Kids Books - Classics
The Pearl (The Originals)
By JOHN STEINBECK
wow, i don't know what to say besides THIS BOOK WAS EXCELLENT!!! In every single chapter drama and even a little accidental comedy is introduced. There are constant twists, changes in characters ('wink wink kino') and I am always satisfied with the chapter. I would recommend this book to any kid over 10 and any adult or teenager. I am sure you will at least love it!
The Cay
By Theodore Taylor
This was an sad yet interesting book. It gave a great message that under different colored skin, we are all the same. At some parts, I almost cried and at other parts, and was very happy. I don't want to give away to much, but here's a little summary. A white boy named Philip gets stranded on an island with a black man named Timothy. Philip has learned to stay away from black people, but Timothy is quite different. They go through extraordinary things together and grow fond of each other. I would recommend this book to 4-6 graders and to people who like adventure and historical fiction. I personally loved this book.
The Giver (The Giver Quartet)
By Lois Lowry
The main character Jonas lives in the future, in a small Community. It is a place without pain, where people are formal and have carefully outlined procedures for things, ranging from Rituals of Loss to Acceptances of Apologies. They follow rules or are formally chastised, or are even punished with the despised "Release", such a mark on the reputation of the family that is never talked about, when it is used as a punishment. On the day of the Ceremony of Twelve, where everyone is given their Assignment, which they have no say in, and which they will keep on doing for the rest of their life, Jonas is chosen to see beyond, acting as the Reciever. The Reciever is the one who holds the memories of countless generations. He is respected, as he holds the most important job of all, but the community rarely uses him. Instead, they usually persist in their traditions. As the Receiver in training, Jonas is given memories by the wise old Giver, the former Reciever. There is pain, but there is also love. As the memories keep coming, Jonas realizes things. He questions the world that he was brought up in. He grows more and more aware of how no one else in the society is like him or the Giver, and realizes that they are all like robots: brought up to not feel, to be precise in their language, and to have no emotions. He begins to wonder if everyone, not just him, should have feelings and emotions. But what can just two people do to change a society? I loved this book. The writing style, overall, was very direct, like the society itself, but the message was the more important part: it was really thought provoking, especially the end. Another perk is that the book was short, just 168 pages in my edition, so you can finish it in just a few days. I highly recommend this to dystopian lovers, but I could see how those who like fast-paced books such as The Hunger Games would prefer other books.
The Scarlet Pimpernel
By Emmuska Orczy
“’The Scarlet Pimpernel, Mademoiselle,’ he said at last, ‘is the name of a humble English wayside flower; but it is also the name chosen to hide the identity of the best and bravest man in all the world, so that he may better succeed in accomplishing the noble task he has set himself to do.’” The year is 1792, and France is in turmoil. Blood soaks the cobblestone streets, and the guillotine waits for its next victim. Fear, suspicion, and chaos fill the air, and even the smallest misstep can lead to death. But in England stands one man — elusive, mysterious, and daring — who risks everything to save the lives of those condemned by the guillotine. Hidden behind a clever pseudonym, his true identity is known only to his most loyal followers, keeping everyone guessing, even those closest to him. Each rescue is a high-stakes gamble, a dangerous dance with fate, and the tension practically leaps off the page. I originally read The Scarlet Pimpernel because it was required for school. I didn’t expect to enjoy it; I just wanted to get through it. But WOW, I was completely blown away! I absolutely loved this book. The characters are phenomenal: Marguerite’s bravery, intelligence, and quick wit; Sir Percy’s charm, humor, and clever daring; and Chauvelin’s cunning, relentless pursuit that keeps the suspense taut. Each character is fully realized and brings the story to life, making every moment feel alive and urgent. Orczy masterfully hooks the reader, teasing emotions, building suspense, and delivering adventure that you can’t help but get swept up in. For those who enjoy romance alongside action, Orczy delivers a heartwarming, tear-jerking subplot: the tense, passionate love story between Sir Percy and Marguerite. Their love is complicated, full of pride, misunderstanding, and longing, but it is also beautiful and deeply human. Rich with vivid imagery, the book transports readers to another time, immersing them in the danger, elegance, and social intricacies of both revolutionary France and England. Every mission feels perilous, every moment is charged with risk, and the thrills keep coming until the very last page. Beyond the adventure and romance, the book also gives readers a glimpse into history, showing the fear, cruelty, and bravery of the era. Orczy makes the past feel tangible, illustrating how one small mistake could cost not only a life but an entire family. And yet, amidst the peril, she reminds us of humanity — of loyalty, courage, love, and sacrifice — qualities that feel timeless and relevant even today. I strongly recommend this book! Though written in 1905, it is packed with relevance for modern readers, full of complex characters, clever plots, daring adventures, and moments that will make your heart race and your emotions soar. The Scarlet Pimpernel is a book that will thrill, touch, and stay with you long after you turn the last page. Happy reading!
Number the Stars
By Lois Lowry
This.. this... is a beautiful story about trust, believing in yourself, the horrors of war.. and most importantly, it's about the friendship between Annemarie and Ellen, and how families can get through the most horrible of crises if they just.. believe. This book takes place in Copenhagen, Denmark in the middle of World War II. The king is Christian X, who is loved by his people.. but unfortunately, King Christian X couldn't stop soldiers from Germany to be stationed in Denmark. It was either the soldiers or war, which King Christian X knew he couldn't win. In this time, Annemarie and her family are living a moderately peaceful, normal life.. until their normal life is shattered by a new law - that all Jewish people must be captured. One by one, the Jewish people start going missing, and Annemarie and her family need to protect Annemarie's best friend, Ellen, who is Jewish. So Ellen is disguised as Lise, Annemarie's oldest sister who died in the hands of Germany. But when a German soldier comes to investigate and Ellen is almost caught, Annemarie and her family know that the only way to save Ellen now is to take her (through a boat) safely to Sweden. But they learn people are being caught on boats going to Sweden.. but they will have to risk it. Annemarie MUST deliver a very important package to her uncle (who is driving the boat) that might save Ellen's life.. before it's too late! Lois Lowry is one of my favorite authors, because she can write brilliant masterpieces.. honestly, I think this book is possibly her best yet. It's cleverly written so that it can make readers cry, laugh, rejoice, and feel horror, without missing a beat, constantly throughout the story. I felt like I was experiencing the pain of Annemarie, the fear of Ellen, and the author made me feel like I was basically in the story, watching the events happen. Oh, and the ending.. is very touching.. possibly one of the best endings I have read in any book. I would definitely recommend Number the Stars to any reader that understands the value of life, family, and friendship.
Adventures of Tom Sawyer (Boys' & Girls' Library)
By Mark Twain
A classic by Mark Twain of "Adventures of Tom Sawyer" which is about a boy who goes by the well-known name of Tom Sawyer with at first mischievous and immature boy at the beginning of the story, often getting in trouble with his aunt Polly often scold her nephew. You would often see that Tom would be with his friend, Huck (Huckleberry Finn) whom Tom really close to, getting in trouble, too with him. Then Rebecca (known most of time as just Becky) Thatcher, a daughter of the town's new judge, as Tom got the romantic interest in Becky, got "engaged" due to the kiss until it's revealed by Tom that he actually "engaged" by another girl, Amy Lawrence, had the fight with Becky about it. Then, we have Injun Joe, a Native American who would defend himself most of time but got the racism from Tom and Huck. Later in the book, as Tom grew more considerate, kind, funny, and more mature than the beginning of the story. I had to read this for school and finally finished with this book today as I didn't really enjoy this due to the type of English which is Old English which can make me more harder to understand and also with the racism against the colored or even Native Americans. - Happy Reading...maybe!
Frindle
By Andrew Clements
Nick Allen, a fifth grader and a class clown at his school of Lincoln Elementary with the dreams of something that would make him legendary. Little did he know is that when he invented a new word, "Frindle", at first, all of his fifth grade class used that word, then later nearly whole school, town, and even over the country of Untied States. His fifth grade teacher of which all the people had thought, tough, unstoppable, and strict about the certain words but as you get to the near end, you'll see another side of her. This book is actually very hilarious and uplifting which made me smile and laugh throughout the book. - Happy Reading!
Jane Eyre (Great Illustrated Classics (Abdo))
By Charlotte Bronte, Malvina G. Vogel
A fiery governess + her cool-tempered master = a sizzling romance After being raised in deplorable conditions from a young age, Jane is only too happy to embark upon her own independent journey; this path leads to none other than Mr. Rochester, the overseer of his gargantuan residence. The timespan of the novel sees Jane establishing numerous relationships--and particularly one of passion with Rochester--as she strives to establish herself and maintain her position as her own person. Yet her life simply cannot be as simple as she had hoped; secrets surrounding the manor eventually emerge, testing her personality amid an abrupt but drastic change in the history of her employer. Jane must decide whether a life with Rochester is warranted or even feasible--and, perhaps more importantly, whether she can personally overcome the barriers between her and her happiness with little more than her personality. As a whole, this novel is indeed worth a read; the author, Charlotte Bronte, lived in the 19th century, and her work reveals some aspects of how life was in that period; although it is ultimately a work of fiction and thus not entirely accurate, I found that the general notions and customs upheld are reflective of the first half of the 1800s as well. More than the glimpse of history, however, this book is also intriguing. There are some slower portions and chapters that approach a literary stall, but I believe that Bronte compensates for this with other sections. It has an appreciable balance of spirit, challenges, and dramatic tension, with Jane's time at Thornsfield (Rochester's residence) deserving a special mention. I wouldn't say I'd read it again, but it is definitely worth at least one read. I would recommend this to those searching for a warm yet almost tense (though not in a negative way) novel.
Animal Farm
By George Orwell
This is probably my favorite book out of the ones my English teacher had the class read! The oppression of all the farm animals by the land's owner leads to an abrupt rebellion against him--leaving the animals to independently operate the farm and offering them the opportunity to control more of their own lives. As time passes, however, there is continual threat to the ideals many of them strive to uphold, possibly within their own ranks. The progression of pristine nobility in thought to the tarnished executions of those notions (and even changes to the ideals themselves) may very well spell the regression of the animals' states to something they had strived to topple--benefitting the few but decimating the masses. What I truly appreciate about this novel is the parallel sequence of events to a period in world history, and specifically in Russia: the age of Stalin. It retells the terror of the animals and vileness of the new menaces in a captivating way (albeit with the twist of talking animals). While not a cozy novel, the allegorical nature of "Animal Farm" grabbed my attention; it is one of the very few works that have provoked such an outraged reaction, and as such is one of my favorite novels of all time. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a powerful and emotional (in an enraged sense) read--you may not like what happens in the chapters, but will be glad you read it when you finish.
Mary Engelbreit's Classic Library: A Little Princess
By Frances Hodgson Burnett
This is a book about a little girl called Sara Crewe. She had servants, closets full of clothing, and a great dad. Her mom died when she was born, but she did not miss her, because she never saw her. Sara loved telling stories and she loved reading books. She was a pretty girl, with long lashes and eyes with a queer color. Her life was better than everyone else. One day, Sara's father told Sara to go to a boarding school for young ladies. She didn't like the place because it was dull and ugly on the inside, with a very ugly and strict teacher who only cared about wealth. Before the day of of leaving each other, Sara's father bought her a doll that Sara loved, who was called Emily. In the boarding school, everyone liked her, except some of the big girls that were popular before Sara came. She cared for a mother-less girl called Lottie and even made a friend called Ermengarde. I'm not going to tell you the rest, but you can read to find out! I recomend it for 7-13 year olds.









