Reader's Advisory, Or What To Get My Niece For Her Birthday

So my niece's 9th birthday was this month, and I usually get my nieces and nephews books since I know they already have way too many toys, the boys don't care about clothes, and the girls (or their mothers) are very picky about clothes. 

This niece is the easiest to shop for, probably because we have very similar tastes in books, and she is a voracious reader, just like her favorite aunt. She is smart, reads above grade level, and her mother isn't too concerned about mature content. She appreciates the classics and has already read several, likes either historical or realistic fiction, and likes spunky female characters, as do many girls her age. She is the poor neglected middle child in a family of five children, and is overshadowed by both older and younger brothers, so I also look for books with characters who are beset with siblings, especially the male variety.

Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lingren.

Illustrated by Michael Chesworth and

Louis S. Glanzman, 2005. Puffin Books.

160 pages. Ages 8 - 12

The first book I thought of for her was a classic that I loved as a child, Pippi Longstocking by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren, first published (in English) in 1950. Since that time, many versions have been published using various translators and illustrators, so there are a few different editions out there with different illustrations and cover art. This is the edition I happened to buy.

Pippi is a very unusual little girl who also happens to be nine years old. She lives alone as her mother is an angel in heaven and her father is "cannibal king" (actually a sailor who is missing at sea), though she has her horse and monkey to keep her company. Pippi is unusually strong and very eccentric due to her very unusual childhood. She has her trademark red pigtails braided so tight they stick out, freckles, and a wardrobe of patched clothes, odd accessories and mis-matched stockings.

She is befriended by her new neighbors, Tommy and Annika, and together they have lots of fun and a few adventures. Pippi lives by her own rules, likes to tell tall tales, and though she sometimes inadvertently makes fools of and frustrates adults, she has a good heart, is never mean, and usually ends up a hero. There are two other full-length books, Pippi Goes On Board and Pippi In The South Seas, as well as some picture books and short stories based on excerpts from the longer books. Pippi Longstocking is a great, fun, silly story full of imagination, perfect for a quick summer read.

Since my niece has already read several classics, and I know her mother is already familiar with those and can get them for her, I wanted to pick something relatively new, in the historical fiction genre that might have a similar "feel" of the classics she's already read. I also wanted the second book to be a little longer and slightly more challenging than Pippi. I had a few ideas of my own, and got some great suggestions from colleagues as well. 

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by
Jacqueline Kelly, 2009. Henry Holt & Co.
352 pages, ages 9-12.

I finally decided on a 2010 Newbery honor book, The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly. This story is set in Texas at the turn of the previous century and tells the story of 11-year old Calpurnia Tate who is struggling with finding her identity as she enters adolescence, and is expected to take on traditional gender roles. To her mother's dismay, she is not very interested in "womanly" activities like cooking, baking, needlework, and housekeeping, but would rather spend her time outdoors, studying nature with her naturalist grandfather.

Over time, Calpurnia develops a close relationship with her grandfather as he nurtures and encourages her scientific exploration and education, giving her a copy of Darwin's Origin of Species and teaching her the scientific method, leading to the possible discovery of a new species. In addition to all this are all the typical issues 11-year old girls deals with, as well as dealing with six brothers.

I chose this book because of the historical setting, and I really liked the whole scientific exploration facet to the story, coming from a background in scientific research myself. I especially appreciated how each chapter begins with a quote from The Origin of Species. I also thought my niece would find some commiseration with Calpurnia since she has even more brothers than my niece. And as a bonus, there is a sequel titled The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate if she really enjoys this story.

She reportedly liked the books I chose for her last time ("Middle Grade Novels I Gave For Christmas"), so hopefully these will be a hit as well!

Middle-Grade Novels I Gave For Christmas - The Voracious Reader

My 8-year old niece presents a different challenge than her brother, the reluctant reader.  She loves to read, reads well above grade level, and finishes books very quickly.  She also does not have any strong interests like her brother, or specific genres that she likes (and probably has not been exposed to some).  Her mother suggested that she would like classics, but I also wanted to find books with characters she could relate to and identify with as the poor shy, neglected middle child who is always overshadowed by her 3 more out-going, boisterous, attention-seeking brothers, or that might inspire her to break out of her shell.  I originally intended to get her two books, but couldn't make up my mind, so went on and gave her three since I know she will read them.

Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery.  December 9, 2013 (originally published in 1908).  CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.  224 pages.  Ages 10 & up.

This well-known classic tells the story of Anne Shirley, a spirited 11-year old orphan who has been mistakenly sent from an orphanage in Nova Scotia to the Cuthbert farm on Prince Edward Island.  Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, middle-aged unmarried siblings who still live together on the family farm, had planned on taking in an orphaned boy who could help the aging Matthew with work on the farm.  But, Matthew is immediately taken by the lively, chatty, and imaginative Anne, and Marilla eventually agrees to let her stay.  The story follows over the next 5 years as Anne becomes very close to the Cuthberts and builds a life in Avonlea. 

This was a book the mom had suggested, but I wasn't sure that an 8-year old would be quite ready for it, even a very smart one.  I remember reading it and liking it as a child, but I'm not sure I was that young when I read it.  I also wasn't sure how relatable it would be to kids today.  But I figured it was worth a try, knowing she can always read it when she gets a little older if she's not quite ready for it yet.  And, if she does read it and likes it, then she has five more books in the series to follow Anne throughout her life, as well as 3 books about Anne's children. 

Eight Cousins by Louisa May Alcott.  September 1, 1995 (originally published in 1875).  Puffin Books (reissued). 320 pages.  Ages 10 & up.

13-year old Rose lost her mother when she was very young, and has now lost her beloved father as well.  She is sent to live with her extended family of aunts and uncles, and now finds herself the only girl in her generation of the family, surrounded by eight boy cousins.  Rose must learn how to make good choices and grow into a responsible and productive young woman.

My sister had first suggested Little Women for her daughter, which I loved as a child myself.  But, I thought Kat would be better able to relate to Rose, who is surrounded by boy cousins, than Jo March, who has three sisters.  I also like how Alcott promotes education for women, as well as an active, healthy lifestyle, and that women should have control over their assets and finances.  There is a sequel to this book that continues Rose's story into adulthood, Rose In Bloom, as well as the Little Women series, if she really enjoys Eight Cousins.

Matilda by Roald Dahl.  August 16, 2007  (originally published in 1988).  Puffin Books, reprint edition. 256 pages.  Ages 8-12.

In this story young Matilda is a very bright girl, born into a family that is nothing like her and doesn't appreciate her intellect.  Her parents are crass, uneducated, and have questionable ethics.  But Matilda discovers the public library and discovers all kinds of other worlds, facts, and information contained in the books.  She uses her intelligence to play pranks to get back at her father.

Eventually Matilda ends up at a school run by the cruel and evil Miss Trunchbull, who subjects the children and staff to all manner of abuse and ridicule.  Fed up with the Trunchbull, Matilda's anger leads to a wondrous discovery-she can make things move with the power of her mind!  Matilda uses her powers to drive away the evil Trunchbull, who is replaced by a kind and competent headmaster.  Matilda's parents have to skip town, and Matilda takes advantage of the situation and suggests they leave her to live with her beloved teacher, Miss Honey, to which they readily agree.

I felt like this story was probably the best choice of the three for my niece as it is more contemporary and has a very fun, lively story that celebrates a little, quiet girl with a powerful intellect, and it's a bit shorter.  I like the message of taking responsibility for your own education and not letting anyone hold you back; plus who doesn't like seeing the villain get what they deserve in the end.  And it promotes the public library system, another bonus!  Another reason I chose it is that it has just a bit of fantasy to test the waters to see how she likes it.  Roald Dahl has many more books with all different kinds of characters she can read if she likes this one. 

It is definitely helpful to find series with many installments when you have a voracious reader so you can stay one step ahead of them and keep them supplied with books.  Of course, you have to remember to start looking for a new series as they approach the end of the one they are one.  If it's a series that hasn't concluded yet, then it gives them something to look forward to with excitement as they wait for the next book to come out.  But of course you shouldn't overlook the many one-of gems that are out there, as well.

If you'd like to see what I chose for her older brother the reluctant reader, see my previous post, and if you'd like to see the zombie picture books I choose for her little brothers, see my post on my other blog, Adventures In Storytime.