Bookshelf Jr.:
We would not deign to appear as if we've carefully surveyed every entry in the annuals of kid lit to
pick the best of the bunch (would anyone—especially an executive mom—have time for that)? BUT, in our continuing
mission to cherry-pick some of the best lesser-known choices that exist, we humbly offer these favorites
with the thought that both your kids, and you, may find them quite refreshing:
Kate and the Beanstalk
by Mary Pope Osbourne
For ages 4-10, a feminist re-telling of the classic Jack and the Beanstalk, story, with Jack
recast as a confident young girl. Written by the author of the popular "Magic Treehouse series,
with gorgeous illustrations by Giselle Potter...
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The Paper Bag Princess
by Robert Munsch
For ages 4-8. Yes it stars a princess, but the lovely moral is about "being someone" versus
simply "finding someone." As Princess Elizabeth takes matters into her own hands when Prince
Roland, her betrothed, is kidnapped by a dragon, she proves a savvy and capable rescuer. However,
it's the non-traditional ending that makes this an especially worthy read...
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The Seven Chinese Sisters
by Kathy Tucker
In this all-girl version of the Chinese tall tale "The Seven Chinese Brothers," six sisters
tap their amazing individual talents in order to save the seventh sister from a hungry dragon
(popular foils, those dragons)... From skills like "riding a scooter fast as the wind," to "counting
to 500," even the baby sister turns out to have special talent...
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I'm Gonna Like Me: Letting Off a Little Self-Esteem
by Jamie Lee Curtis
In spite of her acting credits, Jamie Lee Curtis says her children's books are her proudest
achievement, and it's easy to see why. Through the alternating perspectives of a boy and girl
and wiith catchy artwork from Laura Cornell, this book celebrates liking yourself because you
are... you. Celebrate liking yourself! Through alternating points of view, a girl's and a boy's,
Jamie Lee Curtis's triumphant text and Laura Cornell's lively artwork show kids that the key
to feeling good is liking yourself because you are-- you...
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Enough is Enough (The Stinky Boys Club Series)
by Jodi Carse and Maria Gallagher
As the name suggests, the authors were particularly interested in filling the void in books
geared to young boys... thus "The Stinky Boys Club" books are duly filled with silly jokes,
bodily noises and a recipe for throw-up. (Yet it's librarian-endorsed, with the belief that
a dose of gross can provide just the appeal to captivate young readers). This first book in
the series introduces readers to Sam, his twin sister MJ and their friends who experience not
only boy bonding, but girl power too, in authentic kid situations.
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Gutsy Girls: Young Women Who Dare
edit. by Tina Schwager et. al.
Gutsy Girls profiles 25 real young women, age 14-24, who have have shown incredible courage
and strength (mental and physical) in taking on great challenges, from skydiving to building
a house for Habitat for Humanity. It's easy to get inspired by their stories... following which
the book offers a section called "How to Be Gutsy Yourself," with "Take Action" suggestions.
Recommended for grades 7 and up.
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Girls Who Rocked the World : Heroines from Sacagawea to Sheryl Swoopes
edit. by Amelie Welden
Aimed for slightly younger girls (grades 5-8), this book shares the same goal
of "Gutsy Girls:" to share profiles of real women who've led lives of inspiration. However,
in this case, most of the women are well- known, with a common denominator of having all achieved
something extraordinary by the time they were 20... (so when you read it with your daughter,
you can feel either personally moved, or entirely unaccomplished at your more advanced stage
of life). The book goes in chronological order, from Cleopatra to Martina Hingis. Each chapter
ends with asking modern girls, "how will you rock the world?" (Incidentally, to be equitable,
there's also a companion "Boys Who Rocked the World" that's equally worthy).
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33 Things Every Girl Should Know : Stories, Songs, poems, and Smart Talk by
33 Extraordinary Women"
edit. by Tonya Bolden
"As the editor of the book says, "It's no secret. This book is about girl build-up." Unlike
our two preceding choices, this book leverages the wisdom of bold- faced grown-up 'girls' who
impart their advice to encourage self-respect and self-esteem. From celebs like Natalie Merchant
and Lauren Hutton to scientists, athletes, writers and others, one of the key charms of this
book is the free-wheeling range of the contributions, from a forensic discussion on why it's
not a crime for girls to love science to a funny comic about mean girls. Geared for grades 6
and up, these very readable pieces act as inspiring comfort food for getting through the teenage
years.
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The Day the Dog Dressed Like Dad
by Tom Amico and James Proimos
Definitely irreverent, definitely entertaining for preschoolers. One morning, the family
dog comes downstairs dressed exactly like Dad. The dog does a few things just like Dad would,
but he also has a more canine approach to life that makes for quite an interesting day.
(Maybe tomorrow the cat will dress like Mom)! If you've ever wanted your kids to wonder
what life would be like if either parent actually took a day off, read this one out loud.
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Chicken Fingers, Mac and Cheese... Why Do I Always Have to Say Please?
by Jackie End and Wendy Rosen
As told through the dining experience of Lily and her little brother Max, this charming book
gives kids answers they can understand to that perennial question, "why do I always have to
say please?" Many parents find instilling manners as much of a chore as kids have indoctrinating
them... through this entertaining story, neither will mind a healthy serving.
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