Literature books: must-reads vs. could be left out

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  • August 16, 2011 at 5:25 pm
    Sue
    Participant

    I asked this question about history living books, so now I would like similar opinions on literature. I am dealing with a special needs child who needs extra attention and also needs some books read to him. (He’s only about a 3rd grade reading level.) So, I’m looking to be sure that I am not over-scheduling our literature books. Here’s what I’d like comments on, either as an “Absolutely Must-Read” or a “Could Be Left Out.”

    For my 5th & 6th graders:

    • The Swiss Family Robinson by Jonathan Wyss

    • In His Steps by Charles Sheldon

    • The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Howard Pyle

    • Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan

    • Bambi: A Life in the Woods by Felix Salten

    • Bambi’s Children by Felix Salten

    • A Basket of Flowers by Christoph von Schmid

    • The Call of the Wild by Jack London

    For my 8th grader:

    • Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

    • Little Britches by Ralph Moody

    • Man of the Family by Ralph Moody

    • The Home Ranch by Ralph Moody

    • Mary Emma and Company by Ralph Moody

    Again, thanks for your input!

    August 16, 2011 at 5:57 pm
    suzukimom
    Participant

    Anne of Green Gables is a MUST MUST read.

    I am ashamed to say that I haven’t read the others…  Embarassed

    August 16, 2011 at 6:07 pm
    missingtheshire
    Member

    I would read

    In His Steps

    Pilgrim’s Progress

    The Call of the Wild

    The Ralph Moody books

    That would be my choice – the others are great books, but imho could be ommitted and left for free reading at some time. Linda

    August 16, 2011 at 6:32 pm
    Bookworm
    Participant

    I would wait on In His Steps for now with 5/6th graders.  There is plenty of time later.  The Call of the Wild is a real favorite at that age.  I LOVE the Howard Pyle Robin Hood; my 11yo is currently reading it.  Swiss Family Robinson is fun–my kids thought it was hysterically funny.  It may be that this isn’t how it was intended.  LOL

    If your 8th grader is a girl, you HAVE HAVE HAVE to read Anne.  Anne is one of my childhood best friends (along with Jo and Laura and Betsy and Caddie.)  Smile

    The Little Britches books are extraordinary.  We really truly love them here.  I am reading Man of the Family to my 11yo right now.  IMO the very best ones are the first two and the last two.  But we love all of them and all our kids have heard them all multiple times! The first one ESPECIALLY and to a lesser extent the second one have some “cowboy” language in them, which we edit out when we read them aloud.  Depending on your personal beliefs, you may want to choose not reading these independently if that bothers you, or trust to your teen.

    August 16, 2011 at 7:10 pm
    Tukata
    Participant

    Just had to comment that this post makes me happy.  I look forward with anticipation in reading some of these to my kids when they are old enough.  =)

    August 16, 2011 at 7:26 pm
    missingtheshire
    Member

    Have to confess that I looked at these lists without regard for age or sex of child, just looked lovingly at good memories reading. I agree on waiting to read In His Steps until the children are older, but don’t miss it – it is wonderful. My daughter’s did not like Anne of Green Gables, don’t know why, they just didn’t. They loved all of Louisa May Alcott and still re-read them now. Still if you have a daughter read Anne – most girls do like it…..Linda

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