I’ve been a reader since I first learned how to read in kindergarten. Growing up, I could usually be found with a book, and those books still inspire me to this day. I will often pick them up when I need a reminder of just how amazing life can be.
I thought it would be fun to do some short reviews of these childhood classics that inspired me, in hopes that they will inspire you too.
Anne of Green Gables- L.M. Montgomery
When siblings Marilla and Matthew send away for an orphan boy to help them around their farm, instead they end up with a girl named Anne Shirley who proves to be everything they didn’t know they needed.
Anne is one of my favorite literary characters ever. While this book was written over a hundred years ago, so much of this book is still relevant. This a must-read for every girl.
Ramona- Beverly Cleary
Ramona Quimby is a little girl with a big imagination and an even bigger personality. These books follow Ramona, her sister Beezus, and their friends as they grow up.
I remember first reading Ramona The Pest in 4th grade after being gifted an old family copy. Instantly, I was in love with this series. Unfortunately, that copy is no longer with us, but I still love these books to this day.
Little House On The Prairie- Laura Ingalls Wilder
I grew up watching the TV show, so when I was old enough to read the books on my own, I devoured them.
These books follow Laura Ingalls and her family as they attempt to down roots during pioneer times.
Growing up in the Midwest, you hear a lot of stories about pioneers and cowboys, but these books brought those stories to life. I loved reading about a simpler time when the west held so much promise for those traveling to it and through it. (Plus, I now know how to make soap and churn butter, if anybody’s curious.)
Johnny Tremain- Esther Forbes
The Revolutionary War is one of my favorite time periods in in American History, which probably why I liked this book so much.
Johnny Tremain is the smart-mouthed apprentice to a silversmith in colonial Boston, as war comes to the city, he must choose where he stands.
Mercy Watson- Kate DiCamillo
Mercy Watson is a pig who loves toast with a great deal of butter. She also finds herself on lots of adventures that get her in in a little bit of trouble.
These are a hilarious! I read these books to my preschool class and they loved them.
In Grandma’s Attic- Arleta Richardson
Based on stories the author’s grandmother told her, these books follow the author as a little girl as she spends time on her grandmother and learn about her life.
These are such sweet stories that are full of humor and love. In Grandma’s Attic is a great read aloud book.
Final Thoughts
Childhood classics and old favorites are meant to passed on and shared. I hope these books will inspire you and the children in your life to keep reading.
