So today we are digging up the past and rattling the bones of our childhood favorites. Here are a few that are lurking in the dark crevices of my brain.
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
This edition was published in 1982 Bantam Classics, but it was originally published in 1908.
Description from Goodreads.com:
“When Marilla Cuthbert’s brother, Matthew, returns home to Green Gables with a chatty redheaded orphan girl, Marilla exclaims, “But we asked for a boy. We have no use for a girl.” It’s not long, though, before the Cuthberts can’t imagine how they could ever do without young Anne of Green Gables–but not for the original reasons they sought an orphan. Somewhere between the time Anne “confesses” to losing Marilla’s amethyst pin (which she never took) in hopes of being allowed to go to a picnic, and when Anne accidentally dyes her hated carrot-red hair green, Marilla says to Matthew, “One thing’s for certain, no house that Anne’s in will ever be dull.” And no book that she’s in will be, either. –Emilie Coulter (from a review of an abridged version)”
My thoughts
I read this book back in the 1970′s. If I remember correctly one of my aunts or someone gave it to me as a gift. I’ve always loved to read. I don’t recall much about the book now, but I do know that I read the second and third books in the series–Anne of Avonlea and Anne of the Island respectively. I enjoyed spending time in this red-headed girls world.
The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
Published 1977 by Albert Whitman (first published 1942)
Description from Goodreads.com:
“Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny, four orphaned brothers and sisters, suddenly appear in a small town. No one knows who these young wanderers are or where they have come from. Frightened to live with a grandfather they have never met, the children make a home for themselves in an abandoned red boxcar they discover in the woods. Henry, the oldest, goes to town to earn money and buy food and supplies.
Ambitious and resourceful, the plucky children make a happy life themselves–until Violet gets too sick for her brothers and sister to care for her.
This story will delight any child who has fantasized about being on his or her own and overcoming every obstacle.”
My thoughts
I loved this book when I was young. Any time a conversation about children’s books comes up, this is the first book I think of. It’s funny that I can’t remember a lot of the story, but I have vivid memories of being in the library at Springs School and finding a quiet corner to read this book. I can still see our librarian, Mrs. Finger, as she helped us find the books we were looking for.
Buy The Boxcar Children, Special Edition (Boxcar Children Mysteries) from Amazon.com today!
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
Published Published 2003 by Puffin Books (first published 1952)
Description from Goodreads.com:
“An affectionate pig named Wilbur befriends a spider named Charlotte, who lives in the rafters above his pen. In this story of friendship, hardship, and the passing on into time, White reminds readers to open their eyes to the wonder and miracle found in the simplest of things.”
My thoughts
Now this story I DO remember! Who could forget that sweet little pig and the incredible little spider that saved him. Such a wonderful story about friendship and coming into your own. And this is one instance where I thought the movie was very well done also.
Buy Charlotte’s Web from Amazon.com today!
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Published April 6th 2004 by Signet Classics (first published 1868)
Description from Goodreads.com:
“In picturesque nineteenth-century New England, tomboyish Jo, beautiful Meg, fragile Beth, and romantic Amy come of age while their father is off to war.”
My thoughts
I was probably in seventh or eighth grade when I first read this book. I immediately fell in love with Jo. And even though their father was away and they were poor, I wanted to be part of the March family.
Buy Little Women: (Classics Deluxe Edition) (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition) from Amazon.com today!
Lisa Bright and Dark by John Neufeld
Published November 1970 by Signet
Description from Goodreads.com:
“”DADDY, I THINK I’M GOING CRAZY,” Lisa said.
Mr Shilling said, “You’ve seen too many movies.” And Mrs. Shilling went on, “I think it’s very rude of you to discuss this sort of thing when we have guests.”
What do you do when you are 16 years old and know you are losing your mind…and your parents think you are faking?” John Neufield, whose novel Edgar Allan was called “a work of art” by The New York Times, turns his deft touch and understanding spirit to the story of Lisa Shilling and the three teen-age friends who walk with her where adults fear to tread.”
My thoughts
I read this when I was in my teens and it stayed with me ever since. It was quite a heavy topic for me to read about then and it left an impression.
buy Lisa, Bright and Dark: A Novel from Amazon.com today!
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
Published October 12th 1988 by Yearling (first published January 1st 1961)
Description from Goodreads.com:
“For Milo, everything’s a bore. When a mysterious tollbooth appears in his room, he drives through only because he’s got nothing better to do. But on the other side, things seem different. Milo visits the island of Conclusions (you get there by jumping), learns about time from a ticking watchdog named Tock, and goes up against the dastardly Discord and Dynne. By the time Milo and Tock set off toward the Mountains of Ignorance to rescue the twin Princesses Rhyme and Reason, Milo realizes something astonishing. Life is far from dull. In fact, it’s exciting beyond his wildest dreams…”
My thoughts
I was only supposed to pick five books from my childhood, but I had to throw this one in. I did not discover this book until I had children of my own. A friend of mine had recommended it, and I am glad she did. Both my daughter and my son loved it when I read it to them each night. We’d travel travel with Milo through the Doldrums and visit places like Dictionopolis and Digitopolis in the Kingdom of Wisdom.
Buy The Phantom Tollbooth from Amazon.com today!
I read The Boxcar Children and Charlotte’s Web too! Both good reads! (: