When it comes to exposing children to literature, there are two rules: the earlier the better, and the better the more beneficial. Once your child is 8 years old, they’ve likely learned to read and have already been influenced by popular culture, media, and their friends. In reference to the statement above, “better” books mean, in this list, the classic books. So, somewhere between the Captain Underpants, Percy Jackson, and Harry Potter stories, your child should take some time to read these seven books – and hopefully the other books recommended in each of the seven’s description.
**Blogger note: I happen to love Captain Underpants, Percy Jackson, and Harry Potter, so don’t think I’m a hater. All three series have their own merits and are (Harry Potter in particular) fast on their way to becoming classics. I just really think that the books below, if not required reading at school, should be read by your kid. Sue me.
Peter Pan – J.M. Barrie ![]()
In a story with everything – fairies, pirates, mermaids, flying, and a boy who never grows up, you also have a strong female lead in Wendy (she takes care of her brothers and all the Lost Boys) and a wonderful message. That you can get older and mature without losing the magic of childhood. And, that staying young forever would be a lonely and incomplete existence – because Peter has a horrible memory and loses his shadow.
—————————————————————————————————————
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz – L. Frank Baum![]()
It’s hard to beat as story whose theme is that sometimes all the best things are right in your own home. Plus, Dorothy’s adventures in Oz are fun to read about, and even more fun to imagine. While most kids will see the classic 1939 film, that shouldn’t take the place of the wonderful novel – which is chock full of fun and fantasy.
—————————————————————————————————————
Harriet the Spy – Louise Fitzhugh ![]()
Girls and boys alike will like and appreciate the tale of Harriet M. Welsh – only child, New York resident, and spy extraordinaire. Even though Fitzhugh’s book was published in 1964, the themes are relevant to kids in any era. It’s a story about learning who you are, and learning to temper that with the rest of the world. It’s also a story about growing up, letting go, and learning to care for others.
—————————————————————————————————————
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – Lewis Carroll ![]()
Most good editions of this wonderful story will also include the sequel, which is called Through the Looking Glass. Alice’s adventures are fantastic and wonderfully described, and the story holds meaning for young children who are struggling to come to terms with an adult world. Additionally, the story holds meaning for adults who have forgotten how to look at the world with the wonder of a child.
—————————————————————————————————————
The BFG – Roald Dahl![]()
This is not Roald Dahl’s most famous book, but it is one of the very best. Sophie is kidnapped by a giant, but he’s not a giant like the other mean giants who eat people. The BFG, or “big friendly giant” is a sweet creature, and he antagonizes the mean people-eating giants. In his world dreams fly around and you can catch them in bottles. It’s a funny, charming book that all kids will love.
—————————————————————————————————————
Just So Stories – Rudyard Kipling ![]()
Published in 1902, Kipling’s origin stories are funny and a good springboard for a discussion around nature and the true facts of things. The stories include “How the Whale Got His Throat,” “How the Camel Got His Hump,” and “The Butterfly That Stamped,” as well as many more. In “How the Whale Got His Throat,” a swallowed seafaring individual blocks the whale’s throat with a raft to keep the whale from swallowing any more people. That is, reportedly, why a whale only eats small prey.
—————————————————————————————————————
The Chronicles of Narnia – The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe – C.S. Lewis ![]()
All of the Chronicles of Narnia are must-reads, but this one starts off the series and should therefore be read first. The rest of the books are Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Silver Chair, The Horse and His Boy, The Magician’s Nephew, and The Last Battle. There is some debate about the order in which the books should be read – the order above is listed in the order in which the books were published. The books offer adventure, excitement, and a great message of courage and faith.
Related articles by Zemanta
- Choosing Child Appropriate Videos and Video Games (parentinghelpme.com)
- Top 100 Children’s Literature (aseeofgreen.wordpress.com)
- Be afraid: the 10 worst villains in children’s books of all time (telegraph.co.uk)
