Literature For Kids

I’m feeling inspired to give a few honest opinions of the many children’s books I’ve read, including books written for teens, middle grade novels, picture books – the whole spectrum of children’s literature. Here’s a listing of the book reviews I already have on the site. More to come soon.

Adam of the Road, by Elizabeth Janet Gray – I read that because it won the Newbery Medal many years ago.

Enchanted Air, by Margarita Engle – a poetic book… can’t even remember why I read it – but very interesting about a girl’s relatives in Cuba.

One Crazy Summer, by Rita Williams-Garcia – This one was a Newbery Honor Book, but my main reason for wanting to read it was because it is set in the city I was born in: Oakland, California.

The White Darkness, by Geraldine McCaughrean – I’d call this YA, not middle grade. Pretty phenomenal as it takes place mainly on Antartica. Can’t remember why I read it but I’m so glad I did.

I, Juan de Pareja, by Elizabeth Borton de Trevino – The biography of an artist’s slave. What a great book! This is also a Newbery Medal winning novel. Definitely YA.

Al Capone Does My Shirts, by Gennifer Choldenko – a middle grade novel about a boy growing up on Alcatraz where his father works as a prison guard. His older sister is autistic.

It’s Like This, Cat, by Emily Neville – a 14-year-old boy living in New York City adopts a stray cat.

A Visit to William Blake’s Inn, by Nancy Willard – imaginative poetry and amazing illustrations in a picture book intended for ages 4 to 7.

Charlotte’s Web, by E.B. White – a precious, much loved book about a pig, his friend a precocious spider, and her web.

Other Words For Home, by Jasmine Warga – a Syrian girl immigrates to America for safety as her brother remains behind to fight in the war.

The Last Stop on Market Street, by Matt de la Peña, – a beautiful picture book illustrated by Christian Robinson – a boy and his grandmother ride a city bus together.

So, there’s a start… I’ll add to this page as I get more book reviews published here.