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: 2014 Theme: Overcoming obstacles Best for: 12 and up "Many coins. To take them would be stealing. But if it's a troll's treasure? Is it a sin to steal what's already stolen? Stolen Thrice: once from humans by trolls, then from the trolls by the goatman. And finally– Stolen from the goatman by me." Weaving together a number of Norwegian and universal fairy tales, this is a tale you could imagine written by the Grimms...
Published: 2010 Theme: Responsibility for the Future Best for: 9 to 12 "Y'know, I like baseball too," he said quietly. "I'm a Mets fan. They stink I know...But listen, man, there are other things in life that are more important than baseball." In this 9th book of the series, the author introduces the readers to topics bigger than baseball - like responsibility for the future of the planet...
Published: 2007 Theme: Puzzles and Mystery Best for: 9 and up "One of his favorite puzzles was: What is something you can break just by saying your name?" "Oh, wait, I know that one," Winston said. This is the first children's book in a series of puzzle and mystery books that aim directly for kids who love both puzzles and mysteries..
Published: 2013 Theme: Acceptance, Transformation Best for: 11 and up "I've got some toddler memories, but my first sequence recall is kindergarten... My parents said the place was going to be all kinds of fun. It wasn't. It was here that I first committed the crime of questioning the system." A fabulous children's book, told through the first person character of a genius who also may have autism. Her very presence brings out kindness in others.
Published: 1975 Theme: Value of Life Best for: 12 and up "I"m not exactly sure what I'd do, you know, but something interesting- something that's all mine. Something that would make some kind of difference in the world." This book leads the reader to a fairly sophisticated understanding of moral choices, set in a magical story.
Published: 1997 Theme: Imagination Best for: 5 to 8 "Wolfgang Amadeus Mouse was the youngest of thirteen children. He was also the smallest. His mother had given the other twelve mouse pups quite ordinary names, like Bill or Jane." A talented singing mouse is the hero of this small children's book, written by the author of Babe. It's a nice read-aloud book for young children..
Published: 2014 Theme: Bravery Best for: 6 to 10 "Before they took off, Emma quickly wrote a note to her parents: "Don't worry. I'm off with a pretty big genie to find his nose ring. And I have Tristan with me..." The "pretty big" was of course an exaggeration..." In this small children's book, Emma helps a genie regain his power. Great for young readers who are ready for easy chapter books, or as a read-aloud.
Published: 2014 Theme: Best Friend Dramas Best for: 10 to 11 girls "Then she said, "I don't want you to be mad at me! You're as important to me as paper is to pencil!" "You hurt my feelings," I said. My voice was quivery, too. We both sat there, very miserable...." With the same simplicity, humor, and sensitivity that Sternberg's other books have, this children's book takes on the 'bff' problem of young girls head-on...
Published: 2006 Theme: Historical Fiction Best for: 10 and up "Any outrage as big as hiring a librarian was bound to bring everybody out of the woodwork. The hitching rail was chock-a-block with horses and wagons, and there was a farmer's tin Lizzie...a Ford Model T." Humor, eccentric characters, and a love of old cars flows through this historical fiction children's book. The story unfolds creatively and unpredictably...
Published: 2004 Theme: Fantasy Best for: 8 and up "The Rim of Heaven." Slatebeard closed his eyelids. "Its mountains are so tall that they touch the sky. Moonstone caves lie hidden among its slopes, and the floor of the valley is covered with blue flowers." Imagine in one children's book: brownies, dwarfs, dragons, sea serpents, a giant Roc, and even a homunculi. Add the magic of the Himalayas and a Tibetan monastery, and adventure soars to another level.
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