You love classic children's books for their veneer of a "simple life" and "old-fashioned," tech-free adventures. But you've read all those books and are looking for something new. Enter these 21st century books with old-fashioned flair! These are books that whisk you away on an adventure and introduce you to dynamic characters who take on the world with determination and imagination.
There was no scientific reasoning behind the choice of these books. No boxes to be checked off. Just a feeling. A je ne sais quoi, if you will.
But these aren't just books about white English kids having tea (to be fair, that's not what true classics are about, either). It's not a list of books which present the world as an homogeneous place, which, unfortunately, many classic children's books do. These are books which, no matter where or when they take place, acknowledge a world that is difficult, messy, and glorious, but never keeps their protagonists from pursuing their goals.
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VOYAGE OF THE SPARROWHAWK by Natasha Farrant
Farrant's marvelous novel reads like a classic. In 1919, 13-year-old Ben wants to find his adoptive brother, Sam, who disappeared in France during the First World War. Back in England, he meets Lotti, who is being looked after by her unsympathetic aunt and uncle. Lotti is about to be sent away to boarding school and so she and Ben decide to take the Sparrowhawk, a narrowboat that is Ben and Sam's home, across the channel to find Sam and Lotti's grandmother. On their journey, Ben and Lotti meet supportive adults who help them to their destination. The story is full of dynamic characters that pull at your heartstrings. Don't miss this one; it also makes a terrific read aloud. Ages 9 and up.
THE VERY, VERY FAR NORTH (series) by Dan Bar-El
This is my new favorite read aloud, and I don't say that lightly! Duane the polar bear has a curiosity and sense of adventure that leads him first to a shipwreck where he meets C.C. the Owl. He then encounters even more new friends like Handsome the musk ox, Magic the artic fox, and Major Puffin. Together, they explore the wonders of the northern landscape. The cast of animals is as diverse in their personalities as they are in species and the thread of the story focuses on learning to appreciate one's friends. An absolute must-read book. Ages 7 and up.
MORE: Best middle grade books told from the animals' points of view
LIZARD'S TALE by Weng Wai Chan
Half-Cantonese, half-British Lizard went to live with his Uncle Archie after his parents died. However, when Uncle Archie disappeared unexpectedly, Lizard finds his way to Chinatown, surviving by doing odd jobs. One of those jobs involves stealing a mysterious teak box. When things don't go according to plan, Lizard is left with the box. He and his friend try to understand the mystery of the box, which somehow connects to the war, secret codes and the disappearance of Uncle Archie. Lizard's Tale has a lot going for it. An uncommon setting of 1940 Singapore, themes of belonging, prejudice and friendship, surprising turns of events and character revelations make this a book not to be missed. Ages 9 and up.
MORE: If you like this classic book you'll love this book with diverse characters
THE VANDERBEEKERS OF 141ST STREET (series) by Karina Yan Glaser
This lovely novel may put you in mind of Elizabeth Enright's The Saturdays. It is just before Christmas and the Vanderbeekers are going to be forced to move from their beloved Harlem brownstone unless they can change the mind of their grumpy landlord who just happens to be their upstairs neighbors. This creative, bi-racial family sets to work to win him over in this heartwarming story that makes a great read aloud the whole family will adore. Ages 8 and up.
THE SEASON OF STYX MALONE by Kekla Magoon
Caleb and his brother, Bobby Gene, live in a small town. Caleb wants to get out and see the world, but their father insists everything they need is right where they live. But this summer, Caleb and Bobby Gene meet Styx Malone, a super cool teenager whose magnetic personality draws them in, and takes them on adventures. The three boys begin Styx's "Great Escalator Trade" in which they barter up a series of items in hopes of finally getting a moped. Most of the story takes place outdoors without phones or televisions, where relationships are paramount. Ages 8 and up.
DA VINCI'S CAT by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Modern day, 11-year-old, Bee, from New Jersey travels through time to meet Federico, a political hostage of the Pope in 16th century Rome. Connecting the two are a wardrobe made by Leonardo DaVinci and a time-traveling cat. Also coming through the wardrobe is Herbert, an art dealer hoping to get a sketch that looks mysteriously just like Bee signed by Raphael. As you can imagine, complications arise and Bee and Federico must make sure history doesn't get too messed up! Ages 8 and up.
MORE: Time Travel books, ages 8-14
ASTRID THE UNSTOPPABLE by Maria Parr
We fell in love with Astrid in this Norwegian import and this book is by far one of our favorite read alouds. Plucky Astrid, with her nickname, "The Little Thunderbolt," may remind you of other intrepid heroines like Pippi Longstocking or Anne Shirley. She loves to explore her beloved Glimmerdal, and her best friend is her crotchety old godfather, Gunnvald. One winter, a family comes to stay in the holiday cottages and Astrid finally gets some local friends to go adventuring with. But then she learns a secret about Gunnvald and things might never be the same. Ages 8 and up.
MORE: Books like Pippi Longstocking
THE WIND CALLED MY NAME by Mary Louise Sanchez
During the Great Depression, Margarita Sandoval's family farm in New Mexico is devastated by drought and her father takes a job with the railroad, moving the family to Wyoming. Their new community doesn't appreciate the Sandoval's Hispanic heritage, her father works to organize rail workers into a union and her family must prevent the loss of Abuelita's land in New Mexico. This book fills a much needed gap in children's literature by portraying the diversity of the American frontier. Ages 8 and up.
MORE: Books for Kids who Like Little House on the Prairie
TIME SIGHT by Lynne Jonell
This engaging novel takes readers to Scotland, where Will and his brother Jamie have been sent while their father goes to find their mother who is in an unspecified difficulty. While staying with cousins at the family castle, Will discovers he has "time sight," the ability to open up doorways into time–but only on the castle grounds. The two boys and their female cousin, Nan, take the doorway and travel to several time periods including the Bronze and Iron ages, and medieval Scotland. Lots of fun and the story reminded me of E. Nesbit's Enchanted Castle. Ages 8 and up.
MORE: Children's books about castles (picture books & novels)
AS BRAVE AS YOU by Jason Reynolds
We loved this book about 11-year-old Genie and his brother who have come to rural Virginia to spend the summer with their grandparents. Genie is a boy who loves to ask questions and when he learns about his grandfather's blindness he has a lot to ask! During the summer Genie struggles with making sure he makes the right decisions as he uncovers the secrets of his family's history. Ages 9 and up.
Alex Baugh says
Erica, this is a great list. I remember reading many of these and my daughter has read them all. Thanks for reminding readers about these great books.
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thanks, Alex. It's nice to be reminded of books we've read in the past. I sometimes lose track of them all and I bet others do, too.
Kathleen Armstrong says
I love The Penderwicks an there are two sequels. Some of my fifth grade girls are really enjoying it this year.
Erica MomandKiddo says
It's such a wonderful book. I understand there is going to be a fourth one, too.
Jennifer @ 5 Minutes for Books says
Great list! My daughter also became a fan of the last of the really great whangdoodles when HER 4th grade teacher read it to them.
I love the Penderwicks and always think of it as a new old classic.
Erica MomandKiddo says
I guess the Whangdoodles are a teacher favorite!
Kacey says
My third grade teacher read it to us... my favorite of all time. Made me love reading.
Nancy Ask says
I like "Hank the Cowdog." It's a great series and the author adds a lot of humor to his books. I also like the time-traveling baseball books by Dan Gutman, especially Honus and Me.
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thanks for the suggestions, Nancy. My son likes a few of Dan Gutman's books, too.
megwrites says
My kids love THE YEAR OF THE DOG (also by Grace Lin). Another favorite of mine is THE COTTAGE AT BANTRY BAY series by Hilda Van Stockum.
Erica MomandKiddo says
The Year of the Dog is a great choice. I'm not familiar with Van Stockum's book. Thanks of the suggestion.
writersideup says
Erica, you put up such wonderful lists 🙂 I've read about half of these and loved them. About 1 1/2 years ago, I got to meet Grace Lin and her editor (and longtime friend) Alvina Ling at one of our NJ SCBWI conferences when I facilitated one of their workshops and they're both so nice 🙂 Really enjoyed WHERE THE MOUNTAIN MEETS THE MOON. And, of course, THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX. I also had the privilege of talking to Kate DiCamillo for a few minutes (same conference) while I had her sign my handful of books before she took on "the masses" for signings. Another really nice, down-to-earth person 🙂 She is still in awe and grateful for her success, having thought she'd NEVER get published! Even the BEST get rejected so many times, they feel that way!
Erica MomandKiddo says
I've heard from several people that DiCamillo is a lovely woman.
writersideup says
I know I found her to be, and hearing her speak is a truly enjoyable experience. She was one of our keynote speakers that year, and having been one of the key organizers and her being the LAST event, the "let down" hit me DURING her speech, so I missed chunks due to the inability to keep my eyes open! : / But not that long ago, I came across this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=yPWSCRmwj68#t=0
and REALLY enjoyed it 😀
Melissa@Julia's Bookbag says
soooooooooo many favorites here!! i haven't read Last of the great whangdoodles yet and my friend says it's her favorite book of all time, so we have really got to get on that!
Erica MomandKiddo says
You will looooooove it. 🙂
maryanne @ mama smiles says
I've only read a couple of these, but I adore this genre. Thrilled to have more suggestions of books to try!
Amy @ Sunlit Pages says
We just finished Homer Price last night! And I've been thinking of rereading The Saturdays myself (I loved it when I was little), but now I'm thinking maybe I should read it aloud instead. Love this list!
Erica MomandKiddo says
When we read The Saturdays I found myself explaining a lot of stuff about how people used to live, but he really loved it because it's set in NYC and they knew all of the places that were mentioned.
Julie says
Great list. The Watsons, Despereux, and Whangadoodles were all ones I read aloud to many of my classes of fourth/fifth/sixth graders over the years. Some other much loved read alouds from my students were The Thief Lord by Corneila Funke, Among the Hidden, and The City of Ember. One of my former students saw me with my kids in his neighborhood. He came running to see me. He's now a Junior in college but was still talking about how much he loved City of Ember and how it was one of his favorite memories from sixth grade. Wow, the power of a good story.
Erica MomandKiddo says
It's so nice to hear that a teacher approves of my choices because I know from experience that the books our teachers read to us stay with us. Another one my 5th grade teacher read that became a life long favorite was Ellen Raskin's The Westing Game.
writersideup says
Oh, loved THE WESTING GAME! Read it this past year and was amazed by the writing and how she accomplished getting inside all the characters' heads so seamlessly, and mapping out the clues so well!
writersideup says
As a little note of trivia: THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM was the book Kate DiCamillo read (while working in a book warehouse) that made her think THAT's what she wanted to do---WRITE! How wonderful, right? 😀
Keitha says
Great list! We are in the middle of reading the Enright’s Melendy Quartet. I loved Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls, my 5th grade teacher read Where the Red Fern Grows and I loved it so much I had to find and read anything else by Wilson Rawls.
Erica MomandKiddo says
There's something about 5th grade teachers and read alouds, I think! Those are the books I remember from school, too.
PramgaticMom says
Love, love LOVE your list!!!
PramgaticMom says
The Mysterious Benedict Society!!
writersideup says
I bought this book having read the first few pages and LOVING the voice of the narrator! It's one of many I still have to read!
Natalie says
How interesting. There are a couple of books that I haven't heard about, and the rest we read already 🙂 As always, great list!
Teacherbees says
I read my fathers dragon to my kindergarten every year. They love it. We make a list of what is in the backpack and then the have to predict what will be used with each animal. Love this as a first chapter book.
Erica MomandKiddo says
Yay! Another teacher-approved book! The backpack prediction sounds fun.
maryl1 says
I enjoy My Father's dragon with my second graders every year. I remember my library teacher reading it to my class long ago.
I loved All of a Kind Family and The Saturdays myself.
My second graders also enjoy Jack Plank Tells Tales; a story of a young man who had to leave pirating because he just can bring himself to pillage. The book is about his attempts to find an alternate career. Quite funny and with a nice message. Another popular one is The Chocolate Touch.
My daughter and I both loved The Five Children and It, and the two others in the trilogy.
My son enjoyed Poppy, by Avi.
Erica MomandKiddo says
My chocoholic son loved The Chocolate Touch and also we've been reading the Poppy series. We still have one more left. I should have included that one one this list, although I had it on our summer reading list, but I agree, Avi's book is really wonderful. Thanks for your recommendations, I shall take a look at Jack Plank, it's on my to read list!
Kristin says
Love the Melendy quartet AND All of a Kind Family series. Other great ones are the Henry Reed books and Katie John books.
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thanks for the suggestions, Kristin!
Jennifer says
The Rescuers by Margery Sharp is one of our favorite books. My first grader loved it, but I think it's great for older kids, too.
Erica MomandKiddo says
Great suggestion.
Teri says
Thanks for this awesome list! I read My Father's Dragon every year in September to my Kindergarten class. They love it and it is a great way to start the year. Another book we love in kindergarten is No Flying in the House by Betty Brock. Fairies and a small dog that talks! Great read I am now following your sight for more wonderful ideas.
Erica MomandKiddo says
No Flying in the House is great! Thanks for the recommendation.