Packing for Almost Everything - Cubes, Suitcases, etc. - Introduction

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Middle People's Books: - Authors “A - E”

Middle People's (and some adult) Books: - Authors “A-E”

[This list is constantly expanding, as our newest generation has entered this level of maturity.  The age designations I have chosen are influenced by the fact that we have an “early reader”.  Don’t assume all books on this list are “recommended”; please read the notes for each book; a few are on here because I do NOT recommend them.]

Louisa May Alcott - (fiction) [8+ yrs]

Great author of young people’s stories, always with emphasis on good behavior and morals.

§  March Family Saga

o   Little Women, or Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy  (semi-autobiographical) – tells the story of she and her three sisters in Concord, MA during and after the Civil War  (1868)  [9+ yrs]

o   Little Men: Life at Plumfield  -- story of her nephews (and other boys) who lived with her at Orchard House in Concord, MA.  (1871)  [9+ yrs]

o   Jo's Boys and How They Turned Out:  A Sequel to “Little Men (1886)  ”   [9+ yrs]

§  Other Stories  (fiction)

o   Eight Cousins – story of a lonely orphan living with older relatives and her seven boy cousins who live nearby (1876) [9+ yrs]

o   Rose in Bloom [9+ yrs] (sequel) (1876)  [9+ yrs]  (It’s been 50 yrs since I read this one.)

o   An Old Fashioned Girl  (1870)  [9+ yrs]  (It’s been 50 yrs since I read this one.)

The American Girl books – 

·       series of books for each character (doll).  I am pleasantly surprised by the two I have read so far.  Not only are they well researched and do not revise history, but they are also very well written and interesting--much better than many well-known children's books--surprising.   (I have also reviewed one of their movies, “Samantha” which is as good as the books.  Of course the extras on the DVD introduces children to their store where one can take one’s doll to tea parties and such…)

Avi

o   Hard Gold:  The Colorado Gold Rush of 1859 (I Witness series)  (historical fiction)  [7+ yrs]

o   Iron Thunder:  The Battle Between the Monitor & the Merrimac (I Witness series)  (historical fiction)  Our young man LOVES this book, and it is a simple explanation for grownups as well.  [7+ yrs]

o   “Who Was That Masked Man Anyway?” (fiction) - difficult to know how to classify this one as children no longer grow up listening to mysteries on the radio, so I do not know how many could follow the format.  There is little wrong with the book, except for a few expletives and swearing (quotes from actual old radio programs).  I do not particularly recommend it, but it could be read by 8+ yrs.

Blue Baillet – (fiction)

·      Chasing Vermeer  - A Vermeer painting is stolen and two 11-year olds set out to solve the mystery.  Pentominoes figure largely in the story, as well as sort of supernatural occurrences.  I’m not sure that every child would be interested in reading a book where the story is based on the use of pentominoes, including letters written in code between friends to decipher, but some children would like it.  It is obviously intended to hyper-stimulate the imagination.  [9+yrs]

Susan Campbell Bartoletti

o   A Coal Miner’s Bride:  The Diary of Anetka Kaminska – Lattimer, Pennsylvania, 1896 – (historical fiction) – Very good story of a very young (about 13 yrs), poor Polish girl whose father has agreed to marry her off to a widower with children who works with her father in the coal mines in America.  She   She immigrates and this is largely the story of her life after she arrives.  [Said to be for 9-yr olds, but they would need to be a very mature 9; I would say not younger than 10—life was very hard and fraught with loss and danger.  Poland was occupied by Russia and that was also very difficult.]

Marion Dane Bauer – 

o    Land of the Buffalo Bones:  The Diary of Mary Ann Elizabeth Rodgers, An English Girl in Minnesota - (historical biographical fiction) - based on the memories of the author's mother, who was a descendant of the subject of the book.  [12+ yrs, begins with younger classification, but later deals with some very adult subjects, such as physical abuse by a father and the fact that back then inter-racial marriage was considered horrific]  ("Dear America" series, Scholastic, Special Edition)

Gary Blackwood – (fiction)

o   Around the World in 100 Days  - author wrote a “sequel” to Jules Verne’s story.  Harry, son of Phileas Fogg makes his own wager that he can drive a steam-powered car around the world in 1935.  Well written, fast-paced, elements of danger, fun.  [8-9+ yrs]

Steve Brezenoff – (mysteries)  [illustrated by C. B. Conga]

§  Field Trip Mysteries – series of nice little beginning chapter books.  The kids are 12 years old, but if a 6-1/2 year old has the vocabulary skills, the books are just fine for that age.  Very simple innocuous mysteries the kids solve while on class field trips.  [7-9 yrs]

o   The Burglar Who Bit the Big Apple

o   The Crook Who Crossed the Golden Gate Bridge

Bertrand R. Brinley – (fiction)

o   The Mad Scientists’ Club  - great fun following the adventures of a rambunctious group of boys as they get themselves into all sorts of trouble and sometimes end up doing good things!  [8+ yrs]

Walter R. Brooks - (fiction)

o   Freddy Goes to the North Pole - adorable story of animals who live on a farm and have great adventures.  Several head off to the North Pole.  One returns to tell them the others are in trouble.  Several leave to rescue them and have some adventures on the way.  (There are many "Freddy" books, and I can't wait to read some more of them.)  [7+ yrs if early reader, 306 pp, large print, well spaced]  [Amazon says 9+]  (This copy says "Celebrating 75 years of Freddy the Pig", but the stories are not at all "dated"--highly recommend.)

Joseph Bruchac – (fiction)

o   Children of the Longhouse – Young Mohawk boy lives and learns 500 years ago.  Written by a person who has known current Mohawk Indians for 30 years and does a great job incorporating their culture, beliefs, and way of life into an entertaining story for children which demonstrates many good moral lessons.  [7-8+ yrs]

Clyde Robert Bulla – 

o   A Lion to Guide Us  - (historical fiction) - 3 children from England end up in Jamestown where their Dad is after being shipwrecked in the Carribean.  [7+ yrs, although you could read it aloud to a 5-yr old].  It covers a small part of the story of someone who later sailed on the Mayflower and signed the compact:  Stephen Hopkins.  It is not ‘about’ Mr. Hopkins, but he is on the journey. 

o   Star of Wild Horse Canyon – (fiction) – young boy see wild horses and falls in love with one.  Adventures ensue.  [7+ yrs, a 5-yr old would love having it read aloud]

Frances Hodgson Burnett – (fiction)

o   A Little Princess  - have not read this one yet, but I will.  I watched the movie and it seemed TERRIFYING for children.

o   Little Lord Fauntleroy  -  Poor young boy’s mother has been disowned by her father.  Boy is sent to England to assume his role as “Lord”.  Eventual reconciliation of his family.  I loved this one as a child.  [8+ yrs]

o   The Secret Garden... young girl is sent from India to England at the death of her parents.  No one wants her and life is miserable until she makes a friend.  Later she discovers a cousin and helps rehabilitate him.  Parts can be a bit scary due to realism.  Made and re-made in movies. [8+ yrs]

Dori Hillestad Butler

§  The Buddy Files Series

o   The Case of the Lost Boy –  A dog’s family is missing; he works very hard at being a detective.  A very nice small story; entirely suitable for reading aloud to a 5-yr old; older children will enjoy reading it themselves.

Natalie Savage Carlson –

o   The Family Under the Bridge, illustrated by Garth Williams (fiction) – a tramp and a homeless family live under a bridge in Paris.  [7+ yrs]  [Newbery Honor  Book, 1959]

Joan Carris –

o   Welcome to the Bed & Biscuit (fiction) – nice early chapter book about a veterinarian who lives on a farm, all told through the eyes of a pet pig and his pet friends.  Good life lesson on changes in family dynamics.  NOT the same author as the well-known “Biscuit Books” for little ones.  [Read aloud for 5+ yrs; 7 can read to themselves]

Gennifer Choldenko –

o   Al Capone Does My Shirts  --  (historical fiction) -- great story, very well written.  Do not let the back cover summary lead you to believe younger children should read it.  It won “teen” book awards for a reason.  Lots of exciting things happen to the 13-yr old as he lives with his family on Alcatraz, but his sister is “special” and the effect this has on every member of his family in 1935 is a very significant theme in the story.  His mother is almost mentally ill as a result, and the boy is left to deal with it almost completely on his own for much of the story.  [10+ yrs]  [Newbery Honor Book, 2005] 

Ann Nolan Clark –

o   Secret of the Andes (fiction) great story of young boy growing up in the mystical heritage of his Inca ancestors  [8+ yrs]  [Newbery Medal, 1952]

Beverly Cleary  -

o   Ramona Quimby, Age 8  (fiction) – just make sure your 8-yr old knows they’ll get in big trouble in these days if they try some of this stuff.  [8+ yrs]

Andrew Clements – (fiction)

o   Frindle  - In order to aggravate his teacher, a fifth grader makes up a new word for “pen”.  He succeeds in his attempt to get attention, and ultimately causes a nationwide event.  I, personally, do not have the degree of appreciation for this story that many people express, including teachers.  A child will probably like it, but I always read every story with the idea that whatever is in that story is a lesson I’m teaching the child, and the subtleties of this one do not fit my concept of a lesson I wish to teach a child.  I do not think we should encourage behavior that “causes an uproar in the students”, the neighborhood, and the country unless there is a moral principle involved.  Others will disagree; I would hope their parents make certain they understand the circumstances under which one should make such a fuss.  [9+ yrs]

Clive Cussler (yes, the same one who writes adult books) - (fiction - beginner adventure/fantasy) - Great books for early readers 5-7 yrs who should not have to deal with much of what is written for 8-12 year olds, but also for 8-12 yrs.  [5-12 yrs]

o   The Adventures of Vin Fiz – a magical plane and two kids fly across the country; good guys, bad guys, etc.                                                                                        

o   The Adventures of Hotsy Totsy – a magical boat and the two kids go on an exciting boat race from San Francisco to Sacramento; more bad guys, etc.

Alice Dalgliesh – 

o   The Courage of Sarah Noble – (biographical) – based on actual relative of the author.  Beautifully and simply written story of an 8-year old in early 1700’s pioneering, learning about her Indian neighbors, and overcoming her fears.  [7+yrs]    [Newbery Honor Book, 1955]

Jacqueline Davies –

o   The Lemonade War  -- (fiction) –Siblings go through the 8 and 9 year old issues of life.  He feels bad because she is “smarter” than he is and ends up in his same grade at school.  The bad feelings erupt into an all-out war of the lemonade stands, complete with bad behaviors, friends taking sides—pretty much what life’s about.  Also good lessons in simple business management.  Well-written.  [9+ yrs]

Franklin W. Dixon (pseudonym for multiple writers over many years) – 

§  Hardy Boys series (mystery) – I get the feeling they get periodically “updated”.  [8+ yrs]

William Pene Dubois –

o   The Twenty-One Balloons (fiction/fantasy) – school teacher goes on a balloon trip around the world and lands on Krakatoa when it is about to explode; eventually rescued in the Atlantic Ocean.  (Don’t look for data about Krakatoa here.)  [7+ yrs]  [Newbery Medal, 1948]

Walter Edmonds – 

o   The Matchlock Gun  - (historical fiction) - young pioneer saves his mom in Indian attack with his grandfather's gun) [read aloud at 5 yrs; 7+ yrs]  [Newbery Medal, 1942]

Bernard Evslin – classics

o   The Dolphin Rider and Other Greek Myths  - What a nice way to learn the classics!  Published as a Scholastic book in 1976 and perhaps out of print, but available as “used” through Amazon.  He has a really nice way of writing and retaining the spirit of the originals.  [8+ yrs, read aloud to 6+yrs]

Middle People's Books: - Authors “F -L”

Middle People's (and some adult) Books: - Authors “F-L”

[This list is constantly expanding, as our newest generation in at this level of maturity.  The age designations I have chosen are influenced by the fact that we have an “early reader”.  Don’t assume all books on this list are “recommended”; please read the notes for each book; a few are on here because I do NOT recommend them.]

Paul Fleishman

(son of Sid; only father-son winners of Newbery prizes)

o   Graven Images  - (fiction, short stories) – almost grown-up stories, each about people who are affected by sculptured objects.  Very well written, but at least 12+ yrs  [Newbery Honor Book, 1983]

Sid Fleishman –

§  Novels

o   Bandit’s Moon (historical fiction) – set in California Goldrush.  Young girl goes with a famed bandit in hopes she can find her brother.  Good story, well told, but child must be able to deal with the last two pages when the rather likeable bandit’s head is displayed around California in a jar.  [9+ yrs]

o   By the Great Horn Spoon!  (historical fiction) – a truly great story, loved by both kids and grownups.  (FYI:  Disney movie, “The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin” about which I know nothing is based on this story.)  [read aloud at 5 yrs; 7+ yrs]

o   Jim Ugly  (fiction) – rollicking mystery/adventure in early settlement of California [read aloud at 5 yrs; 7+ yrs]

o   The Whipping Boy  - (fiction) -- Prince Brat and his whipping boy escape the palace and have great adventures.  [7+ yrs] [Newbery Medal, 1987]

§  Autobiography

o   The Abracadabra Kid:  A Writer’s life (biography) – reads as well as his novels.  He started life as a magician.  [9+ and adults]

Brian Floca –

o   Moonshot:  The Flight of Apollo 11 – (history) - (Richard Jackson Books), beautifully illustrated by Brian Floca, [5+ yrs, read aloud]  [Best Illustrated Children's Book Award  The Robert  F. Sibert Honor Book]

Katie Flynn – 

o   Poor Little Rich Girl... (fiction) – I loved this story as a child.  Spoiled little rich girl and governess go from India to England and being unwanted. [8+ yrs]

Esther Forbes –

o   Johnny Tremain  (historical fiction) – events leading to the Boston Tea Party, with a fictional main character.  Not too much “war gore”, but enough trauma to preclude early readers.  Loss and courage.   [10+]  [Newbery Medal, 1944]

John Reynolds Gardiner – 

o   Stone Fox  - (fiction) - boy uses dogsled race to save the family farm; redemptive ending [7+]

Kenneth Grahamme – (fiction)

o   The Wind in the Willows (unabridged) -  Delightful story written in 1908 by a father who had been making up stories to tell his son.  Rat, Mole, Toad, and Badger have adventures.  Cantankerous Toad persists in misbehaving.  Very sweet stories.  Even then they should have some vocabulary assistance with the sometimes rather archaic phraseology.  The book is a great introduction to an older (and more intelligent) way of writing, and I firmly believe children should read unabridged classics—this is one.  Due to the vocabulary and length of the book, I believe one could read the stories to a 6-yr old, but for individual reading I would classify it at [9-99 yrs]. 

Jacqueline C. Grant [now Kent, according to Amazon, but my copy is Grant] – 

o   Tonia of Trelawney:  A Buccaneer Girl  - (fiction) - slave girl in Jamaica has wild adventure on buccaneer ship amidst backdrop of slavery, cruelty, brutality--handled well, but it's all there.   The author once lived on the plantation where she locates the story.  [7+ yrs--child should be prepared for issues of slavery presented fairly mildly] 

Kristiana Gregory – 

o   The Legend of Jimmy Spoon  - (historical fiction) - story of 12-yr old Mormon boy who runs away with Shoshoni boys (based on the life of Elijah Nicholas (“Nick”) Wilson, for whom Wilson, Wyoming, is named.)  [8+ yrs]

o   Jenny of the Tetons – (historical fiction) – historical aspects based on diary of Richard “Beaver Dick” Leigh.  Jenny Lake is named for his Shoshone wife.  Main character is a fictional girl who came to live with them.  [8+ yrs; some people rate it 4-8 years, but I disagree; the psychological aspects of the story are too mature for 4-year olds.]

o   Earthquake at Dawn  - (historical fiction) – loosely based on family history and 22 pp. letter from the time.  Really great telling of the story of the 1906 CA quake, but death of a mother who has just given birth is not handled delicately.  Adults will enjoy it.  [10+ yrs]

Laura Lee Hope – 

§  The Bobbsey Twins series (pseudonym for multiple writers over many years) - (mystery series, etc.)  [8+ yrs]

Gail Langer Kawarski – 

o   Seaman: The Dog Who Explored the West with Lewis & Clark - (historical fiction) - good, historically accurate, brief story of the journey; NOT told through the dog's eyes (might have been more appealing to kids if it were); sometimes a bit stilted in phraseology; uses quite a number of large words; longer (187 pp) than many books for this age group - hence I think it would appeal to some avid readers [7+ yrs].  (I also believe others may have written a better version of the story.)

Carolyn Keene (pseudonym for multiple writers over many years) – 

Reading age truly depends on the maturity of the child.  I read them all at 7 years; some kids might need to wait until 9 years.

§  Nancy Drew series (mystery) [8+ yrs]

§  Dana Girls  series (mystery)  [8+ yrs]

Liz Kessler (fiction)

o   The Tail of Emily Windsnap - nice little tale about a person who doesn't realize they are also a mermaid (her father was one).  Adventures along the way as she begins to search for her father.  I would have no problem at all with this book if they did not make a not-so-subtle issue of their agenda in the name of "inclusiveness" at the very end of the story.  Please keep agendas out of books!  [Booklist says grade 4-7; I would agree; 8-9+ yrs]

Robert Kraske – 

o   Harry Houdini - Master of Magic (biography)  [7+ yrs] 

Jean Lee Latham – 

·       Carry On, Mr. Bowditch  (history/biography told as a story - Nathaniel Bowditch, author of "The American Practical Navigator)  [6+ yrs; excellent, our grown-ups ALL enjoyed this one] [Newbery Medal, 1956]

Kirby Larson

o   Hattie Big Sky (historical fiction; not biographical) – inspired by the author’s great grandmother’s homesteading by herself in Montana.  Great story of a 16-yr old’s trials and tribulations as she attempts to maintain her deceased uncle’s homestead.  I enjoyed it very much.  [I have not read the sequel:  Hattie Ever After which is for older children.]  [Some say grades 3-7; I think grade 3 may be a bit young for some of the events, such as death of a small friend; grade 4 should be fine, and crosses age boundaries; grownups may well enjoy it.  10+ yrs]  [Newbery Honor Book, 2007]

Tom Llewellyn –

o   The Tilting House – People smoke, talk badly, and do all sorts.  The story line had potential but is extremely poorly executed with bad examples that are not explained as “unacceptable behavior”.  One reviewer says “the episodic action is hard to follow and some plot threads are left hanging”.  Many readers LOVED it; I would NOT recommend it to any age.  [9+ yrs, according to Amazon]

Astrid Lindgren

o   Pippi Longstocking  - Pippi is a scallywag who tells many tall tales and lives in crooked house by herself.  Most beloved book in Sweden.  [7+ yrs]

o   The Children of Noisy Village – delightful story well-translated into English.  Good kids on three adjacent farms go through experiences of holidays, school, and farm life, perhaps around the turn of the century in Sweden.  Perfect first “chapter book” to read aloud for 4-5 year olds.  [4-9 yrs]

Maud Hart Lovelace and Lois Lenski – 

o   Betsy-Tacy  (autobiographical - MHL's childhood; chapter book suitable for [5+ yrs]) - really nice series

Middle Peoples Books - Authors "M"

Middle People's (and some adult) Books: - Authors “M”

[This list is constantly expanding, as our newest generation has entered this level of maturity.  The age designations I have chosen are influenced by the fact that we have an “early reader”.  Don’t assume all books on this list are “recommended”; please read the notes for each book; a few are on here because I do NOT recommend them.]

Stephanie Sammartino McPherson – 

o   Ordinary Genius: The Story of Albert Einstein  - (Trailblazer Biographies) [9-12 yrs, but our 7-1/2 yr old loves it.  Seriously, grownups will appreciate the story and the simple explanation of the theory of relativity] - great book

Patricia MacLaughlan –

§  Sarah, Plain and Tall series:  truly a lovely series, and the entire set will be ok for 7-yr olds despite the sometimes sensitive subjects.  Grownups also.  To quote Booklist:  “MacLachlan packs a lot in…and never diverges from the child's point of view, even when showing adult behavior. The happy result is emotional impact without cloying sentimentality.”  Based on a true story in the author’s own family.  Each can be read as a ‘stand-alone’ story, although they are in specific chronological order.

o   Sarah, Plain and Tall -- A young woman goes West to care for a motherless family and possibly marry the father.  A TV movie is based on this book and it sticks quite close to the book.  [7+ yrs, unlike the “Little House” similar series, I don’t believe a 7-yr old will bump up against “too mature” for their interest level.]  [Newbery Medal, 1986], [Scott Odell Award for Historical Fiction, 1986], [Golden Kite Award, 1986] 

o   Skylark  -- extreme draught, fires, a trip to the “aunts” back East, homesickness, going home.  The family expands.  Oldest child’s journal writing time.  Another TV movie.  [7+ yrs]

o   Caleb’s Story – a rather grumpy stranger shows up, much to the father’s consternation.  It’s now Caleb’s time to write the journal.  [7+ yrs]

o   More Perfect Than The Moon  --  a “perfect gift” is coming for little Cassie.  Cassie writes creative and unique entries in the journal.  The family has a telephone.  Someone is away at the war.  [7+ yrs]

o   Grandfather’s Dance  --  Cassie continues the story of a car, the “aunts”, a wedding, a funeral, and acceptance.  From Booklist:  “the warm, quiet story of love and grief will send readers back to the other books in the touching saga”.  [7+ yrs]

Megan McDonald

Judy Moody Gets Famous!  - good story of a 9-yr old’s journey through friendships, popularity, moodiness, etc. and how she worked her way through some significant issues.  [9+ yrs, best introduced at the appropriate time]  

Jean Merrill

o   The Toothpaste Millionaire – delightful story of kids making a business.  Try the math!  [7+ yrs]

o   The Pushcart War  - amusing story supposedly teaches children about wars and how easily they are started.  As a story it’s fine, but as a teaching tool—not so much; war is not that simple.  [10+ yrs]

Ralph Moody – 

·       Little Britches series... (autobiographical, chronological) [8+ yrs, early ones could be read aloud earlier to more mature children]

o   Little Britches: Father and I Were Ranchers  [1906 - 1910 - Colorado]

o   Man of the Family  [1910-1912, Colorado]

o   The Home Ranch  [summer of 1911 - amplifies his story as ranch hand from "Man of the Family", Colorado]

o   Mary Emma and Company  [1912 - Massachusetts]

o   The Fields of Home  [1914 -1915 - grandfather's farm, Maine]

o   Shaking the Nickel Bush  [1918, Arizona]

o   The Dry Divide  [19_, Nebraska]

o   Horse of a Different Color: Reminiscences of a Kansas Drover  [19__ in his early twenties]

§  History books:   [8+ yrs, adult] - (the Old West) - not just for kids.  (I have read all except the one I have not yet found.  They are as gripping as his autobiographies, very well researched and presented.  It is clear that research for the individual books was preparatory to the "Old Trails" and "Stagecoach West" (or vice versa) which are detailed history and not appealing to children.)

o   Kit Carson and the Wild Frontier (1955)

o   Geronimo, Wolf of the Warpath (1958)

o   Riders of the Pony Express (1958)

o   Wells Fargo (1961)

o   Silver and Lead: The Birth and Death of a Mining Town (1961) - juvenile book format; story of "Silver City" with explanations of how minerals came to be there in the first place, etc.  Nicely done.

o   America Horses (1962) – this one tells the story of the four American breeds of horses, and is not at all boring.  I was enchanted by it.

o   Come on Seabiscuit (1963) - this book is not credited as telling the "real story" in the way the much more recent book and movie, "Seabiscuit" are credited.  However, it is a more succinct, very engrossing, accurate (as far as I can tell) representation of the facts in the recent version, thus giving it appeal to children.

o   The Old Trails West - Vol. 1 - The Gila Trail, El Camino Real, Old Spanish Trail" - The Great Legendary Routes that Bound a Wild Land into a Nation - 4538-1880 – Too much detail for kids. (1963)

o   "Gateways to the Northwest - The Old Trails West - Vol. 2 - The Santa Fe Trail, Big Medicine Trail, The Oregon Trail, The California Trail" (1963)

o   Stagecoach West (1967) - (this is truly "pure history" with a great deal of careful research. You will pick up most of the interesting parts if you read all of the other histories.  Too much detail for kids.)

o   Knife is Not Enough (can't find this one yet)

o   The Wild Country (hard to find -- this is NOT a different book; it was originally published as Little Britches: Father and I Were Ranchers. I have included it in this list for informational purposes only, as you may find it listed in some places and be tempted to do as I did and purchase it.  It was made into the Disney movie, “The Wild Country” but the movie is not much recognizable from the book.  It is, however, a good family movie and manages to maintain the general "flavor" of the books in an acceptable manner.)

Lucy Maud Montgomery (fiction)

[I have not read these in many years, but I loved them as a child.  Will make comments as I read them again.]

o   Anne of Green Gables – feisty orphan goes to live with a family on Prince Edward Island off the coast of E. Canada.  They wanted a boy helper but she makes havoc and fun.

o   Anne of the Island  - college life for a girl a century ago

o   Anne of Avonlea  - school teacher

o   Anne of Windy Poplars  - principal of high school

o   Anne’s House of Dreams  - marries her long time sweetheart

o   Anne of Ingleside  - mother of five

o   Rainbow Valley  - Anne’s children and neighbor children

o   Rilla of Ingleside  - youngest child grows up, there’s a far off war

Michael Morpurgo – (historical fiction founded in part on a real horse)

o   War Horse  - In 1914, a  beloved farm horse is sold to the British Army.  The horse goes through training and active duty in the war.  Meanwhile the boy owner longs for his horse.  Later in the army, he wonders if he will ever see his horse again.  It is a really well written and interesting story which has recently been made into a movie.  [10-12+ yrs (reality of war, esp. as regards animals); also for grownups]

                                                                                       

Farley Mowat – (autobiography)

o   Owls in the Family - based on his childhood experiences (most of his books, especially the autobiographical ones have to go into the adult reading list)  [7+ yrs]

Vicki Myron with Bret Witter –

o   Dewey the Library Cat  - true story, much beloved book, but I have misgivings about how old a child should be before reading this book.  Most of it is fine for 7+ yrs, but there are a few psychological aspects which cause me pause at any age.