Because of Winn-Dixie
From Publishers Weekly: "In this exquisitely crafted first novel [a Newbery Honor book], each chapter possesses an arc of its own and reads almost like a short story in its completeness."
More info →The Secret of the Old Clock
The first of many, many mysteries I would come to read in this highly addictive series published under the pseudonym of Carolyn Keene. This is one of the all-time bestselling children's books in English: it's sold nearly 3 million copies. The writing may not hold up on an adult's re-read, but I love the Nancy Drew series anyway: she's smart, she's brave, and she's the one rescuing her boyfriend, instead of the other way around.
More info →Bridge to Terabithia
At its core, this is a story about a beautiful friendship between two fifth grade kids who seemed so real that my ten-year-old self could hardly believe Jess and Leslie existed only on the page. I found myself wishing I had my own magical kingdom in the woods I could escape to, and I bawled my eyes out at the end. A moving, multi-layered story about the beauty of childhood and the searing pain of loss.
More info →Greenglass House
It's Christmas vacation at the smuggler's inn Greenglass House, and Milo finds himself with a mystery to unravel. While I couldn't help but wonder if the author was tipping her hat to The Phantom Tollbooth, the story reminded me of The Mysterious Benedict Society. An engaging read for kids and adults alike, and a perfect choice for cozy winter evenings.
More info →Gannon and Wyatt: Great Bear Rainforest
Twelve-year-old twins Gannon and Wyatt have been traveling the world their whole lives. In this adventure book series, the boys visit exotic locales such as Botswana, Egypt, and the Great Bear Rainforest, documenting their explorations all the while as part of their homeschool assignments. These action-packed books will reel in young adventurers, and are a great leaping off point to learn more about the history of exploration.
More info →The Indian in the Cupboard
A little boy gets two seemingly mundane birthday presents: a little plastic figurine, and an old medicine cabinet. But it’s not a regular cupboard, and soon enough Omni is given a key to unlock the magic. While I was busy reading Anne of Green Gables as a young girl, my husband was reading this modern classic over and over.
More info →Percy Jackson and the Olympians
The gods of Olympus live on in 21st century America. In the series opener, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, Percy is a twelve-year-old kid who discovers he’s a demigod--half human, half God-- as the absent father he’s never known is actually Poseidon, king of the sea. In Riordan’s world, the gods still mix with and marry humans, and continue to stir up all kinds of trouble down on earth. 5 books in the series.
More info →The Wingfeather Saga
This quartet from songwriter Andrew Peterson kicks off with On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, where we meet the three Igiby children and their trusty dog Nugget as they set out on their epic adventure. Quirky and captivating, this series will have kids (of all ages) smiling and laughing … and turning the pages as fast as they can.
More info →Batter Up
It’s worth tracking down a copy of this out-of-print book from Olympian-turned-writer Jackson Scholz. Marty Shane struggles to make his way up from the minors to the big leagues based on his talent, instead of joining the major league club his brother manages. A great story about gritty determination and work effort for any young ball fan. 10-18, 12-18.
More info →How I Won the World Series
“The story I’m about to tell you is so amazing, so improbably, and so preposterous, you’re going to think I must have made it up. But I swear every word of it is true. This is not fiction.” So begins Dan Gutman’s tale of his lucky grapefruit and the historic 1986 World Series. Young sports fans who breeze through this dramatic (and funny) short story about the Red Sox, the Mets, and the Curse of the Bambino should check out Gutman’s Baseball Card Adventures series.
More info →H is for Home Run: A Baseball Alphabet
This is more than an ABC book: in addition to a clever rhyme for each letter of the alphabet, the sidebars provide additional fun tidbits for serious fans (young and old alike). This beautifully illustrated book places a strong emphasis on baseball’s historic places and players. Make sure to check out the whole sports series from Sleeping Bear Press, including titles like T is for Touchdown and Z is for Zamboni.
More info →Cars and Trucks and Things That Go
This delightful book just doesn’t get old. Rich detail (and silly stories) fill every page. Do you want to ride in a carrot car? Will Officer Flossy catch that bad dog Dingo? Can you spot Goldbug on every page? This is a book to come back to again and again. Age 2 and up.
More info →Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site
This whimsical book just came out in 2011, but it feels like a classic. One by one, Crane Truck, Cement Mixer, Dump Truck, Bulldozer, and Excavator wrap up their work on the construction site--and settle in with their lovies for bed. This book could be part of a sweet bedtime ritual for the youngest child. Age 1 and up.
More info →Machines at Work
Barton’s simple, bold drawings show men (and women) spending their day on the construction site. This short book begins “Hey you guys, let’s get to work!” and ends with “More work tomorrow.” Enthralling for any child who love big machines (and that’s a lot of kids). For the youngest child.
More info →Harriet the Spy
11-year-old Harriet Welsch is a spunky kid with an odd hobby: she’s a spy. She writes down her observations, thoughts, and feelings about everyone she knows in her notebook. But then Harriet loses her notebook, and things don’t go so well when her classmates read what she really thinks about them. Age 9 and up.
More info →Around the World in Eighty Days
On October 1, 1872, a Londoner named Phileas Fogg gets into an argument at his club because of a newspaper article about a new Indian railway. The argument ends with him accepting a bet that he can circumnavigate the globe in 80 days, using any methods available. Fogg and his French valet Passepartout travel by train, car, boat, sled, and even elephant--but never by balloon (as they do in the movie version). An exciting, fast-moving story. Age 7 and up.
More info →Steam Train, Dream Train
Another bedtime picture book in the spirit of their New York Times bestseller (and my son’s favorite) Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site. It’s not quite as magical as its predecessor, but preschoolers who are obsessed with trains won’t mind. The illustrations are detailed and beautiful, and the onomatopoeia throughout the book (clickety clack!) makes this a fun bedtime read aloud.
More info →The Little Engine That Could
Parents will get nostalgic about this classic tale of the cheerful little blue engine that saves the day by delivering the milk and spinach and dolls and to the boys and girls on the other side of the mountain. “I think I can I think I can.” This modern edition has ornate illustrations. Age 3 and up.
More info →Freight Train
This vividly illustrated book shows a brightly colored train moving--through tunnels, across trestles, by a city--until it’s going, going, gone. Young train lovers will want to read this one over and over. Age 1 and up.
More info →Chugga-Chugga Choo-Choo
This tale of a little boy who plays with trains from sun-up to bedtime will delight young train-lovers. The story unfolds in cheerful rhymes that begin “Sun’s up! Morning’s here / Up and at ‘em / Engineer.” Destined to be a favorite. Age 1 and up.
More info →Liar & Spy
When his dad spots a notice for a Spy Club meeting in their new apartment building’s laundry room, Georges decides to show up--and becomes the first spy recruit of his new friend Safer, a 12-year-old, self- trained spy. Safer teaches Georges the tricks of the trade and sets him to work tracking Mr. X. This realistic novel delicately explores the nature of truth, the power of friendship, and the importance of standing up for yourself. (9-13, 11-13)
More info →The Mysterious Benedict Society (Book 1)
“Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?” Scores of children respond to this newspaper ad, but only four are chosen to save the world. Don’t be intimidated by the bulging 400+ pages, your kid will whiz through it. Smart and fun and a thoroughly good read, for kids and grown-ups. (7-13, 10-13)
More info →The BFG
One night when little Sophie can’t sleep, she looks out her window and sees a giant blowing something (which turns out to be a good dream) into the window of a house down the street. The giant notices her, snatches her out of her room and takes her home with him to Giant Country. The giant turns out to be the world’s only friendly giant, known as the BFG (“Big Friendly Giant). Sophie and the BFG become friends, and set out on an adventure together to convince the Queen of England to protect her fellow humans by capturing all the mean giants. Age 8 and up.
More info →From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
Claudia Kincaid is bored with her suburban life, so she convinces her little brother Jamie to run away with her to nearby New York City. She’s carefully chosen a hideaway that is comfortable, beautiful, and elegant: the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Once they’re set up in the museum, Claudia finds herself transfixed by a statue—and the mystery behind it—and her fascination leads the two children on an incredible adventure.
More info →Frank Lloyd Wright for Kids: His Life and Ideas
The first half of the book is about the man and his work, from his Wisconsin childhood to his mature years as an accomplished architect. Several of his masterpieces like the Robie House, Fallingwater, and Hollyhock are discussed in detail. The second half of the book contains 21 projects (including an edible graham-cracker-and- icing model of Fallingwater). Perfect for budding architects. 7 and up.
More info →Let’s Make Some Great Art
This interactive workbook is packed with artistic activities. Your young creative can learn to draw a face, practice hatching and crosshatching, make a comic strip, and a hundred or so other activities. The emphasis is on fun, not perfection, making this perfect for kids who are learning about art. I will say, however, that I ordered myself a copy of this book last fall. Age 8 and up.
More info →Draw 50 Buildings and Other Structures
The Draw 50 series walks young artists step-by-step through the drawing process. Get this Draw 50 book for the budding architect in your life. Tons of other titles are available to suit the interests of your young artist: they can learn to draw flowers, trees, and plants, animals, or even magical creatures. Age 9 and up.
More info →Olivia
This is a story about a pig named Olivia: “She is good at lots of things. She is very good at wearing people out. She even wears herself out.” She gets in trouble when she reproduces Jackson Pollock’s Autumn Rhythm #30 on the walls at home. On rainy days she likes to go to the museum and look at her favorite painting--Degas’s Ballet Rehearsal on the Set--for a long time. Olivia is a high energy kid (well, pig) with lots of spunk and a bit too much sass, and kids will enjoy this first installment. Age 2 and up.
More info →Cool City
This book isn’t a Lego instruction manual. Instead, its 32 pages are packed with wonderful photos of detailed city scenes Kenney constructed entirely from Legos. This is a book to return to again and again. Kenney is one of a handful of “certified Lego professionals” in the world, and all of his books are excellent. Age 4 and up.
More info →13 Artists Children Should Know
This book provides a wonderful introduction to great artists such as da Vinci, Monet, Cassatt, Van Gogh, Picasso, Chagall, and Warhol. Gorgeous illustrations of their most famous works are included, along with timelines and vignettes about each artist and information about their style of art. This beautiful book will help kids get familiar with art and comfortable with its vocabulary. Age 7 and up.
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