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100 BOOKS YOUR CHILD MUST READ - what are your nominations?

320 replies

TillyBookClub · 22/01/2009 21:22

Childhood books stay with you forever. Whether Roald Dahl's dark humour or the derry-do of Hardy Brothers, the earthy anarchy of Stig of the Dump or the magical excitement of The Secret Garden, they have a lasting effect on how you approach the big wide world.

What book do you think children MUST read before they leave home?

And while we're at it, what book should every adult read?

(My children's nomination: The Iron Man by Ted Hughes
My adult nomination: 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez)

Need a reminder of the all-time classics? This Daily Telegraph list brings back the memories...

OP posts:
JustAshamed · 07/08/2013 22:28

Skulduggery Pleasant series

RememberYoureAWomble · 08/08/2013 09:41

For first chapter books - all the Anna Hibiscus books by Atinuke - brilliant for both boys and girls and give a beautiful and funny insight into African culture with lovely illustrations too.

For older kids - The Dark is Rising series by Suan Cooper - still love these and look forward to DCs being old enough for them.

For adults - very difficult to pick, but have recently enjoyed Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden and Midnight and the Meaning of Love by Sister Souljah, both for the way they give a view into a different world. Also love everything ever written by Dick Francis - not deep or anything that is going to shift your world view, but the best for pure entertainment value.

Carole803 · 12/08/2013 17:50

Anne of green gables. Slightly nauseating, but some lovely ideas on managing some of life's obstacles.

sagfold · 14/08/2013 22:36

The Elephant and the Bad Baby.

The Quangle Wangle.

The Book of Beasts.

A Series of Unfortunate Events. Lemony Snickett.

sagfold · 14/08/2013 22:37

Arthur's Tractor - a modern classic.

PinkCinderella · 11/09/2013 17:55

Shirley Hughes children's books for pre-schoolers
Not sure myself about Roald Dahl - some racist, sexist undertones
Little Pete Stories

Adults - - Muriel Spark is fine and enjoyable writer somewhat underrated I think - but my only advice is read to enjoy and share the delight with your children - read to them often even when they can read for themselves

Shruti04 · 29/10/2013 11:49

Comics book and story books should be read by every child. Now a days, many interesting topics are there for kids that they can get information about that.

Glitterfeet · 30/12/2013 21:35

I was going to post that Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo hadn't been mentioned but I see it just has.

buzzy1 · 07/01/2014 21:50

The tiger who came to tea, and anything by the Ahlbergs e.g burglar bill

gillygilbank · 10/01/2014 18:09

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wiltingfast · 14/01/2014 12:21

Hmm, seems to me this is just a list of books people liked!

I think the question was what books should your darlings read before they leave home?

ie books that are "good" for them in some way? not sure what qualifies

Maybe we should ask what books and why?

maybe i'm taking this too seriously

DiamondintheRough · 24/01/2014 13:08

The Grapes of Wrath (Steinbeck) made me view my life in much greater perspective.
Jane Eyre is the ultimate feminist icon.

DiamondintheRough · 24/01/2014 13:11

As for children's books...

Holes by Louis Sachar is inspiring but subversively anti-authority
And for those children who enjoy a good scare, 'The Deptford Mice' and the 'Whitby Witches' trilogy kept me awake at night, shaking under my duvet. There was a bit of a craze for them end of primary school.

glentorres · 29/01/2014 10:59

Molesworth
Kidnapped

are one of the best ones I can advice

Hellefrog · 11/03/2014 08:51

Kes is wonderful
Maybe a bit dated, but I'm sure there are still PE teachers who want to be football stars and Mum's who have to leave for work before their kids...

nutcasenan · 12/03/2014 15:24

Little Women, yes, yes, yes but Good Wives must be read as an immediate sequel. I have read a multitude of books but never have I gained so much pleasure as from those two books. However, Gone With the Wind, War and Peace and Great Expectations are runners up.

skinnamarink · 04/02/2015 18:14

Nancy Drew - my dad read these to me with varying levels of sarcasm
Charlotte's Web
The View from Saturday
The Little Prince

zukiecat · 13/03/2015 17:48

Black Beauty
The Secret Garden
A Little Princess
The Silver Sword
Jinny and Shantih
Diary of Anne Frank
Come Back Lucy

Sure there'll be more when I think!

For adults, ..... Rena's Promise.

GetHappy · 16/03/2015 18:04

For a pre teen girl:
Judy Bloome - Are you there god its me Margaret!!

early teen:
Anne Fine Flour Baby

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