If you are a new-ish reader, you may be forgiven for not realizing that our little blog has what had been a regular feature — postings on books of interest to you and your children. We haven't had a Monday Library Project post in so long… and now it's Tuesday… le sigh.
But, good news for busy bloggers and readers: The other day I got a mailing from the Gregory the Great Academy — you know, that school I told you about a couple of weeks ago. Enclosed was a little booklet, and I was quite taken with the short reviews of excellent reading for adolescent boys.
Since summer is just upon us, and I know that you are always looking for good recommendations, I asked the good gentlemen there at the Academy if I could share their little booklet with you. I thought it made a wonderful addition to the Like Mother, Like Daughter Library Project.
This isn't a sponsored post at all — I don't receive anything for posting it (other than revenue from the Amazon affiliate links, as always, when you buy by clicking); I'm simply sharing with you something you may not have seen (but you can easily get on the mailing list as well — info at the end of the post!) — great leads to wonderful books for your boys!
Mr. Sean Fitzpatrick, headmaster, told me the following, by way of introducing the reviews: “Gregory the Great Academy‘s mission is the restoration of Christian culture. This series of ten forgotten books for boys provides a taste for the educational experiences of intrigue and delight that the relativistic world has relegated as antiquated in their portrayal of virtue, truth, and a moral universe.
“These books and their kind open windows of wonder to a generation of boys who are closed in and plugged in. Reading them and falling in love with them may prove hazardous to boys who live in times where truth is out of fashion, but nothing worth doing is free of peril. Fall on!”
NB: The editions I have linked to are the ones recommended by the reviewer unless those are not in print. But you might be able to find an old second-hand copy at a sale!
Mr. Midshipman Easy by Frederick Marryat
File Under: Adventure
Recommended Age: 14-16
Boys hold high esteem for books of high adventure on the high seas and Mr. Midshipman Easy by Capt. Frederick Marryat is preeminently one of these, brandishing bright prose, a swashbuckling spirit, sharp humor, and a penetrating look into the humors of human nature.
This naval novel is a rollicking comedy set on a British man-of-war in 1836. Mr. Midshipman Jack Easy, a young officer of nobility serving in the Royal Navy, is sent to sea to be righted of his social sophistries and navigates the brutal and beautiful realities of sailors, ships, and skirmishes with a philosophic fortitude that is hilarious to behold as he always lands on his feet and claims the last laugh.
Mr. Midshipman Easy has no shortage of exotic and exciting marvels: African curses, duels involving three, ships struck by lightning, musket balls and powder kegs, death-defying cruises, heart-pounding campaigns, cloak-and-dagger villains, murderous mutinies, shark attacks, family feuds, and a thousand other delectable intrigues. As a satire, Mr. Midshipman Easy is magnificently silly and serious at the same time, embodied by the gentleman-rogue at the helm of this indomitable book teeming with laughs, lessons, and life.
Wild Animals I Have Known by Ernest Thompson Seton
File Under: Nature, Natural History
Recommended Age: 10-14
The natural historian Ernest Thompson Seton (1860-1946) was a master of bush-craft, a pioneer of the Boy Scouts of America, and an excellent story teller. Of the many wonderful books chronicling his outdoor knowledge and experiences, Wild Animals I Have Known is one of the best.
In it, Seton tells the histories of such characters as Silverspot the Crow, Raggylug the cottontail rabbit, Redruff the partridge and many more. Seton possesses the keen eye of the seasoned observer of nature and his writings open doors of wonder for the reader as he follows the train of Seton’s thought through his observations.
Seton was also an accomplished artist and his books are liberally sprinkled with his own charming illustrations. On one level, this book is a collection of delightful and beautifully written stories. But to stop there would be to sell the author short. The writings of Ernest Thompson Seton are steeped with every true scientist’s first love: this fascinating world created by God. The more a boy becomes in tune with this “book of nature” the more he will be receptive to the truths of reality and its divine Author.
The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan
File Under: Thriller, Spy Novel
Recommended Age: 14-16
The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan (1875-1940) is a good book for boys because it is neither plausible nor credible.
Buchan was a connoisseur of the dime-novel thriller—or “the shocker,” as he fondly called it—and, in 1915, Buchan fashioned what would become the cast of a genre: The Thirty-Nine Steps. This spy novel is a breakneck race against all odds at a breathtaking pace, featuring the archetypal man-on-the-run with faceless foes of alarming power and precision on his tail.
The Thirty-Nine Steps is a delight because it attaches more importance to pure emotion and plot motion than to plausibility. It is the type of story that is immensely pleasing to boys as it delves into the charm of the impossible. There is a very real need to believe in the impossible these days—to believe in miracles, where one man can overcome all odds and make a difference in the fate of a nation. The Thirty-Nine Steps engages and enacts this dream, and thereby serves to keep alive the hope that the impossible may, in fact, be possible.
The Persian Expedition by Xenophon
File Under: History, Leadership, Virtue
Recommended Age: 15-17 Shortly after the close of the Peloponnesian War, a force of ten thousand Greek hoplites found themselves in a very awkward position. They were in the heart of the Persian Empire, while the army they were hired to assist had fled or deserted to the enemy. The Greek generals and captains had been treacherously slaughtered by the Persians who had summoned them to a friendly meeting. Facing their doom, Xenophon, a common Greek soldier, took command and led what is considered the most fantastic military retreat in history.
The Persian Expedition is Xenophon’s firsthand account of this march of the Greeks back home against all odds. This book is more than an interesting historical work. It is a manual for leadership. Xenophon not only exemplifies strong leadership, but he also discusses the differing leadership strategies of several of the Greek generals and of the Persian prince, Cyrus, thus demonstrating much of what made the Greek civilization so great. The story highlights the Greek characteristics in contrast with their more barbaric neighbors and serves as a striking example of the Greek attitude that was both fiercely independent yet also willing to submit to a well-ordered whole.
Otto of the Silver Hand by Howard Pyle
File Under: Chivalry, Adventure
Recommended Age: 13-15
Otto of the Silver Hand by Howard Pyle challenges young readers to face the darker regions of history and humanity. The book follows a young German boy living in the Dark Ages who “saw both the good and the bad of men,” as Pyle removes the sheen that chivalry usually boasts and allows the cruelty that chivalry must face to show its face.
Boys, like knights, must confront hardship, fear, and pain. Otherwise, they will never be able to conquer them. The whole point of children’s literature is not to force any design upon children, but to allow them to encounter things as they are and on their own.
Otto of the Silver Hand presents an honest and unrestrained representation of the holy and the horrible, providing both the glorious and gritty elements so children might decide for themselves what is desirable and what is not without preaching to them for a moment. Just as the monastery was the hope for the Dark Ages by being a haven for truth, goodness, and beauty, that same Catholic culture remains the hope for the modern Dark Age, largely bastioned in good literature.
The Chimes by Charles Dickens {the Academy recommends the Easton Press edition}
File Under: Fairy Story, Fantasy, Read-Aloud
Recommended Age: 15-17
There is no better tale to ring an old year out and a new year in than Charles Dickens’ goblin story, The Chimes. This little drama by the great storyteller deals with the temptation of Toby Veck to look back on the tragedies of a year gone by with dejection and very little hope for mankind. Suddenly, Toby finds that he has died and that he is high up among the bells in the belfry he has listened to all his life; and the bells are issuing not just chimes, but Goblins. Goblins that scatter through the world, lulling people to sleep, flogging others with whips, loading others with chains. Goblins that soar and sail through the habitations and businesses of man. Goblins that impose their impish devices mercifully and mercilessly as the Chimes ring.
Dickens whisks his readers along a wild adventure as Toby is reprimanded for his loss of faith in humanity. This book rings out a tremendous moral for all who live surrounded by suffering. The Chimes is a reminder that, though the world is plagued with misfortune, ugliness, and tragedy, it remains the duty of every man to improve and advance with spirits unconquered.
The Prisoner of Zenda by Anthony Hope {This is the edition available on Amazon; perhaps you can find the Penguin one recommended by the Academy secondhand}
File Under: Adventure
Recommended Age: 14-16
There are in existence a few books that can cure the sickness of cynicism. These books remind men of the glory and grandeur of man and the glories and grandeurs that give meaning to mankind. The Prisoner of Zenda, written in 1894 by Anthony Hope, is one of these. This gallant book is a remedy to the heavy seriousness of cynicism because it is lighthearted. It is a fairy tale infused with the optimism of escapism, the thrill of romance, and the charm of the dashing, debonair, gentleman hero.
Even the gravest of cynics must smile, chuckle, and inch to the edge of his seat in appreciation of men bristling with weapons, women swooning in their lovers’ arms, guns firing and combatants laughing, swords flashing and soldiers of fortune. Thus it runs with blazing revolvers, ancient castles, woefully grim councils, wonderfully glib speeches, daring souls pulling at brandy flasks, midnight marauding, and one of the most memorable villains of Victorian fiction. The Prisoner of Zenda is quite simply irresistible, making it a balm for this dour day and age, and worthy of its reputation for being the finest adventure story ever written, in which the struggle between good and evil is a great game and nothing seems so serious as keeping the serious at bay.
The Other Wise Man by Henry van Dyke {The Academy recommends the Harper and Row edition}
File Under: Religious Literature
Recommended Age: 12-14
In this engaging story of long ago, Henry van Dyke tells of the Magi, the Three Wise Men who came at Christmas, in a way both new and refreshing. Artaban, the other Wise Man, was accidentally left behind when the famous three set out and then spent the rest of his days seeking the new King whose birth the stars foretold.
Artaban carries his gifts for the Child under his cloak: a sapphire, a ruby, and a pearl. Over the course of the story he finds himself in difficult situations and his gifts provide the means required to remedy them. Artaban parts with his gifts to save a sick stranger, a threatened child, and a friendless woman. He must part even with his pearl, pointedly called the pearl of great price in the chapter title.
Artaban, like the man in the parable, sold all his possessions to buy these gems for the King; to obtain the Kingdom of Heaven. This was the expectation of faith. What he did not expect was that he would have to give these gifts to others out of love. The Kingdom is gained through the giving of it.
The White Company by Arthur Conan Doyle {This edition has the illustrations by N. C. Wyeth; the Academy recommends the William Morrow one which is out of print}
File Under: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Friendship
Recommended Age: 15-17
Though best known as the creator of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s true passion lay in creating romances of historical fiction. His greatest achievement in this realm is The White Company, a high-spirited tale of friendship and bravery set during the Hundred Years’ War in 1366 as the Prince of Wales campaigns against Spain and France to restore his control over the Kingdom of Castille.
In a wayside English inn, two very different young men are recruited to join the White Company, a group of mercenary archers preparing for the impending clash of nations. As these two friends make their way to the rendezvous point with many a rollicking adventure with lovely ladies, wicked lords, bloodthirsty pirates, and whatnot, Conan Doyle gives readers a vivid vision of the past.
The tale finds intense culmination as the White Company is attacked in a narrow ravine by the French and Spanish forces. Though disaster abounds, it is not enough to stop The White Company from a victorious conclusion.
The Black Arrow: A Tale of the Two Roses by Robert Louis Stevenson File Under: Drama, Adventure
Recommended Age: 14-16
Robert Louis Stevenson was a master of action and adventure stories for boys, and The Black Arrow: A Tale of the Two Roses delivers vigorously on every expectation. It follows a young knight, Richard Shelton, during the 15th century’s Wars of the Roses over the throne of England. As Richard investigates the murder of his father, he learns more about the outlaw band of the Black Arrow and the possible treachery of his own uncle.
His suspicions force him to flee his wrathful uncle and join the outlaws against him in a mighty struggle for justice. The Black Arrow is a lively medieval story with themes and fantasies and plots that appeal highly to the adolescent imagination. Its drama givesboys an understanding of what true intrigue is, true appeal, true gravitas, and a true moral universe.
Boys suffer nowadays from an insular existence. More than ever, there is need for the old romance because it is remedial, because it is real. Books like The Black Arrow do not pander through virtual reality, but challenge boys to encounter actual reality in its most vivid and livid colors.
A final note from the Academy, which I think will be food for thought if you are worried about the themes of any of these books:
“Thanks to the adulterators of children’s literature, the natural anticipations when approaching forgotten classics have been skewed. Everyone expects that everything will be picturesque, nice, and most importantly, safe. For reality is far too dangerous, far too harsh a thing, and children must be protected from it at all costs.
“Real stories for real boys, however, refuse to deliver saccharine platitudes. Real books are composed of the uncanny, unforeseeable, and unimaginable. They present a reality that is often harsh, terrible, and so far from the idyllic it is free to become adventure. The books every boy should hazard are constantly on the brink of disaster, but still bear the distant but firm promise of final resolution; deftly navigating the fine line between realism and romance—requiring caution.”
I hope you enjoy this list! Don't forget that we have many posts about books — look up in the menu bar here and click on “LMLD Library Project.”
If you would like to subscribe to the newsletter of the Academy, visit the Minstrel page.
Cami says
I’m so grateful for book recommendations although my kids are all still small. Does anyone have recommendations for a 5 year old who just finished kindergarten but reads at a 2nd/3rd grade level? He read Freckle Juice just fine and would like more short chapter books but I need to make sure they aren’t too mature for him.
Cami says
Oh, and he absolutely loves geography, art, architecture, space, and miracles… In case that helps. Thanks for any ideas!
Dixie says
Cami, has he read Mr. Popper’s Penguins? Such fun.
Leila says
Hi Cami — we have so many recommendations — browse our posts and also check out the reading lists found here: http://likemotherlikedaughter.org/indispensable-book-lists/
You will find all the posts if you go up to the menu bar and look for “Library Project”.
Melissa D says
Hi Cami,
I love all of the above books. But for younger kids who are too young for Seton, try the Thornton Burgess books — there are a bunch of these. What’s in my 7YO’s book box today: Paddington bear books, a vintage book about pond life and another about birds, Freddy the Detective, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, and some Landmark history books (so, so good). We also look at battle/war books together, after I preview them carefully — he loves to learn about WW1 and WW2, and sometimes I’ll look up medal recipients online or in a book and read their exploits to him. It’s SO important to emphasize the heroism and sacrifice and bravery of good men to our boys!
He also loves the intricate Stephen Biesty cross-sections as well as the David Macaulay architecture books and The Way Things Work, which is especially delightful. If you can find a My Book House set (I have 4 of these since the editions added and subtracted over the years), or a Junior Classic set, or a Journeys Through Bookland set, you’ll find a ton of great stories inside that grow with your kids as they journey through the volumes.
Oh, and we all enjoyed watching the old black and white version (Hitchcock’s) of The 39 Steps. The print has muddy audio, but you do get used to it, and my kids were glued to it! (Mild violence– so preview, of course.)
Leila says
These are nice recommendations — let me caution against showing feature movies (even ones intended for children, let alone for adults) to children under the age of reason — even a child who reads very well. The imagination is just not developed enough to assimilate the images…
Rachel says
Auntie Leila –
What is that age to your opinion to watch a feature film? We just let our 3.5 YO watch Little Bear/Beatrix Potter shows etc. if I need to lie down for a few minutes or put the baby down for a nap and I need a little extra time with him. I have to admit though, I get really excited about the thought of sitting down to watch Mary Poppins together with a bowl of popcorn when the time is right!
Anyhow – I adore the Library Project you all put together. Just was at a used bookstore yesterday and purchased all the Little House series at a steal with the old illustrations (My old ones vanished at my parents home) and some good fairy tales by Perrault — I am having so much fun building our family library and I appreciate how you prioritize that on your blog.
Leila says
Rachel, those shows you mention are nice, slow-paced films for little children — they just tell a gentle story with no drama or tension. Fine for the littles as you describe.
But by feature film I mean a real drama/story (or even comedy). A Disney movie, anything with a real plot, a Pixar movie — a little child is so enchanted with everyday life that this kind of thing is too much for the imagination. Without realizing it we are confusing them and scaring them.
I mistakenly took a younger child to see The Little Mermaid — seemed fine, but she was devastated that the mermaid would ever WANT to leave her daddy…
There’s no reason for it, when they are so happy with the simple stories that charm them. Plenty of time for the others.
Anne-Marie says
It is hard to find books that an advanced reader will enjoy, because so often the emotional content is more than a young reader can handle. Your son could probably understand Roald Dahl, for instance, but the frequent abandonment of children and the zany cruelty might well be too much for him. I like Melissa’s suggestions, to which I’ll add: Dick King-Smith’s funny books about animals, Beverly Cleary’s books, George Selden’s Cricket in Times Square and its sequels.
Jess says
I am in the same boat . . . 7 year olds twin boys who read on at lest a third grade level. They really liked Beverly Cleary books, even the ones that seem written for girls (Ramona). Also, we highly recommend the Little Tim books. Based on a recent post we just picked up Mrs Piggle Wiggle, but I think they like this better for read aloud.
Robin says
Cami, I had the same issue with my now nine-year-old (who reads above middle school and it is still hard to find books!) at that age. One of our favorites is My Father’s Dragons and its two sequels, by Ruth Stiles Gannett. It is a great read aloud as well and my younger boys love listening to it on family road trips. The Homer Price stories by Robert McCloskey is another boy favorite (and I loved it as a child too). We recently read Ronia the Robber’s Daughter by Astrid Lindgren (the author of Pippi Longstocking) and the whole family was charmed. My son flew through all the Magic Tree House books at that age, but they aren’t particularly good literature. They do introduce them to topics to look for in the non-fiction section.
I found our library has a list of “Gentle reads for precocious readers.” We discovered it after we had read the majority of the books, but you may find it helpful: http://kids.wnpl.info/wp-content/uploads/booklists/gentle-reads-for-precocious-readers.pdf. Some of those books may still be too much (I am particularly thinking of Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH , which we enjoyed and my son studied in an advanced English class in third grade, but the laboratory stuff is not really at kindergarten level), but it is a helpful place to start.
Good luck! It is a challenge but a lot of fun to have a “precocious reader.”
Kim F. says
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! It is getting more and more difficult to find appropriate books for my 14 year old boy who has read almost everything on the shelves here.
Elizabeth says
I recently discovered Arnold Lobel (I know, why hasn’t anyone told me about him before??) and I read his books to my 2 and 5 year old every day at the moment. They LOVE the stories and it’s just right for both of them.
My husband made a remark about children’s books (for very young children) the other day that was so spot on. In older books, the kids can be naughty and the parents are the moral examples who correct the child. In newer books, the kids are, very unrealistically, the moral examples for each other and they learn a picture perfect moral lesson in every story. It’s all very manicured and fake and not at all appealing or interesting. The stories are extremely dull and bland, I find.
I see the same difference in Thomas the Train (older tv show about trains) versus Chuggington (same concept, but new). The engines in Thomas are often naughty and Sir Topham Hat comes and lectures them. In Chuggington, the trains always learn their lesson themselves and constantly correct each other. There is just no grown up involved anymore, they figure things out themselves.
It’s a politically correct world without adult examples where everybody has to find things out on their own and is responsible from the start.
Mrs. Bee says
Frog and Toad are adored by all in our house! I am so impressed that with such simple language and syntax Lobel managed to create such vivid characters and interesting stories. I admit to being partial to Toad: who can ever forget his drats and blahs?? My husband came up with voices for the two of them: all our kids have loved this!
Gill says
I would suggest Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Graham and the original version of Winnie the Pooh by AA Milne ( not the Disney versions!) Try also the books by Holling Clancy Holling such as Paddle to the Sea, Pago, or The tree on the Trail.
Kathy Myers says
Thank you for the recommendations! Just used your links to buy almost all of them. Thank you covid for the extra time to get these boys reading. lol