Ask any bookworm and they'll tell you reading is one the greatest escapes––even more than movies or TV. Ever since I was a kid I’ve loved getting lost in a good book. They would suck me in with plot, keep me tethered with thoughtful commentary and leave me thinking long after the last page. Year after year I would find books that challenged me to think in new ways and truly shaped me as a person.
I have a soft spot for what some people would call children's books. These books transcend so well that they are enjoyable and thought-provoking at any age, so if you haven’t read one on the list, these aren’t the kind of books you grow out of:
Bloomability by Sharon Creech
“By the time I got to the bottom, I understood what Guthrie meant when he shouted LIBERO! It was a celebration of being alive.”
"Bloomability" is a must read for any kid. It’s a bildungsroman about a kid who’s going through a lot of change. It features interesting characters with depth, who provide a unique perspective through the clever narration of Dinnie, a girl who starts a new chapter in her life by moving to Italy. This book reminds me how observant, honest, and perceptive kids are at this age.
The Giver by Lois Lowry
“They were satisfied with their lives which had none of the vibrance his own was taking on. And he was angry at himself, that he could not change that for them.”
"The Giver" is the story of a 12 year old boy in a supposedly utopian society. Written well before the time of pop-cultural dystopian novels, "The Giver" is thought provoking, and the movie doesn’t do it justice.
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
“I believe, sometimes, that the whole world has an aching heart.”
This timeless classic follows the story of a girl and her dog. A wonderful story of companionship, hope, and love.
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
“Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?”
How could I not? For everyone who complains about not getting their Hogwarts letter, you and Harry can start your adventure together as he turns 11 and you turn the pages.
Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech
“You never know the worth of water until the well is dry.”
Another gem by Sharon Creech. Slightly more mature content, and a bit darker, but just as gripping. This page turner has twists in plot and in the road that it’s protagonist travels.
Enders Game by Orson Scott Card
“I think it’s impossible to really understand somebody, what they want, what they believe, and not love them the way they love themselves.”
Another futuristic novel, but with a more sci-fi feeling. Filled with action, interspersed with opinions on government, war, control, and justice.
Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
“We accept the love we think we deserve.”
While this definitely pushes on being more of a young adolescent book, in it we follow Charlie as he navigates his freshman year. I love the throwback feel of this book, as well as the relate-ability and humor. Witty, critical, and lovable.
Is your favorite "childhood book" on this list? Did we leave any must-reads off the list? Tell us in the comments!
