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: 1997 Theme: Thinking for Yourself Best for: Girls over 11 "Decisions were a delight after the curse. I loved having the power to say yes or no, and refusing anything was a special pleasure." This lightweight modern fairytale explores what happens when a young girl can no longer think or choose for herself. An apt pre-teen subject....
Published: 2000 Theme: Kindness Best for: Ages 6-11 "You got to remember, you can't always judge people by the things they done. You got to judge them by what they are doing now." Part of what I love about this children's book is the simplicity of the writing and the story line. That makes it perfect for early readers...
Published: 2003 Theme: Self-Reflection, Service to Others Best for: 12 and older “The secret is not to dream,” she whispered. “The secret is to wake up. Waking up is harder. I have woken up and I am real. This powerful fantasy book by Terry Pratchett has so much depth to it that one realizes it needs several reads...
Published: 1972 Theme: Meeting Life with Joy Best for: 5-8 How did the world ever manage without me before I was born," he wondered. "Didn't they feel something was missing?". In this simple children's book, William Steig brings his imaginative power into the written word with great feeling...
Published: 1994 Theme: Kindness and Loyalty Best for: 7-12 Is there really a place called Avalon, the land of mists? Are there witches and hags? Is there magic? When I read a book like this, there's no question...
Published: 1987 Theme: Inner Courage Best for: 8 - 10 years old "A truly courageous person is one who must first conquer fear within himself." A great mixture of fantasy and realism, this book is loving and enjoyable from start to finish. Perfect for younger readers, it is very satisfying.
Published: 2000 Theme: Adjusting to Loss Best for: 10 and up "I wondered if the same was true of children, that sometimes you can't control things and sometimes you have to let go. Maybe you even have to let go of your parents." This is a simple and beautiful children's book that deals with a difficult situation: a child losing her parents in an accident...
Published 1979 Theme: Being Different Best for: 11 and up "Belladonna had always been a white witch...Flowers sprung up where she walked, ... and from the age of 6, there had always been someone nesting in Belladonna's golden hair." This is probably the most unlikely children's book I would have ever expected to find myself recommending. Especially after writing a blog post saying...
Published: 1972 Theme: Light over Dark Best for: 11 to 12 year olds The second in a series of five books, The Dark is Rising is an exciting, somewhat complex fantasy about the battle of the dark vs. the light with references to Arthurian legend, as well as Celtic and Norse mythology. Compelling writing...
Published 1970 Theme: Friendship; Easy Reader Best for: 5- 8 This is one of those books that is important not because it is great literature, but because it is possible for children to read it on their own, love it, remember it, imitate it, and feel the magic that comes from learning to read...
Litkidz 