In Favor of Children's Literature

I was surprised when I learned that it wasn't until the Harry Potter series began that the New York Times didn't have a bestseller's list for children's books. I don't remember when or how I heard this, it could be totally untrue, but it began for me a renewed appreciation for books written for people in primary and secondary schools. I hadn't felt such an affinity for Dr Seuss, the American Girl books, Betsy-Tacy, or the Boxcar Children since I was in junior high.

In the last ten years or so, I have focused energy on appreciating and understanding the value behind children's literature, be it chew-able, non-toxic, un-rippable books for my infant niece to gum up, picture books about train engines overcoming steep mountains, chapter books about little girls caught up in our nation's history, or young adult books full of angst, I really treasure them all. I am particularly fond of books written by Patricia McLachlan, Scott O'Dell, and Ann Rinaldi, as well as so many in the pantheon of children's picture books.

I recently learned about a book club through NPR designed for families with children: the Backseat Book Club. I've only just jumped on board, but thus far the books look lovely. In November, the chosen book was Norton Juster's The Phantom Tollbooth and I read it over Christmas weekend. It was a sweet story, with a very simple plot about a boy rescuing a pair of princesses. The value in the book lay in the wordplay and nonsense. I liken it to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland but with a plot and at least some direction. In the end, I enjoyed it much more than the Alice books.

I've been on the list to receive the December book: Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu for weeks, so I hope to be next on the cue soon. I'd like to encourage readers to take time each month for a favorite book from their childhood and savor the story why you loved it then. Some will disappoint and some will be just delicious for your soul. Either way, it is good to stay connected to what our community's children are reading and what made reading so exciting for you in the first place.

You can also check out the various lists at libraries and bookstores of books for this sort of child or that. The New York Times does have a couple bestseller lists for children's literature. Whether they are recently started or not I cannot really say. But I'm so glad they do.