The literature listed below are nearly all classic (I do throw in a several popular modern books too!). For a younger child, these are excellent choices for a parent to read to the child. If a parent is comfortable with the story and their child's reading comprehension, then these are generally also excellent choices to simply hand off to a child to allow them to enjoy on their own. The books are (generally) chapter books appropriate for children in 1st-3rd grade, although they can be enjoyed at any age.
I've divided up the literature into rough categories. Eventually, I'd like to have each book have some sort of 'lesson' attached to it, found by clicking the book's title. The image of the book is a link that will take someone to Amazon, if someone desires to purchase the book, and the Title of the book is a link to a free on-line library (if available).
I've divided up the literature into rough categories. Eventually, I'd like to have each book have some sort of 'lesson' attached to it, found by clicking the book's title. The image of the book is a link that will take someone to Amazon, if someone desires to purchase the book, and the Title of the book is a link to a free on-line library (if available).
Anthologies:
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle by Betty MacDonald
Cute short stories about misbehaving children and the consequences thereof. |
historical fiction:
The Historical Fiction books are ordered in roughly chronological order, but are not necessarily intended to be read as a history lesson (although several can be read with that goal in mind).
The Clown of God by Tomie dePaola
This is a picture book, but the discussion it may provoke is more appropriate for an early elementary age rather than pre-school. |
Sarah Whitcher's Story by Elizabeth Yates
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The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson
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fiction:
Stuart Little by E. B. White
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The Chicken Squad by Doreen Cronin
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Toys Go Out by Emily Jenkins
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Wayside School is Falling Down by Louis Sachar
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The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
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poetry:
One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss
Lesson Here for grade 1-6 |
Poetry for Young People: Carl Sandburg by Carle Sandburg
There is a whole series of "Poetry for young people" |
The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere by Longfellow
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The Spider and the Fly by Howitt
Although you can find the famous poem online, this illustrated version is superb! A valuable lesson on flattery. |