My family has always been a group of avid readers. My mom is a big fan of Nora Roberts, and my dad loves James Patterson. I have clear memories of just sitting on the couch in comfortable silence, reading our respective books. Literature has been and continues to be a large part of my life. In fact, when I left for college, I took with me some of the classics I remember reading when I was growing up. And sure, we all know Harry Potter, but as I've gone through college, I realize that some of these classics I remember are all but forgotten! Here are some of my favorite books from my childhood that I still recommend.
1. The Crystal Drop by Monica Hughes
The Crystal Drop by Monica Hughes follows a brother and sister duo who are struggling to survive in a barren and bleak landscape. Following their mother's death, Ian and Megan depart for a mysterious oasis that may or may not exist. Along the way, they suffer many trials and tribulations -- seriously, I cried -- and grow stronger together. The main message actually deals less with them and a little more with the state of the world. A manmade disaster is what destroyed the planet and drives Ian and Megan towards the unknown. I recommend this book because it's heart wrenching, thought provoking, and beautiful.
2. Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver
I actually just recently reread this one. Wolf Brother is the first in a series that follows young Torak and his animal guide, Wolf. Set in prehistoric times, Torak and Wolf, along with their newfound friend Renn, fight mystical foes. Full of action, adventure, and dry humor, along with deep underlying tones, this book addresses both situations we could never understand(realizing ones ability to talk to wolves) and situations that are close to home(being shunned from other groups for various reasons). All in all, I recommend this book at any age. Michelle Paver's ability to write both as a human living in a distant world and as a wolf keeps readers engaged.
3. Trixie Belden by Julie Campbell Tatham
While most people were reading Nancy Drew, my mother got me hooked on another spunky feminine detective. Trixie Belden is the only daughter in a household of 6, and is therefore strong and independent. However, Trixie is also far more realistic in my opinion. She has chores and school work to do, most of which she detests. As opposed to traveling the country, most mysteries are set in her home town, which she and her merry crew solve. I recommend this book to most everyone, as it can appeal to most everyone. Plus, it's just adorable. The first book is "The Secret of the Mansion".
4. Don't Hurt Laurie by Willo Davis Roberts
This one was a little harder to read, and so I'd like to offer a quick trigger warning for physical abuse. Laurie is a young girl living in an abusive household. Her mother often flies into a fit of rage and beats Laurie, who often suffers silently. Her abuse often doesn't end there, as Laurie is held home often from social activities. This book is hardhitting and deep, as it shows how willfully ignorant adults can be to the pain of those younger. One scene shows Laurie getting on a bus completely covered in blood, and yet no one bats an eye. However, most of the kids that she meets both acknowledge her pain and stand with her in solidarity. I recommend this book to readers who may be a bit older, simply because of the subject matter. It's a bittersweet tale of a young girl who endures the pain of the world reminiscent of Martina McBride's "Concrete Angel".
5. The Girl With The Silver Eyes by Willo Davis Roberts
Another classic from the same author as Don't Hurt Laurie, The Girl With The Silver Eyes follows Katie, a young girl with fascinating abilities. She is feared and hated by most people around her due to her unnerving eyes (silver, as the title says). She soon is driven from her home by fear of being wrongfully arrested for a crime she didn't commit. Along the way, she discovers more about herself and her abilities. I recommend this book mostly because it's just adorable. There's no larger lesson to be taught, besides the fact that you're never truly as alone as you think. It's just a cute book about a girl with psychic abilities who uses them mostly to bug people around her.
6. The View From The Cherry Tree by Willo Davis Roberts
Apparently, my family was a little obsessed with Willo Davis Roberts. Anyway, The View From The Cherry Tree tells the story of a young prankster who actually witnesses a murder by complete accident. He hastens to tell his family that their neighbor didn't fall, but rather was killed, but is ignored. It's a good read for all ages, as it is realistic to the struggles that kids face every day with being ignored. The book is a stark reminder that we should always ben open and listen to those younger than us, though they may sound like childlike fantasies.
7. Mandy by Julie Andrews Edwards
Mandy is pretty one of a kind in it's way of handling it's main character. Mandy is an orphan who lives in an orphanage and is actually pretty happy with her life. The woman who runs the place is pleasant and she's allowed a lot of freedom. So much so that she discovers a cottage in the woods. Most of the book focuses on Mandy's repairs of the cottage, which I suppose I found endlessly fascinating. This book is a really easy read and is a good brain break. And yes, you read that right, it's written by the Julie Andrews! If that isn't incentive to read, I don't know what is.
8. Princess Academy by Shannon Hale
Following a tomboyish and spunky girl (I'm sensing a theme), The Princess Academy follows young Miri through her training to possibly become the Prince's new wife. All girls that are the right age in her small village are taken to a school where they endure horrific treatment from the teacher. Miri's endless determination to help those around her skyrockets her to popularity, and she learns more and more skills that inevitably help the academy escape from great peril. An all and all good book, I even did a school project in the 5th grade on this book!
9. The Forgotten Door by Alexander Key
The Forgotten Door is a bit of commentary on the negative impacts of prejudice. Jon is from another world that has abilities beyond ours. However, he can't remember where it is, or what happened, because he has amnesia. He finds people to take him in, but they all suffer from anger and fear of Jon and his abilities. Of course, most of this book is a little too much of a metaphor, but I remember reading it in a day, I loved it so much. This book likely inspired "Return to Witch Mountain", the Disney movie about siblings from another world that they don't remember(another classic).
Of course, my taste in books might differ from others. But I stand by my recommendations. These books defined my childhood and continue to impact the way I think. Each had a message, a story to tell, a lesson to impart. I highly recommend finding these books if you can, and giving a few a read. They've all but disappeared from public knowledge, and I'd love to bring them back.
