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: 2011 Theme: Children's Creativity Best for: 9 to 12 "My name is Mina and I love the night. Anything seems possible at night when the rest of the world has gone to sleep." The best thing to say about this children's book is ...read it. It will uplift your spirit and inspire creative teaching.
Published: 2017 Theme: Courage; Monarch Butterflies Best for: 6 and up "It took Kibble a few moments before he was ready to let go of that trunk again, but soon enough, he carefully walked over to me...." In this informative illustrated children's book, Kibble overcomes his fear with the support of good friends...
Published: 2019 Theme: Fathers and Sons Best for: 9 and up "I decided to revolt. I mean, wiping up dog vomit, nearly drowning in an Australian tropical thunderstorm, drinking tea with mild and sugar, and I haven't even told you about the forty-five minutes of Mr. Barkus's word problems." A great coming- of-age book, as well as dealing with family drama, with lots of humor.
Published: 2019 Theme: Father and Son reconciliation Best for: 9 to 12 "It's hard, sometimes, reconciling the difference between what you really feel about something and what you think you're supposed to feel." A slow-starter with a very unconventional ending worth staying with.
Published: 2018 Theme: Nature's Wonders Best for: 5 to 8 "Once upon a time, words began to vanish from the language of children...You hold in your hands a spellbook for conjuring back these lost words. To read it you will need to seek, find, and speak." A gorgeous, oversized illustrated children's book that weaves magic of language, art, and nature.
Published: 2000 Theme: Thoreau's Simplicity Best for: 5 to 7 "I'll walk," said Henry. "It's the fastest way to travel." "I'll work," Henry's friend said, "until I have the monty to buy a ticket to ride the train to Fitchburg. We'll see who gets there first!" A very simple, sweet illustration of a passage from Walden about the benefits of walking rather than high-speed travel.
Published: 2018 Theme: Beavers (Natural History) Best for: 6 and up "This is a beaver. Just an ordinary beaver. But even ordinary beavers are extraordinary. In fact, even ordinary beavers are superheroes." A great way to present facts of natural history to young readers; enjoyable yet fact-filled.
Published: 2002 Theme: Nature Adventure and Adoption Best for: 9 to 12 "I felt unbound. I was free as the wind. And I wasn't in just any old canoe, but one I had made myself. She floated, she sped, she was unreal." A great book by a classic children's book author, about adoption, and self-sufficiency in nature.
Published: 2018 Best for: mature 12 and up Theme: Mixed-race Love "My mother, the pacifist, would kill me dead if she knew what I'd just done. I rescheduled my interview. For a girl. Not even a Korean girl, a black girl. A black girl I don't really know., ...who might not even like me." Get ready for a ride on the hormones of a couple of teens who fall in love...
Published: 2002 Theme: Storytelling Best for: 6 to 9 "The class stared at the new girl with admiration. They had never met anyone like Gooney Bird Greene...Her clothes were unusual. Her hairstyles were unusual. Even her lunches were very unusual." This fun first-chapter book explores how easy it is to tell a good story, with imagination.
Litkidz 