With the ultimate goal of getting young people to read and appreciate literature, many hundreds of books have been written over the centuries.  The key to a great children’s book is making it interesting for your target audience.  What would hold a four year-old in rapt attention would bore the teen reader. Likewise, as with most everything else in their lives, it is difficult to make an interesting book for teenagers.  Also, the author has to further break the audience down along sexual lines, for many subjects that appeal to boys would not be appreciated by girls, and vice versa.

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Through the years, only a select few have stood out above the rest as memorable and exceptionally well-written.  Some notable examples have included Black Beauty, Treasure Island, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Peter Pan, Adventures in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz, and The Jungle Book.  For the younger set, there has been Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm with their fairy tales, AA Milne with his Winnie the Pooh series of books, Beatrix Potter, and The Wind in the Willows.

As with adult books, children’s novels can be light and airy or have a dark and sinister side.  Some of the more serious subjects that have been dealt with are the hardships of war (The Diary of Anne Frank), and being orphaned and alone (The Boxcar Children). Also book series are extremely popular with children.  If they like a certain character(s) they like to stick with that theme.  Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, and others are examples of this.  One series that has become quite popular again in recent years have been the Lord of the Rings series by JRR Tolkien.

In 1922, the literary world for children was given a boost by the addition of the Newberry Medal.  Named for English author John Newberry, the award was established in the United States to recognize achievement in children’s literature. Some of the timeless favorites to win the award included Laura Ingalls Wilder multiple times for her Little House on the Prairie series, later developed into a long-running television series.  Other perennial classis to win the award (or at least honor) are Davy Crockett, Old Yeller, Daniel Boone, and Charlotte’s Web.

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Some other prestigious awards throughout the world include the Coretta Scott King Award in the United States for excellence by an African American author, the Carnegie Medal in the United Kingdom, the Children’s Book Council of Australia, Governor General’s Literary Award for Children’s Literature and Illustration in Canada, and the Hans Christian Andersen Award (Denmark).  The latter is loosely known as ‘The Nobel Prize for Children’s Work’ and is personally presented by the Queen of Denmark. A rather recent addition (since 2006) to the awards is the Cybils Awards, chosen by children and young adult book bloggers, who are experienced in the genre, such as school teachers and librarians.

A glaring discrepancy with the major awards, like the Academy Awards (The Oscars) is that the award winner is not necessarily the most popular book for that year. Indeed, the organizations responsible for commissioning and presenting the awards have been criticized many times over the years for this. The organizations have merely scoffed at these suggestions, stating in effect that their awards are for those books they perceive to be well-written and not necessarily those which win a popularity contest. The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series has won the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award, a resounding four times and was on the New York Times bestseller list for an incredible 114 weeks, author Jeff Kinney has never won the Newberry medal in his native United States.

One notable example is the Harry Potter series by Scottish author JK Rowling.  Although the books have sold almost a half billion books worldwide, Ms Rowling has never won either the Newberry Medal nor the Carnegie Medal in her home country.  However, she has won two awards given by the Scottish Arts Council in her native land and was recognized in 1997 by the presenters of the Carnegie Medal.  A lot of the international literary community has cited the worldwide controversy over the subject of wizardry.  If it is any consolation to Ms Rowling, other than monetarily, another author no stranger to controversy himself, Stephen King, has praised the Potter books and Rowling herself for her style of writing and the humor which she instills in the books.

Both of the above cited references have been developed into blockbuster feature films, Wimpy Kid with one film plus a sequel and Harry Potter with a total of eight movies, with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, opening July 15, 2011 being the last and probably the most profitable. Yet it can be successfully argued that these two book series, among others, have been instrumental in providing a book renaissance. Indeed the books inspired the movies and were both wildly successful long before their film counterparts were produced.

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In that, what was twenty years ago, a dying (or at least badly injured) culture, book reading for children and adults alike have enjoyed a revival.  Television and movies written specifically for the big screen had crippled the book industry.  With the advent of the personal computer and video games in the eighties and nineties, many thought that the book industry would suffer a crushing blow, which it would never recover.  Indeed, to quote Harold Ramis in Ghostbusters, ‘Print is dead’ was the prevailing theory.  It is true that the traditional publishing industry is not as powerful as it once was but not because of the Computer Age, at least not in the way people suspected.

A lot of would-be authors choose to use commercially available software such as Microsoft Publisher and the World Wide Web to publish themselves, thus making books even more prolific in that somebody who may have never been noticed otherwise might be the next Twain or Rowling.  Also, a new trend has come of age in the twenty-first century, the E-Book.  Published strictly online, the books are available for a nominal fee.  Even the computer industry itself has embraced literature, with the invention of such new tools as Kindle, an electronic book reader.

Narrowing the infinite wealth of wisdom and entertainment of libraries into only ten choices is a nigh-impossible task for any book lover, but I have made my attempt. I am presenting works here that, while may not always be masterpieces of literature, are all gripping and engaging and have influenced my own life in different ways.

Cover of Hyperion

In no particular order:

The Thief of Always – Clive Barker

10-year-old Harvey Swick yearns for an escape from boredom, suddenly offered by the enigmatic Rictus flying in through Harvey’s window. Rictus invites Harvey to a secret paradise for children, the Holiday House, where every moment is magic, miracle, and deluge of gifts. But no gifts are free, and the price required is beyond reckoning. A morality play about the preciousness of time, the burdens of mortality, and the price of wasted moments, The Thief of Always is a masterpiece of contemporary fable, haunting and resonant to anyone who reads it. While not entirely a departure from standard horror, Clive Barker demonstrates a facility and versatility of word and metaphor that makes each sentence a pleasure to read, and the whole of the novel a gift.

Good Omens – Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett

The apocalypse is begun, the horsemen (and woman) of the apocalypse sit astride motorcycle steed, warring factions of heaven and hell march to war, yet someone misplaced the anti-christ. An angel/demon duo responsible for his whereabouts find it a reluctant problem as neither particularly wants the end of the world, but upper (and lower) management are adamant and the pair must recover the child or suffer damnable consequence. A combination of high weirdness, contemporary fantasy, mythic deconstruction, and hilarity from two masters in storytelling Good Omens is an amazingly fun and engaging read. The two authors complement each other in a work of brilliant comedic fantasy.

Ender’s Game – Orson Scott Card

At the top of every list of ‘top’ science fiction, one will inevitably find Ender’s Game. While the rest of the Ender books that follow vary in quality, this work is amazing, following the exploits, trials and tribulation of Andrew ‘Ender’ Wiggin as he advances in the ranks at the elite Battle School. Along the way, he gains allies and foe and struggles to maintain his innocence even as he prepares to wage war against an unfathomable alien menace.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Universe – Douglas Adams

The first book in a five-part ‘trilogy’, the hitchhiker’s guide is one of the funniest books written. Douglas Adams’ dry, sardonic wit saturates every sentence of a crazy masterpiece of improbability, hilarity, with the secrets of life, the universe, and everything enclosed within.

The Dragons of Eden – Carl Sagan

I unreservedly recommend each and every one of Dr. Sagan’s works, but I find this one uniquely fascinating. An exploration of the origin of human intelligence through the mechanism of evolution, the writing is exquisite, the science layered yet comprehensible to those without advanced degrees, the lessons and knowledge within invaluable and fascinating. By understanding better what where we came from and where we are, we are better equipped to speculate on what comes next.

At the Mountains of Madness & Other Tales – HP Lovecraft

Lovecraft never enjoyed popularity in his lifetime, yet his impact upon horror and pop culture is undeniable. Literal cults of Cthulhu have arisen from the story ‘the Call of Cthulhu’, eerily mimicking frightening subtext within. Psychological breakdown, entire pantheons of cosmic horror, the blurring lines between reality and fantasy, Lovecraft’s tales straddle science fiction, fantasy and horror, contributing mightily to both. His stamp is evident on all facet of modern fantasy and horror and the legacy of his alien gods undeniable.

The Dialogues of Plato

The cornerstone of Western thought and wisdom, recounting the lessons and exploits of Socrates, the Dialogues are an exercise in philosophy, metaphysics, honor, logic and reason.  This is the work that defines the ‘classic thought’ and not to be missed by any with an appreciation of thinking.

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The Art of War – Sun Tzu

Another cornerstone, this time in Eastern thought, the Art of War is a work synonymous with strategy in all aspect. An ancient military treatise on strategy and tactics, the lessons within are tips for the observant in outwitting a foe, winning battles long before any battle is fought. The advise within is invaluable in any form of engagement, no matter what form of conflict, from fields of war, boardroom to and even bedroom or sporting arena. Required of any to have an understanding of modern business practice or competition, this work should be required reading to all.

A Clash of Kings – George R.R. Martin

I cheat with this recommendation, as Clash of Kings is the second book in the ongoing A Song of Ice and Fire. But it is a sequel that builds upon strong foundation, and essentially shows the entirety of the first book is merely a prologue to the epic tale to ensue. In this book, conflicts widen across the fantasy world of Westeros as five factions vie for control of the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms. A layered examination of medieval politics and warfare amidst a high fantasy backdrop, the book is layered, nuanced, and populated with myriad unique, engaging and fascinating characters. Morality exists in shade of grey, and each character has unique voice and vision where no one is entirely a heroic or villainous, simply human with vying agenda.  Martin’s writing is mastery of the craft and accessible even to those who loathe fantasy worlds of singing elves. A Clash of Kings is an exciting escalation to a dynamic tale that promises more wonders to come.

Hyperion – Dan Simmons

Again I cheat, as Hyperion is the opening salvo to a four book series. The Hyperion Cantos are an opus of science fiction, the first book of which is structured to mirror the Canterbury Tales, in which pilgrims gather on the planet Hyperion seeking a wish, each telling their tale as they await the judgment of a enigmatic sentinel of blades called the Shrike.  Each tale is haunting and unique, and Simmons is such a master of the writing craft he effortlessly switches from far flung science fiction technology to quiet dissertations on 14th century renaissance philosophy to action packed scenes of horror without missing a beat batting an eye or losing the reader. While the cliffhanger ending does lack resolution, the sheer density and range of this novel make it a worthy singular recommendation.

When summer boredom sets in, there’s nothing better than lying out in the sun with a great book. Sometimes, books that aren’t as popular get thrown to the wayside, so it’s important to check out writer’s favorites as well as those in the best-sellers section. When picking out my own summer reads, my first priority is entertainment. Here’s my list of Top Ten Summer Reads that are sure to please even the most finicky reader.

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10. The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

With all of the hype surrounding the release of the final Harry Potter movie, you may find it’s time to see what all the fuss is about. Whether you’re a seasoned Wizard fan or someone who doesn’t typically enjoy young adult fiction, the Harry Potter series is always worth a (re)visit because it really does have something for everyone – evil sorcerers, secret romances, and a whole slew of weighty life issues lurk throughout Harry Potter’s journey to discover his ultimate purpose in life. My personal favorites are The Prisoner of Azkaban and, naturally, The Deathly Hallows.

9. A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

Feel the need to explore the outdoors but find yourself chained to the air-conditioned indoors? Pick up Bryson’s humorous tale of his adventures along the Appalachian Trail and enjoy the beauty of wilderness without leaving your couch.

8. House of Leaves by Mark Danielewski

If you prefer novels that truly transport you into an alternate universe, Danielewski’s clever and compelling story of an ever-changing house creates sheer book-turning madness and confusion. As the protagonist delves deeper into the unknown, fantasy becomes reality as everything previously thought about the world is destroyed. This isn’t the book for everyone as it’s a fairly involving and lengthy read, but its well worth the effort.

7. Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris

If a good laugh is what you crave, Sedaris is the author for you. Dress Your Family is one of many of Sedaris’ side-splitting memoirs that would make even the craziest family seem average by comparison. Me Talk Pretty One Day is a similarly quick and pleasurable read that will make any summer day breeze by.

6. The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien

With attention to the military at an all-time high, O’Brien’s gut-wrenchingly honest depiction of the hazards of war reminds us of those who suffer the greatest during times of political instability – our soldiers. The Things They Carried draws on personal experiences in the armed forces to show the true horror of grief, loss, and death that comes with any type of war. This isn’t the lightest read, but it makes you consider how fortunate we truly are.

5. Lord of the Flies by William Golding

When a group of British schoolboys are marooned on an island, at first, it looks like all fun and games.  Slowly, but surely, tensions emerge and a once-united bunch of boys become separated into two rival tribes. Golding’s short novel may seem as if it’s intended for children, but the dark themes that simmer beneath the surface are enough to frighten the bravest of warriors. Even if you read it back in grade school, consider a second reading. There are so many things that appear in rereading that you don’t see the first time around.

4. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

A classic on so many levels, Nabokov’s twisted tale of a debonair pedophile brings some pretty uncomfortable questions to mind: What is consent? What is maturity? What is truth? If you’re looking for a licentious page-turner, Lolita is where it’s at. Don’t plan to be shocked by graphic sexuality, but rather engage in a discussion of social norms and expectations with the truly fascinating protagonist, Humbert Humbert.

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3. Have You No Shame? And Other Regrettable Stories by Rachel Shukert

David Sedaris for the ladies, Have You No Shame offers a collection of personal short stories by the brilliantly witty up-and-coming Rachel Shukert. Women of all ages will appreciate her honest and sometimes humiliating experiences growing up in small-town Omaha, Nebraska and working in New York City as a Jewish female.

2. Aurora Leigh by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Nineteenth century British poetry may seem dry, but Browning’s masterpiece is anything but. Try expanding your usual reading and experience the undeniable beauty of the written word in Aurora Leigh - a heartbreaking and emotional story of the hardships of everyday life. In a world where women are second class, Aurora Leigh searches desperately to find her place as she questions adult life, love, and her own creative abilities. Though the book is over 300 pages in length, it is in the form of poetry, so the pages literally fly by. Nothing could make you appreciate the wonder of nature more than Browning’s extravagant descriptions of the lush, English countryside.

1. The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell

Though it has been followed by other bestsellers, Gladwell’s first hit, The Tipping Point, explores the crucial moment in which things change ‘irrevocably’ forever. Why do certain things or ideas become popular? How does information spread? These and a multitude of similar sociological issues are battled in this non-fiction investigation of the world around us. The Tipping Point shows how one infected person can turn into an epidemic, and presents a fascinating discussion on the power of public opinion.

Whether you’re planning to read one or one hundred books this summer, look for those that spark your interest. Consider alternate sources of literature such as poetry, drama, and short fiction; sometimes a full novel isn’t what you’re in the mood for. Don’t get bogged down in celebrities’ favorites or best-selling lists that don’t provide a wide range of literary options. Whichever book you choose, be prepared to dive in, because this list of page turners will inspire even the most resistant reader. For other great reads, explore your local library or bookstore and don’t be afraid to ask for suggestions. Usually, the best books are discovered through word of mouth.

Happy summer reading!

ISBN with Cover of The Dress 2011   A wonderful tale about a torn Orange Dress searching for alterations to fix her dress complications.  This story will teach children about knowing your own self worth, taking action and the search for help when all the odds are against you.  This story confirms the importance of pressing forward and never giving up even when you have been rejected more than once.

Children will learn how to count ordinal numbers from this book (first, second, third, fourth, etc.).  Children will also learn the valuable lesson that if you keep moving forward, no matter the obstacle in your way, everything can turn out okay even if everything does not work out exactly your way.

Buy the book on  http://theorangedress-1.webs.com/

If you are looking for something new to read and you enjoy reading poetry, you will love the book “Commuting Poet” by Robin L. Roberts.  After reading the Poetry In Motion Poems on the subway, I realized these poems have nothing to do with riding the train so I wrote my own poems about what really goes on down here in the subway. Whether or not you like riding the train, you will relate to these poems about the commuting experience and the challenges commuters face daily.

Buy the book on  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ 

Dying to try reading with technology, but are either skeptical of, or not ready to outlay the cash, for the new e-readers? Maybe you’re just too broke to buy a book right now and your fines at the local library got out of control. What is a reading addict to do? Have no fear! It’s possible to read books on-line—for free!

Cover of Anna Karenina (Oxford World's Classics)

I came down with a massive illness when I had 42 books checked out from the local library (and owed what seemed like the amount of my rent in fines)! Iread so quickly that buying a book on my budget is out of the question right now so I was thrilled to find there are books you can read on-line at no cost. Believe it or not, really good books! So, here are some of my personal favorites that I’ve come across. Since links and places change constantly, I’ve left those out, and tried to only include works that I easily found on more than one site. Entering the title of the book with the phrase “free online book” will bring up at least one place to find these works. This list is heavy on earlier classic works, as those are in open domain and are more likely to be put online, but feel free to explore on your own. You might find that a gem from your favorite author is available.

Some suggestions:

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. This is a wonderful introduction to reading on a screen for those who are unsure about reading this way. The length is manageable to get through so, even if you do decide that you do not like to read books in this manner, you can probably get through the story in that medium. Plus, if it turns out to be a great experience, you will have opened a whole new avenue for your bookworm side. I have loved Dickens, but stayed away from this title like the plague because of all the horrible things I have seen done with this story. At one point, it seemed like every sitcom was obligated to do a spoof of this during the holiday season. I finally gave in, and upon reading it was more than pleasantly surprised. Everyone probably knows the main story by know, but the amazing subtleties and iconic characters Dickens weaves here shows there is a reason people have been compelled to perpetuate the story. Ignore all the derivations and treat yourself to the original story. Highly recommended.

1984 by George Orwell. This is an absolute classic. Reading this online is almost a surreal experience, as Orwell is describing a future society. Things you take for granted (such as reading books online) were completely out of the realm of reality during the time it was written. This is a timeless book that describes a cautionary tale and the iconic fictional work that illustrates issues of social psychology that had not even come to light when it was written. Even if you do not care about that angle, it is a gripping tale.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. This is one of my all-time favorite books. If you have not read it, you need to read it. If you have read it, you are probably due for a re-read. Then you can rent the movie; one of the few that actually stands up to the book.

Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, by Mary Shelley. If all you know of Frankenstein is the stereotypes of the bolts in the side of the head, and you think Frankenstein is the name of the monster, you must read this novel. Amazingly brilliant at dissecting how people have preconceptions without beating you over the head with it, this book should be on everyone’s must-read list. Touching on so many ethical subjects without going into preaching is an amazing feat. With today’s society looking at genetic engineering and other subjects, this book was, in many ways, ahead of its time. It’s less a story about a monster than it is about humanity.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu. This is an ancient Chinese War Treatise that has found its way into corporate trainings as a way to deal with business opponents in modern-day life. It is a fascinating read for those interested in war, Asian history or human psychology; it is a necessary read for someone involved in business, because at some point you are bound to run up against someone who took a seminar based on the philosophy within this book. Knowing what you are up against is vital if you want to come out ahead of the game.

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy. This is in the big-league! When you are ready to see if you can read a sweeping novel of epic proportions, this is the one to make or break it. Russian literature is difficult to keep track of because of the similar names and usage of nicknames. Most Russian authors wrote for the Russian audience and assumed that the reader would understand the intricacies of Russian naming. However, if you can get through this, and are willing to click back to the pages with the character explanations and take time to figure out what nickname refers to whom, there is rich reward. It is so filled with passion and relationships that it feels like an incredible guilty pleasure, yet you can be assured you are reading classic literature. It doesn’t get any better than that. Russian literature generally has a quality that tugs at the ache of the soul. Once you feel it, you need more.

Reading online is something that I hope never replaces the feel of an old book, but I have learned to love it. At night, with the glow of the screen, it evokes reading books under the covers late at night so my parents would not catch me. I invite you to dive in by exploring my suggestions, and find your own online favorites.