Top Ten Children's Books Adults will enjoy
by Agnes Giacondo

10. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume
In case you've forgotten how much it sucks to be pre-adolescent.

9. Ramona Quimby, Age Eight by Beverly Cleary
Next time you're paying the bills and wishing to be a kid again, check this book out. It'll remind you of all the frustrations and humiliations of childhood. But in a pleasant way.

8. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
If you scoff at this story you're totally heartless.

7. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
Ah, Roald Dahl. The darkest of all children's writers. This is the story of an all-around sweet boy left in the care of his super bitchy aunts. Through a magical encounter he manages to escape his hopeless surroundings on a giant peach with the companionship of a crude centipede, a maternal ladybug, and a dignified grasshopper. So far from trite you might actually enjoy it.

6. The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch
A humorous little picture book with strong feminist undertones. Awesome.

5. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
This was my favorite when I was ten. I reread it when I was 22 and was surprised to find it's still one of my favorite books.

4. Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Okay. So this book is super corny, but I swear its a great story. It was turned into a film staring Jeff Daniels and Dave Matthews...but don't let that scare you. This is the most bitter-sweet book you'll ever come across. And its not just about a dog!

3. Mick Harte was Here by Barbara Park
Mick Harte dies in the very beginning of the book...but that doesn't ruin anything. That's the basis for this surprisingly funny story. You'll be able to finish this super short book in less than an hour. So just go to a book store and read it in one of those cushy chairs they put in random spots. You'll leave feeling a new appreciation for life.

2. Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
I know you know the books/movies; maybe you're already way into them. The fact is that JK Rowling has created a highly entertaining tale of magic and adolescent anxiety. If you've tried to start the series and couldn't get into it, I advise you to start with book three. Everyone has their favorite book, but no one's fav is book one or especially two. They're a good introduction to the series, but not totally necessary. Just trust me.

1. Holes by Louis Sachar
This book is so freakin' good. You may have caught the film on TBS or taken your nephew to see it at the theater, but don't think you've experienced the full story. The book is so much better. The hero is an overweight dork...how often do you get to see that?

Agnes Giacondo lives in Madison, WI where she teaches third grade. She is currently writing her first children's book.

SHELFLIFEMAGAZINE ARCHIVES: issue #002