These books are aligned with Waldorf Education curriculum and principles. For more information on what I mean by that, please visit this page: What is Waldorf-Aligned?
Published: 2002 Theme: Valuing the Past Best for: Girls up to 12 "We speak the same language, but sometimes it's hard to believe. Some things have changed so much that it's hard for us to understand each other at all." Finally -- a multicultural story to enrich my list of children's books. This book reminds me how much we deprive children of interesting experiences when we don't invite them into other worlds.
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: 2003 Theme: The Odyssey Best for: 10 and older "As rude laughter came from the courtyard, Penelope closed the shutters of her windows. She returned to her loom and began weaving. Desperate for help, she prayed for her true husband to come home soon, before it was too late." A very accessible series of children's books with the best of the Odyssey, in clear language.
Published: 2012 Theme: Ethical Choices Best for: 12 and older "What to do? She thought of History, Ethics, and Diplomacy, as well as Peder and Esa's ma, who said 'Truth is when your gut and your mind agree.' This sequel to Princess Academy is a wonderful way to bring the questions of change, ethics, and choices to young people.
Published: 1904 Theme: Magical Adventures Best for: ages 10 and up The carpet was sailing over rocks and rivers and trees and towns and farms and fields. It reminded all of them of a certain time they all had had wings... Another great imaginative classic by master storyteller E. Nesbit, this one has a real Phoenix in it!
Published: 2006 Theme: Learning to Love Best for: 7 and older "If you have no intention of loving or being loved, then the whole journey is pointless." The quote above is worth the entire journey of tears that this little children's book takes you on, as you move from the self-centered heart of a china rabbit to one that has been broken open with love and hope...
Published: 1958 Theme: Coping with Circumstances Best for: age 5 and up "You know, Henry," said Mrs. Brown as they watched Paddington go up the stairs to bed, looking rather sticky and more than a little sleepy, "it's nice having a bear about the house." This is a real chapter book, perfect for young readers who have just learned to read, with a few choice illustrations to keep it moving.
Published: 1865 (est.) Theme: Fairies, Bravery, Kindness Best for: everyone Five Stars "What will people say?" is the name of this formidable ghost; and it does much harm, for few of us have the courage to live up to what we know to be right in all things." What young person does not need to be reminded about being true to themselves? Or being brave, or being compassionate, or being fearless?
Published: 2005 Theme: Wisdom and Foolishness Best for: 5 and older Five Stars "In the forbidden City of the Celestial Emperor Kwan-Yu lived a white cat with such beautiful green eyes that she was called Dream-of-Jade." Lloyd Alexander, perhaps best known for his fantasy children's books for older readers, has completely captured the genre of classical Chinese folk tales in an impeccable style...
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...
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