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: Adventure Best for: 9 to 12 "The children took off, hurrying away from the castle. Down, down along the twisting cobbled street, weaving through pedestrians, crossing tiled plazas, down and down to where the street grew still more narrow and began to branch off into...alleyways." Think James Bond, non-stop action, fights, captures, escapes, but no one getting killed, and you have a bird's eye view of this adventure.
Published: 2014 Theme: Friendship and Love Best for: ages 11 and up "The present is here and here and here, a sky full of light, a path under your feet, your hair lifted by wind, the smell of flowers, green grass, red rocks, all of it tumbling toward summer, and all of it yours. All you have to do is set fear aside and stretch out your hand." This children's book offers so many messages - about hope, friendship, the Quaker ideals of peace, and the power of the present moment, and does so amidst a very contemporary drama...
Published: 2014 Theme: First Chapter Book Best for: 5 to 8 "Being an explorer's assistant is hard work," said Harold. "Being an explorer is even harder!" said Pigsticks. Harold wasn't convinced. He hadn't realized that The Ends of the Earth would be so far away." Interspersed with delightful illustrations, filled with humor and jokes, this is a fabulous first chapter book...
Published: 2014 Theme: Standing up for others Best for: 6 to 10 "Our Pentagon is a surprise my dad and I are building to celebrate the new baby coming. Our Pentagon is a table, one that will be just right for our new family because it has five sides, one for everybody." There's a nice mix of humor, emotions, and easy reading that makes this a very attractive book for young children.
Published: 1994 Theme: Poetry Best for: all ages "Hope is the thing with feathers/ That perches in the soul,/ And sings the tune without the words,/ And never stops at all" Do our children today love poetry? Can they tune into the subtle way that the poetic verse touches something outside the mundane? This children's book asserts an affirmative...
Published: 2014 Theme: Emily Dickinson Best for: 7 to 9 "She needs our eyes to see these things for her, for --playful as she is with us-- she isn't part of the world's hubbub anymore. She is getting old!" This poetic children's book is a wonderful addition to bringing Emily Dickinson to young people, depicting her playful nature with children.
Published: 2005 Theme: Middle School Anxieties Best for: 6th grade and up "Hero smiled at him. Her father was always clueless about her real life. She felt a strange mixture of pity and gratitude. It was good to be home, in the bright, safe kitchen... her parents bustling obliviously just a few feet away." An unusual stew of elements - adjusting to a new school, bullying, a missing diamond, and Shakespeare's real identity - create an interesting story.
Published: 2013 Theme: Destiny and Inner Power Best for: 9 and up "Maybe destiny isn't something that just happens. Maybe destiny is something you do. Maybe destiny is like a seed and it grows. I wasn't powerless." This excellent children's book offers a retelling of Rumpelstiltskin, focusing on the theme of destiny and magic, and how to understand inner power.
Published: 2014 Theme: Friendship, First Chapter Book Best for: 5 to 8 "Under the kitchen sink, where the beetles live, there is an art studio just for Marvin. James gives him paper and ink. He can draw and draw. Marvin loves making pictures. But today he just doesn't feel like it." This children's book succeeds on several counts - imagination (the world as seen by beetles), clear simple writing, and a single message: friendship.
Published: 2008 Theme: Friendship Best for: 9 and up "Justice, Fortitude, Temperance, Prudence. If you had to choose one virtue, which would be the most important? Was it better to be wise or brave? Reasonable or fair? Marvin decided that the answer to that question might depend on your situation." Here's a wild combination of elements: art history, mystery, philosophy, and a clever beetle. Add in a plucky young boy of 11, divorced parents, and theft from a New York City art museum, and you have a 'can't miss' children's book.
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