Planting Seeds by Reading Good Books

Prairie School
By Avi

Level 2

This book gives insights into life on the prairie during the 1800s. As a young boy, Noah gains an appreciation for learning and education from his aunt. This book is packed with educational and moral merit. Kids should find the story interesting.

The Beatinest Boy
By Jesse Stuart

Level 3

This short, heartwarming book brings the old days to life as it strongly supports love of family, thoughtfulness, kindness to animals, and speaking encouragingly. Boys will especially like the coon hunting, tree climbing, and nursing back to health an abandoned hound puppy. Although this is not a fast-paced, instantly entertaining adventure, it is a thoroughly enjoyable and fun book that reinforces important values and teaches about life in early America. The author, Jesse Stuart, who died in 1904, led an extraordinary life and published over 36 books. Note: “Beatinest” means “most remarkable or unusual.”

Lumber Camp Library
By Natalie Kinsey-Warnock

Level 3

Young Ruby Sawyer has lived her whole life in a Vermont lumber camp. When her wonderful father is killed in an accident, life changes for Ruby’s family. This is a beautiful story of family, love, kindness, hard work, and love of learning. The literary, moral, educational, and entertainment values are all fantastic!

Jade Dragons
By Florence Wightman Rowland

Level 7

If Wong Ting―a river boy in China—had extra coins, he would buy a copper kettle for his mother and a desperately needed new fishing net for his father. For himself, Wong Ting wanted something that money could not buy. In his heart was a secret wish. Only he knew what it was: Wong Ting wanted to walk on the land. This wish is kept hidden for a time as Wong Ting works hard with his family upon their sampan. A raging storm starts a series of exciting events as the family’s sampan is blown down the angry river out of control toward the open sea. A boat as small as theirs could not hope to ride safely upon the high waves of the South China Sea.

As Wong Ting and his family escape pirates, rescue an orphaned baby, and search the river bottom for a bracelet with three jade dragons, gentle messages come to life about respect, obedience, hard work, kindness, integrity, courage, and hope.

Gabriel and the Hour Book
By Evaleen Stein

Level 7

This classic book, first published in 1906, is truly a treasure. The main character, Gabriel, is a young Norman boy of the Middle Ages who works at the abbey, helping Brother Stephen create a special illuminated book for the king’s future bride. This touching tale of friendship, faith, and kindness is so beautifully written, it is a pleasure to read. The story is engaging and should hold the attention of both old and young children. Evaleen Stein was a master at her craft, and this is my favorite of all her books. You can access this book for free on Gutenberg.org or mainlesson.com

Heidi
By Johanna Spyri

Level 8

Heidi, one of my all-time favorite books, is a heartwarming story of a young girl in the Swiss Alps whose kindness, optimism, and love of life has a transforming effect on all those around her. This engaging story is skillfully written with imagery, beautiful description, and elevated vocabulary. Readers also learn about Switzerland, the Alps, and life in the 1800s. If girls could only read one book in a summer, this is the one I would give them.