Children’s books which are generally suitable for children age nine to twelve
Published: 1976 Theme: Native American tragedy Best for: 12 and up "Misson Santa Barbara, where the Padres were taking us, was near the Island of the Blue Dolphins...Perhaps if I went there, I could find one who would help me reach the island and bring Karana back." A wonderful work of historical fiction, this children's book is a sequel to Island of Blue Dolphins, and also offers a chilling look at the treatment of Native Americans by missions.
Published: 2016 Theme: Nurturing Relationships Best for: 9 to 12 "There are six kinds of teachers in the world. I know because we classified them once during indoor recess...The last kind we simply call the Good Ones...the ones who you don't want to disappoint." A beautiful, heart-warming story of three middle-school boys and their relationship to one very extraordinary teacher, who is about to leave them.
Published: 2016 Theme: Biography, Equality Best for: 6 and up "Boys were expected to grow up, go out in the world, and do big things. Girls? Girls were expected to find husbands." This very appealing illustrated children's book is perfect because it can spark important family conversations about justice...
Published: 2016 Theme: Children, Poets, and Dogs Best for: 7 to 10 "I'm a dog. I should tell you that right away. But I grew up with words. A poet named Sylvan found me at the shelter and took me home. He laid down a red rug for me by the fire..." Prepare to have your heart strings plucked by master storyteller MacLachlan, as a dog and two children comfort each other.
Published: 1987 Theme: Historical Fiction Best for: 9 - 12 "The title 'Joint Reign' is a foolishment and emphasizes what I have always contended: that men are more fortunate than women. Joint reign! It is I who inspects, examines, weighs and wrings her brain ..." Coming on the heels of an historic election, it is interesting to go back in history and understand more about the obstacles women faced hundreds of years ago.
Published: 2011 Theme: Graphic Novel- Ramayana Best for: 9 and up "War, in some ways, is merciful to men. It makes them heroes if they are the victors. If they are vanquished, they do not live to see their homes taken, their wives widowed. But if you are a woman, you must live through defeat..." No matter how you categorize this children's book, it is a wonderful addition to the re-telling of the Ramayana, from Sita's point of view.
Published: 2016 Theme: Middle-school life Best for: 11 and up "We all need goals," he said. "Here's one: Stay away from people who don't know who they are but want you to be just like them. People who'll want to label you. People who'll try to write their fears on your face." This terrific, humorous middle-school story covers bullying, teachers, cliques, change, parental divorce, and gender identity, just to name a few...
Published: 2016 Theme: Historical Fiction Biography Best for: 9 to 12 "He passes the hammer to me, and I heft it in my hands. It fits my palm perfectly, and it feels good...It seems to be speaking to me, begging to be used, ready to be of service." So many themes in one book - father/son, developing a written language, Native American struggle. Yet it all holds together beautifully.
Published: 2016 Theme: Coming of Age Fairytale Best for: 9 to 12 girls "The first time I tried my hand at magic, I grew roses out of my nose. This was not my intention... Magic is unpredictable, finicky, and dangerous, especially in the wrong hands." This children's book is best thought of as a modern-day Grimm's fairytale. It has all the elements of Grimm stories, including the grim part...
Published: 2016 Theme: Imagination Best for: 8 to 10 "Inside the world of humans is the world of imagination, and the only way you can get there is through the door of your mind." In this very imaginative children's book, the second in a series, we journey with the main character, a young girl, into the world where stories live...
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