Children’s books which are generally suitable for children age nine to twelve
Published: 1990 Theme: Being Oneself Best for: ages 10 and up, especially girls "Being a dragon's princess is a perfectly respectable thing to do, so my parent's couldn't complain. And it would be much more interesting than embroidery and dancing lessons." An easy-to-read adventure with dragons, wizards, and a princess who breaks the mold...
Published: 1961 Theme: Wisdom Best for: 10 and up Five Stars "Of course there are a few of us whose feet never reach the ground no matter how old we get, but I suppose it's the same in every family." This timeless classic is so filled with humor and wisdom that each reading makes it feel new. A must-have...
Published: 1997 Theme: Thinking for Yourself Best for: Girls over 11 "Decisions were a delight after the curse. I loved having the power to say yes or no, and refusing anything was a special pleasure." This lightweight modern fairytale explores what happens when a young girl can no longer think or choose for herself. An apt pre-teen subject....
Published: 2000 Theme: Kindness Best for: Ages 6-11 "You got to remember, you can't always judge people by the things they done. You got to judge them by what they are doing now." Part of what I love about this children's book is the simplicity of the writing and the story line. That makes it perfect for early readers...
Published: 2003 Theme: Self-Reflection, Service to Others Best for: 12 and older “The secret is not to dream,” she whispered. “The secret is to wake up. Waking up is harder. I have woken up and I am real. This powerful fantasy book by Terry Pratchett has so much depth to it that one realizes it needs several reads...
Published: 1923 Theme: The Unseen World Best for: All ages "The Being passed very near her mountaintop, moving slowly, as to unheard holy music. But as he passed, he turned his face and looked down at Gentian, standing still and small on the mountain top. She ...was lost in awe." This unusual book defies categories. It isn't fantasy, the way most people understand fantasy. The closest word I can use to describe it is mystical. There is something very true about the book...
Published: 1960 Theme: Friendship Best for: 8-10 Here's a delightful children's book that is just plain fun to read. The imagination delights in the possibility of a cat, a mouse, and a cricket, all good friends, living in the subway of New York City. It is as if we are totally in their world, and it is a wondrous one...
Published: 1972 Theme: Meeting Life with Joy Best for: 5-8 How did the world ever manage without me before I was born," he wondered. "Didn't they feel something was missing?". In this simple children's book, William Steig brings his imaginative power into the written word with great feeling...
Published: 1994 Theme: Kindness and Loyalty Best for: 7-12 Is there really a place called Avalon, the land of mists? Are there witches and hags? Is there magic? When I read a book like this, there's no question...
Published: 1987 Theme: Inner Courage Best for: 8 - 10 years old "A truly courageous person is one who must first conquer fear within himself." A great mixture of fantasy and realism, this book is loving and enjoyable from start to finish. Perfect for younger readers, it is very satisfying.
Litkidz 