Children’s books by current writers which are both well-written and captivating. We use 1975 as the cut off date for calling something ‘contemporary’ or classic; however, contemporary generally means today’s kids can identify with the characters.
Published: 2012 Theme: Kindness and Friendship Best for: 7 to 9 "The little girl peered out of the carriage and saw two bears lumbering quickly ahead, pulling the carriage through patches of twisting trees and over hills dotted with early blooms." This book weaves the magical and unreality together in a way that you begin to feel you are reading an old-fashioned fairy tale, which in some ways it is.
Published: 2017 Theme: Resisting Prejudice Best for: 10 and up "I'd been taught that our Bamarre were lucky to be ruled by us. Otherwise they would have been conquered by others, who would have killed them all. With us, they were safe and had duties and food." A great and timely fantasy children's book exploring the injustice of nations dominating nations, and the ill consequences of prejudice...
Published: 2003 Theme: Survival Best for: 9 and up "Until now, except for occasional gut-wrenching pangs of homesickness and loneliness, I had by and large managed to keep my spirits up. But not anymore. My beacon stayed obstinately damp." I was immediately struck with the clarity, simplicity, and beauty of the writing, and wondered how the tale would unfold...
Published: 2009 Theme: Norse Myth Best for: 9 to 10 "He clambered onto the bear's back, holding his crutch with his left hand and clutching the bear's fur with his right. The bear stood up slowly, making sure the boy was on, then set off at a fast lope..." It's wonderful to see contemporary authors make good use of imagination and the wealth of possibilities from the Norse stories...
Published: 2017 Theme: WWII Resistance and Courage Best for: 9 to 12 "A few days later, I was one my way to meet Katrin for school when the German office cornered me at the end of the path. "Where's the dog, Fraulein?" Meme and I should have decided to what to say to him..." It seems important for children to know that resistance is not just for history, or adults, but is something that even young people can participate in.
Published: 2016 Theme: Religious Tolerance Best for: 12 and up "Louis of France is not yet thirty, and already he is the greatest king in Europe. His armies have never been defeated. This war is different... He is fighting three children. And their dog." I don't know how he pulled it off, but along with the historical description, Gidwitz adds contemporary outrage, and humor as well, giving perspective on the bizarre behavior of the human race!
Published: 2015 Theme: Puzzles and Books Best for: 10 to 13 "Garrison Griswold here to welcome you to the wonderful world of Book Scavenger. We are a community of book lovers, puzzle lovers, and treasure hunters. Are you, too?" This is a very well-written children's book, which combines literary information, puzzles, and a bit of a mystery to solve...
Published: 2017 Theme: Illustrated Book Best for: 2 to 5 In this very unique children's book, the author has placed images of her exquisite needle-felted scenes that really invite the children to live into the pictures, as they listen to the words.
Published: 2016 Theme: Heroes and Villains Best for: boys age 10 and up "My name is Danny Daley, but no one calls me "Danny" anymore. These days, I'm know as "Stink.' Before you laugh, let me tell you how I got that nickname, because it's not what you might think." Three cheers for a children's book series called Guys Read, a fabulous way to grab the attention of middle-school boys.
Published: 2012 Theme: Healing Relationships Best for: 10 and up "I felt like I was speaking a part in some out-of-date play. Who in the world calls their grandmother "Grandmother?" But "Grandma" didn't seem to fit." This children's book is about relationships - between parents, children, grandparents, and friends, showing the way that misunderstandings can create distance, and communication can create love and warmth.
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