C.S. Lewis

Like fresh baked cookies, you cannot have just one -- you must read The Magician's Nephew to be there at the birth of Narnia and the start of the adventures; then after LW&W read Prince Caspian right away and probably Dawn Treader before jumping to The Last Battle. Then, of course, you might as well read all the rest.

If you could have only one, this edition would be the one to have: 1950 1st edition, $22,000 and it's on your bookshelf!

Dahl

The Friendship

The Friendship by Midred D. Taylor (1987) Coretta Scott King Award

I can't believe he shot the guy! And kept the fish, too....

Lyddie

Lyddie

Katherine Paterson (1991)

historical fiction, Lowell Massachusetts factory girls; hard work, independence, support and care for family… labor issues, value of reading/education, society/class differences… farm/work life for children in 1800’s

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The Amazing Bone William Steig (1976) Caldecot Honor

ok, it's a fairy tale; but why a bone?

Zen Shorts

Zen Shorts by Jon J Muth

Stillwater the giant panda teaches important life lessons in a David Carradine/Yoda zen-like manner... beautiful pictures, stories within the story to discuss with your kids and focus on how to respond and resolve issues in a selfless, peaceful way... very cool, 2 opposable thumbs up!

Little House...

Little House on the Prairie Laura Ingalls Wilder (1935)

children that mind their parents! American West, building from scratch, dangers in wilderness… and yes, Ma is a racist. But is it redeemed in the end? Or too offensive?

here's one view: http://www.oyate.org/books-to-avoid/littlehouse.html

Maniac Magee/Holes

Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli (1990)

Newbery Medal 1991

liked the beginning more than the end, good to use for legends, urban myths, hyperbole… and in discussions of colorblind-ness/race relations… characters too stereotypical?

Holes by Louis Sachar

Newbery Medal 1999

very good…