From a young age, we learn that family is who we share a home with, who we grow up with, and who we should love unconditionally. But reality is often far from this picture of perfection!
Difficult siblings, parent-child tensions, non-nuclear families, adoptive families – these are issues that are also very common, and deserve to be talked about. Reading stories about various kinds of family relationships can also let children ponder about what they believe family to be, and how they can navigate their own.
With that, the spotlight of our book recommendation list today is: family!
Disclaimer: The books in the list (with the exception of the bonus list at the end) are found in the “P4 GEP Recommendations for Extensive Reading” list. Thus, all or most books are suitable for children aged 9 and above. Children may also benefit from discussing some of the themes and ideas in the books with their parents.
1. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing (Judy Blume)
No one believes Peter when he says his little brother, Fudge, is a devil. There is no end to the trouble Fudge causes, including getting mashed potatoes on the wall, and throwing temper tantrums – leaving poor Peter to sort out the mess. One day, Peter gets a pet turtle named Dribble, and he knows he has to keep it away from his brother – or else.
Written by all-time popular children’s author Judy Blume, this book is a hilarious and easy read about what it’s like to have a younger sibling. Children will readily relate to it – but hopefully, they won’t be learning from the antics of Fudge!
Suitable for: Ages 8 to 12
2. Dear Mr. Henshaw (Beverly Cleary)
What would you say if you were to write to your favourite author? Leigh Botts had just moved to a new town with his mother after his parents’ divorce. He thought nothing of it when he wrote to the author, Mr Henshaw, as part of a class assignment. But when he receives a reply, the pair begin to form an unlikely friendship.
This story provides an honest perspective through the lens of a young boy navigating a new family structure. A story about dealing with change, parents, and healing, Dear Mr. Henshaw is poignant yet accessible, and will also relate to kids who love to read and write!
Suitable for: Ages 8 to 12
3. The Boy on the Porch (Sharon Creech)
A mysterious boy shows up on the front porch of John and Marta’s home one day. The young couple had no idea where he came from, or why he was there, but day after day, the boy remained, so John and Marta took it upon themselves to care for him. Forming an unlikely connection, they go through tough decisions together and discover what it means to be a family.
The unique story premise is enough to get readers interested, and the pure wholesome nature of the story will get them staying to finish the book! Young readers will be challenged to question the idea of ‘family’, reading the story through the lens of the parents.
Suitable for: Ages 8 and up
4. Absolutely Normal Chaos (Sharon Creech)
Mary Lou Finney’s holiday assignment is to write a journal. But nothing interesting ever happens – until her cousin Carl comes to stay for the summer. From there, her summer turns into a roller coaster ride of events, from learning how to date her first crush, to finding out more about Carl’s dark secret.
Although written after Walk Two Moons, this is actually a prequel to Sharon Creech’s Newbery Medal-winning book. Recounted through journal entries, the book is a light-hearted read that also touches upon deeper themes of family and belonging.
Suitable for: Ages 10 to 13
5. The Facts and Fictions of Minna Pratt (Patricia MacLachlan)
Minna Pratt wishes to understand the quote plastered above her mother’s typewriter: “Fact and fictions are different truths”. Living in a family of eccentric characters, she also wishes for her family to be more peaceful, and more normal. When she befriends the new student in her string ensemble, Minna envies his orderly and ‘perfect’ family. But Lucas can’t help being intrigued by her family.
An offbeat story about family and identity, Minna’s story is whimsical yet poetic in voice. Young readers will learn about accepting and valuing every individual’s differences, and budding musicians will also find something in common with the titular character!
Suitable for: Ages 10 to 13
6. Heidi (Johanna Spyri)
Little orphan girl Heidi is sent by her aunt to live with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps – and what a time of her life she has there! At first, Grandpa is gruff and stern, but Heidi’s infectious energy thaws his cold heart, and she quickly becomes well-loved by all. One day, Aunt Dete returns to take Heidi back to the city, putting an end to Heidi’s precious time in the mountains.
A literary classic first published in 1880, Heidi exudes a charming warmth, filled with the innocence of childhood amidst the relaxing backdrop of the Swiss Alps. The moral lessons and endearing characters continue to make this book relevant for children today.
Suitable for: Ages 8 to 12
7. Shadow of a Bull (Maia Wojciechowska)
Juan Olivar, the great bullfighter, died when his son, Manolo, was only three. The pressure of being the town’s greatest bullfighter then falls upon Manolo’s shoulders, as the people of Arcangel expect Manolo to continue his father’s legacy. But unbeknownst to anyone, Manolo is terrified of facing the bulls, and has zero love for the sport his father was so skilled at. Will he finally pluck up his courage to enter the ring, or forge his own path forward?
An empowering and inspiring tale, Shadow of a Bull provokes readers to think about expectations, pressures, and following your dreams. The cultural setting of the story in Spain will also be a fresh and exciting one for most readers.
Suitable for: Ages 8 to 12
Bonus reads
- A Place to Hang the Moon (Kate Albus)
- Some Places More Than Others (Renée Watson)
- We Dream of Space (E. E. Kelly)
- The Thing About Leftovers (C. C. Payne)
- The Science of Breakable Things (Tae Keller)
- Waiting For Normal (Leslie Connor)
- An Occasionally Happy Family (Cliff Burke)
- The Vanderbeekers Of 141st Street (Karina Yan Glaser)
- Crenshaw (Katherine Applegate)
- The Secret of Nightingale Wood (Lucy Strange)
- Stef Soto, Taco Queen (Jennifer Torres)
- The Crossover (Kwame Alexander)
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a heartwarming read, or a funny, lighthearted one, there is a family-centred story out there for you! Parents should also try to discuss the books with their child to reap more benefits of learning from the stories.
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Still searching for books to read? Check out our other book recommendations here:
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Across Oceans and Time: Historical Stories For Tweens & Teens