Kids' Reading List: Classics for 6 to 9 Years
John Henry
By Julius Lester; illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
This retelling adds some modern twists to the classic legend of the African American hero who races against a steam drill to cut a path through a mountain for the railroad.By Julius Lester; illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
Dial, 1994. ISBN: 9780803716063
Pippi Longstocking
By Astrid Lindgren; illustrated by Lauren Child. translated by Tiina Nunnally
This book is a new translation of the adventures of Pippi, a young girl with strength and imagination, who lives with her horse and monkey without adult supervision. The artwork is cleverly integrated into the text. By Astrid Lindgren; illustrated by Lauren Child. translated by Tiina Nunnally
Viking, 2007. ISBN: 9780670062768
Swamp Angel
By Anne Isaacs; illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky
In this literary legend, Angelica Longrider becomes the most famous woodswoman in Tennessee when she defeats Thundering Tarnation, "a huge bear with a bottomless appetite for settlers' grub." By Anne Isaacs; illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky
Dutton, 1994. ISBN: 9780525452713
Frog and Toad Are Friends
By Arnold Lobel
Laugh along with quirky Toad and thoughtful Frog as they discover what it means to be friends through these five easy-to-read stories and the accompanying expressive illustrations, full of imagination, humor, gentleness and consideration for one another.By Arnold Lobel
HarperCollins, 1970. ISBN: 9780060239572
My Father's Dragon
By Ruth Stiles Gannett; illustrated by Ruth Chrisman Gannett
Young Elmer Elevator journeys to Wild Island and tries to outsmart lions, crocodiles and the other fierce, and sometimes silly, creatures that live there. It's dangerous, but they're holding a baby dragon prisoner, and Elmer will do whatever he can to rescue him.By Ruth Stiles Gannett; illustrated by Ruth Chrisman Gannett
Random, 1948. ISBN 9780440421214
Jack and the Beanstalk
Retold and illustrated by Steven Kellogg
This picture book introduction to the classic folktale has both humorous and slightly scary elements that will pull children into the drama. The villain is warty ogre with a pig-like snout and sharp teeth.Retold and illustrated by Steven Kellogg
HarperCollins, 1991. ISBN: 9780688102500
Mortimer
By Robert Munsch; illustrated by Michael Martchenko
Mortimer does not want to go to sleep. Whenever anyone commands, "Mortimer, BE QUIET!" he has a refrain in a story that begs for audience participation.By Robert Munsch; illustrated by Michael Martchenko
Annick, 1985. ISBN: 9780920303115
Little Red Riding Hood
By Jerry Pinkney
The winter scenes and the traditional responses of the wicked wolf will send chills down the reader's spine in this richly illustrated and oh-so-satisfying version of the traditional folktale.By Jerry Pinkney
Little, Brown, 2007. ISBN: 9780316013550
Check out more classic books for kids 10 to 12 years old.
* 2010 addition
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