Children’s Novels

Around the age of ten, most children should be able to start to read novels, and many of the classics are included in summer reading lists. Some of these books for the young that can initiate a lifelong interest in novel reading are “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott, and “Call of the Wild” by Jack London. Other favorites are “The Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Grahame and “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White. As children are exposed to these books, they may find themselves wishing to read more from the same author, and this should be encouraged.

Aside from the older classics, children should be encouraged to read novels pertinent to the day to ensure their interest in book reading that is so important to the leaning process throughout their education. Novels by more modern authors can be more appealing to youngsters than the older classics. For girls between the ages of nine and twelve some suggestions might include “Becoming Naomi Leon,” by Pam Munoz Ryan, a story of a girl’s search for her father. “Kira-Kira,” by Cynthia Kadohata is another popular modern novel for girls in this age group that makes them think about the ramifications of prejudice as they read about an Asian family who has recently moved to Georgia from Japan after World War II.

Some modern novels enjoyed by boys of this age group include “Heat,” by Mike Lupica, a story of a Little League baseball pitcher whose father recently died. “Hatchet,” by Gary Paulsen is an action-packed story of survival in the Canadian wilderness for those liking adventure, and a fine trilogy of books written by Gordon Korman that take the reader on a harrowing trip through an abduction, search, and rescue throughout the series that will provide hours of page-turning excitement.