Young Reader

I think Miss Rumphius is a perfect children’s book. Based on a real woman, it tells the story of a lady who spends her youth adventuring, and her elder days scattering lupine seeds wherever she goes—making the world a more beautiful place. I love the message that something as small as scattering seeds can bring such joy to the world, and Cooney’s gorgeous illustrations bring me joy.
  --Flannery

Honestly, almost any Bill Peet book could go on this list. Clever, funny, with silly rhyming words to rival Dr. Seuss, Bill Peet’s books are perfect for children. His colored pencil drawings are wonderful, and his stories have a flow and cadence that makes them perfect for reading out loud.  --Flannery

This is my favorite Roald Dahl book. For one, what child’s dream isn’t to be in a candy factory like that? Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is sweet and heartwarming, dark and funny. I tear up every time I read the part where Charlie finds the golden ticket. To me, this is pure literary magic.  --Flannery

This fictionalized story of real-life heroine Charley Parkhurst inspired me as a little girl. Parkhurst was a woman who, disguised as a man, became one of the most daring stagecoach drivers ever and was the first woman to legally vote. As a lover of horses and a tomboy, this book made me believe I could do anything. Plus, it boasts ink illustrations by none other than Brian Selznick.  --Molly

You might know all of the presidents, but do you know all of their mothers? I sure didn’t, until I picked up this picture book. First Mothers gives added depth to the story of each president by telling the stories of their mothers. I love this book.  –Flannery

This is a beautiful, moving book that chronicles the long fight for African-Americans’ right to vote. Told through the point of view of Lillian, a “very old lady” (to quote the book), walking up a very steep hill on her way to vote. As she climbs, she walks through the history of African-Americans in the United States, watching the ghosts of the past. Highly recommended.  –Flannery

 

This is a really interesting book. Mixing primary sources, such as speeches and letters written by the presidents, with historical pieces written by a wide variety of children’s authors, it tells our nation’s history from the point of view of the White House and its residents. Filled with illustrations by some of the best children’s illustrators, this is a unique way of looking at American history, and a beautiful book in general.  –Flannery

It took women a long time to win the right to vote, and an even longer time to hold positions in the government. This great middle-grade book tells the story behind the fight for voting rights, the journey into Congress, and the history of all the women who blazed the way for others. It introduced me to amazing women I’d never heard of, and will give any girl new heroines to look up to.  –Flannery

The U.S. Constitution is undeniably an incredible document, but it can be a little tricky to read if you aren’t used to English from that era. That’s why this graphic adaptation if so great—it makes reading the Constitution much easier, and explains what every part means. For any kid who wants to better understand our nation, this is a fantastic way to get a grasp on the details of our Constitution.  –Flannery

Zinn’s A People’s History of the United States is one of the best books on U.S. history ever written. It tells our history in the most thorough way possible—by critically examining it, and by telling the stories of those ignored by other history books. This young adult edition is a great way to get kids interested in the many aspects of American history. It’s fascinating, and will teach them all about the people overlooked and suppressed in history. Perfect for middle school or early high school kids.  –Flannery