fire. The three Baudelaire children, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny, are now the three Baudelaire orphans. Their lives are turned upside down as the treacherous Count Olaf, an evil fortune-stealer, attempts time after time to try to steal the children’s fortune. Throughout the series, the Baudelaire children go from guardian to guardian, escaping from Count Olaf. This series is a fantastic read for those who enjoy reading the numerous escapes of three intelligent orphans from a foolish conman.