One common theme among the millennial generation is nostalgia. We crave the reminder of a simpler,happier time in our lives. Throughout my own millennial life, I have been an avid reader. The (good) books I read have always had a deep and profound effect on my thoughts and ideas. Here are just a few of the children's chapter books and book series' that I am still tempted to pick up from time to time:
1. Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett- This book (which eventually became a trilogy) is a little obscure. It's a challenging and interesting mystery in which two classmates, Petra and Calder, attempt to track down the thief of a stolen Johannes Vermeer painting. As it was written by a teacher, the novel offers educational tidbits and powerful open-ended questions to the reader. As an added plus, the illustrations by Brett Helquist are beautiful.
2. Flying Solo by Ralph Fletcher- Due to an unfortunate administrative mistake, a sixth grade classroom is left without a teacher or substitute for a day. They make the risky decision to run the classroom themselves. The book is told from the perspective of different students in the classroom. This book deals with the heavy issues of grief and loss.
3. Matilda by Roald Dahl- This book is an oldie but goodie. Anyone who has ever felt unloved by family, out of place, neglected, or just "too different" can relate to Matilda's character. Dahl offers a message of hope to the reader as Matilda overcomes bullies and improves her own life with her intelligence and powers.
4. A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket- Klaus, Sunny, and Violet are orphaned siblings whose family fortune is pursued by the villainous, one-eyebrowed Count Olaf. This imaginative book series is dark-humored to say the least. The main characters are well-developed and exhibit tremendous amounts of personal growth throughout the series. Snicket challenges the reader to question moral absolutes and ethical behavior.
5. Holes by Louis Sachar- Stanley Yelnats is sent to a "camp" for juvenile delinquents over a misunderstanding. Following this unlucky twist of fate, the people he meets along the away will end up altering his life forever. This classic underdog tale will have you in tears of both laughter and sadness.
6. The Junie B. Jones Series by Barbara Park- Junie B. Jones is a spunky little girl who will make you laugh out loud. This series is hilarious and touching. Barbara Park reminds us all what it's like to be in elementary school again.
7. The Fudge Books Series by Judy Blume- Peter Hatcher is constantly pestered by his little brother, Farley Drexel- otherwise known as Fudge. Anyone who has a younger sibling or is a younger sibling can easily relate. This series chronicles Fudge's ridiculous antics and will have you in stitches.
8. Number the Stars by Lois Lowry- This book is about a Jewish family forced to flee Copenhagen during World War II in 1948. For many us, this was the first time we read and learned about the Holocaust. It's a heavy but worthwhile read.
