M E R I D I A N     M A G A Z I N E

Outstanding Classics for Older Readers
By Holly E. Newton

A few weeks ago, I reviewed classic picture books that have recently been reissued. This week, I’ll highlight outstanding books for older readers that were first published years ago, but remain as great today as when they were written in decades past.

Caddie Woodlawn, by Carol Ryrie Brink, won the coveted Newbery Medal award back in 1936. While I was reading this book, I thought to myself that this is the way books for kids should be written. This historical fiction is based on the author’s grandmother’s life during the 1860’s in western Wisconsin.

Eleven-year-old Caddie enjoys romping through the woods with her two brothers as they build canoes, catch squirrels and gather berries. But it’s her relationship with the local Indians that brings a special tenderness to the story. When she hears that there might be an uprising against these Native Americans who have become her friends, she braves the bitter weather to alert them. The sadness of the difficult situation between all that live in this new land becomes apparent when the tribe leaves. Caddie displays her compassion once again when an Indian mother of three young children leaves them with their white father in order to follow her tribe. Caddie takes them to the only store in town and uses her specially saved silver dollar to “drive that awful lonesome look out of their eyes.”

The author spins and weaves words like magic to bring about a time long ago and immerse you in the beauty of wilderness. “Goldenrod and asters bloomed yellow and purple and lavender along the side of every road and swept in bright waves across the fields to the woods. In the woods the oaks put on their gayest colors. Every shade of red they flung against the clear blue sky, from a soft pinkish lavender to deepest crimson, and the silver birches trembles and shivered into their tinning gold.” Here is one book I didn’t want to end.

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The next two books are Newbery Medal winners and wonderful historical fiction books. They are geared for ages 11 through adult. The Bronze Bow, by Elizabeth George Speare, was first published in 1961, with an incredible look into life during the time of Jesus. Daniel Bar Jamin is an 18-year-old Jew who lost both parents to the abusive Roman conquerors. He is so filled with hatred and loathsome revenge that all he wants to do is fight and kill the Romans. Daniel has joined a band of rebels that are trying to drive the Romans away, but he eventually realizes that these men are only concerned for themselves and cannot be trusted.

When he finally hears the words of Christ, he begins to understand that forgiveness and compassion will heal his heart and permit him to live a much happier and productive life. As you read through the story, you begin to really understand what life was like in the Holy Land when the Roman soldiers patrolled, controlled and mistreated the Jews. The book also displays the living conditions during this time. “In the marketplace the farmers were heaping squashes and cucumbers and melons, merchants jabbered in outlandish tongues as they set up booths of cloth or baskets or pottery.”

A Newbery Honor, A String in the Harp, by Nancy Bond, was written back in 1976, and is filled with Welsh history and folklore. An American family has recently moved to the coast of Wales when 12-year-old Peter discovers a magical tuning key for a harp. It enables him to travel back into the 6th century to witness the life of a mythical baird. The story is filled with history, mystery and fantasy. You even become aware of changing land forms across this part of Wales, as it is believed a huge flood changed the coast. The beginning of the book is slow reading, so you need to stick with it. You’ll find that perseverance is well worth it, as the story is beautifully written and thoroughly engaging!

These last two books are perfect for ages 9 through 12. If you are a lover of historical fiction, you won’t read a better book than Snow Treasure, by Marie McSwigan. This favorite book of mine was written and first published in 1942. The story is based on a true event during World War II, when the Germans were invading Scandinavia. Norway was attempting to hide their gold bullion and the local children helped save the day with the help of the fastest traveling device of the time: sleds. Pen and pencil illustrations, by Mary Reardon, are sprinkled throughout. This is one of those classics you will definitely want to check out!

This last book is as fast paced and adventurous as any you’ll find! The 7 Professors of the Far North, by John Fardell, is about 11-year-old Sam, who sets out to the Arctic in order to save a great-uncle along with 5 other professors being held prisoner. This fantasy is one of those adventures that sweeps you away from beginning to end!

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