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: 1985 - 2006 Theme: Family life on the Plains Best for: 5 - 8 "Sarah loved the chickens. She clucked back to them and fed them grain. They followed her, shuffling and scratching primly in the dirt. I knew they would not be for eating." What captured me in each children's book of this collection was the emphasis on the emotions and feelings of the people. We live through the eyes of each child in turn...
Published: 2006 Theme: New Baby Best for: 7- 9 "What if Mama is too old to have this baby? What if this terrible baby makes Mama die like Caleb's mama died when he was born? I closed the journal as if shutting away the words would make them go away." The very real fears and emotions of the youngest child towards a new baby are presented with care in book 4 of Sarah, Plain and Tall.
Published: 2001 Theme: Reconciliation Best for: 6 to 8 "They are beautiful, the trees and hills and lakes filled with water. But the prairie is home, the sky so big it takes your breath away, the land like a giant quilt tossed out." A profound exploration of reconciliation between father and son, and forgiveness.
Published: 1994 Theme: Family Life on the Prairie Best for: 6 - 8 "Sarah and I sat in the kitchen. The air was thick with the heat, and there was no breeze. There hadn't been any wind for days. Sarah was writing a letter to the aunts in Maine. I wrote in my journal." In the second of Sarah, Plain and Tall, the family must deal with a serious drought, and separation from each other and the land.
Published: 2002 Theme: Robin Hood Stories Best for: 10 and up I am Robin. Robin of Locksley," he answered seriously. "I have wandered these woods a hundred times, but today I admit I am lost." ..."That is not so bad. There is always a way home," Marian said, and they both smiled." A children's book anthology of newer stories inspired by original Robin Hood stories, these are updated, easy to read, and rekindle the love of the original.
Published: 2013 Theme: Family Love Best for: 6 to 9 "We all have our truths, Kidd," says Henry. "Some are big truths. Most times they're small truths. But those stories are Maddy's truths. Your parents have different ones of their own." This is an exquisite children's book, written for the 'early reader' level. It is heartfelt, honest, and funny, all at once.
Published: 2009 Theme: Beyond Stereotyping Best for: 12 and up "We're supposed to talk about real differences and perceived differences, and...I just don't know. Sadness feels the same, whether it's in Lexington or here in Thunder Creek." This beautifully written, heartfelt children's book gives us a direct experience that caring for others not only yields the greatest happiness, but transcends social class...
Published: 2014 Theme: Family Best for: 7 to 9 "I write, "Wrapped in the moon." I can't write any more. But I know that this won't be a rhymed poem. That is too slim for what I want to say. That is too slim for the cow." Reading Fly Away was somewhat like stepping into a child's dream, an ordinary child, living an ordinary life, with the heart and soul of a poet...
Published: 2006 Theme: Perseverance through obstacles Best for: 7 to 10 "Just as Su Shih's writing followed the laws of nature, do did his rulings, where were just and as brilliant as the sun. He was guided by the ancient Chinese book of wisdom, the Tao Te Ching..." It's an interesting challenge to create a historical fiction children's book that young children would be able to take in...
Published: 2005 Theme: Folktale Best for: 9 and up "...Ben started talking about his reading lessons. "It was like coming in out of the dark," he said. "When I started, there were shapes and things, but nothing was clear. Then it was clear and I could see. It was like being born." This unusual children's book offers a retelling of the classic folk tale, Dick Whittington and His Cat, and gentle support for struggling readers.
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