Juvenile Literature

The books in this collection navigate themes and ideas appropriate for younger readers. Whether you're looking for contemporary hits like Front Desk by Kelly Yang or beloved classics like Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, you can explore this collection to find a title that will excite the young readers in your life.

Before We Were Free

by Julia Alvarez

Publication year 2002

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Family

Tags American Literature, Children`s Literature, Education, Education, World History, Historical Fiction, Arts & Culture

When Julia Alvarez’s Before We Were Free (2002) begins, the life of Anita de la Torre, an 11-year-old girl in the Dominican Republic, is about to change forever. The novel investigates themes of family, government corruption, superstition, and the power of the written word, all set against the backdrop of the months before and after the assassination of a brutal dictator, Rafael Trujillo. This study guide uses the 2007 Laurel Leaf Reprint Edition.Plot SummaryDuring the... Read Before We Were Free Summary

Behind Rebel Lines

by Seymour Reit

Publication year 1988

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Femininity, Fathers, Safety & Danger

Tags Historical Fiction, Life-Inspired Fiction, Military & War, US History, Gender & Feminism, Social Justice, American Civil War, Children`s Literature, Education, Education, World History

Behind Rebel Lines: The Incredible Story of Emma Edmonds, Civil War Spy by Seymour Reit is a work of historical fiction and children’s literature based on the true story of a young woman who pretends to be a man so that she can join the Union army during the US Civil War. The book’s target audience is ages 10-14, and it uses a simple style to appeal to a young audience. It is categorized as... Read Behind Rebel Lines Summary

Behind the Bedroom Wall

by Laura E. Williams

Publication year 1996

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Equality, Good & Evil, Justice, Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Perseverance, Fear, Guilt, Hate & Anger, Hope, Trust & Doubt, Truth & Lies, Safety & Danger, Race, Loyalty & Betrayal

Tags Historical Fiction, World War II, Holocaust, Coming of Age, European History, World History, Children`s Literature, Military & War

Behind the Bedroom Wall is a 1996 Young Adult historical fiction novel by Korean American author Laura E. Williams. The novel won the 1997 Jane Addams’ Children’s Book Award. Williams has written several other novels, including The Mystic Lighthouse series, Up a Creek, The Ghost Stallion, The Executioner’s Daughter, The Can Man, and Unexpected.Set in 1942 Germany, Behind the Bedroom Wall follows a 13-year-old Aryan German girl named Korinna Rehme, who is an active member... Read Behind the Bedroom Wall Summary

Belly Up

by Stuart Gibbs

Publication year 2010

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Power & Greed, Perseverance, Animals

Tags Mystery & Crime Fiction, Humor, Action & Adventure, Animals, Children`s Literature, Realistic Fiction

... Read Belly Up Summary

Be Prepared

by Vera Brosgol

Publication year 2018

Genre Graphic Memoir , Nonfiction

Themes Friendship, Loneliness, Childhood & Youth, Self Discovery, Social Class, Immigration, Religion & Spirituality, Coming of Age

Tags Humor, Action & Adventure, Coming of Age, Children`s Literature, Realistic Fiction

... Read Be Prepared Summary

Better Nate Than Ever

by Tim Federle

Publication year 2013

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Family, Music, Perseverance, Self Discovery

Tags Realistic Fiction, Humor, LGBTQ+, Music, Children`s Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

Content Warning: Better Nate Than Ever contains sensitive material, such as bullying and LGBTQ-related slurs.Better Nate Than Ever (2013) is the first book in a trilogy about Broadway hopeful Nate Foster; the next two titles in the series are Five, Six, Seven, Nate! (2014) and Nate Expectations (2018). The novel is intended for middle grade and young adult readers but may also appeal to adult fans of theater-related fiction. Author Tim Federle and the fictional... Read Better Nate Than Ever Summary

Beware of the Dog

by Roald Dahl

Publication year 1946

Genre Short Story, Fiction

Themes War, Fear, Truth & Lies, Loyalty & Betrayal

Tags Classic Fiction, Military & War, Historical Fiction, World War II, Action & Adventure, Children`s Literature, Education, Education, Fantasy

... Read Beware of the Dog Summary

Beyond the Bright Sea

by Lauren Wolk

Publication year 2017

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Family

Tags Realistic Fiction, Children`s Literature, Mystery & Crime Fiction, World History, Historical Fiction

Lauren Wolk’s historical novel Beyond the Bright Sea (2017) takes place in 1925. Its narrator, 12-year-old Crow, was put to sea alone in a boat just hours after her birth. Now, she lives on the Elizabeth Islands off the coast of Massachusetts with the solitary painter who found her, Osh. As Crow searches for clues about her birth family and origins, she also strengthens bonds with Osh and the world she has grown up in... Read Beyond the Bright Sea Summary

Big Nate

by Lincoln Peirce

Publication year 2010

Genre Graphic Novel/Book, Fiction

Themes Friendship, Fate, Shame & Pride, Fame

Tags Humor, Realistic Fiction, Children`s Literature, Education, Education

... Read Big Nate Summary

Big Red

by Jim Kjelgaard

Publication year 1945

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Coming of Age, Perseverance, Animals, Place, Friendship

Tags Children`s Literature, Historical Fiction, Classic Fiction, Animals, Action & Adventure

Jim Kjelgaard’s novel Big Red (1945) traces the adventures of protagonist Danny Pickett after he befriends a unique Irish setter named Red. Danny has lived at the edge of the Wintapi wilderness with his father, Ross Pickett, for as long as he can remember. Although he loves his father, their life together, and the surrounding woods, Danny longs for a friend. Danny is thrilled when Mr. Haggin, the Pickett’s property owner and boss, hires Danny... Read Big Red Summary

Black Beauty

by Anna Sewell

Publication year 1877

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Religion & Spirituality, Social Class, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Perseverance, Animals

Tags Classic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Action & Adventure, Animals, Addiction & Substance Abuse, Social Class, European History, Poverty, Religion & Spirituality, Social Justice, Trauma & Abuse, Urban Development, Victorian Period, Coming of Age, Children`s Literature, World History

Black Beauty was written by English novelist Anna Sewell, and published in 1877. It quickly became extremely popular, and led to increased activism and public concern for the humane treatment of horses and other animals. It went on to become one of best-selling novels of all time, and has been adapted numerous times into films and theatre productions. Sewell used her novel to explore themes such as kindness and responsibility, and to critique social problems... Read Black Beauty Summary