First off, thanks to everyone who suggested books for my little nephew. Not only were they great ideas, but now I know what little boys read, and I've gotta say, I approve. I read the Percy Jackson series myself last year, and if the rapscallions are into that, I guess the future of reading is doing OK.

I ended up getting him the first two books of "Diary of a Wimpy Kid," and it was a huge success. The little guy actually STOPPED EATING to read. Anyone who knows an 8-year-old boy will recognize this as a huge coup.

No wonder "The Lost Symbol" lost its top spot to "Dog Days." Robert Langdon doesn't stand a chance compared to the latest adventures of Greg Heffley.

And the fact that author and illustrator Jeff Kinney is a University of Maryland, College Park grad? That just makes it extra sweet. Go Terps!