Me: "Better give me a few days to think on that one - there are so many, after all."
(to self: Oh dear...How does one go about making such a list?)
Well, in all fairness, I've had more than just a few days to think on it. And I wanted to share those thoughts here. (Granted, it's hard to be brief when gushing over books, but I will try. I will attempt to include how/when I got hooked on these books and also why they might want to make your "lifetime books" stack. Note, you may want to read this list in segments/installments - my apologies.)
Disclaimer: This list is by no means all-inclusive or comprehensive, nor is it in any particular order (though, perhaps alphabetical would have been nice). Also, the thoughts/opinions provided below are mine - you may disagree or agree as you see fit. (Feel free to leave your thoughts/comments below.) Last, these books range from young adult to adult and span multiple genres.
(It's okay - I have a reading problem - Book Lovers Anonymous, here I come...)
Without further ado, I present... (NEWEST additions are at the bottom!)
Ms. Foyle's (Growing) List of Books for a Lifetime
1. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
I first read this book in eighth grade under the guidance of my teacher and then again for summer reading upon entering high school. (Most recently I listened to it on audiobook when I first got my own car post-ACE out in Arizona.) This book is truly timeless, and it not only gets straight to the heart of racial discrimination but also to important struggles of coming-of-age as an adolescent.
2. Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech
I cannot even begin to thank my 6th grade teacher for introducing me to this book and author - I'm officially hooked for life. This is a coming of age story of a young girl named Sal who forms a special bond with her grandparents as she comes to grips with the loss of her mother. I could read this over and over...
3. The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Sure, the movies are something to behold, but if you haven't actually read the books, it's time to rethink that. I recently reread the first one in preparation for our classroom literature circle novel and the magic wrapped me up all over again. The characters are well-developed, and the writing is detailed and descriptive. Mmm...
4. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Again, here we have a book that was made into a movie. But trust me, this is one of those books you can't put down. Told from the perspective of three (if I recall the # correctly) characters, this book is a brilliant portrayal of segregation and discrimination rooted in the deep south. You honestly can't help but love these women and root for them the whole way...sh** pie and all!
5. Heartbeat by Sharon Creech
Do we sense a pattern here? Honestly, I recommend all her books! This one is told in an extended free verse poem that focuses on running, art, perspective, and (to put it simply) growing up. I've passed this on to numerous people, including my sister. It's one you can easily read in one sitting, but, by no means, is it one to be rushed.
6. Little Bee by Chris Cleave
I honestly don't remember all the ins and outs of this book, but I do remember being highly engaged. (Check out the summary here - although, they don't give away much on the website, either - for more info.) My favorite quote from the novel is “We must see all scars as beauty. Okay? This will be our secret. Because take it from me, a scar does not form on the dying. A scar means, 'I survived'.”
7. Holes by Louis Sachar
Any student of mine who has listened to or read this novel has been completely taken by it. The transfer between two stories past and present is seamless, and the grit and determination of the main characters are something to which we might aspire and stand in awe. Plus, this book is chockful of good humor. Better believe in curses...
8. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
In some ways, this book starts out like a personality test - which of the 4 children are you most like? With highly individualized skill sets, the children in the book work together to overcome evil and learn about friendship along the way. It's quite a long book, but it's a page-turner, for sure. (It's another classroom literature circle favorite.)
9. My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
Get out the Kleenex box. How is it possible to not be awed by how wonderfully Jodi Picoult presents all sides of such largely ethical issues, especially in this case of a young girl who was conceived for the sole purpose of being a perfect blood match for her older sickly sister. It tugs at the heart, and makes you wonder about who decides the quality of life. (P.S. Read all her books. Seriously.)
10. Kindred Souls by Patricia MacLachlan
I've gushed about this book before - so simple and yet so incredibly touching. This story tells the tale of a young boy, Jake, and his grandfather, Billy, in the summertime on a farm. This book is for anyone who's shared special memories with a grandparent. (Keep out that tissue box.)
11. Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli
While this book jumps all over the place, I'm determined it was written for children (of all ages) with short attention spans. Another classroom favorite, this one deals with a boy on the run who comes across bullies, blacks vs. whites, and special people who he helps (and who help him) along the way towards his understanding of "home."
12. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
The fact that this book is told from the point of view of the Angel of Death is enough to probe a reader to open the first page. This is quite a treasure, and to divulge much of the plot (except that it takes place during the time of Nazi-occupied Germany) would prove to be quite the disfavor to all who have not yet devoured its pages. After reading this, it did not stay on my shelf - it's another one of those books that must be passed on and then talked about. It seriously leaves you saying, Wow.
13. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
Talk about life questions - What if you could live forever? Would you want to? This story focuses on a 10 year old girl who accidentally stumbles upon a family who have been "cursed" with such life questions - they can't die. Enter greed, love, friendship, and fantasy as this short (but densely-packed) novel takes you on a whirlwind look at some very important, to-the-heart themes.
14. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsberg
While classified as a "mystery," this book is really so much more. Lessons are learned about seeking adventure, discovering the importance of family, and learning the value of certain secrets. The main characters, Jaime and Claudia, are so lovable and relatable - a true brother-sister duo!
15. Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick
Such genius is found within the pages of this novel, as it weaves two stories (one through pictures 50 years earlier and one through words). While the book boasts of over 600 pages, over 400 of those are illustrations, and it is able to be finished within one (long) sitting - take it from experience...because that's exactly how I read it. This book quite literally flew among many sets of hands in my fourth grade classroom, and I think those that read it really enjoyed it.
16. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Mr. Darcy...need we say more? This is another book that, once discovered in high school, I have probably read a few more times. As in Little Women (see directly below), the look into family relationships is poignant and, at times, rather hilarious. Ok...the movie adaptations are pretty good too.
17. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
The relationships developed in this book are, without a doubt (in my humble opinion), some of the absolute best found in any literature. Period. I admit, I have from time to time seen myself as Jo March (quite the admirable heroine), but I have also been able to relate to each of the sisters (Meg, Beth, and Amy) in some way or another.
18. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
I think I read this book in middle school, and thus began my fascination with the Holocaust. As told through the eyes of this young girl in hiding, it is honest, eye-opening, (at times) naive, and all-together quite amazing (and inspiring).
19. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupry
This is another of those books in which it is hard to express in words what you, as the reader, feel/experience through its few pages. But the tale of this little prince and how he is capable of changing the perspective of those he encounters is truly magical. (I don't remember when I first read it, but I did recently re-read it last year...and it still holds that same magic from the first reading.)
20. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
I'll be upfront here - I have not yet read the whole series, but The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe in and of itself deserves to make this list. The reader falls in love with Lucy, hates Edmund's actions, and wishes he, himself, might find Narnia in the back of his own wardrobe. Such magic, such sacrifice, such adventure. Amazing.
21. The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins
All the hulabaloo is true - this series is worth the read. Set in the dystopian future, this story is both horrific and intriguing. Packed with adventure, strategy, a love triangle, and some violence, this series does not disappoint. Please do yourself a favor and don't stop after Book 1.
22. Anne of Green Gables series by L.M. Montgomery
Oh, Anne Shirley, what an amazing character with plenty of spunk and smarts. And how can you not fall in love with Gilbert Blythe? It makes you cry, it makes you laugh, it makes you smile...an all-around great read. Oh yes indeed...
23. The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
Enter play-on-words-extraordinaire! Holy cow, this book is one of my all-time favorites because of such great English and Math puns/stories. From the "watch"dog to the different kingdoms, this book makes me laugh out loud. As much as I love this book, though, I usually recommend it for grades 5 and up. (How I would love to use it in my fourth grade classroom one day, though...)
24. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
While I did not read this book in the traditional sense, I did listen to it on audiobook, and it really was a good one. This missionary family is, again, one filled with complex and loving familial relationships, and the story is told through many different sets of eyes. (And, admittedly, both my mother and sister would probably disregard the rest of this list without this book's inclusion...and we can't have that.)
25. The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman
This was (by far) my favorite book of summer 2012. It's a fictional account of a newspaper based in Rome in a time when the written press is becoming somewhat obsolete. It weaves together the stories of many individuals somehow involved in the paper, from the foreign correspondent to the corrections editor to the publisher. It's very poignant, and it is rather funny at times. The cover is what caught my eye - and I'm sure glad it did. Read it!
26. The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom
"There is a reason God limits our days...to make each one precious." This book is amazing - could not put it down (to be read as, "I finished it in less than a 12 hour span"). It's an incredible look at time - how we count it, try to control it, wish it this way or that... I encourage you to read it - it will be time well-spent.
27. The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult
While I did not read this book in the traditional sense, I did listen to it on audiobook, and it really was a good one. This missionary family is, again, one filled with complex and loving familial relationships, and the story is told through many different sets of eyes. (And, admittedly, both my mother and sister would probably disregard the rest of this list without this book's inclusion...and we can't have that.)
25. The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman
This was (by far) my favorite book of summer 2012. It's a fictional account of a newspaper based in Rome in a time when the written press is becoming somewhat obsolete. It weaves together the stories of many individuals somehow involved in the paper, from the foreign correspondent to the corrections editor to the publisher. It's very poignant, and it is rather funny at times. The cover is what caught my eye - and I'm sure glad it did. Read it!
26. The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom
"There is a reason God limits our days...to make each one precious." This book is amazing - could not put it down (to be read as, "I finished it in less than a 12 hour span"). It's an incredible look at time - how we count it, try to control it, wish it this way or that... I encourage you to read it - it will be time well-spent.
27. The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult
It's one of those books that compels you to read it and yet makes you want to look away at the same time due to descriptions that leave nothing to the imagination as well as conflicting emotions all woven beautifully together to tell a fictional story of complex family (and romantic) relationships, hope of redemption, and stories of the Holocaust kept hidden for many years. There is also a story written by one of the characters in the book that acts as a parallel (or, perhaps, allegory?) to the lives of the characters. (It is also quite graphic – be forewarned.) And, in true Jodi Picoult fashion, the novel ends with a twist that makes you want to flip back and reread (at least parts of) the story.
28. The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt
Holling Hoodhood (no, that's not a typo) is the book's protagonist, living in the time of the Vietnam War (1967) in an upstate NY city divided (literally) with Jewish families to the north and Catholic families to the south. The story line that weaves the book together is that on Wednesday afternoon the students who are Jewish go to prepare for their bar and bat mitzvahs, and the Catholic students go for Catechism. Well, poor Holling is a Presbyterian, so he's stuck behind as the only student in class each week on that day. Things come into play involving the NY Yankees, classroom pet rats, fresh cream puffs, the school's cross country team, and more. At some points of the novel, the reader is left nearly in stitches, yet in other parts the reader is left with a sinking feeling in the stomach (e.g. when Holling's father is out of touch (constantly) with his children). Middle school classrooms, look out! This book is for you.
29. Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
This book was gifted to me by a wonderful mentor (and friend), and I have since passed it on, insisting that others read it too. It's a beautifully told story of a sixth grade girl who has routinely acted out at school in order to avoid her classmates and teachers finding out the brutal fact that she has great difficulty reading. (Later on in the novel, her teacher helps her figure out exactly why she struggles so much, but I won't tell - my lips are sealed.) Take my word for it - it's a highly recommended read for teachers and students alike.
30. Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan
This nearly 600 page book is a real page-turner (so much so that I finished it in a less than 12 hour period). The author spins three tales that are ultimately (and most brilliantly) tied together in a love of music and a magical harmonica. Through it all, the reader is drawn into the lives of the story's protagonists as they face the trials of the WWII era. Holy cow - my head is still spinning in wonder and awe of the author's ability to deliver such a story.
31. Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
Jerry Spinelli does it again - if Maniac Magee wasn't enough, this story nails the idea of the battle between being true to yourself versus constantly striving for the approval of others. Though the title implies that the main character is a girl, the story's narrator is, in fact, a boy (which will help me with my case for possibly using it as a read aloud in my middle school classroom later in the year). As I "turned" the final pages (I confess, I read it on my Nook, so "turning" is a bit of a stretch), I didn't want to put it down. The emotions that rise up in the reader are both raw and universal. What a gem!
32. The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen
This book is a beautiful reminder of God's incredible, unending forgiveness and desire to be in relationship with us. My reading of it came at a perfect time - Pope Francis has declared 2015-2016 the Jubilee Year of Mercy (which starts on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of 2015). From the book: "Here is the God I want to believe in: a Father who, from the beginning of creation, has stretched out his arms in merciful blessing, never forcing himself on anyone, but always waiting; never letting his arms drop down in despair, but always hoping that his children will return so that he can speak words of love to them and let his tired arms rest on their shoulders" (p. 95-96).
33. The Cay by Theodore Taylor
I was quite insistent that we order this book for our last 6th grade book club (of which the theme was social justice and prejudice) of the year, but I couldn't for the life of me put my finger on exactly why I thought it would be the perfect book. I remembered reading it in 6th grade (as part of our monthly book folders project - thanks, Mrs. Hosack!), and I remembered getting a lot out of it. It wasn't until I re-read it (in preparation for that book club) that the insight came back to me, probably at a level deeper than my 6th grade self could have understood. Though the book is short in terms of pages, it does not lack in terms of food for thought. Some childhood books are meant to be re-read, and I firmly believe that this is one of them.
~ ~ ~ NEWEST ADDITIONS (as of January 1, 2018) ~ ~ ~
34. Hotel at the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
What struck me most about this books was the beautiful language (word choice, sentence fluency, etc) of the author. It tells the story of two young children, one who is Japanese (a girl) and one who is Chinese (a boy). It takes place during WWII in America, and, at that time, many Japanese Americans were being transported to work camps (out of fear of the Japanese due to Pearl Harbor). There is love, there is loss; there is sweet, and there is bittersweet. Do yourself a favor and read it. It's probably one of my all-time favorites...and I definitely cried while reading it more than once.
35. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
The author's writing style was phenomenal, and I feel that it allowed me to get a better look into the full range of human development from young teen to older adult - what life events shape someone's life? How do we really know someone if we don't know his/her story? Good old Ove...what a guy...
36. The Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall & Denver Moore
This is a beautiful true story told from the perspective of two men, one who is a wealthy art collector and salesman and the other who is homeless and lived like a slave when he was young. Their friendship is an unlikely one, but they both find the hand of God in it. There are some ups and downs along their friendship journey, so make sure you have tissues handy. It is definitely a worthwhile read!
Here is one of my favorite quotes from the book: “The truth about it is, whether we is rich or poor or somethin’ in between, this earth ain’t no final restin’ place. So in a way, we is all homeless - just workin’ our way toward home.”
37. The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom
I recently recommended this book to a coworker from Michigan who has read some of Mitch Albom's other books. This fictional one combines historical people and events with characters of his imagination. The story, as with his other novels, does not fail to deliver. I can't wait for his upcoming sequel to The Five People You Meet in Heaven!
38. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
I use the movie version of this book every year with my sixth grade students, and the discussions that follow are incredibly meaningful. Many students keep talking about the movie for years after we watch it. Morrie's wisdom is incredible! I originally picked up this book in high school - my grandma had ALS, the same disease as Morrie, so it hit close to home. I re-read the book a couple more times throughout the years. I take away something new every time. It's about learning how to love and to let others love you.
28. The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt
Holling Hoodhood (no, that's not a typo) is the book's protagonist, living in the time of the Vietnam War (1967) in an upstate NY city divided (literally) with Jewish families to the north and Catholic families to the south. The story line that weaves the book together is that on Wednesday afternoon the students who are Jewish go to prepare for their bar and bat mitzvahs, and the Catholic students go for Catechism. Well, poor Holling is a Presbyterian, so he's stuck behind as the only student in class each week on that day. Things come into play involving the NY Yankees, classroom pet rats, fresh cream puffs, the school's cross country team, and more. At some points of the novel, the reader is left nearly in stitches, yet in other parts the reader is left with a sinking feeling in the stomach (e.g. when Holling's father is out of touch (constantly) with his children). Middle school classrooms, look out! This book is for you.
29. Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
This book was gifted to me by a wonderful mentor (and friend), and I have since passed it on, insisting that others read it too. It's a beautifully told story of a sixth grade girl who has routinely acted out at school in order to avoid her classmates and teachers finding out the brutal fact that she has great difficulty reading. (Later on in the novel, her teacher helps her figure out exactly why she struggles so much, but I won't tell - my lips are sealed.) Take my word for it - it's a highly recommended read for teachers and students alike.
30. Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan
This nearly 600 page book is a real page-turner (so much so that I finished it in a less than 12 hour period). The author spins three tales that are ultimately (and most brilliantly) tied together in a love of music and a magical harmonica. Through it all, the reader is drawn into the lives of the story's protagonists as they face the trials of the WWII era. Holy cow - my head is still spinning in wonder and awe of the author's ability to deliver such a story.
31. Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
Jerry Spinelli does it again - if Maniac Magee wasn't enough, this story nails the idea of the battle between being true to yourself versus constantly striving for the approval of others. Though the title implies that the main character is a girl, the story's narrator is, in fact, a boy (which will help me with my case for possibly using it as a read aloud in my middle school classroom later in the year). As I "turned" the final pages (I confess, I read it on my Nook, so "turning" is a bit of a stretch), I didn't want to put it down. The emotions that rise up in the reader are both raw and universal. What a gem!
32. The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen
This book is a beautiful reminder of God's incredible, unending forgiveness and desire to be in relationship with us. My reading of it came at a perfect time - Pope Francis has declared 2015-2016 the Jubilee Year of Mercy (which starts on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of 2015). From the book: "Here is the God I want to believe in: a Father who, from the beginning of creation, has stretched out his arms in merciful blessing, never forcing himself on anyone, but always waiting; never letting his arms drop down in despair, but always hoping that his children will return so that he can speak words of love to them and let his tired arms rest on their shoulders" (p. 95-96).
33. The Cay by Theodore Taylor
I was quite insistent that we order this book for our last 6th grade book club (of which the theme was social justice and prejudice) of the year, but I couldn't for the life of me put my finger on exactly why I thought it would be the perfect book. I remembered reading it in 6th grade (as part of our monthly book folders project - thanks, Mrs. Hosack!), and I remembered getting a lot out of it. It wasn't until I re-read it (in preparation for that book club) that the insight came back to me, probably at a level deeper than my 6th grade self could have understood. Though the book is short in terms of pages, it does not lack in terms of food for thought. Some childhood books are meant to be re-read, and I firmly believe that this is one of them.
~ ~ ~ NEWEST ADDITIONS (as of January 1, 2018) ~ ~ ~
34. Hotel at the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
What struck me most about this books was the beautiful language (word choice, sentence fluency, etc) of the author. It tells the story of two young children, one who is Japanese (a girl) and one who is Chinese (a boy). It takes place during WWII in America, and, at that time, many Japanese Americans were being transported to work camps (out of fear of the Japanese due to Pearl Harbor). There is love, there is loss; there is sweet, and there is bittersweet. Do yourself a favor and read it. It's probably one of my all-time favorites...and I definitely cried while reading it more than once.
35. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
The author's writing style was phenomenal, and I feel that it allowed me to get a better look into the full range of human development from young teen to older adult - what life events shape someone's life? How do we really know someone if we don't know his/her story? Good old Ove...what a guy...
36. The Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall & Denver Moore
This is a beautiful true story told from the perspective of two men, one who is a wealthy art collector and salesman and the other who is homeless and lived like a slave when he was young. Their friendship is an unlikely one, but they both find the hand of God in it. There are some ups and downs along their friendship journey, so make sure you have tissues handy. It is definitely a worthwhile read!
Here is one of my favorite quotes from the book: “The truth about it is, whether we is rich or poor or somethin’ in between, this earth ain’t no final restin’ place. So in a way, we is all homeless - just workin’ our way toward home.”
37. The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom
I recently recommended this book to a coworker from Michigan who has read some of Mitch Albom's other books. This fictional one combines historical people and events with characters of his imagination. The story, as with his other novels, does not fail to deliver. I can't wait for his upcoming sequel to The Five People You Meet in Heaven!
38. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
I use the movie version of this book every year with my sixth grade students, and the discussions that follow are incredibly meaningful. Many students keep talking about the movie for years after we watch it. Morrie's wisdom is incredible! I originally picked up this book in high school - my grandma had ALS, the same disease as Morrie, so it hit close to home. I re-read the book a couple more times throughout the years. I take away something new every time. It's about learning how to love and to let others love you.
I'm afraid that this is where I must end for now. However, I reserve the right to add to this list as I think of other books or as I read new ones that may become a favorite.
Happy (lifetime) Reading!
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