The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick. Recommended for ages 9 and up. Set largely in a Paris train station, this novel tells the story of the orphaned Hugo Cabret. Abandoned by his uncle, Hugo lives in the hopes of one day uncovering the mystery of the mechanical figure that he believes holds a note from his father. Relying on his skills to slowly repair the figurine, Hugo uncovers a tale decades old. The illustrations in this novel are astounding, and often tell more about tale than the words do. This book may be good for struggling readers, because though it is quite large the words hold few pages and can be read very quickly.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, recommended for ages 15 and up. Jane Eyre tells the story of a young orphan who is able to carve a life for herself through hard work and determination. She is able to secure herself the post of a governess for a wealthy gentleman by the name of Mr. Rochester, a man who holds a dark secret. This novel is a love story as well as a mystery, and though the wording can be somewhat difficult to work through, it is much easier than the wording of novels from a similar time. I would highly recommend this title to any high school students that are willing to put the effort into reading a novel from this time period, as it is an intriguing and compelling book.
A Ball for Daisy by Chris Raschka, recommended for ages 3 and up. This story-told entirely in pictures-tells the tale of Daisy, a little white dog whose favorite toy is her red ball. She goes to the park one day and finds a friend to play with, but unfortunately her ball gets destroyed. Daisy is very sad but learns a valuable lesson in the end. This is a great story to help imaginative children, as they can surmise the story without needing to know how to read. I would recommend it for every child.
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Recommended for ages 12 and up. A story of good versus evil and the overwhelming need for dignity and justice, this novel speaks to readers of many ages. Having read it when I was in high school, I was amazed by the fact that it still elicited such a reaction from me. This book is an excellent piece of literature that teaches children about kindness and justice in a way they can relate to, as the narrator is only 8 years old. I would encourage anyone mature enough to understand the content to read this book, as there are certain pieces of it that I was able to better understand as an adult, as well as pieces that were unchanged from the time I was 15.
Me...Jane by Patrick McDonnell is a biography of famous environmentalist Jane Goodall. This story is recommended for ages 1 and up. There are few words on every page, but this heartwarming story tells the tale of how Jane knew that she wanted to live outside with the animals from the time she was young. This story teaches children the miracle of nature that happens around them every day, and that they can achieve their dreams-no matter how big. This book is beautifully written and illustrated and I would read it to any child who loves the outdoors and animals.
The Lion and the Mouse, by Jerry Pinkney.This book is recommended for ages 1 and up, and is told entirely in pictures. Based on the fable by Aesop, it tells the tale of a lion who is kindhearted and spares the life of a mouse, and the favor is returned in kind when trouble arises. This is another title that helps children stretch their imaginations, and is a valuable lesson to learn at an early age-you never know where help is to be found, so be kind to all you meet.
Jumanji by Chris Van Allsberg. Recommended for ages 6 and up. The story of Peter and Judy who are left home alone by their parents. The two find a board game that brings their imaginations to life-literally. The drawings are done beautifully, and they help to tell a part of the story just as much as the words do. As animals infest the household, children will become as enthralled as adults with Van Allsburg's intricate and enticing drawings. A great story for all ages.
Seven Blind Mice by Ed Young. The seven blind mice-Red, Green, Yellow, Purple, Blue, Orange and White-discover a mysterious "something" and set out to discover exactly what it is. Though they each discover a part, only teamwork can tell them exactly what the parts mean. Recommended for ages 4 and up, this picture book is a fun and exciting tale that will keep children guessing.
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. Recommended for grades 8 and up. This classic tale of love and revenge was a surprisingly interesting and easy to read, once the lineage and names of characters became apparent. Though it is somewhat difficult to keep track at times (I found myself flipping back and forth a few times) overall the story is an engrossing read. I would recommend this story for older readers-tenth grade and up. Anyone younger may not be able to handle the storyline and wording.
Color Zoo by Lois Ehlert, recommended for ages 3 and up. This picture book introduces children to colors and shapes as well as animals in a unique way. As the pages turn different faces appear and children can guess the names and shapes they see. This book is incredibly informative without being overwhelming. I highly suggest it for any child that is learning shapes, colors and animals.
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