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Beloved Children's Books

Franny Billingsley

The Folk Keeper - A lovely, mysterious book about a young orphan girl who disguises herself as a boy and works as a Folk Keeper--one who protects the lands and its people from the deadly Folk. It's very somber, and a bit melancholy, but ultimately very moving and rewarding. Like The Secret of Roan Inish in book form.

Well Wished � Excellent mysterious kids book about a well and what happened when someone wished all the children away from the village. Great, strong lead girl character and interesting fairy tale feel.

Ellen Conford

Though her books are contemporary, they are sadly out-of-print. Featuring endearing characters and funny but realistic situations, all of her books are recommended, especially:

Seven Days to a Brand-New Me � Hilarious story of a high school girl who tries to jazz up her life through a combination of self-help and romance books.

The Alfred G. Graebner Memorial High School Handbook of Rules and Regulations � Excellent high school tale. Witty and realistic, as are all Conford books.

Hail, Hail Camp Timberwood � The best of all summer camp YA novels. Conford deserves to be in print for decades to come. Her books are not remotely dated, despite being written twenty to thirty years ago.

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Roald Dahl

Matilda � Whimsical and supernatural.

Danny, the Champion of the World � Unbelievably sweet father and son story.

E.L. Konigsberg

From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler � Two suburban kids run away and live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC.

The View From Saturday � Great story told in a very interesting and innovative structure.

Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William McKinley and Me, Elizabeth � Konigsberg rocks.

Maud Hart Lovelace

Betsy-Tacy books � Series follows Betsy and her friends from age six to adulthood and marriage. The entire series is consistently wonderful (except for the last book wherein independent Betsy gets married and a little neurotic).

Robert McCloskey

Homer Price � Great tales for kids, with an engaging character and charming Midwestern setting.

Centerburg Tales - More adventures of Homer Price.

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L.M. Montgomery

Anne of Green Gables - Ah, Anne. Red braids, cheery disposition and all.

Anne of Avonlea � Very good sequel but unfortunately, the series gets boring shortly after this book.

Eleanor Porter

Pollyanna � When you need something to be glad about. Not remotely as sappy as you think. Pollyanna is actually quite the manipulative little thing!

Keith Robertson

Henry Reed, Inc. � Henry Reed comes to Grovers Corners, NJ to stay with his uncle and aunt. Hilarity and hijinks ensue. Henry is a hilarious, serious kid who gets into crazy, chaotic mishaps. Here, he starts a research business with neighbor Midge.

Henry Reed's Journey � Henry travels across the country with Midge's family. Hilarity ensues.

Henry Reed's Babysitting Service � Henry starts a baby-sitting service with Midge. Again, hilarity ensues.

Jean Webster

Daddy Long-Legs � An charming epistolary tale of an orphan sent to college to be a writer by an unknown benefactor. Great quote: "I had no idea Shakespeare was so good. I'd always suspected him of largely going on his reputation."

Dear Enemy � Sort of a sequel to the above concerning a young woman who runs an orphan asylum. Also very charming.

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Updated 11/30/05

Comments? Questions? Suggestions? Email me at schka46[at]hotmail.com.

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