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: 2003 Theme: First Chapter Book Best for: 6 to 9 "And the strange thing was - which Horace noticed- the strange thing was, the baby carriage...was barking." This "first chapter book" is a treat - it has some humor, as well as unusual elements such as maps and timetables for the reader to follow. It has a simple plot, with an attempt for the story to be a mystery to be solved, but the clues are present on every page.
Published: 2000 Theme: Social Justice Best for: 9 and up "Abuelita smiled, reached over, and pulled the yarn, unraveling all of Esperanza's rows. "Do not be afraid to start over," she said." What better way for children to become true citizens of the world than by reading honestly written books about serious issues, in this case the treatment of Mexican immigrant farmworkers during the depression...
Published: 2015 Theme: Power of Music Best for: ages 10 and up "Have you ever considered that one person might play the mouth harp and pass along her strength and vision and knowledge? So that the next musician who plays it might feel the same? It is true..." The thread that weaves the three main characters together is the power of music to redeem even the darkest of situations...
Published: 2010 Theme: Live your dream Best for: 8 and up "He peeked out... and saw that the wind had also possessed his mittens. They looked like ghostly hands waving good-bye in the Chilean sky. Where were they headed? Whose hands would they cover next? ..'Where is the storehouse of lost and found?'" As I put this exquisite children's book down, I wiped my eyes, and marveled at the quick journey I had just taken into the heart and mind of Pablo Neruda...
Published: 2012 Theme: Boxcar Children prequel Best for: 7 to 9 "They heard the sound of Papa's old gray car in the driveway. Jessie and Henry climbed down the ladder and watched Papa walk up to the barn, carrying a cloth sack of nails and some boards for the stalls." If you have children who are devoted to the Boxcar children series, and want to have a 'prequel', MacLachlan's children's book is just right.
Published: 2014 Theme: Parental Love Best for: 8 and up "An ache spread through Lexie, blurring her thoughts and stabbing her heart. All she really knew was how desperately she missed Mama. Grandma blamed Mama for everything. It wasn't fair." What makes good parenting? Is love enough, or is something else needed? We address this head on...
Published: 2003 Theme: Faith in Goodness Best for: 9 and up "Tears spilled out of my eyes. With no more thought of caution, I poured out our story. "My parents have both been arrested and sent to Siberia. My papa has been sent to a coal mine, and my mama has been exiled to Dudinka... We are going to her..." In this riveting historical fiction children's book, we journey across Russia to Siberia, in search of Mayra and Georgi's exiled parents during Stalin's regime.
Published: 2005 Theme: Genuine Sacrifice Best for: 10 and up "In so loud a voice I was sure her words carried over the hills, Nai Nai said, "Send us a boy to care for us in our old age and not another worthless girl." I, Chu Ju, was that worthless girl. Nai Nia's harsh words made my eyes sting with tears." In another beautifully written children's book of historical fiction, Whelan brings alive a foreign culture and foreign era, making us live and breathe with it.
Published: 2015 Theme: Imagination Best for: 9 and up "In those days, possibilities fell to the ground like rain. Each one was a brilliant bit of light, etched with a message. 'It's a possibility,' people would say whenever they found one and, if they liked what it said, they'd pop it into their mouths and chew on it." In this allegorical children's book, similar to The Phantom Tollbooth, we journey to an imaginative land, The Land of Possibilities, which is now in a sorry state.
Published: 2015 Theme: Friendship Best for: 7 and up "Dragons weren't the only ones who were mistreated so the different magicals agreed to keep their powers secret or hide from humans altogether. We've done such a good job that most humans consider all magicals imaginary." I smiled and often laughed out loud as I read this very silly fantasy book, peopled with all kinds of magical creatures, as well as a very admirable 10-year-old girl...
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