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: 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: 2014 Theme: Biography Henri Matisse Best for: 4 to 6 "If you were a boy named Henri Matisse who lived in a dreary town in northern France where the skies were gray, and you wanted color and light and sun, what might you become?" The images and wonder of Matisse's imagination come to life in a beautifully crafted children's book.
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...
Published: 2013 Theme: Power of Imagination Best for: 8 to 12 "The power of the imagination is a magnificent thing. Here, whatever you can imagine, you can make real." If you ever wished to have a children's book which is fun yet compelling page-turner, this is good place to start...
Published: 2001 Theme: Math Riddle Best for: 5 to 8 "Aziza learned all there was to know. But her favorite subject was numbers. And her favorite game was riddles." This is a simple and enjoyable way to present numbers and riddles to young children who are already showing signs up interest in numbers.
Published: 2015 Theme: Mystery Best for: Girls 9 - 12 "Leila breathed in the heavy scent of masala, nicked with the sharp undercurrent of gobi and war my oily parathas. She knew most of the dishes on her plate, and was determined to try everything..." The best part of this children's book is the ending, where the resolution unfolds so skillfully, that only then did I realize the mystery ... .
Published: 2014 Theme: Dragons Best for: 6 - 9 "Drake looked over at his friend Bo. he could tell Bo was thinking the same thing he was: How did the king know one of the dragons was sick?" Our school librarian gets a high demand for books about dragons, especially from the lower grade students. So she and I were delighted to find this one.
Published: 2016 Theme: Self-confidence, Dragons Best for: 8 to 12 "It was Vasilisa's doll that did all the cleaning, dusting and laundry at night while Vasilisa slept in her room here. A couple of times, I tried to stay up long enough to catch the doll at it..." Dolls that clean houses, a dragon that lives in the basement, and a school for humans and magicals... a perfect recipe for delight.
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