Gilly, an 11-year-old foster child, who refuses to bond with anyone, meets her match with Mrs. Trotter, a wise and kind foster mother.

Crowell, 1978. ISBN: 9780690038378 

Katherine Paterson's recommended children's reads During the German occupation of Denmark in 1943, ten-year-old Annemarie shows great courage when she helps her Jewish friend escape from the Nazis.

Houghton, 1989. ISBN: 9780395510605 When her son falls ill, Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse, seeks help from her rat neighbors and finds a secret laboratory.

Simon & Schuster/Atheneum, 1971. ISBN: 9780689710681






An assistant pig-keeper who longs for adventure gets more than he bargained for when his pig runs away. As he pursues her through the magical land of Prydain, he encounters an evil enchantress, deathless warrior and the mysterious, masked Horned King.

Holt, 1964. ISBN: 9780805080483






The adventures of an 11-year-old orphan girl starts off a classic series. The story is at times funny, at times sad, and always intriguing.

Putnam, 1908. ISBN: 9780399154782








When Leslie Burke moves next door to Jess Aarons, he finds that she loves to run as much as he does, and the two become friends. Together, they create a secret kingdom in nearby woods and name it Terabithia. There they rule, fight giants, share stories and seek solace from the everyday world until tragedy strikes.

HarperCollins, 1977. ISBN: 9780690013597

Katherine Paterson's recommended children's reads
Try some classic books for kids 12 years and up.