Read to Learn! Classics for young readers

Enjoy this list of classical children's literature that follows the theme for our SweetBean Reading Challenge in September!

Updated July 3, 2024
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Frog and toad are friends
Lobel, Arnold.
CD
Celebrate the power of friendship in these five adventurous stories starring Frog and Toad--a Caldecott Honor Book!  From writing letters to going swimming, telling stories to finding lost buttons, Frog and Toad are always there for each other--just as best friends should be. ...
Hatchet
Paulsen, Gary
CD
ALONE Thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson is on his way to visit his father when the single-engine plane in which he is flying crashes. Suddenly, Brian finds himself alone in the Canadian wilderness with nothing but a tattered Windbreaker and the hatchet his mother gave him as a present-...
James and the giant peach : a children's story
Dahl, Roald.
Paper Book
From the bestselling author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The BFG!  Roald Dahl was a champion of the underdog and all things little--in this case, an orphaned boy oppressed by two nasty, self-centered aunts. How James escapes his...
Little women
Alcott, Louisa May
My side of the mountain
George, Jean Craighead
Paper Book
A young boy relates his adventures during the year he spends living alone in the Catskill Mountains including his struggle for survival, his dependence on nature, his animal friends, and his ultimate realization that he needs human companionship.
Ramona Quimby, age 8
Cleary, Beverly.
Paper Book
In this edition of the Newbery Honor Book Ramona Quimby, Age 8, the timeless classic features a special foreword written by actress, producer, and author Amy Poehler, as well as an exclusive interview with Beverly Cleary herself. Ramona likes that she's old enough to be counted on,...
The snowy day
Keats, Ezra Jack
Paper Book
The magic and wonder of winter's first snowfall is perfectly captured in Ezra Jack Keat's Caldecott Medal-winning picture book. This celebrated classic has been shared by generations of readers and listeners, a must-have for every child's bookshelf and a perfect gift for the holiday season....
The very hungry caterpillar
Carle, Eric.
Paper Book
THE all-time classic picture book, from generation to generation, sold somewhere in the world every 30 seconds! Have you shared it with a child or grandchild in your life? Carle's classic tale of a voracious caterpillar who eats his way through the days of the week and...

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