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 1991 Theme: Freedom of Expression Best for: ages 11 and up Five Stars This brilliantly written story by Salman Rushie both enchants children and makes adults think deeply about the importance of stories, writers and freedom in keeping a culture alive...
Published 2003 Theme: Courage to Love Best for: 9 and up "Stories are light. Light is precious in a world so dark. Begin at the beginning. Tell Gregory a story. Make some light." A story that doesn't shy away from the dark, but brings the beauty of light into the world...
Published 1994 Theme: Loss and Healing Best for: 12 and older "Don't judge a man until you've walked two moons in his moccasins." If young readers came away from this profoundly moving children's book with only the above as their understanding, that alone could change the world. Imagine how our culture would develop...
Published 1992 Theme: Expectations Best for: 5-6 years old "There was a man called the Thinking Man of Moha, and there was a woman called the Writing Woman of Maho, and they were friends." Thus begins this very small, simple book by Le Guin, combining fantasy and reality seamlessly...
Published 2000 Theme: Fairies Best for: 5 - 8 years old I love the Fairy Realm series, stepping from our human world into the world of the fairies, where magic, beauty, goodness, and yes, also a bit of evil, mingle together...
Published 2009 Theme: Nature Best for: ages 5 - 8 This small little children's book has the best elements of combining fiction and non-fiction into a little tale. It is lyrical, it is sensitive, it is keenly accurate, and it is accompanied by the most delicate illustrations one could find in a children's book...
Published 1999 Theme: Selfless Service & Humility Best for: Boys 11 and up That is why the rare human who is truly good is so remarkable. And the rare human who acquires true wisdom...is so magnificent.". Yet again, Gerald Morris has taken a classic, Arthurian literature and created an inspirational children's book...
Published 2008 Theme: Innate Wisdom of Children Best for: 11 and older "It was because of the king. Because he was brave and true to what he believed in and wouldn't let himself be bullied. Because he knew that if you have power you must use it well and not be afraid." A book that celebrates the power of independence in children's lives..
Published 2001 Theme: Adventure and self-discovery Best for: ages 10 and up Five Stars "Perhaps I'm mad--and the professor, too--but I think children must lead big lives...if it is in them to do so." What is the mark of a great children's book, really? For me, it is the feeling of immense goodness about the world that rises up when I finally read the last word of the book...
Published 2012 Theme: Relationships - Humans and Animals Best for: ages 9 and up The tears are barely dry on my cheeks as I write this. Reading The One and Only Ivan was both heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time. You get to experience their fullness of heart, their magnificence as animals. And at the end, it's impossible not to cry--out of joy, out of relief...
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