Do you need some easy reader chapter books for your kids but have trouble finding wholesome, age appropriate material? I spent my younger years devouring dozens of enjoyable, clean books, and I thought I would share some of my favorite authors/books from several different genres.

Humorous Stories

Robert McCloskey is one of the best children's authors I have ever encountered. Although he has written short picture books like Make Way for Ducklings, he has some awesome chapter books full of clean, down-to-earth humor that will keep your child (and you) laughing! Some of my favorites by him are Homer Price and Centerburg Tales.

   The Twenty-One Balloons by William Pène du Bois has the same humorous flair that McCloskey's writing boasts. This particular book especially feeds the child's creativity and will perhaps even interest them in scientific inventions.

   The Toothpaste Millionare by Jean Merrill was an absolute "can't put down" book for me and all my siblings, despite our age range of ten years! This book is full of creativity, funny but realistic entrepreneurial lessons, and hilarious dry humor. A must read for adults too!

Historical Fiction

   Harold Keith's Rifles for Watie is a great Civil War novel for the young teenager. There is some very mild language and a few gory battle descriptions but overall is excellent. It definately gives a window into both armies and the soldiers' lives on the march. It's also exciting and suspenseful in spots!

   Although not entirely historically accurate, Turn Homeward, Hannalee by Patricia Beatty is a good Civil War novel for younger kids as well. It tells about a young girl during the war, and how the fighting directly impacted her life. Patricia Beatty is an author with a vast list of wonderful books from a variety of time periods.

   My all-time favorite World War II novel for kids of all ages is Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigan, which is a suspenseful story about Polish children when the Germans occupied their country. These children ended up with a vital responsibility and Snow Treasure tells the adventures and hazards they experienced in an endeavor to fulfill their mission! Definately exciting and enjoyable for the whole family!

   The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare is an extremely exciting, high-paced book from Bible times that could be read by an older child. It's moving and has an awesome storyline. Chances are you won't be able to put this suspenseful book down! This author has also written some other great books.

Every-Day Stories

   Eight Cousins by Louisa May Alcott is a fun story for girls roughly ages 8-11. It has good life lessons and a sweet storyline about an orphan who makes friends with her eight male cousins. Definately a fun one for any girls with guy cousins!

   My whole family loves The Nickel-Plated Beauty by Patricia Beatty. It's a wonderful tale of brothers and sisters who work hard together to buy their mama a new stove as a Christmas surprise. But they get into some dangerous and often humorous situations in the process! Lots of fun for kids of all ages, especially if they have siblings!

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   Literature should be a vital part of every child's life, but it must be quality, worth-while literature. I have enjoyed each one of these books and made them all a part of my library, and I hope you might do the same with a few of them! Hope it was helpful to you as a parent as you strive to influence your kids for the best.

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