Recommended Reads

Welcome to the literary corner of my world! Now, you might be wondering, "Allison, how can you pick favorites when every book is like a child to you?" Well, dear reader, it's no easy feat, but my favorite books tend to have certain traits that stick out to me.

"Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White (Ages 8-12): This classic tale of friendship between a little pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte is my perennial favorite. It's a heartwarming story that teaches about love, loss, and the transient nature of life.

"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling (Ages 9 and Up): Discover the magical adventures of a young wizard-in-training, Harry Potter. It's filled with thrilling action and suspense, but it also has an underlying message about self-sacrifice and the power of friendship that resonates with me even to this day.

"Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan (Ages 10 and Up): Join Percy Jackson on a wild ride through the Greek underworld in search of an all-powerful lightning bolt! This fantastic adventure is full of mythology, comedy, and action that will have you on the edge of your seat.

"A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle (Ages 10 and Up): This is a timeless piece that follows the journey of Meg Murry and her friends as they travel across space-time to save her father. It's a masterpiece that balances science, philosophy, and spirituality in one incredible story.

"The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien (Ages 10 and Up): When Bilbo Baggins is unexpectedly swept into an adventure with a group of dwarfs, it's the start of an epic quest to reclaim their home from a dragon. This thrilling tale is full of excitement and danger, but at its heart, it celebrates courage and friendship.

"Anne of Green Gables" by L.M. Montgomery (Ages 9 and Up): Join Anne Shirley as she grows up on the farm of her adoptive parents, the Cuthberts. It's a delightful coming-of-age story that is full of humor and lovable characters.

"The Giver" by Lois Lowry (Ages 12 and Up): This dystopian novel delves into the darker side of human nature, making readers question society and their own beliefs. It's thought-provoking and a great conversation-starter about values and ethics.

"Wonder" by R.J. Palacio (Ages 8-12): This is a powerful story of a young boy with facial differences who is starting school for the first time. Through his journey, we learn about acceptance, kindness, and the power of empathy.

"Holes" by Louis Sachar (Ages 10 and Up): Stanley Yelnats is mistakenly sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention center in the middle of a desert. His experiences there are funny, heartbreaking, and ultimately life-changing.

"The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger (Ages 15 and Up): This classic novel follows the story of Holden Caulfield, a young man who's struggling with the transition into adulthood. It's an insightful look at teenage angst and is full of witty dialogue.

"1984" by George Orwell (Ages 16 and Up): Enjoy this dark dystopian tale that serves as an eerie reminder of the consequences of totalitarianism. It's a thought-provoking and disturbing look at how governments can control people and what happens when citizens give away their freedom.

"Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen (Ages 16 and Up): What happens when Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy meet? Find out in this iconic love story that is full of wit, humor, and romance. It's one of the best-known novels in English literature and still has a special place in my heart today.

"Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng (Ages 18 and Up): This modern classic tells the story of two families in a small Ohio town whose lives intersect in unexpected ways. It's an emotionally charged tale that explores themes such as identity and privilege.

"A Gentleman in Moscow" by Amor Towles (Ages 18 and Up): This book is a beautifully crafted tale of a Russian aristocrat under house arrest in a grand hotel. Through this gentleman's eyes, we witness the shifts in Russian society over the decades. It's a rich, immersive story that celebrates the human spirit and the joy of small pleasures.

I hope these books give you a glimpse of how I view literature: as a source of love, joy, wisdom and inspiration. Happy reading!