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Book List: Books Children Love

Rating:

There are a number of annotated book list books available for Christian parents and teachers, and this is one of the best.  In her introduction, Wilson explains that her philosophy grows out of Charlotte Mason’s concept of “living books,” and states that to be included in her list titles must be: (1) interesting to children, (2) of excellent literary quality, and (3) reflective of a view of human life that does not conflict with Judeo-Christian moral and ethical values.  The preface is written by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay (daughter of Francis Schaeffer, a leading thinker in formulating the concept of the Christian worldview).

While I haven’t read every title recommended, in general Wilson’s selections seem to be well within the bounds of her criteria.  Her eye for literary quality, reader interest and moral value is good.  She does make some recommendations that I disagree with (for example, Hatchet by Gary Paulson, The Bully of Barkham Street by Mary Stolz, and A String in the Harp by Nancy Bond), primarily because they express a cultural view of childhood and the role of parents that I believe is unbiblical.

Unlike many other book lists, this one includes not only fiction and biography sections, but also a number of nonfiction topics such as music, geography, science, mathematics, performing arts, and the natural world.  This makes the book an excellent supplement to a young reader’s formal education.  The chapters are organized by topic, and the reading level is given for individual citations.  Obviously, adults need to read the titles rather than merely selecting them on someone else’s say-so, but Wilson’s recommendation is an excellent place to begin.  And in that five minutes before the library closes, four out of five times you can count on her to provide you with a good take-home read.

Click here for reviews of titles recommended in this list.

Posted on April 5, 2009