Children’s Books: My Favorites — by Guest Mom Wendy Baldauf
My dear friend’s daughter just celebrated her 8th birthday, and I got her books. A smattering of my favorites. It was hard to choose — there are so many great ones — but these are some of the books I got for her:
Pink and Say by Patricia Polocco
This book makes me cry every time I read it. It’s a good book to have if you have 5th graders, because it’s about the Civil War, which is part of the 5th grade social studies curriculum. It has generated so many great questions with my own kids- so much learning.
The Sunsets of Miss Olivia Wiggins by Lester Laminack
Another tear-jerker. It’s a sweet story of a great-grandmother with Alzheimer’s- totally tender and moving, and perfect for helping children understand the disease.
Tulip Sees America by Cynthia Rylant
If you have a 3rd grader, they’ll be learning all about cardinal directions this year- get this book. Get a map of the United States, and while you’re reading it, have your kids tell you which direction Tulip is heading. So fun.
A Long Way From Chicago by Richard Peck
This is a terrific read-aloud! Grandma Dowdel is unforgettable, and by the last chapter you’ll love her so much, the end of the book will have you in tears. Or maybe it’s just me…
Sister Light, Sister Dark by Jane Yolen
This is book one in the Great Alta series, there are three books in the series so far. All about girl power, these books are good for girls from 12-90+, but younger girls may be able to handle them as a read-aloud. Such a great storyline- I’ve read it a few times and each time, I can’t put it down.
Oh, if I only had time to share every favorite on my list. I’d need at least 5 blog entries! I hope you are able to read these and enjoy them.
Labels: children's lit, guest mom
posted by Gabrielle of Design Mom at Friday, October 17, 2008
7 Comments:
I think that "Pink and Say" is probably my favorite picture book. When I was teaching I would read this to my students and I cried every single time. I love the message of this book on many levels. Great selection of books!
I'm sure you've heard of this one and had to force yourself to pick 5, but one of our faves around here is The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes. Oh my, do I cry and cry throughout that one. It's so wonderful that I have to recommend it constantly, though. My six year old won't read it because "it's the one that makes mama cry!"
Some of these books I know and the others are new to me. Thank you for the great recommendations!
I've heard of a couple fo these, but the others are new to me. Thanks for the great recommendations--never can have too many books!
It's not just you...I love Grandma Dowdle too! And the sequel A Year Down Yonder is just as wonderful!
Sister Light, Sister Dark looks really good; now on my Amazon wish list.
I have been on the hunt for girl power books. I just read Shannon Hale's 'Book of a Thousand Day's. Loved!
There's a new version of "Hansel and Gretel" out, beautifully retold by Cynthia Rylant, but what makes the book a must is the amazing artwork by Jen Corace. I obstensibly bought this book for my five year old, but everyone in the family has lingered over it.
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