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BEST BOOKS OF THE
YEAR
Best of Year 2010
Best of Year 2008
Notables from 2007
Notables from 2006
Notables from 2005
Notables from 2004
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THEMES
Adventure
Classics
Fantasy
Fiction for the Young
Folk Literature
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Toddlers
Preschool
Kindergarten
First Grade
Second Grade
Third-Fifth Grades
Upper
Grades
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Middle Grades
Reading aloud is a great idea at every age, especially
during a period when independent reading may be tapering off. In fact,
there is very little that can reinforce a lifelong habit of reading
as much as reading to children.
CONTEMPORY LIFE: Books that parallel their lives and thoughts are
always of interest to children, and probably more now as they move
toward adolescence. They may be drawn to books that are about a test
of ability of a person close to their age and trying to survive.
FANTASY: Many kids still fantasize and these books take them out of
themselves and into other times and places. Many psychologists feel
that reading fantasy to older children is one of the keys to problem-solving
skills in later life. Whether fantasy is simple or complex, historical,
contemporary, or futuristic, these books seem to be enjoyed by both
listener and reader.
MYTHS, LEGENDS, AND FOLKTALES: At this age many children are drawn
to books about the days of King Arthur, the Greek heroes and heroines,
and stories from the Bible.
ANIMAL NATURE STORIES: A connection with nature and caring about the
creatures which children share the planet with is a part of growing
up. The instinct to relate to animals and pets, or the whole outdoors
is very strong in many children now, and they should be given the
opportunity to read and listen to as many as of these stories as possible.
ANIMAL NATURE STORIES: A connection with nature and caring about the
creatures which children share the planet with is a part of growing
up. The instinct to relate to animals and pets, or the whole outdoors
is very strong in many children now, and they should be given the
opportunity to read and listen to as many as of these stories as possible.
REMINDERS IN CHOOSING BOOKS: Whether the people children get to know
in books are miles away, in outer space or simply people from a different
background or time, books can help develop an understanding of their
lives.
Help children to explore morals and values, expand their horizons
and interests, and develop creativity and problem solving. Reading
aloud as a family activity is still a great idea. Discuss books with
your children and encourage them to make wise choices. |
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A SEASON
OF GIFTS
written by Richard Peck, illus. by Brandon Dorman, (Dial Books,
$16.99, ISBN 978-0-8037-3082-3), 176p, Ages 11+.
The year is 1958, and eccentric, fearless, and independent Grandma
Dowdel from A Year Down Yonder and A Long Way from Chicago returns
in a heartwarming Christmas story of generosity and courage.
The tale is told from the perspective of twelve-year-old Bob,
one of three children of a Methodist minister and his wife,
who move into a small Illinois town next door to Mrs. Dowdel.
Pushing 90 years, toting a gun, taking down neighborhood hoodlums,
and raising funds to provide new windows for a rundown church,
Mrs. Dowdel intervenes in her clever and capable way to provide
a role model for six-year-old Ruth Ann, a teacher of courage
to Bob, a friend to mom, and an obstacle to Phyllis's high school
antics. Little does the Barnhart family realize that their encounter
with Mrs. Dowdel will make this Christmas unforgettable. "She
was no church woman, and she didn't neighbor, and Christmas
was just another day to her. But she didn't wait for Christmas
to give out her gifts. She gave too many. They wouldn't have
fit under the tree, not even the tallest blue spruce from the
Dempsey's backyard." As always, Richard Peck's characters are
strikingly memorable and larger than life. |
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