While gender doesn’t determine if a book is great or not, it does help if children can identify with some of the characters in the stories. This is especially true for reluctant readers. The books in this particular category are noted for the predominance of boys as main characters.
Published: 1986 Theme: The Grass is always greener... Best for: 5th or 6th grade "What was he looking for, a prince in fine velvets and a crown cocked on his head? Was it clothes that made a prince, Jemmy wondered, just as rags made a street boy?" What a great children's book this is! I first heard of it last year when the fifth grade class in my Waldorf Charter school was reading it. A superb example of writing with humor, and capturing an era of the past...
Published: 2011 Theme: Courtesy Best for: 6 to 9 "King Arthur covered his eyes with his hands. Sometimes in those early days he wondered what it would take to prove to his knights that courtesy was as important as courage." In this series, Morris takes some of the same King Arthur legends, but reworks them for a younger audience. Children could read this book cover to cover, and enjoy both the writing and the message.
Published 1975 Theme: Chinese Immigrant experience Best for: 12 and over "All of a sudden I saw that if life seems awfully petty most of the time, every now and then there is something noble and beautiful and almost pure that lifts us suddenly out of the pettiness and lets us share in it a little." This beautifully written and sensitive book covers the experience of the Chinese immigrants in the 1900s in San Francisco.
Published: 2013 Theme: Life in the Future Best for: 2nd grade boys The series of six children's books in Galaxy Zack are brand new, and intrigued me at first glance because the writing seemed accessible to early readers, especially boys...
Published: 1950 Theme: Overcoming Handicaps Best for: 5th grade and up, classroom/home school "...he would learn all the ways of knighthood. He would learn how to be of service to his liege lord, how to be courteous and gentle, and at the same time, strong of heart." This Newberry Medal winner is a well-crafted historical fiction children's book set in medieval England, complete with knights, plagues, and cloistered monks...
Published: 1961 Theme: Wisdom Best for: 10 and up Five Stars "Of course there are a few of us whose feet never reach the ground no matter how old we get, but I suppose it's the same in every family." This timeless classic is so filled with humor and wisdom that each reading makes it feel new. A must-have...
Published: 1944 Theme: Power of Thoughts Best for: 5- 8 "I am Quillow, the teller of tales," said the toymaker, but unlike the others he did not bow to the giant. This is a funny children's book, but you must be attentive! The humor sneaks up on you. That's James Thurber. ...
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: 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 1886 Theme: Power of Love and Kindness Best for: Ages 6 and up, especially boys Five Stars "His greatest charm was this cheerful, fearless, quaint little way of making friends with people. Finding this children's book, the first ever written by Burnett, was like going to the pure, unpolluted, ancient source of story itself...
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