I don’t care who you are or what you are, you are never too old to read children’s books. Perhaps I’m biased because I work in the children’s section, but I stand by my statement; especially, where middle grade books and young adult classics are concerned. In fact, I am not alone in my belief. Ask Hannah, Clara, or Justin; who can be quoted saying, “for every four adult books you read, you should read one middle grade book.” See? I’ve got backup––Charlie’s Angels has got nothing on us.
Part Three
Novels and Short Story Collections, of the Youth Variety:
- Egg & Spoon, by Gregory Maguire
First off, who doesn’t love Russian folklore? Baba Yaga? Yes, please. I mean, we chose it for September’s Oz first edition club pick for a reason. On top of that, the cover is beautiful, so well done, Candlewick. You guys out there should invest.
- Cartwheeling in Thunderstorms, by Katherine Rundell
Another beautiful middle grade book; not only has it got the looks, its got quality as well. Not just one Lemurian, but the entire four who have read it, loved it. Just ask Kelly, Adie, Hannah, or Clara. If you need any more reasons to crack open this book’s spine, just come by and ask one of them––or all––that’s what why we’re here.
- The Glass Sentence, by S.E. Grove
So, this looks awesome. And I know, there are things much more important than looks. (I just almost typed “books” instead of “looks.” Yeah right, there’s nothing more important than books. Oxygen? Who needs it?) But come on, you should see the cover in person. In fact, you should come by right now pick up a copy, thumb through it, before you inevitably buy it because, personally, I don’t think you have a choice in the matter. If you want more proof, just check out Justin’s blog. Also, Hannah says it is the best middle grade of the year. And Hannah is right about everything. (Hannah edits this blog and appreciates the flattery.)
- The Thickety: The Whispering Trees, by J.A. Whiter
Now, this is a book I am really excited about. In fact, I’m reading an advance copy right now. IT IS SO GOOD, you guys. It’s wonderfully dark, but not in an overwhelming way. Ugh, I can’t wait to finish it. It comes out this March, so for those of you out there who have not yet read the first book in the series, The Thickety: A Path Begins, you have time.
- The Blue Fairy Book, Andrew Lang
I really enjoy fairy tales; the darker the better. Save those Disney flicks for the little tykes at home. Personally, I like something a little more Grimm. (As in the Brothers Grimm, their name could not be more accurate.) From time to time, I pick this book up, late at night, and read the stories my mother never let me enjoy as a child––even though she so totally should have.
- The Princess and the Goblin, by George MacDonald
Ooooh, this looks so good. But do you want to know what sold me on this book, or should I say whom? Hannah’s mother read this book to her as a child, and the she describes the image of the way the light hit the staircase at night in the story stuck with her. And her story stuck with me.
- The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien
Do I even need to state my reasons for wanting to read this book? Let’s just pretend I have read this book, for my benefit. Please, this list is starting to make me feel disappointed in myself. And I call myself a book lover…
- Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, by Lewis Carroll
Deep, deep personal shame, I feel for not yet reading this book. How has it slipped through my fingers for this long? How dare I quote this book on a regular basis? I have no right whatsoever. And do you know what the worst part of all of this is? I’m sure that I’m going to love this book, you know, the kind of love when you feel like a book was specifically written for you. (I feel like we’ve talked about this before.) Some of you out there know me personally, for those of you who don’t; I’m as weird as can be. “But I’ll tell you a secret, all the best people are.”
Written by Elizabeth
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