There’s one more week of National Literacy Month left, and fall will officially be here tomorrow, so what better way to usher in the new season than curling up with a good book? We’ve pulled together a selection of books, both new and old, that will delight readers from elementary to high school!
Children’s
Classics
1. Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola (1975)
Awarded a Caldecott Honor, this classic tale introduces Strega Nona, “Grandma Witch,” who supplies potions and cures in her small Italian town. Curiosity gets the best of Big Anthony, and he uses Strega Nona’s magic pasta pot without permission. The disastrous results are not only entertaining, but also demonstrate the importance of following directions.
2. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (1943)
A timeless French story that’s just as enchanting in English! Saint-Exupéry reveals life’s truths in this tale of a little boy, his love for a flower, his friendship with a fox, and his travels across the universe. The whimsical illustrations and musings on strange adult behavior are perfect for children, while adults will appreciate the deeper meanings.
Recent Releases
1. This Is Sadie by Sara O’Leary and illustrated by Julie Morstad (2015)
This picture book centers around a feisty heroine who lives in the world of her imagination. Her endless adventures inspire creativity and exploration in the young and old alike.
2. Hoot Owl: Master of Disguise by Sean Taylor and illustrated by Jean Jullien (2015)
This humorous story, full of bold illustrations, follows Hoot Owl, the master of disguise, as he tries to trick his prey. For a rabbit, he’ll be a carrot! No matter that his targets always see through his disguises—he will prevail!
Middle Grade
Classics
1. The Farthest-Away Mountain by Lynne Reid Banks (1976)
In this fairy tale, a girl named Darkin has three goals: to visit the farthest-away mountain, to meet a gargoyle, and to marry a prince. Despite her fellow villagers’ doubts, she sets off on a journey to the mountain where she must use her wits to overcome obstacles. Darkin is a relatable heroine who makes mistakes, but is ultimately determined to follow her own path.
2. The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner (1996)
A Newberry Honor winner, The Thief is the story of Gen, a thief conscripted into retrieving an ancient treasure for the king. His devious actions and sarcastic, witty comebacks drive the story forward. And since Gen’s motivations remain murky, he’s a great introduction to unreliable narrators.
Recent Releases
1. Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty (2015)
This New York Times bestseller is a spooky mystery-thriller that follows a young girl who secretly lives in the basement of the Biltmore Estate. When children at the estate begin to disappear, Seraphina starts to investigate, but to follow the clues, she must head into the forbidden forest.
2. Wonder by RJ Palacio (2013)
Wonder is sure to hit home for any teen who’s ever felt out of place (and who hasn’t?). The main character, August, wants nothing more than to be ordinary. Unfortunately, August has a terrible facial abnormality, which keeps him from blending in. For the first time, he won’t be homeschooled and will instead attend a private school where he’ll learn to navigate the challenges of middle school.
Young Adult
Classics
1. I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith (1948)
Set in the 1930s, the eccentric Mortmain family occupies a ruined castle in England, which is much less romantic than it sounds. Told through the poignant and funny perspective of the younger daughter, Cassandra, the story chronicles her family’s adventures, as well as her first foray into love.
2. Lord of the Flies by William Golding (1954)
The dark, haunting nature of this classic makes it perfect for brooding teens. Young adults who loved The Hunger Games should be equally spellbound by the chilling depiction of marooned boys descending into savagery.
Recent Releases
1. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline (2011)
This book is for teens who don’t want to put down the video games for a book. It’s set in a futuristic society where the majority of the world population spends most of its time escaping into the virtual reality of OASIS. Wade must use video game skills and ’80s pop culture knowledge to solve a puzzle with a multi-billion dollar prize.
2. Mosquitoland by David Arnold (2015)
Mosquitoland is perfect for fans of indie movies and quirky heroines. The main character, Mim, hops on a Greyhound bus to travel from her father’s home in Mississippi to her mother’s in Ohio when she learns her mother is sick. Her road trip takes a few unexpected turns, and along the way, she learns a few new things about herself too.
Which of these books have you read? Do you have any other suggestions?
