The Golden Compass by Phillip Pullman

Lyra and her daemon moved through the darkening hall, taking care to keep to one side, out of the sight of the kitchen.

Lyra lives a carefree life until she begins to notice that children are disappearing including her friend, Roger. She decides to solve the mystery with help from her daemon. A mysterious woman comes to dinner and Lyra is sent to live with her bringing with the golden compass. Soon, Lyra begins to unravel the mystery and runs off. Themes of religion, freedom, love, human nature and choice are found throughout the book.

It was difficult to summarize this book because there were many characters and themes to narrow down to a few sentences. I didn't find the religious references to be offensive but than I wouldn't because it is a FICTION BOOK!

Pullman, P. (1995). The golden compass. New York, NY: Laurel-Leaf Books.
ISBN: 9780440238133
351 pages

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

When I stepped out into the bright sunlight from the darkness of the movie house, I had only two things on my mind: Paul Newman and a ride home.

Ponyboy's world is shaken when in the middle of a rumble his friend kills a rival gang member and he joins his friend in hiding. Ponyboy realizes that death, sadness are universal irregardless of the gang membership and this realization threatens his identity. Themes of violence, love, hate, tension, identity, friendship, solidarity and rivalry.

Whenever I think of The Outsiders, I see Ralph Macchio and hear his recitation of Robert Frost's poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay". Rereading the book did not change this - darn Hollywood!

Hinton, S.E. (1997). The outsiders. New York, NY: Puffin Books.
ISBN: 014038572X
180 pages

The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

A collection of Kipling's first Jungle Book which features Mowgli, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi and Toomai stories with Kipling's poetry mixed throughout the book. Color illustrations accompany this edition. Some content might be questionable for young children.

I hadn't heard the Rikki-Tikki-Tavi story in a long time and really loved it again. I also enjoyed revisiting Mowgli, Baloo and Baghera. This would be a good option to read aloud to children especially boys. I remember loving this book and the idea of the jungle and wild animals.

Kipling, R. (1977). The jungle book. New York, NY: Grosset & Dunlap.
ISBN: 0448060140
Illustrated by Fritz Eichenberg

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Ten year old orphaned Harry Potter is forced to live with his aunt, uncle and horrible cousin. He is treated like a thorn in their side until his 10th birthday when a special message arrives by owl and his life will never be the same again.

I hadn't read this book until now. I loved it so much that I had to read the rest of the books. I am completely in awe of the author. As Harry ages, his language and situations he encounters become more complex just like any child. How did she do that so well? I understand why children and adults lined up for each new book.

Rowling, J.K. (1999). Harry potter and the sorcerer's stone. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.
ISBN: 059035342X
Illustrated by Mary Grandpre

The Miserable Mill (A Series of Unfortunate Events, Book 4) by Lemony Snicket

The Baudelaire Orphans, Viola, Sunny and Baby Sunny, find themselves being sent to a new home where they are forced to work in a lumber mill. Count Olaf shows up and no one believes the orphans so they are forced to save themselves.

I have not read any of these books and had no problem becoming engrossed in the story. The hook of these books is the unfortunate, unpleasant tone Lemony Snicket takes in telling the story. I found the story more funny than scary. It would appeal to both boys and girls.

Snicket, L. (2000). The miserable mill. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.
ISBN: 0439272637
Illustrated by Brett Helquist

Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren

Pippi lives with her pet monkey and her horse in her home, Villa Villekulla. She is so strong she can lift a horse, so self sufficient she can cook all her meals and so clever she doesn't have to go to school. Everyday with Pippi is an adventure and Tommy and Annika can't wait to join her on them. Pippi is irreverent, humorous and does just what she wants!

In this book, it is apparent the author understands children's impulses. Pippi's why not attitude and her common sense are appealing. Why wouldn't you draw a friendly face on the walls? Why not invite the horse in to live? Each chapter is a new adventure with Pippi and captivates the imagination. The situations and words are silly and mostly familiar to children even today. Unfamiliar words will not stop a reader from understanding the story. Worth reading again at any age!

Lindgren, A. (1978). Pippi longstocking. New York, NY: Puffin Books.
ISBN: 0881037761
Illustrated by Louis S. Glanzman
Translated by Florence Lamborn

Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans

Madeline lives in Paris in a home with 11 other girls and Miss Clavel. Madeline is the smallest and the bravest. She must have her appendix removed and her absence is felt by the whole household. The illustrations are mixed between simple lines and colors when describing the story to brilliantly detailed representation of true buildings in Paris, such as Notre Dame.

An appealing little girl living in an exotic location begins the start of a great series. The rhythmic text draws in a young reader along with the illustrations.

Bemelmans, L. (1967). Madeline. New York, NY: Viking Press.
ISBN: 0670445800
Illustrated by the author

Rickie & Henri by Jane Goodall

Rickie, an orphaned chimpanzee, rescued from a Congolese market by a man who brings her home and Rickie struggles to adapt to this very different world. She learns to love the man and Henri, the dog. As she grows too large, she is taken to a chimpanzee sanctuary. Illustrations are beautifully done and can really feel Rickie's emotions throughout the story.

I am a great admirer of Dian Fossey and Jane Goodall so seeing Jane's name on this book I immediately picked it up. Rickie's mother is killed in front of her and Rickie is shot in the process. I was surprised at that in a picture book designed for easy readers. American children might be upset by this turn of events depending on how protective their parents are in reading materials. Overall, Rickie's story is too important to not tell. Perhaps educating children early will help instill a value for animals/conservation early on. Jane also writes a postscript describing Rickie's status today and information on the chimpanzee sanctuary.

Goodall, J. (2004). Rickie and henri. New York, NY: Penguin Young Readers Group.
ISBN: 069840002X
Illustrated by Alan Marks