Literature for Young Minds
September 25, 2007 by Kerri Aldrich
Filed under Children's Books, Children's Books (6 to 10 yrs), General Play Library Goodies
I have to say, I’m so very excited to have a child who loves to read! Okay, so the other two may have that also, but being that they’re only 2 and 3, I’m not sure, yet, whether they’re going to share with me that insatiable desire to have a book in hand at all times.
My daughter, though, shares my passion for reading. And because she does, it’s getting to be more of a challenge to keep her supplied with books that push the limits of her reading level while keeping her entertained. (Love the library!!!)
I’m thinking it’s time to introduce her to Laura Ingalls and Anne of Green Gables. I’m actually sad to say that I’ve never read either series of books. Of course, I watched Little House on the Prairie, but I never got around to picking up the books. However, it might make it fun to discover the stories with my daughter for the first time. And maybe now I’ll get to be on the receiving end of storytime for a change. 
What are some of your favorite book series for young readers? (I’m fishing for suggestions!)
Way too many to list. I can’t believe you never read the Little House series! Course, I never liked Nancy Drew so… Pippie Longstocking, the Shoe books (ballet shoes, dancing shoes, theater shoes, etc) I was a drama kid. Um, Trixie Belden (but that’s sort of old school); Little Women (the whole series). I like so many books. I still collect them. Ms. Pigglewiggle. I know there’s more. The Oz series.
For your little ones you should check out, “I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More” seriously it’s the best kid book I’ve read in a while. My son (he’s six) is obsessed with it. It’s done to the tune of, It Ain’t Gonna Rain No More and Cedar loves it; he laughs and laughs. The pictures are great. We got it at the library but we will buy it.
My 11 year-old dd loves to read, too. We’re constantly in the library or bookstore (I try to stress library to her…hey, books cost money, lol).
One of her teachers now has her hooked on Margaret Peterson Haddix, but she went through the Goosebumps phase, the Little House phase, Nancy Drew phase, etc.
I couldn’t believe my eyes when Jennifer mentioned Trixie Beldon. I loved her as 10 or 11 year old (I think) I always wanted to be her side kick Honey Wheeler. To solve mysteries… it didn’t get much better than that. Not even sure that you would find that series anymore, but you never know.
Ahhh, the memories of stretching out on the bed and reading for hours at a time. Now I’m lucky if I squeeze in 15 minutes!
SP I wanted to be Honey! But I thought it would be cool to live with Jim; later I wanted to be that black haired girl because I liked Trixie’s brother and he had a thing for her. Dana or Diana? I can’t remember
Those books had just about the perfect mix of ’safe’ teen age relationships, morals, adventure, and suspense. I never meet anyone who has heard of them so that’s cool.
Man I miss being a kid when I think about all that reading time. Also, I doubt my son will like Trixie so blah.
Jennifer: Thanks for all the suggestions! Yeah, I’m embarrassed by some of the things I haven’t read, yet! Never heard of the Trixie Belden series. Oh, we’re gonna have so much fun reading these.
I did love Nancy Drew, though. 
del: We do love the library! Every once in a while, it does occur to me how very privileged we are to have access to it! Never heard of Haddix! Gotta get my list going!
SP: That is my treat, 30 minutes to lock myself in my room when Bald Man gets home and just read. It doesn’t happen every day, but I love it when it does!
wow, i cant believe you did not read laura ingalls books either. the show was pure fiction all in all…i did not share any enthusiam for it back then, it was all pretty much untrue. definately get this series of books. i started buying them for my niece when she was 1 and by the time she was 10, i had given her all the volumes in hardcover–she loves them too. i still re-read anything of hers or her daughters-rose wilder lanes item. i know my niece really liked the goosebump series—i liked the happy hollisters, my mom used to read 1 chapter a night to me. it is approximately 32 volumes, but also that was back in the mid-sixties and i do not even know if they are in libraries anymore. probably considered too old fashioned.
Jackie: I know! I’ll probably be shocked when I read the books at how different they are from the show. Thanks for the suggestions! I’m excited to see what the library will carry.