Children’s books which are generally suitable for children age nine to twelve
Published: 2003 Theme: The Odyssey Best for: 10 and older "As rude laughter came from the courtyard, Penelope closed the shutters of her windows. She returned to her loom and began weaving. Desperate for help, she prayed for her true husband to come home soon, before it was too late." A very accessible series of children's books with the best of the Odyssey, in clear language.
Published 2005 Theme: Self-discovery Best for: Girls 11 and up "Miri woke to the sleepy bleating of a goat. The world was as dark as eyes closed, but perhaps the goats could smell dawn seeping through the cracks in the house’s stone walls. This beautifully written tale weaves fantasy, adventure and great lessons into a memorable read. Don't let the title put you off!
Published: 2012 Theme: Magic, Family Best for: 12 and up "Her mother and father, despite living in a small town, owning a mini-van, and sometimes wearing fanny packs, were kitchen magicians." A contemporary attempt at magic in daily life, this book can amuse kids, though it is not by any means a lasting piece of literature.
Published: 1904 Theme: Magical Adventures Best for: ages 10 and up The carpet was sailing over rocks and rivers and trees and towns and farms and fields. It reminded all of them of a certain time they all had had wings... Another great imaginative classic by master storyteller E. Nesbit, this one has a real Phoenix in it!
Published: 2006 Theme: Learning to Love Best for: 7 and older "If you have no intention of loving or being loved, then the whole journey is pointless." The quote above is worth the entire journey of tears that this little children's book takes you on, as you move from the self-centered heart of a china rabbit to one that has been broken open with love and hope...
Published: 1865 (est.) Theme: Fairies, Bravery, Kindness Best for: everyone Five Stars "What will people say?" is the name of this formidable ghost; and it does much harm, for few of us have the courage to live up to what we know to be right in all things." What young person does not need to be reminded about being true to themselves? Or being brave, or being compassionate, or being fearless?
Published: 1998 Theme: Dealing with Divorce Best for: 7 and older "I, Amber Brown, don't get what she means by the paws refreshing...But there are a lot of things grown-ups say that I don't get." Is this great literature or not? I must admit, I cannot say yes. But I can say that this children's book is a great example of the kind of contemporary writing that floods the market today...
Published: 1950 Theme: Overcoming Handicaps Best for: 5th grade and up, classroom/home school "...he would learn all the ways of knighthood. He would learn how to be of service to his liege lord, how to be courteous and gentle, and at the same time, strong of heart." This Newberry Medal winner is a well-crafted historical fiction children's book set in medieval England, complete with knights, plagues, and cloistered monks...
Published: 1994 Theme: Mathematics Best for: ages 9 and up A historically accurate illustrated children's book about Eratosthenes, a Greek librarian, and mathematician at heart, who figures out how to measure the earth using only a shadow, and some geometry...
Published: 1990 Theme: Survival, Resilience Best for: Classroom use, Home School, grade 5 and up "Everyone in our tribe had two names, the real one which was secret and seldom used, and one which was common, for if people use your secret name, it becomes worn out and loses it's magic." This work of historical fiction, about a young girl left alone on an island, chronicles the ways she managed to survive..
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