I was a big reader when I was young. I mean, I LOVED to read (let's be honest, I still do). Many of the books on this particular list, I have personally gone through and enjoyed. Several of which taught me life lessons that I still feel are relevant and have some sort of influence over me.
I guess it's true what they say. There's nothing like the innocence of being a child.
1. "Velveteen Rabbit" By Margery Williams
A story that taught of love and the things that it can mean over time.
I think one of my favorite parts from this story is the quote about becoming real. "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in your joints and very shabby.
But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand."
Because it shows that people don't just wake up one day and are what they are supposed to be but become that over time.
2. "The Giving Tree" By Shel Silverstein
I think for a young child, this book shows that people will take no matter how much you give them. It also shows that just because a person is willing to give until they have nothing doesn't mean that there shouldn't be a balance.
3. "Charlotte's Web" By EB White
This story teaches us about love and friendship and how those two things know no boundaries. It shows even if you think you can do it all yourself, sometimes you need a friend to help you along in life. Wilbur the pig had Charlotte who helped saved him from death by showing what an amazing animal he was.
4. "Are You There God? It's Me Margaret" By Judy Blume
This is more of a coming to age book than a children's book, but it never the less is still just as influential. The protagonist is struggling with her identity and where she belongs in life, specifically regarding her faith but ultimately finds where she belongs.
5. "Allie Finkle's Rules For Girls" Series By Meg Cabot
This is a story that many girls probably read in their middle and junior high years of school. Its an overall feel-good, silly book but for the young readers provides many messages that they can use on up into adulthood.
6. "Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown
The book is about a little rabbit that says goodnight to all of the little things around his house before going to bed, something that is very relevant in today's world. It shows us all the materialistic things that we put a value on, but take things like the moon for granted.
7. "The American Girl" Series
These books (and dolls) teach tons of stuff about our history in a fun way while showing what it takes to be courageous, smart and kind in an ever-changing world.
8. "Harold and the Purple Crayon" By Crockett Johnson
9. "Harry Potter Series" By JK Rowling
I am just going to say that out of all of the books in this list, this specific series is one of the most influential book series for me personally. it teaches love (despite differences), the path your on is not necessarily your own, and most importantly that you always have a choice between good and evil.
10. "Guess How Much I Love You" By Sam McBratney
This books central message is that no matter what, you will be loved by your parents.
11. "Junie B. Jones" Series By Barbara Park
What didn't Junie B. Jones teach us that still applies to adulthood? She should us that simply being yourself sometimes is the best way to be.
12. "Little Women" By Louisa Mary Alcott
This book shows what it means to love, sacrifice and how to overcome obstacles to get to where you are going.
13. "The Chronicles of Narnia" By CS Lewis
Lewis gets into several themes that are central for children and later on as adults, only a few of which are good vs evil, betrayal, and forgiveness. and courage.
14. "Judy Moody" Series By Megan McDonald
Another series that teaches you to be yourself, even under not so great circumstances.
15. "Bridge To Terabithia" By Katherine Patterson
This book teaches us that even when something terrible happens, there can be light in imagination and escape.
16. "Beezus and Ramona" By Beverly Cleary
While this book shows a silly and fun loving relationship between two sisters, it also shows
17. "The Outsiders" By SE Hinton
This book shows us that just because we came from one background, it doesn't define us and we can over come it.
18. Any of the books By Dr. Seuss
Some of which include, "Cat in the Hat," "Oh The Places You'll Go!," "One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish," and "Green Eggs And Ham" just to name a few.
19. "The Little House on The Prairie" By Laura Ingalls Wilder
The Little House on the Prairie is a book about endurance, taking risks. and perseverance. It teaches children and shows adults that no matter what life throws their way they can get through anything.
20. "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" By Laura Numeroff (and various others)
It's a story about charity and giving, even if it's not always good to do so (or you can't). It takes the form of an ironic warning about the consequences of altruism.
21. "The Rainbow Fish" By Marcus Foster
This book is about a fish who has many shiny scales and eventually learns to share instead of keeping it all to himself, showing kids that its better to be giving in the end, even if it means that everyone is equal.
22. "The Little Prince" By Antoine de Saint-Expuery
The main theme of this book is to look beyond the surface to find the truth beyond what is there, to see with one's own heart instead of their mind.
23. "BFG" By Roald Dahl
Not only is Roald Dahl one of the best children's authors out there, but specifically in the "BFG," he gives us a story of a friendly giant that instead of eating the child when he finds her, he keeps her safe from the other unruly giants who eat misbehaved children.
