Best Children’s Literature Books April 2025

The BFG

Sophie never imagined that her life would change forever one moonlit night. Snatched from her orphanage bed by a giant, she soon discovers that not all giants are as terrifying as they seem. The BFG, with his enormous ears and kind heart, introduces her to a world of dreams and adventure. Together, they hatch a daring plan to stop the other, more fearsome giants from wreaking havoc. Roald Dahl’s “The BFG” is a whimsical tale of friendship, courage, and the magic that lies within the unexpected.

Tuck Everlasting

Winnie Foster, a young girl yearning for adventure, stumbles upon the Tuck family and their extraordinary secret: a spring that grants eternal life. As she grapples with the allure and consequences of immortality, Winnie forms an unexpected bond with the Tucks, especially the charming Jesse. Set against the backdrop of a timeless, enchanted forest, “Tuck Everlasting” beautifully explores themes of life, love, and the bittersweet nature of time.

Johnny Tremain

Set against the backdrop of the American Revolution, “Johnny Tremain” by Esther Forbes is a timeless tale of a young silversmith apprentice whose life takes an unexpected turn after a tragic accident. Johnny’s journey from arrogance to humility, and from boyhood to manhood, is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. As he becomes entangled in the revolutionary fervor of Boston, readers are drawn into his struggles, triumphs, and the friendships that shape his destiny. This novel beautifully captures the spirit of a nation on the brink of independence and the personal growth of a boy finding his place in a changing world.

Anne of Avonlea

Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery is a heartwarming continuation of Anne Shirley’s adventures. Now a young adult, Anne returns to Avonlea to teach at her old school, bringing her boundless imagination and spirited personality with her. As she navigates the challenges of adulthood, Anne forms new friendships and deepens old ones, all while dreaming of a brighter future. This charming sequel is a delightful exploration of growth, community, and the enduring magic of dreams.

Little House In the Big Woods

In “Little House in the Big Woods,” Laura Ingalls Wilder takes us on a nostalgic journey to her childhood in the Wisconsin wilderness. Through Laura’s eyes, we experience the simple joys and challenges of pioneer life. Her vivid descriptions of family traditions, seasonal changes, and the warmth of the hearth evoke a sense of timelessness. This book is a heartfelt tribute to resilience, family bonds, and the beauty of nature.

Pippi Longstocking

Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren is a whimsical tale that has enchanted readers for generations. Pippi, with her mismatched stockings and boundless imagination, lives alone in Villa Villekulla with her horse and monkey. Her fearless spirit and unconventional antics captivate her neighbors, Tommy and Annika, leading to a series of delightful adventures. I remember reading this as a child and feeling inspired by Pippi’s independence and zest for life. It’s a timeless story that celebrates the joy of childhood and the power of individuality.

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

Set in the deep South during the Great Depression, “Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry” by Mildred D. Taylor is a poignant tale of resilience and family. Through the eyes of young Cassie Logan, we experience the harsh realities of racism and injustice. The Logan family’s unwavering strength and unity are both heartwarming and inspiring. This book left me reflecting on the power of love and the importance of standing up for what’s right.

Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There

Alice’s adventures continue in “Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There” by Lewis Carroll. This enchanting sequel takes Alice through a mirror into a whimsical world where everything is reversed. Chess pieces come to life, and nursery rhyme characters walk and talk. I remember being utterly captivated by the clever wordplay and the topsy-turvy logic. It’s a delightful escape into a land where imagination knows no bounds.

Holes

Stanley Yelnats is cursed—or so his family believes. When he’s wrongfully sent to a boys’ detention center, Camp Green Lake, for a crime he didn’t commit, Stanley’s life takes an unexpected turn. Instead of a lake, he finds a dry, desolate wasteland where the boys are forced to dig holes daily. As Stanley digs, he unearths more than just dirt; he discovers a hidden treasure and a family secret that could change everything. Louis Sachar’s “Holes” is a captivating tale of friendship, fate, and redemption that will leave you pondering long after the last page.

Bridge to Terabithia

“Bridge to Terabithia” by Katherine Paterson is a poignant tale of friendship and imagination. Jess Aarons, a fifth-grader with dreams of being the fastest runner, finds an unexpected ally in Leslie Burke, the new girl in school. Together, they create Terabithia, a magical kingdom in the woods where they reign as king and queen. This heartfelt story explores themes of loss, courage, and the transformative power of friendship. I remember reading it as a child and feeling deeply moved by its emotional depth and the bond between Jess and Leslie.