I always seem to have my nose in a book. This is not a new development; I've been an avid reader ever since I could read. Books are so important to me because they have always provided new characters that I thought of as friends and new, unheard of places that I could create in my imagination however I liked.
Now I work at a bookstore and have opportunities every day to talk to other people about the books that have impacted them. Unfortunately, however, I've learned that this is the time of year when schoolchildren must scramble to complete their summer reading assignments before school starts. (Excuse me, but doesn't school start in, like, a week?) Apparently many children hate reading. I cringe and grit my teeth when I hear, "Can you just tell me which one is the shortest? I just want the shortest book on the list." When the parents facilitate this ridiculous demand for their children, I sometimes bravely speak up. "This is the best book on the list. Give him this, and say it's the shortest."
Recently a father came in with his son and said to me, "My son really isn't into all this reading foolishness." I desperately held my breath to avoid informing him that his son hopefully wouldn't be into any "college foolishness" later on either. Why aren't parents more interested in promoting reading in their children? Why don't kids recognize the value of it on their own? Young would-be readers, listen: I can't even begin to tell you how many of the movies that you love and rave about actually started as fantastic books! And, here's a secret: usually the book is better! It's true, I swear! Surely your thumbs get tired of pounding the X-Box at some point. Pick up a book.
So, in the interest of promoting reading, not only as a useful educational tool, but also an incredibly rewarding leisure activity, I give you, dear reader (all one or two of you) the following list of recommended books for kids. Even kids that hate reading. Seriously, if a kid who hates reading reads a great book, even he/she can be converted!
In no particular order,
1. Bridge to Terabithia
by: Katherine Patterson
Recommended reading level: ages 9 and up
This Newbery-award winning book is powerfully written, a beautiful exploration of friendship and strength in the face of tragedy. I read this book when I was in the fifth grade and it has stayed with me all these years.
2. A Wrinkle In Time
by: Madeleine L'Engle
Recommended reading level: age 9 and up
Another Newbery medal winner, this charming book follows the Murry children as they hurtle through space and time on a fascinating and imaginative journey to find their father, who disappeared while experimenting with time travel.
3. Momo
by: Michael Ende
Recommended reading level: age 12 and up
This is the story of Momo, a homeless and ragged waif, who has the uncanny ability to really listen to people. She alone is able to resist the "men in grey" who change her quiet town into a bustling and impersonal urban nightmare. We follow her adventures as she discovers the true nature of the sinister "men in grey" and helps to save her friends.
4. Flowers For Algernon
by: Daniel Keyes
Recommended reading level: age 11 and up
This timeless novel follows the journals of Charley, a mentally challenged man who undergoes an experiment which sends his IQ hurtling past the rest of the population and well into genius territory. It is a heartbreaking story as Charley starts to realize that his "friends" at the bakery where he works have actually been making fun of him all along, and as he becomes a genius he finds himself as sadly isolated as he was when his IQ was 68.
5. The Secret Garden
by: Frances Hodgson Burnett
Recommended reading level: age 9 and up
This classic tale tells of two neglected children who find healing and true happiness after discovering an equally neglected garden, which they lovingly tend and bring back to life. I first read this book when I was around ten, and have re-read it many times since. It has never lost its magic for me.
These are just a few of my favorites - I hope you'll add your own in the "Comments" section!
Also, coming soon - a list of my favorite books for adult reading. I'll be looking for suggestions for this list as well, so please leave feedback and let me know your thoughts.
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3 comments:
Your writing is identical to your speech. If I read this in another country or another world, I would know who wrote it.
Were you aware that I read Flowers for Algernon as a young child?? And I was also apalled at the lessons he learned as a "smart" person. Perhaps it is understandable that we would read the same things, but interesting that across the generation we would like and remember the same things the same way.
Thanks for the list!
I have another one for you:
"The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein
This is a short book, appropriate for pretty young kids, about the relationship between a man, from his childhood until old age, and a tree that loves him unconditionally. Sounds a little silly maybe but it's a great book that I've always found poignant.
"Go Ask Alice" by Anonymous
It was written in the 60s as a diary of a young girl who gets seduced by the acid-hippy lifestlye. It is a cautionary tale of the dangers of drugs and how they can consume a life. It is slightly dated in terms of culture, but the message is clear.
"The Kid from Tomkinsville" by John R. Tunis
A novel about a boy who joins the Brooklyn Dodgers. It deals with success and failure and finding your own way on the baseball diamond and in life. I was addicted to Tunis' books when I was 10-14.
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