I like to have reading plans. My last reading plan rotated contemporary and classic novels. If I found myself struggling though a piece of particularly arduous Victorian fiction, I persevered because my next book would be something more modern. Since August, I have been reading mostly children’s literature, which I never read much of when I was a child. When I was in the fifth grade, I thought reading murder mysteries and Stephen King novels bought from garage sales that had upwards of 500 pages meant that I had an “advanced” reading level. Since getting into some truly great children’s literature, I realize that I was totally wrong. A good children’s novel does not condescend to a child’s reading level (whatever that may be), but elevates its reader (even if that means, gasp, looking up words in the dictionary!). So, if you are one of those Harry Potter fans who believe those children’s novels anomalies in a sea of juvenile tripe, I dare you to check out some of these books!
His Dark Materials Trilogy (The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, The Amber Spyglass) by Philip Pullman: More advanced reading than JK Rowling, Pullman has said that he does not consider these novels to be written for children (though there were definitely a few kids in the audience when Christina and I went to see him speak). The Subtle Knife is, by far, my favorite of the three. I will not even try to explain what these books are about, but if you are looking for a novel with a female protagonist or just a good fantasy series, give this series a try.
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart: one of my favorite books that I have read in a while. About a group of children who infiltrate a school to stop its headmaster from taking over the world. Every character is original and maintains their personality throughout. I could not put this book down!
The Pull of the Ocean by Jean-Claude Mourlevat, translated by Y. Maudet: this retelling of Tom Thumb (though I am not too familiar with that fairy tale) was recommended to be by Christina. This story about seven neglected brothers who run away from home is told from multiple perspectives, each with distinct voices. Actually heartbreaking at times, I highly recommend this novel.
The Secret Garden and A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett: both novels feature characters of Dickensian perfection and characters with preternatural relationships with animals (including vermin!), but they are humorous, engaging books. While some characters appear faultless, others are refreshingly flawed yet likable.
The Spiderwick Chronicles, Books 1-5 by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black: there is no escaping the fact that these simple, well illustrated novels about a troubled boy who discovers fairies living in the backyard are written for children, but they are fun, fast reads. The five books are really one novel split into five sections, so you can zoom through these in a day. If you’re not convinced, check out the trailer for the movie opening in February. If you do check these out and enjoy them, you can move onto The Nixie’s Song, the first of three books in a Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles trilogy.
From he Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konisburg: this hilarious book about a sister and brother who run away from home to live in the Metropolitam Museum of Art was one of my favorites as a kid. I have to admit, as an adult, I found myself feeling awfully bad for the parents, but the book was still a blast.
Other children’s novels that I enjoyed but did not quite make my list of favorites:
What the Dickens: The Story of a Rogue Tooth Fairy by Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked: an ambiguous ending worthy of discussion.
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick: I enjoyed and would recommend this book if only for the entirely new reading experience it provides - it is half words and half pictures – I would have preferred eighty percent words, but it’s perfect for someone interested in taking illustration to another level.
I may deviate from my reading plan as I have been meaning to read The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde for ages and just purchased it for fifty cents from a thrift shop. On the other hand there are a couple of children’s novels that I’m itching to check out of the library.
What are you reading right now?
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2 comments:
I won't have time for reading once my classes start (I was re-reading Breakfast of Champions by Vonnegut recently), but in tune with Children's Lit, I will forever love the YA novel "The Ear, The Eye, and The Arm." I'm surprised no one's made a movie about it yet. It's a futuristic kidnapping tale set in Africa. And there are 2 stories happening at once-- the story of the kidnapped kids' experiences, along with the 3 detectives who are searching for them (the title characters). It's really amazing. Look it up on amazon or something for a more in depth description!
Excellent post, I felt like I was watching Reading Rainbow again! I have to say my favorite books when I was younger were "Island of the Blue Dolphins," "My Side of the Mountain," "Julie of the Wolves," and the entire Anne of Green Gables series, but most especially the 8th book, "Rilla of Ingleside," which is about Anne's daughter. I will have to add your books to my To Read list.
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