I'm looking for newly published middle grade books (the newer the better, but ideally somewhere in the past 5 years) that remind you of children's classics, especially in tone, style, and atmosphere.
I find so many new books for preteens are either fantasies, mysteries, or about current social issues—usually plot-driven and fast-paced. While I do like these, I'm looking for something slower and gentler, maybe more contemplative, even. I like feel-good stories (even if bad things do happen here and there), especially ones that deal with growing up, friendships, and imagination. Not looking for any specific genre, but I especially like outdoor settings.
Some of the classics I have in mind tend to be "girls'" books, but this might actually kind of what I'm looking for (not limited to this, though). Some titles I have in mind:
– Anne of Green Gables (and other L. M. Montgomery books; love the nature descriptions, lighthearted narration, etc.)
– The Secret Garden
– The Children of Green Knowe
– Little Women
– The Fledgling
– Pollyanna
One contemporary MG author that I've enjoyed, whose writing does remind me of these classics, is Anna Rose Johnson (The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry, The Star That Always Stays, etc.). Anything similar would be of interest!
by Temporary-Chard3893