Literature is an essential part of every child’s formation. It is a vital educational tool with endless lessons to teach. Through literature, we come to know people, places and ideas without ever leaving the comfort of our sofas or beds. Getting a child to read, however, is not always the simplest task. That said, it is still extremely important. Through literature, children get to know the world.
Here is a list of eight must-reads for children that are sure to get them interested in reading:
1. Dr. Seuss Green Eggs & Ham One of the most familiar stories in world popular culture, the reading of Green Eggs & Ham will bring your child into a literary tradition. Its rhyme and repetition render it fun and easy to follow for small children. Furthermore, it is an initial contact point with poetry.
2. Mother Goose Fairytales These historic works of children’s literature apply as much today as they did hundreds of years ago, possessing an inexplicable worldwide and timeless appeal. The lessons they pretend to teach are important ones that will not be lost on your children, and the stories they tell are endearing.
3. Robert Munsch Love You Forever The topic of this book is quite serious – the evolution of the relationship between parent and child and the reversal of role of caretaker. It is sure to move both parents and children, entertaining while instilling an important life lesson in the process.
4. J.K. Rowling Harry Potter The books of the Harry Potter series are a great way to get kids hooked on literature. These high-action adventure stories are all but addictive. In fact, you may be surprised to find yourself becoming as attached to them than your child.
5. William Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet Shakespeare is arguably the most important figure in English-language literature – his work is probably the single most influential factor in the stories we tell today. Romeo & Juliet is the perfect way to introduce a child to this famous literary figure.
6. J.D. Salinger The Catcher in the Rye This book deals with very serious adult topics in a quite adolescent way. The voice it represents is that of a careless teen, but the lessons it instills are those of a very aware author. This novella speaks to adolescents about the world in a language to which they can relate.
7. Homer The Iliad and The Odyssey These two epic poems of Ancient Greece can be intimidating. They are, however, of the utmost importance in the understanding of the body of world literature that has followed them. As Shakespeare is important to the English language tradition, these two poems are central to the world literature tradition.
8. Emily Bronte Wuthering Heights This passionate novel is one for the ages. Not only will your child become enthralled in its story, but you may be inspired to get involved in it as well. Furthermore, Wuthering Heights is a prime example of literature written by female authors, among the first of its kind to be truly respected by critics.
