Having just finished my last ever required reading English book of high school, I found myself reflecting on the many books that have shaped me as a person throughout my childhood. Below, I’ve compiled a list (in chronological order of the age that I read them) of the books that have had a significant impact on me. As I’ve laughed and cried, the words on these pages have slowly become nostalgic memories. One day, I hope my own children will read them too.
- I love you Stinky Face By Lisa McCourt
If you know then you know. This was a classic staple from my childhood and I will surely use the line “I love you stinky face” all throughout my kids upbringing.
2. Pinkalicious By Victoria and Elizabeth Kann
Growing up, this book really convinced me I loved the color pink. I was also a huge fan of Silverlicious which inspired my tooth fairy Halloween costume one year!
- The Tail of Emily Windsnap By Liz Kessler
I think I read most, if not all of the books in this entire collection by the time I finished 4th grade. It truly had me mesmerized and I wanted to be a mermaid so bad!
- Dolphin Tale By Emma Ryan
After reading this book I was convinced that I wanted to be a marine biologist. I would also watch the movie on repeat and cry because I developed such a deep emotional attachment to the dolphin.
- Sisters By Raina Telgemeir
I think most girls born in the late 2000’s can agree that Sisters, along with all of Raina Telgemeier‘s graphic novels were staples. They were short easy reads with relatable content!
- The Diary of Anne Frank
I read this book at age 13 which is how old Anne was when she wrote her diary and I highly suggest that all young girls read it like that too. It really made me thankful for the world we live in today and helped me understand the war better too.
- A man called Ove By Fredrik Backman
This was truly a gut wrenching, terribly sad book but it gave me a new perspective on life and made me grateful for my youth.
- Mrs peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children By Ransom Riggs
Looking back, I’m not sure why I was ever so interested in books like these but I read the entire series nonstop. Dark and Gothic tales of children with superpowers fighting against evil spirits had me hooked to say the least. As someone who never finished reading all of the Harry Potter books, I feel as though this was a good alternative.
- Unbroken By Laura Hillenbrand
Up until I read this book I was not a big fan of non-fiction, but Unbroken changed that. I feel as though I learned more about history from this book than from any class I’ve taken. I just remember being so invested, shocked, and inspired the entire time I read. It also taught me to be grateful for growing up in an era of relative peace. If you want a deeper understanding of World War II and/or a will to live, then you definitely need to read Unbroken.
- To Kill a Mockingbird By Harper Lee
I feel as though this is a classic that everyone needs to read. It provides a perspective on life in the south during the depression. You feel very close with the characters when reading it.
- The Stranger By Albert Camus
Reading this book during second semester of senior year is a definite must. As you stand at the crossroads between childhood and adulthood, choosing a college and deciding what to do with the rest of your life, you will find yourself questioning your own existence. Just like the main character of this novel, Meursault, you must also begin to open yourself to the gentle indifference of the world, finding peace in uncertainty rather than resisting it.