Last week I shared my favorite books from 2015, and this post was originally going to feature all of the best children’s books I read in 2015 – board books, picture books, readalouds, and the ones I read for myself.
Except 2015 was a knockout year with great kid lit, and I needed to split it up so it’s not completely ridiculous.
So, today is all about the books I picked and read for myself. Not books I read to a child or three – these were my reads.
The Year of Miss Agnes
A reread in preparation for the online kids book club I’m doing with Jessica (Quirky Bookworm). I adored this book the first time I read it, and suggested it for our Arctic theme. Then I was scared that it wouldn’t hold up well to rereading, or what if people hated it?
Well, so far everyone who has commented about it has said they’ve enjoyed it (yay!) and I loved it just as much the second time through. It’s heartwarming and inspiring, and all around a lovely read.
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
Also read when it was a possibility for that book club (we ended up not selecting China as a theme this year). It’s gorgeously written, and charmingly illustrated – go for the print version, not the electronic as I did, or you’ll miss out on some of the illustration details. Loved, loved, loved it.
The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
An uplifting look at World War II evacuees, and how being sent away from London ended up being the best thing to happen to one girl. It’s heart-rending but ultimately hopeful. Because of the descriptions of abuse that Ada suffers I wouldn’t advise it for younger readers, but for those emotionally ready to read it, it’s a fantastic book.
Inside Out and Back Againby Thanhha Lai
A heartbreaking account, beautifully written in verse that manages to make the semi-autobiographical story emotionally easier to read. Well-deserved winner of the National Book Award and a Newbery Honor Book.
Listen, Slowly by Thanhha Lai
Yes, a second book by the Thanhha Lai. Unlike Inside Out and Back Again, this is written in prose, and she is just as adept in that form. It’s a captivating story, with lots of appealing characters, that brings contemporary Vietnam to life.
Sparrow Road by Sheila O’Connor
Relationship-focused middle grade book with beautiful language and appealing characters. I like how it’s got a bit more depth in the content than some books I’d recommend to early elementary readers, while still being gentle enough for all but the most precocious of readers.
Goodbye Strangerby Rebecca Stead
Precocious reader alert: because of some of the topics addressed (including bullying and sexting), this isn’t one you’ll want to hand off to younger readers, but it’s a wonderfully written tale for those old enough for the content. It’s not as amazing as Stead’s When You Reach Me, but it’s still a solid book.
The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
(a reread)
It still is one of my favorites, and I gave away my copy this year and may need to replace it soon so I can read it another time. If you’re new to this series, don’t give up on this one – it has a slow start – but ultimately it is so good. Vaguely historical in feel, with some fantasy elements as well, and flashes of humor add up to a winning read.
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
(A reread for book club)
Possibly even better as a reread, as you know what’s going to happen, and can appreciate the clues Stead weaves throughout the text. No more details, lest I slip and give spoilers, but READ THIS BOOK.
For more peeks at what people are reading, head over to Modern Mrs. Darcy’s link-up!
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Previously on The Deliberate Reader
One year ago: Favorite Kids’ Books of 2014
Two years ago: Current Reads, Twitterature-Style
Three years ago: Mini Reviews: Memoirs to Skip
You\'re reading The Best Kids Books (I Read for Myself) in 2015 by Sheila Craig, originally posted on The Deliberate Reader on January 15, 2016. If you\'ve enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Sheila on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.