Books We Carry

There are so many books I carry in my heart and mind. It is interesting to realize, as I reflect on the vast array of titles, that they are not all “quality” literature. Yet they have each resided freely in my soul for decades.

Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss and Put Me in the Zoo by Robert Lopshire are two of the first books I remember reading independently, and they were instrumental in helping me discover the powerful joy of being a reader.

I was in grade two when the school librarian handed me Little Witch by Anna Elizabeth Bennett. I fell madly in love with Minx and the magic, which opened up the magic of reading chapter books. 

In Fifteen by Beverly Cleary, I deeply felt the angst of plain Jane Purdy who was attracted to Stan, the handsome 16-year-old delivery boy from the pet store. Ah, the romance of it all, and I scanned the room wondering which of the boys in my class I would date someday. 

The Princess Bride by William Goldman first entered my life in 11th grade and proved there is laughter to be had in books instead of just dismal Lord of the Flies and Of Mice and Men depression.

And Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery introduced me to characters who were so alive in my mind that they held residence there long after the last page was turned.

What books have you carried with you for years? I am sure your list is vastly different, but I am curious if, like me, you find that notable, award-winning titles aren’t the sole content.

If some books that are not “the best” can be with us forever, perhaps we can relax about the quality when we let our students self-select most of their texts. They can all be stepping-stones on a path to being a lifelong reader. Wouldn’t we love it if years from now, our students remembered discovering a favorite book the year they were with us?