I love reading books aloud to my children. I feel that there is so much value to sitting down with them and reading good and beautiful literature. I try to pick books that have value and teach good moral character. Below are some of the books we have enjoyed reading together.
By Gene Stratton Porter
A Girl of the Limberlost was one of my favorite books to read as a teenager. I loved how determined Elnora was despite having a mother that didn't support her. I took the time to read this to my children and they loved it as well. It is an inspiring story that can be read over and over.
Book Summary from Amazon: "Elnora Comstock, though void of her mother's love and affection, was determined to go against the odds and reach her dreams. She has always believed that she will never remain a small town girl. In fact, this persevering young woman maintained a positive disposition as she proved herself to be worthy of people's – and most especially her mother's – admiration. As a student, she managed to excel in class, gain new friends, and play the violin with so much refinement. She was able to achieve all these through her strong yearning to succeed, coupled with the selfless love and constant support of the Sintons. Elnora, who was once an unknown girl in her school, transformed into an extraordinary and confident young lady. Elnora's life became more interesting when she met Philip, a charming man who eventually fell in love with her. Much to her disappointment, however, she learned that this man was engaged to Edith, a spoiled and wealthy woman. Nevertheless, she accepted the fact that he was not the man for her and decided to move on despite the heartache. This novel by Gene Stratton-Porter will leave you enchanted and immersed by the characters' unique traits, struggles and realizations that make them distinct from each other. Indeed, A Girl of the Limberlost depicts life's truths and mysteries with every turn of the page."
By Gene Stratton-Porter
Freckles is a 20-year-old orphan with bright red hair and freckles and is missing his right hand. He was raised in an orphanage and given the name Freckles. Exhausted after days of walking like a "hobo" he applies for a job at a lumber camp guarding timber in the Limberlost. Mclean, the owner of the lumber camp is impressed by Freckles and highers him despite his handicap and his youth.
Initially terrified to be alone in the wilderness with hiding snakes and other creatures, Freckles learns to love the Limberlost and the many animals that live there. As the Limberlost guard, his duty is to walk the 7-mile perimeter of the lonely swamp and to be on guard for those that may try to steal the valuable timber found in the swamp.
Freckles is a remarkable young man that despite his hardships in life he was honorable, honest, a hard worker and had a desire to gain knowledge. Well worth the read.
By Eleanor H. Porter
This was one of my favorite read aloud with my kids. Pollyanna is a best selling 1913 novel written by Eleanor H. Porter.
When her aunt gives her a room in the attic with no carpet or pictures, she chooses to be glad about the view from the window. When her aunt only gives are bread and milk for dinner as a punishment for being late to dinner, she exclaims how much she likes bread.
With her sunny personality, Pollyanna brings cheer to her aunts home transforming it into a pleasant place to live.
Soon Pollyanna is encouraging others in the town to play the glad game including the invalid Mrs. Snow. She spreads cheer to all and brightens the day for everyone she comes into contact with.
My children loved playing the glad game after reading this book.
Amazon Summary: Eleanor H. Porter's classic sequel to her adored novel, "Pollyanna". In "Pollyanna Grows Up", the maturing Pollyanna teaches her "Glad Game" to more of the townspeople and makes new friends, including Sadie and Jamie. When Pollyanna and her Aunt must support themselves following the death of Dr. Chilton, they take on boarders at their home, where we also learn more about the past of Pollyanna's old friend, Jimmy 'Bean' Pendleton.
By Lois Lowry
Amazon Summary: As the German troops begin their campaign to "relocate" all the Jews of Denmark, Annemarie Johansen’s family takes in Annemarie’s best friend, Ellen Rosen, and conceals her as part of the family.
Through the eyes of ten-year-old Annemarie, we watch as the Danish Resistance smuggles almost the entire Jewish population of Denmark, nearly seven thousand people, across the sea to Sweden. The heroism of an entire nation reminds us that there were pride and human decency in the world even during a time of terror and war.
With a new introduction by the author.
By Louisa May Alcott
Amazon Summary: Eight Cousins or The Aunt-Hill was published in 1875 by American novelist Louisa May Alcott. It is the story of Rose Campbell, a lonely and sickly girl who has been recently orphaned and must now reside with her maiden great aunts, the matriarchs of her wealthy Boston family. When Rose's guardian, Uncle Alec, returns from abroad, he takes over her care. Through his unorthodox theories about child-rearing, she becomes happier and healthier while finding her place in her family of seven boy cousins and numerous aunts and uncles. She also makes friends with Phebe, her aunts' young housemaid, whose cheerful attitude in the face of poverty helps Rose to understand and value her own good fortune.
By E.B. White
Charlotte's Web is a fun read for your younger children and one that older children can enjoy as well.
Some Pig. Humble. Radiant. These are the words in Charlotte's Web, high up in Zuckerman's barn. Charlotte's spiderweb tells of her feelings for a little pig named Wilbur, who simply wants a friend. They also express the love of a girl named Fern, who saved Wilbur's life when he was born the runt of his litter.
By RJ Palacio
Due to being born with a facial defect, August Pullman has not been a part of mainstream public education. Starting his 5th-grade at Beecher Prep, he wants to be treated like an ordinary kid but his new classmates can't seem to get past disfigured features. Being the new kid is hard, but being a new kid with an extraordinary face is even harder. This is a wonderful story about treating people with respect and being able to excel and succeed no matter what our circumstances may be. Defiantly a must read.
By Ralph Moody
Ralph Moody was eight years old in 1906 when his family moved from New Hampshire to a Colorado ranch. Through his eyes, we experience the pleasures and perils of ranching there early in the twentieth century. Auctions and roundups, family picnics, irrigation wars, tornadoes and wind storms give authentic color to Little Britches. So do adventures, wonderfully told, that equip Ralph to take his father's place when it becomes necessary. Little Britches was the literary debut of Ralph Moody, who wrote about the adventures of his family in eight glorious books.*This post may contain affiliate links. Thank you for your support.
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