When I was a kid the highlight of my summer was going to the library and/or bookstore to stock up on books from my school’s book list. Nowadays kid’s summers are filled with video games. I know that there are still a good amount of kids that enjoy reading over spending their days wasting away in front of the TV, but for those people who want the younger generation to pick up a book more often, here’s a list of some of my favorite children’s books.
The BFG - I remember reading this book in elementary school and thinking there was nothing better I had ever laid eyes on. I was sitting in a chair in the living room, so utterly entranced by the world painted with words by Ronald Dahl, that when my mom told me it was time for bed I walked while reading until she made me put it down so I wouldn’t fall on my face. This book made me fall in love with reading and it might do the same for others!
The Harry Potter series - If you scroll down this blog a bit and read my posts I’ve probably mentioned Harry Potter about 20 times. The first Harry Potter book came out when I was in fourth grade and every single one of my friends read it and fell in love. For some reason I refused to read it until just a few years ago. Man, I have never wished that I could rewind time more. I wish so badly that I had started reading Harry Potter when it came out so that I could spend more time waiting for the sequels and the movies, but alas, I was a stubborn child. Since I first read the series I have reread it about 15 times. Some people say that’s excessive, I say that it’s the product of an amazingly beautiful story.
Bridge to Terabithia - Recently my 12-year-old cousin came to me and told me she was reading this book. She asked if I’d read it and if I could explain to her why so many people loved it because she found it dreadfully sad. I think that pretty much sums up most people’s feelings about this book. For me, I had a love/hate relationship when I first read it because I adored the characters and their journey but I hated it for making me cry. Now I just love it. I think once you reach a certain age you gain a respect for it rather than feeling personally victimized by it. :)
The Baby-Sitters Club, Goosebumps, and Nancy Drew - Three completely different series that do the same job. They suck kids in and make them not want to stop until they’ve read them all!
Beverly Cleary’s Ramona books - The Ramona books are AWESOME for young kids. When they’re told to behave and do their chores it’s fun for them to read about a girl who essentially behaves but has fun doing it and gets into all sorts of mischief.
The Chronicles of Narnia - These books are about kids that become the kings and queens of a secret country that they get to through a wardrobe. Need I say more? How much fun would that be?!
I hope that this list has enough variety to help you find which one suits your child’s best interest! I hope they find as much happiness in them as I did.
