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The Secret Garden | Frances Hodgson Burnett
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Summary: One day when I spent the night at my Grandma’s house, she told me the plot of the secret garden. My mom went and bought it for me and I still have that tattered paperback copy. Somehow, it was extra-special to know my grandma read and loved the book also.
Recommendation: An angry orphan, a mysterious house, and a locked up garden. And who is that child who is crying in the night? A little girl’s heart and a garden bloom at the same time. This is my favorite book of all time, even as an adult.
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Charlie and the Chocolate factory | Roald Dahl
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Summary: You’ve probably seen the movie, so the basic premise is familiar to you. But read the book to enjoy it on a deeper level. Charlie is poor and longs for a famous golden ticket that will allow him to tour the mysterious Chocolate Factory owned by Willy Wonka. What happens when his dream comes true?
Recommendation: Roald Dahl is one of the quirkiest children’s authors you’ll ever read. If you like this book, go on to read Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator. My best friend and I read this in fifth grade and went around calling each other “Vermicious Knids”.
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Black Beauty, The autobiography of a horse | Anna Sewell
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Summary: This story follows the life of a horse named Black Beauty. It was unusual for its day, in that it is told from the horse’s viewpoint. Black Beauty travels from a farm to Victorian London, experiencing excitement and sorrow on his path.
Recommendation: I appreciated that this book made me aware of the way animals were treated in the past. It is also a phenomenal story told from an unusual viewpoint. Warning: parts of it did make me cry.
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Charlotte’s Web | E. B. White
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Summary: Wilbur, the pet pig’s life is in danger, until his good friend, Charlotte the spider, concocts a very creative plan to save him.
Recommendation: One of my childhood favorites for the creativity of the story and the way I wanted to cheer whenever Charlotte spun a new message in her web. Also, who would think an ordinary tiny spider could save someone’s life? It made me realize that no matter how ordinary I am, I can do something to help my world. Also, this book is just plain fun! I still own my tattered paperback copy from the 1960s. This one also made me cry, as the ending is a bit bittersweet