Who can forget their favorite childhood book? I certainly can’t. These books made a lasting impression on me. They made me laugh. They made me cry. They made me think, and they made me into a better person.
Why People Are Different Colors
I first discovered Why People Are Different Colors by Julian May in our town’s library. This book discusses why people of different races have the physical features that they do. It explained that the races that are darker in color original lived close to the equator and races that have lighter complexions lived in areas that were colder. Each race’s skin pigmentation varied according to the amount of sunlight they needed to absorb. The book also explained why each race had different eyelid shapes, lips, and even hair. This book really explained a lot of things for me, and I feel that children today could learn a lot by reading it.
The Velveteen Rabbit
I will never forget the poor velveteen rabbit or the little boy that owned him. My mother use to read me this story at night, and I remember tears welling up in my eyes. It made me so sad when the little boy was sick and his mother put the tattered and worn stuff rabbit away. There was no greater moment for me than when the little rabbit finally got his wish and became a real rabbit. The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery William is one for my all-time favorite books. It still makes me cry today, and I know children everywhere would benefit from reading this book about friendship and the power of love.
The Giving Tree
When I first read The Giving Tree, I could not understand why the tree would continuously give in to the selfish demands of the boy. I wondered why the boy, who is real a man at this time, constantly want more and more from the tree. When I became an adult and had children of my own, I began to understand the self-sacrifice of the tree. She gave her all to provide the boy that she loved. Is this not what most parent do? This is a wonderful book to share with all children. It can be used to teach them about love and sacrifice. However, it should be explained to them that there should be a reasonable limit to that sacrifice.
Where the Wild Things Are
Maurice Sendak’s book, Where the Wild Things Are, is my favorite book. Whenever I read the book, I was transported with Max to the place of the wild things. I could run and jump and be as mischievous as I wanted without fear of retribution. It let me know that getting angry was normal, and so was punishment for bad behavior. Children will find this book excitingly fun, and parents can use it to teach them about actions and consequences.
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
Roll of Thunder will always have a special place in my heart. I loved this book because it talked about rural Mississippi. It told the story of the Logan family who was fortunate enough to own their own land during a time when most blacks had nothing. I loved the Logan children. Roll of Thunder can be used to teach children about the horrors of racism and the importance of family.
Watership Down
I will never forget Watership Down by Richard Adams. It is the tale of a group of rabbits who had to try to find a new home to escape the destruction of their warren. This long book held me captivated for many moons, and I loved every minute of it. Children and young adults alike should read this book and not just because it teaches about survival, tolerance, and friendship. They will love reading this book because it is an adventure no one should miss!
Some books are unforgettable. These are some that have left a lasting impression on.
