20-11 SLJ"s 100 Children's Novels

We are getting oh so close to the end now. As usual I have linked to Fuse 8's original posts.

20. Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Of all the dog books out there this is my favorite. I did find the quirky factor to be a little over the top in spots, but it does not detract from the excellence of the book at all. I couldn't keep this on the shelf in my classroom. It was always being read.

19. Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Hmmm. I am surprised this one is higher than Little House on the Prairie. I always found this one to be slow and kind of boring. It is the first in the series so that may explain it.

18. The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander
The Chronicles of Prydain is one of my favorite series. Again I'm surprised this is the volume in the top 20, but again it is the beginning so it makes sense. (I just love The Black Cauldron and The Castle of Llyr SO MUCH. And The High King. AND...I just really love this series. But this is definitely my least favorite of the five.)

17. Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
I have never read this book. I somehow missed it as a child (I think the covers had something to do with that). There's no excuse for why I haven't read as an adult.

16. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
I adored this book when I was younger. I appreciate it in different ways now. I was delighted to find as a teacher that my students enjoyed it too. This was another one always being read by someone in the class.

15. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
LOVE! Loved it as a child. Loved it as an adult. This is one of the books that if Bit doesn't like it too I may have issues...

14. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
A masterpiece. Those of us who love fantasy owe so much to this book and, of course, The Lord of the Rings. Even if they are not counted among our absolute favorites to reread. (Looks at ceiling and whistles innocently.)

13. The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
70 PLACES!!!! The last time this poll was conducted it was #83. A jump of that magnitude could only be successfully accomplished by Gen. And now I'm sure he is merely waiting patiently to be crowned King if this poll ever happens again. (If you don't understand this than you need to drop everything you are doing and go read this book. Immediately.) This is the beginning of my favorite series of all time and so holds a special place in my heart for that. I also had the privilege of reading it with a group of 4th-6th graders this past year and watching them marvel at it was a truly wonderful experience.

12. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
Not my favorite of the series. I have issues with the time travel at the end, but other people obviously love it.

11. When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
I really enjoyed this book when I read it. It's not on my list of favorite Newberys by any means, or even favorite books really. I'm sort of surprised to see it get such a high rank. Though as it is an homage to A Wrinkle in Time maybe a shouldn't be.

Comments

Betsy said…

OK. You read Harriet and I'll read When You Reach Me :-). Otherwise, I heartily concur with your thoughts

June 14, 2012 at 2:22 PM

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