Hello everyone! For those of you that read most (or any really) of these books, then you probably were either read them aloud in class or forced to read them for homework. I am sorry in advance for the feels that may arise from this article because lets be real, I think most of these books may of scarred me for life. I understand they were suppose to teach us important life lessons, and some were truly amazing to me; but seriously, some of these books HAUNT you to this day. Anyways, enjoy.
15. Walk Two Moons, Sharon Creech
I loved the way this story was told and the intertwining tales of it all. It definitely had a much sadder twist at the end that a child like me did not truly see coming, but it is still something all children should still read today.
14. The Trumpet of the Swan, E. B. White
Loved this story as a kid. Definitely recommend it!
13. The Fairy Rebel, Lynne Reid Banks
All I truly remember is loving this book and wishing I had a cool hidden streak of blue in my hair too.
12. Esperanza Rising, Pam Muñoz Ryan
A truly amazing story about the courage and inner strength of two woman (mainly Esperanza) who went from having it all to having nothing overnight. Highly recommend.
11. Hatchet, Gary Paulsen
Casually made me afraid of planes for a very long time as a kid. Also, when he dives into the plane wreck and finds the captain’s body still strapped in. Ya.
10. Tangerine, Edward Bloor
I don’t even know where to truly begin with this one. I literally still have scenes from this book vividly imprinted in my mind. Spoilers everyone: When the friend’s brother gets struck by lightning, like my heart sunk. THE MESSED UP OLDER BROTHER THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE STORY. And most of all the ending confrontation. My gosh.
9. Bud Not Buddy, Christopher Paul Curtis
Any book that takes place during the Great Depression really fascinates me. I loved this book and especially loved Bud’s narration. Between his suitcase, setting out on a journey to find his father, and his deep fear of vampires, this book is definitely something everyone should still read today.
8. Tuck Everlasting, Natalie Babbitt
If you weren’t in love with the Tuck boys did you even read this book? Also the movie only enhanced this by 10000000.
7. Bridge to Terabithia, Katherine Paterson
My. Damn. HEART. Back in my day, I had no idea about this book or anything it involved. When my teacher started to read it, I fell in love with the imagination of it all. BUT NO ONE WARNED ME ABOUT WHAT WOULD HAPPEN. I know now that many people have seen the movie with Josh and Anna Sophia today, but it was brand new at the time. Like I was in pure shock. As a kid, hearing about the death of another kid in a book was something completely new to me.
6. Island of the Blue Dolphins, Scott O’Dell
Another book that made me gasp. This book actually stuck with me for a long time and honestly made me cry at times because the depiction of it all was just so realistic. When her brother dies, I remember going home and literally hugging my own little brother tighter that day.
5. The Tale of Despereaux, Kate DiCamillo
You have a rat, a Princess named Pea, and a somewhat salty servant girl. Trust me it’s actually a crazy good story. Read it.
4. Frindle, Andrew Clements
The concept of this entire story is just so different and imaginative. I loved it all.
3. Where The Red Fern Grows, Wilson Rawls
I swear teacher’s goals in life were just to make my heart HURT. I think kids in class literally started to cry at the end. And don’t even get me started on when we watched the movie in class after.
2. To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee
I will never not recommend this book. This book was honestly one of my favorite reads in school. I absolutely loved the story and the Scout’s little point of view throughout the entire novel.
1. Holes, Louis Sachar
Obviously had to save this one for last because lets be real, if you didn’t read this book growing up, were you truly a 90s/00s kid??? Also, equally so, we can never forget the iconic Disney movie based on the novel. Good stuff man. Peace, love, Stanley Yelnats.
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