Hello everyone! I’ve been reading to my son since the day he was born. For years we did “Calvin & Hobbes” books with the occasional Wimpy Kid/Dogman/Laser Moose comic to keep it fresh. As he gets older I’d like to segue into classic Literature. My first attempt at this was “Animal Farm”, which we’ve just completed and was a rousing success for both him as a listener and me as a reader. Some things I loved about it: short chapters made for a good 1-each-night rhythm, mostly flowing narration with few dialogue demands or jarring passages, brisk storyline, and of course all the humor wit and history that makes Orwell so wonderful for readers new to “adult” novels in the first place.
It was so wonderful in fact that I’m stumped where to go next. What have you had similar success with? We love history (esp the two World Wars) and humor. I love getting some social commentary in there for him to think about. I was thinking some earlier Vonnegut but i dunno if we’re “there” yet.
Golden Age sci-fi is maybe ok but please no series. Also no Fantasy or YA please. Thanks in advance!
by Jbirdlex924
7 Comments
*The Thief of Always* by Clive Barker
If you want history, then “The People’s History of the United States of America” by Howard Zinn is pretty good. I’m assuming you’re in the states.
Maybe it’s time to introduce him to Sherlock Holmes
My husband is currently reading *Surely You are Joking Mr Feynman* by Richard Feynman to our 11 year old son. Our son is really enjoying it. It isn’t fiction, but it is an enjoyable book. A tough read for him on his own but really nice for his dad to read it to him. My husband has a physics degree so he really nerds out about Feynman.
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume was a fun read for us and our kid.
I can’t recommend “The Chrysalids” by John Wyndham highly enough, classic SF that is approachable for younger readers.
Also, you said no fantasy, but “The Phantom Tollbooth” is another classic for around that age, especially if he might enjoy word play.
Finally, some excellent war fiction ideas:
– War Horse (Michael Morpurgo);
– The Silver Sword (Ian Serallier);
– The Machine Gunners (Robert Westall);
– Dawn of Fear (Susan Cooper);
– Carrie’s War (Nina Bawden);
– Once (Morris Gleitzman)
Based on my experience, Vonnegut is best discovered in high school. Just leave Cat’s Cradle somewhere he’ll find it and he’ll figure it out!