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: 2008 Theme: Wildlife in Africa Best for: 6 to 9 "They came to a halt beside the hut... It had been made out of tree branches and the trunks of saplings, all tied together with twine and then poked firmly into the ground." The small first chapter book is set in the bush in Africa, and gives wonderful images of African children, wildlife, and insights into baboon behavior.
Published: 2016 Theme: Cat Adventure Best for: 7 to 11 "Goose pats Stick Cat on the head. Then he scratches him behind the left ear. Stick Cat allows Goose to do all this. It's how Stick Cat rewards Goose for working all day and buying him food." If there are second and third grade children who need encouragement to read, this series of books is a great addition to your home or school library.
Published: 2013 Theme: Animal Rights Best for: 9 to 12 "It was not an easy journey. The yetis had to be sealed up inside the lorry until nighttime, when they found a deserted place to stop and they could come out and stretch their legs and get some air." This children's book, perhaps one of Ibbotson's last, takes on animal hunting directly, making it an abominable thing to do!
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: 2014 Theme: Bravery Best for: 14 and older "We'd never been through a war, so we didn't know what war was like. We thought it would be an adventure. Later of course, we realized the truth: that war is almost the opposite to an adventure..." This is a complex, serious book about a very serious topic: war. It asks the question, What is bravery? What does it take to show one's bravery?...
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.
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