The books that kids read in grade school – when they are discovering reading and the faraway worlds that books open up for them – are the books that become cherished, comforting childhood friends. It was from my squishy beanbag reading spot as a child that I first experienced Victorian England, the American frontier, Prince Edward Island, turn-of-the-century New York City and fantasy worlds of elves, dragons and wizards.
I’ve been collecting books since I was a kid and love sharing them now with my own four kids. They are all voracious readers too, and we’ve put together a too-long list of our combined favorites here to share. These are the battered paperbacks with softened edges and musty scents that keep my kids and their favorite fuzzy blankets company on a gray day. …
