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: 2006 Theme: Utopian World Best for: ages 10 and up "The old porcupine was standing over me, hands on his hips. He was wearing pants that were held up by straps and there was a hole in the back where his tail stuck out." This book is a like a half-way house for readers who still need pictures - half graphic novel, half proper literary style - and an engrossing futuristic utopia.
Published: 2014 Theme: Perseverance Best for: 5 to 8 "This is a regular girl and her best friend in the whole wide world. They do all kinds of things together. They race. They eat. They explore. They relax..." Right from the opening lines, you fall in love with this nameless little girl and her best friend, a very quirky looking dog ...
Published: 2012 Theme: Light-hearted Mystery Best for: 6 to 9 "Nice people smile a lot, and Precious Ramotswe was one of the nicest girls in Botswana. Everyone said so." Oh joy! My favorite adult author, Alexander McCall Smith, has recreated his No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency as a series for young children.
Published: 2014 Theme: Prejudice Best for: 11 and up "It struck Tomi then that Mom had changed a little just in the months since Pop was arrested. She had always done what everyone else wanted. Now for the first time in her life, she was in charge." More and more, I'm struck with the power of literature to educate children about injustice, and this book is a great example...
Published: 2012 Theme: Overcoming Hardships Best for: 5th grade "We are going to Colorado! Pa told us. He just came home from his first trip to Colorado Territory and announced that he and Ma and I were moving west to strike it rich.'" Set in 1858, this delightful historical fiction is an easy and informative read, based on a real incident in Colorado history...
Published: 2008 Theme: Magic Best for: 9 and up "Magic is just a way of setting things right..." The quote says it all, and explains why I love this book. Magic is given it's rightful place as we watch two children from two different times meet and bond...
Published: 2008 Theme: Hope over Despair Best for: 12 and up "The nostalgia suffocates me... I am but six miles from Jerusalem and I am not allowed to enter it. Never again will I see the place where I was born, nor the home I entered as a bride. My olive trees, Hayaat. Oh, how I miss them!" I've barely finished wiping the tears from my eyes as I head to the computer to review this stunning, heartbreaking, honest, account of life in occupied Palestine...
Published: 2011 Theme: Beyond Illusions Best for: 12 and up "My mother was widowed by a real estate agent some years ago, and I never finished the encyclopedia..(When) we asked, 'Why do we not have a Papa?' she said, 'Your Papa is the Library, and he loves you and will care for you...'" If you can accept a Wyvern (who looks like a dragon but is only a remote cousin) that has a Library as a father, then you will not only be able to read this children's book, you will get the humor in the above quote...
Published: 2015 Theme: Melting Pot Best for: 9 and up "Sarah's parents had been planning their escape to America for two years before the attack on their village. To prepare for their new life, Sarah had been studying English with the son of the village wool merchant." In a fresh new children's book, we revisit America through the eyes of a new immigrant, a young girl who has just lost both her parents...
Published: 2011 Theme: Pride of Heritage Best for: 8 and up "Margie's mother said, "Why do you keep telling the teacher you don't speak Spanish, m'hijita? Spanish was the first language you spoke. Spanish is the language of your abuelitos and your tios y tias..." "But we live in America, Mom." This excellent children's book captures the ambivalence so many Mexican-American children have, born in the USA, while their families carry a living experience of their home culture...
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