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Children's books

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Original poster

Can you recommend books similar to Swallows and Amazons/Little House on the Prairie

40 replies

travellingfamily · 12/06/2017 11:58

DS loves stories about children/families living in situations where they have to do everything themselves. We have the whole Swallows and Amazons series, he also loves the Little House books, and Heidi, and is currently reading the Children of the New Forest. Any recommendations? He is 8 and I want to limit the violence if possible (I think you have to accept some guns and axes in books like that, but he is not ready, for example, for Lord of the Flies!) Anything on farming/life in the wilder parts of the world/any other classics/historical fiction?

OP posts:
SecretSpi · 14/06/2017 22:35

In a year or two, Brendon Chase by 'B.B'. There also a book 'My Side of the Mountain' that I loved, but again it may be better for age 10+.

Parietal · 13/06/2017 21:20

The family from one end street (adults don't do much)

Backingvocals · 13/06/2017 20:58

I loved a book called The Kerry Caravan by Patricia Lynch. Some children have to fend for themselves (cannot remember why) and travel round Ireland in a caravan finding food and making ovens out of hay boxes (that bit always puzzled me). It's out of print but not hugely expensive on amazon.

Also The Family at Red Roofs - Enid Blyton. Mum and dad are ill or away and the kids have to run the family. Really old school but that was another favourite.

Sukebind · 13/06/2017 14:16

Caddie Woodlawn, The All of A Kind Family, the Casson Family books by Hilary McKay (not self-sufficient but lots of working together as a family), Sarah Plain and Tall. Olivia Fitzroy is like Swallows and Amazons but her books are very hard to find. Sally's Family by Gwendoline Courtney.

BlueChampagne · 13/06/2017 13:17

How to Train your Dragon? There are adults but they're fairly useless ... as is traditional in children's fiction

Philippa Pearce books such as Tom's Midnight Garden, Minnow on the Say, A Dog so Small?

early Harry Potter?

Roald Dahl of course

Emerencealwayshopeful · 13/06/2017 08:03

Pippi longstocking also awesome at that age.

And the original parent trap book. I think the latest versions use that name.

In fact, all Erich kastner books are good at that age.

Callmecordelia · 13/06/2017 06:11

Just realised, they're not living on their own, but it is very much a band of children coming together to save the day on their own while grown ups just don't understand the situation.

E Nesbit. It's an obvious one, but chronicles of Narnia? I'd miss out the Magicians Nephew and stop at Dawn Treader at his age.

Callmecordelia · 13/06/2017 06:05

Gillian Cross' Demon Headmaster series. They can have rather lurid covers, but they aren't really violent.

Emerencealwayshopeful · 13/06/2017 05:52

Actually, I just realised no one has suggested the series of unfortunate events. My just turned 9 adored that series a few months ago. The violence is pantomime variety.

Also if Peter Pan not yet on list I'd add that.

Emerencealwayshopeful · 13/06/2017 05:51

The Saturdays and the four story mistake - Elizabeth Enright

A couple of Noel streatfield's books. Caldicott place and the growing summer.

Lucy Boston green knowe series.

Maybe James Aldridge but I'd probably offer that in a few years.

I'm sure there is more, will come back.

TanteJeanne · 12/06/2017 15:57

Children's version of Robinson Crusoe- plenty to choose from, according to age / reading ability

Witchend · 12/06/2017 15:42

Monica Edwards has some good ones-adults are there, but the children are leading it. perhaps Midnight Horse for camping out, although ds preferred the more adventure ones-White Riders and Cargo of horses.

Also Malcolm Saville Lone Pine are similar style of children on their own, but they're mystery/adventure rather than just time on their own.

if you can get a copy "The Children who lived in a Barn" is very much on their own, and the fell farm series are again on their own.

Original poster
travellingfamily · 12/06/2017 13:38

Thank you! Yes famous 5 goes down well, Swiss Family Robinson was next on my list. I will look the The Silver Sword and 5 children and it, thank you.

OP posts:
crumpet · 12/06/2017 12:04

The silver sword is a good one

Seeline · 12/06/2017 12:02

Famous Five
Swiss Family Robinson
Some of the E Nesbitt books - 5 children and it, Phoenix and the carpet etc