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Original poster

Forgotten Classics

114 replies

beatricequimby · 23/01/2015 20:06

Any recommendations for an 8 year old girl? I am a bit of a children's book hoarder so we have all the obvious ones - Katy books, E Nesbits, Frances Hodgson Burnetts, Little Women, Noel Streatfeilds etc.

Recently discovered Nancy and Plum by Betty MacDonald which I had never heard of. It's lovely and perfect for an 8 year old.

So has anyone got any forgotten classic recommendations? The

OP posts:
Gusthetheatrecat · 23/01/2015 23:00

My favourite children's books that no one mentions are Diddakoi by Rumer Godden, and Dominic by William Steig. The former is about a half-gypsy (I suppose we would now say traveller or Romany, but that is the language the book uses) girl who lives in a small village. Dominic is a book about a dog who sets off to see the world. Both books are wonderfully atmospheric and vivid. I can still remember scenes from them now, and could probably recite bits, if I tried hard enough.
I must buy them for my daughters!

LedditGo · 23/01/2015 22:59

The Milly Molly Mandy stories

BendyBusBuggy · 23/01/2015 22:54

Astrid Lindgren books, like Mio's Kingdom or the brothers Lionheart?

MrsSchadenfreude · 23/01/2015 22:51

Holly and Ivy by Rumer Godden.

The Melendy Family/Saturdays series by Elizabeth Enright

When Marnie Was There by Joan G Robinson

AvaCrowder · 23/01/2015 22:46

I like the Frank Richards Billy Bunter stories.
Swallows and Amazons is good; if not duffers, will not die!
I read my dd a story called Lyrico about a flying horse when she was 8. I read it myself at the same age. It's really a gripping story, although it might not be cannonical.
A modern classic is Coram Boy, but I think more for 11s than 8 year olds.

Vijac · 23/01/2015 22:35

The Water Babies. The children of the new forest. Anne of green gables. Magic faraway tree. When hitler stole my pink rabbit. Little princess. Nina's war. Charlotte's web.

Essexgirlupnorth · 23/01/2015 22:28

Children of the new forest not sure who it's by but set at the time of the civil war

Takver · 23/01/2015 22:25

If you haven't discovered this, I found that you can get generally old 'classic' childrens books on abebooks for pennies.

Would also add the Box of Delights etc though prob not 'forgotten'

Takver · 23/01/2015 22:24

Apologies if these aren't 'forgotten' enough Grin

One End Street series
The various sequels to Wizard of Oz
Michael Bond non-Paddington books esp the Thursday ones
Wombles chapter books
Other Elisabeth Beresford books esp the Magic series (eg Dangerous Magic )
Edward Eager Half Magic books - absolutely perfect for an 8 y/o who enjoys the classics, there are lots of references to EE Nesbit's books.

Saturdays series esp the Four Storey Mistake

JuniperTisane · 23/01/2015 21:23

Is she the right age for Rumer Godden? I remember reading Little Plum and Miss Happiness & Miss Flower in primary school. I loved them.

The Ordinary Princess by MM Kaye is another favourite of mine.

Groovester · 23/01/2015 21:19

I loved "My Naughty Little Sister" books by Dorothy Edwards at about the same age.

Quangle · 23/01/2015 21:12

Am reading Jennings to DD. She loves it. It's quite hard, language-wise which is why I'm reading it to her but she thinks it's funny. Will do Swallows &Amazons next.

Also a mention of my all time favourite book for this age group is quite unknown but still available. Animal Family by Randall Jarrell about a hunter who meets a mermaid and their family of animals. Simple and lovely.

Giraffeseyelashes · 23/01/2015 20:54

I liked the Ramona books by Beverly Cleary (or something like that). And some of Judy Blume's books would be suitable for that age (eg: Blubber). Not sure if those are not as classic as you're looking for or too American?

QueenGeraldine · 23/01/2015 20:46

What about the Children of Greene Knowe books? I remember being captivated by the tv series they did of that when I was about 8 yrs old. Also all the different Enid Blyton series, or Just William? Obv old fashionned but still good. Smile i'm a librarian by trade so could go on and on with this!