A friend and I were talking the other day and we realized — our kids don’t have required reading lists in elementary school. And while I want the kids to read what they like, I also want them to be exposed to books they probably wouldn’t pick on their own.
I’ve learned I can get them interested in books they wouldn’t choose by reading out loud at bedtime. Even my eleven-year-old, who tends to go off and read on his own, will eventually put his book down and listen in. And when I stop at the end of a chapter, the older kids will sometimes sneak in and snitch the book to read what happens next. It’s the only time I endorse sneakery and stealing things.
Here are some of our favorites:
The Boxcar Children Series by Gertrude Chandler Warner (the whole series is great, but start with Book #1 to be properly introduced)
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare
The Witch of Blackbird Pond also by Elizabeth George Speare
The Little House Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder
The Chronicles of Narnia Series by C. S. Lewis
Nim’s Island by Wendy Orr
Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell
Holes by Louis Sachar
What’s your favorite chapter book from when you were a kid?
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I read The Secret a Garden to my kids a few years ago. Be prepared that there are a few words in there that have changed over the years and you might not wanting your kids to use. Just so you’re prepared! Re the list – I’d like to add Charlotte’s Web and The Great Brain Series. Oh! And The Cricket in Times Square! Loved all those books growing up.
My daughter just finished Charlotte’s Web — such a great book! I’d forgotten about The Cricket in Times Square…it’s going on the list right now.
I do think it’s funny when words have totally changed meaning like that. But I think that’s why it’s so important to read these books…so the kids can see how things change and evolve and (hopefully) expand their thinking.
Great suggestions!