Modern Day Realism

The books I most enjoyed as an adolescent reader were realistic fiction.  I liked to connect to the characters-imagine what it was like to walk in their shoes.  I devoured any thing by Beverly Cleary or Judy Blume.  From pesky little sisters to girls trying to increase their bust size…I loved it all.

These books had characters that were easy to relate to.   They were much like me…young, growing, changing.  They fought with their siblings, stayed exasperated at their parents, and had a growing interest in the opposite sex. 

Young adult books today still have the same themes, but now there is another layer of problems added to the mix…disease, homelessness, homosexuality, traumatic events, learning disabilities.  Books today paint a harsher picture of the tween/teenage life.

A common them I have noticed recently is autism.  Many authors are exploring the difficulties of autism through the eyes of family, friends, or the child themselves.

Rules by Cynthia Lord is a story about twelve-year-old Catherine who just wants a normal life, with a normal summer, and new friends.  It is very difficult to accomplish with a little brother who is autistic.  This is a heartwarming story that might encourage children to see things from someone else’s point of view.

Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine is told through the voice of Caitlin, a ten-year-old girl with Asperger’s syndrome.  It is a story of how Caitlin copes with life after a tragedy strikes.  This book was powerful for me because it gave me a glimpse of the point of view of a child dealing with Asperger’s.  I think it would be a wonderful book to help children understand what challenges children with autism must face and how they can support and assist them with those challenges.  Beware...this book covers some harsh real world issues.  I recommend you read it first to ensure it is appropriate for your own child.

Both of these books are wonderful discussion starters.  Both can be very warm, yet very complex with great examples of how important it is for everyone to have friends to lean on.

Two Fun Series for Growing Beginning Readers

There is this difficult stage with growing beginning readers when picture books are no longer challenging, but most early level chapter books are just a tad too difficult.  It can be really frustrating for children and parents.  

Children are so excited to read a book with CHAPTERS, but then the text is just a little to difficult and they quickly lose interest.  Both my niece and my daughter are at this stage.  Maybe you have some little ones that are too.

Too encourage some late summer reading, I went on a search for some new(ish), fun, and engaging early level chapter books.  Something to get them excited about reading and all warmed-up to start the new school year.

I stumbled upon two charming series…

Ivy + Bean 

by Annie Barrows and Sophie Blackall

and the Bad Kitty Series 

by Nick Bruel

Both of these series are perfect for children moving beyond beginning readers.  They are full of spunky and sassy characters that will keep your children in giggles! 

Each are heavily illustrated with hilarious cartoon-like drawings that keep the reader engaged.  

Whether your reader is reluctant or motivated these are great books to help them make the transition into independent reading.

What Book Got You Hooked?

Do you remember the one book that revealed the joy of reading?  The book that made you want to stay up just a little longer?  You may have been hooked in your childhood, or maybe as an adult, but there was a book or two that got you hooked on reading.

Children need to be exposed to several books to develop that desire.  Find out what interests them.  Learn about characters they may enjoy.  Try a book they loved hearing read aloud in class, or share one of your childhood favorites. 

Here are a few of the books that got me hooked.  Some are books that were read aloud to me when I was very young and others are ones I enjoyed reading on my own.

Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey

My first grade teacher read this aloud to us often.  I could wait to learn to read well enough to read this book on my own.  It has been a favorite of my boys as well.

The Lorax by Dr. Suess

I feel in love with the illustrations in this book.  It is a wonderful story filled with many discussion points to encourage responses from your child.  Read the book with them before you go out and buy the movie!

The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams

Another first grade favorite!  This is a classic story that all children would love.

Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman

This is the FIRST book I read completely on my own that was not my reading textbook from school.

Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary

If you grew up in the 70s or 80s you probably fell like you know Ramona personally.  All the Ramona books are fun and engaging for older readers.  Her quirky antics will still entertain children today.

The Borrowers by Mary Norton

This book was read aloud by my fourth grade teacher.  It was the first piece of fantasy I fell in love with.  Girls and boys can enjoy this book.  There are many versions and sequels now available that will allow your children to continue to follow these fun characters.

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine Engle

If you have boys in upper elementary or middle school that are unmotivated to read, try this one.  It is a science fiction, fantasy full of adventure and alternate worlds.  This one would be a great book to read along with your child.  It may bring back some nostalgia for you and spark new interest for them!

These books are definitely oldies, but still goodies!  I hope that I have stirred up some memories about the book that got you hooked.  Try to get your child hooked on reading with a good book!

Readers Are Made on the Laps of Their Parents

I am a reader.  I crave a good book, magazine, textbook, journal article...even a blog post.  Reading is a part of me.  The stories I have read, characters I have come to know, and facts I have absorbed are part of my history.

I didn't develop this passion on my own.  Many people along the way guided me.

They made me a reader.

Their love for books was shared with me at a very early age.  The value and fun of reading was modeled to me almost daily.  

Until recently, I thought of this as the norm.  I thought all children grew up with parents, grandparents, and siblings reading to them...showing them what a joy diving into a book could be.  

I have discovered I am incredibly wrong!  Many of my friends did not develop a love of reading until they were much older.  Many struggled in school.  Few share fond memories of favorite childhood books or stories.  Hearing these reflections breaks my heart.  Everyone should come to know the warm feeling after hearing a good story...as a child.

I decided to start this blog to pass on my love for all things children's literature.  To share books I have recently discovered and those I have treasured for years.  I want to help parents find engaging books, for all ages, to motivate and encourage their children to read.

The book pictured above is one of my most treasured possessions.  It is the fairy tale book my great-grandmother read to my brother, sister, and I when we were very young.  Many times during the week we would all pile in her lap to hear our favorites again and again.  When we began to outgrow her lap and read on our own Granny handed this book down to us.  The inscription inside says...

To My Great Grands,

     I give this book.  Remembering the many times you sat on my lap, all in the chair, and I read the stories you selected.

     Now-read to each other or to someone else and remember how much your Granny Gert Hile loves you!

July 11, 1980

Her message was clear...read...read to each other...read to someone...keep making readers.