CV NEWS FEED// Throughout June, we’re not just taking the garbage off the children’s shelves in our libraries with “Hide the Pride,” but we’re also replacing it with great literature.
The books we consume as children stay with us our whole lives – the images, characters, heroes, and villains. A natural curiosity comes during elementary school, so it is the perfect time to show your children the beauty and wonder of the world. Here are some great reads to fill your children’s imaginations with truth, goodness, and beauty.
Look for them at your local library (or parish library, if you’re lucky enough to have one!) or favorite bookseller!
Log of a Cowboy
Andy Adams, Illustrated by N.C. Wyeth
Widely considered to be the most accurate depiction of the life of a cowboy, the book follows young Tommy Moore as he helps to herd 3,000 long-horned cattle from Texas to Montana.
The Pied Piper of Hamelin
Robert Browning, Illustrated by Kate Greenaway (Warne)
A long narrative poem telling the classic German story of the Pied Piper. The town hired him to get rid of the rats in the village, but their refusal to pay him when the deed is done comes with dire consequences.
The Secret Garden
Francis Hodgson Burnett
Mary Lennox, a spoiled, unpleasant girl moves from India to Misselthwaite Manor in England. Intrigued by the drafty Manor, its grounds, and inhabitants, Mary begins to explore, uncovering secrets that change her and Misselthwaite for the better.
Christmas Carol
Charles Dickens
Adapted to many mediums over the years, this Christmas story by Charles Dickens will still chill and enchant readers in turn, teaching all ages about the importance of a life lived for others.
The People Could Fly
Virginia Hamilton
A collection of African-American folktales, brilliantly re-told and illustrated. The book and its author have received multiple awards, including the Newbery Medal and the New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year.
Tanglewood Tales
Nathanial Hawthorne
A collection of short stories for children based on Greek mythology. Stories by this classic author include “The Golden Fleece,” “The Pomegranate Seeds,” “The Minotaur” and more!
Book of Cowboys
Will James, illustrated by the author
Discover the danger and adventure that comes from a life on the road. The history of the cowboy unfolds through the expansion of the cattle business, the growth of the railroads, and the coming of the farmer. Will James brings to life the spirit of the American cowboy.
Hiawatha
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, illustrated by Jan Brett
A classic poem beautifully illustrated by Jan Brett. It tells the story of a famous Native American chief, his victories and the unification of his people.
The Courage of Sarah Noble
Alice Dalgliesh
A historical fiction novel based on the true story of a young girl and her adventures in Connecticut in the 18th century. Features Native Americans, adventures, and the courage of a young girl.
Penrod and others in the series
Booth Tarkington
A tale of boyhood fun reminiscent of Tom Sawyer or Huckleberry Finn, the novel relates the adventures of a young boy and his dog in early 1900s Indianapolis.
Til Eulenspiegel
translated by Kenneth R.H. Mackenzie
German folktales translated into English, featuring a medieval prankster. The roving jester is beloved by all and uses his trickster powers to cause mayhem and ‘stick it to the man’ in a 1500’s way.
Twenty and Ten
Claire Bishop
A historical novel set during WWII in France. Twenty children take it upon themselves to hide ten Jewish children from the Nazis. Will they be able to protect them from the Germans who occupy their native land?
The Green Ember series
S.D. Smith
Follow the thrilling adventures of Heather and Picket as they fight an epic battle for all their fellow rabbits. They must discover new lands, fight off evil, and work together. Summarized in the author’s own words: “Rabbits with swords”
The Bears on Hemlock Mountain
Alice Dalgliesh
A family of three lives alone at the foot of Hemlock Mountain. Young Jonathan had always been told that there were no bears on the mountain. One cold winter’s night, he discovers the truth…
Mother Goose Fairy Tales
Charles Perrault, illustrated by Dore
Charles Perrault was a lawyer who wrote these classic fairy tales to entertain his children. Stories include “The Sleeping Beauty,” “Puss in Boots,” and “Bluebeard.”
The Toothpaste Millionaire
Jean Merrill
The wonderful true story of Rufus Mayer, a sixth-grader, realizes that toothpaste is far more expensive than it should be. He didn’t set out to become a millionaire, that was just a side effect…
The Great Brain series
John D. Fitzgerald
Tom, the youngest con-man in the midwest, is known as “the Great Brain,” Follow this clever rascal as he gets in and out of scrapes and lines his pockets in the process.
Charlotte’s Web
E.B. White
The small pig named Wilber and his unexpected friend Charlotte, the spider. When some begin to think Wilbur might better serve the farm as ham, Charlotte hatches a plan to save his bacon. A story about friendship!
Little House on the Prairie and others
Laura Ingalls Wilder
A semi-autobiographical novel about a young girl traveling West with her family in their covered wagon. Explore the prairies, how to make butter, the importance of a sunbonnet, and encounter Native Americans.
Winged Watchman
Hilda van Stockum
A family in German-occupied Holland live in a windmill during the last years of WWII. A story of resistance and courage, this book features a hidden Jewish child, a downed pilot, and daring heroism.
The Children’s James Herriot Treasury
James Herriot
James Herriot is a country vet in England, and in this book relates some of his adventures. He writes about small everyday adventures, his animals and his life, with a charming dry wit that will leave you coming back for more.
Animalia
Graeme Base
An alphabet book accompanied by poems featuring each letter. The book is also an “I Spy” book, encouraging its readers to search for hidden objects in its beautiful illustrations.
Saint Brigid and the Cows
Eva K. Betz
In this book, St. Bridget of Ireland is portrayed with all her beauty and innocence. Her goodness has an impact on all around her, even the cows!
Saints Around the World
Meg Hunter-Kilmer
Encounter one hundred saints and make one hundred new friends with this beautiful book. These saints have struggles, disabilities, strengths and weaknesses, and will give young minds hope that they can one day have a feast day of their own.
The Saint Chronicles series (Sophia Press)
Through their beautiful comic book art, Sophia Press brings to life the lives of some of the most heroic saints in Catholic history. The first volume contains St. Patrick, St. Jerome Emiliani, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Henry Morse, and St. Joan of Arc.
>> Want More? Check out all of our CatholicVote reading lists for kids!
14 Must-Read Books for Families
18 Must-Read Books for Very Young Children
19 Must-Read Books for Middle School Children
22 Must-Read Books for Teen Girls
22 Must-Read Books for Teen Boys
14 Must-Read Books for Struggling Teens
