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: 2013 Theme: Give and Take Best for: 5 and up, new readers "Maggie said, "Let's go for a ride, Bramble!" Bramble knew about rides. The rider sat in the saddle. The horse did all the hard work." From the opening line of this little "first chapter book," I loved it. I've been on the lookout for early reader children's books since I began this website, hoping to help the younger struggling readers...
Published: 2012 Theme: Courage and Perseverance Best for: 11 and older "Food is considered a luxury in Carthyan orphanages. They operate on whatever money an orphan inherited upon the deaths of his parents, which inevitably is little more than the shirt on his back after debts were settled." I cannot explain what it is about the writing style in these children's books, but from beginning to end, it is impossible to put the book down.
Published: 2013 Theme: Heroism Best for: ages 9 and up "In what way was attacking a peaceful neighboring country heroic? He degraded Erick's men for being thieves even as he planned to steal all of Carthya from me. My fingers itched to pick up my knife and start the fight." I love heroic characters. I don't have much tolerance for fighting. Somehow they always seem to go together. Yet in The Runaway King, the fighting seems to be somewhat tolerable, especially because the good guy always wins...
Published: 2009 Theme: Grieving and Healing Best for: ages 9 and up "The knuckleball wasn't just a pitch. It was an attitude toward life; it was a way of being in the world. It was a philosophy. "You don't aim a butterfly," her father used to say. "You release it." This is a book anyone could love. Boys who love baseball could surely appreciate it. Girls who want to try something out of the ordinary could love it. I certainly loved it...
Published: 2001 Theme: Perserverance Best for: ages 9 and up "Your mind knows that you are going to Songdo. But you must not tell your body. It must think one hill, one valley, one day at a time. In that way, your spirit will not grow weary before you have even begun to way." In this lovely, art-inspired children's book about a potter and his apprentice, the feeling of the way of the ancients comes through loud and strong. The image of the apprentice who serves the master potter for the love of the art is...
Published: 1992 Theme: Following Your Dream Best for: Girls 9-12 "They had walked up a drive with a notice: QUEEN'S CHASE. HER MAJESTY'S BALLET JUNIOR SCHOOL, and stood gazing at the big cream-stuccoed and porticoed house with pavilions on either side..." The classic British author, Rumer Godden, probably had one very specific audience for this little children's book: young girls who love the ballet. However, times have changed...why wouldn't a boy who loves dance enjoy this equally well?
Published: 1996 Theme: Putting Others First Best for: ages 6 to 10 'Now she really did cry, with tears that seemed to burn. The crowds, the lights, the whole mela seemed to be laughing at her as had the nasty fat stall-keeper when he cheated her over the bangle." Rumer Godden skillfully weaves in Bengali words, as well as vivid descriptions of Diwali, the festival of lights, giving the reader a full picture of ....
Published: 2012 Theme: Accepting Change Best for: 8 and up "It's okay," Snow says, lowering her head. "I don't need to marry a prince. I don't mind living with the dwarfs for the rest of my life." "No...that is NOT the way your story goes...." What do you get when a 21st century girl and her sister become entangled with the eternal Snow White? A terrific children's book, with laughs, serious lessons, and a great read for younger children...
Published: 1999 Theme: Finding One's Path Best for: 11 and over "Gwydion caught Taran's look of disappointment. "It is not the trappings that make the prince," he said gently, "nor, indeed, the sword that makes the warrior..." Lloyd Alexander's children's book series on his invented land of Prydain undoubtedly has an enormous following. Fantasy books tend to create a real cult if they are good, and there is no question that this series is good...
Published: 2013 Theme: Kindness and Survival Best for: children over 10 "The heart is like an apartment," Madame Marie tells me. "Every day you must clean it and make it cheerful...If you make your apartment extra nice, God will come to visit you too." Here is a breathtakingly beautiful children's book about a breathtakingly horrendous episode in history: the Holocaust...
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