The Librarian Who Measured the Earth

Children's Book - Librarian

Published: 1994 Theme: Mathematics Best for: ages 9 and up A historically accurate illustrated children's book about Eratosthenes, a Greek librarian, and mathematician at heart, who figures out how to measure the earth using only a shadow, and some geometry...

Island of Blue Dolphins

Children's Book: Island of the Blue Dolphins

Published: 1990 Theme: Survival, Resilience Best for: Classroom use, Home School, grade 5 and up "Everyone in our tribe had two names, the real one which was secret and seldom used, and one which was common, for if people use your secret name, it becomes worn out and loses it's magic." This work of historical fiction, about a young girl left alone on an island, chronicles the ways she managed to survive..

Dealing with Dragons

Children's Book- Dealing with Dragons

Published: 1990 Theme: Being Oneself Best for: ages 10 and up, especially girls "Being a dragon's princess is a perfectly respectable thing to do, so my parent's couldn't complain. And it would be much more interesting than embroidery and dancing lessons." An easy-to-read adventure with dragons, wizards, and a princess who breaks the mold...

The Phantom Tollbooth

Phantom Tollbooth Children's Book

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...

Finn Family Moomintroll

Children's Book - Finn Family Moomintroll

Published: 1948 Theme: Fairyworld Best for: 5-9 "It is autumn in Moomin Valley, for how else can spring come back again?" This quirky little children's book captured my interest right away because I'm in the midst of teaching phonetic skills to second and third graders...

The Wind Boy

Children's Book - The Wind Boy

Published: 1923 Theme: The Unseen World Best for: All ages "The Being passed very near her mountaintop, moving slowly, as to unheard holy music. But as he passed, he turned his face and looked down at Gentian, standing still and small on the mountain top. She ...was lost in awe." This unusual book defies categories. It isn't fantasy, the way most people understand fantasy. The closest word I can use to describe it is mystical. There is something very true about the book...

The Great Quillow

Children's Book - The Great Quillow

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. ...

The Book of Dragons

Children's Book of Dragons

Published: 1900 Theme: Good Always Wins Best for: Read-aloud, 5-8 The Book of Dragons is one of Nesbit's earliest children's books, written as a collection of short stories, eight to be exact, each about a different kind of dragon. Each tale is...

The Castle in the Attic

Castle in the Attic Children's book

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.

Five Children and It

Children's book Five Chidlren and It

Published: 1902 Theme: Be Careful What You Wish for! Suitable for: all ages Five Stars From the very opening pages, Nesbit has us, the reader, firmly in her grip. Right away, you picture the children so eager to be free of the confines of their city life, and you know something interesting will happen...