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: 2005 Themes: Mythology, Courage, Loyalty Best for: 10 and up "The next few days I settled into a routine that felt almost normal, if you don't count the fact that I was getting lessons from satyrs, nymphs, and a centaur." This wildly popular children's book series, based on Greek mythology is non-stop action, not for the faint of heart...
Published: 2018 Theme: Indian Mythology, Courage Best for: 9 to 11 People are a lot like magical pockets. They're far bigger on the inside than they appear on the outside. And it was like that with Aru. She found a place deep within her that had been hidden until now... The first in a series on Indian mythology, similar to Percy Jackson, but much funnier and much lighter, and much more girl-friendly...
Published: 2004 Theme: Indian culture, Dealing with Divorce Best for: Girls 10 and up "Lakshmi Auntie drops Sumai off with us a couple of days later, and scurries a protesting Ashwin away for a haircut...The day promises to turn from plain hot to furnace hot." In this multicultural children's book set in India, a young girl grapples with the divorce of her parents, and memory loss of a family friend.
Published: 2017 Theme: Wildlife Best for: 10 and up "I'm a coward. There, I've said said it now. I'm a coward. It's true. Dad never actually said it out loud but it was always in his eyes." This is a wonderful children's book, that combines growing up with standing up for your own values.
Published: 2018 Theme: Courage, Overcoming Differences Best for: 11 and up "Her father had a phrase for the way the sun catches things out against the darkness of a coming storm: the clear light of trouble, he called it." This excellent historical fiction is a timely addition to educating children about the dangers of xenophobism...
Published: 2018 Theme: Unglorious War Best for: 11-13 "He wasn't sure why Ella had lied about texting her mom. All he knew was that she wasn't the girl he'd thought she was. She was the girl who did magic tricks and listened to Mozart." Great historical fiction children's book, featuring two very likeable 7th graders, who end up liking each other...
Published: 2016 Theme: Community Activism Best for: 7 to 9 "I know, I know. I'm giving away the ending. But here's the thing. The point of a story is not the ending. The point is, What does it mean?" It's time to educate the young people about the power of community activism, in a gentle way. This book does that...
Published: 2017 Theme: Cats and Kindness Best for: 7 and up "Edith sat back on her hind legs and licked her front left paw as she continued to speak. She stopped to examine the placement of each strand of fur every now and then." A hilarious and profound look at cats, personalities, patience, and courage.
Published: 1997 Theme: Reality Check and Humor Best for: Boys 9 to 11 "Now running away from home in the fourteenth century was by no means an easy thing to do. Everyone in the village would know exactly who you were... Nobody would be sitting inside watching television." A funny book with a serious message- maybe knights are not all they appear to be on the surface, and war is war, never nice.
Published: 2018 Theme: Bravery Best for: 10 and up "I'm terrified to see my mother being taken away. I want to pull her out of there, and hold her hand as we run back to our apartment. I don't do any of that. I'm sacred and angry and sad." From beginning to end, this adventure in New York City brings us to see the immense courage of immigrant families under threat.
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