With today's post we continue with Part III of Mrs. Neisler's series on book recommendations for godly girls. She provides literature suggestions under the topic of 'classics and book series.' You may wish to also view Part I and Part II.
Gretchen Neisler works on staff at a Lifeway Christian Store and serves in the Children's Ministry of Clifton Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, where she and her husband Joshua are members. The Neislers are expecting their first child.
Classics and Series — well known books
Hundred Dresses by Elenor Estes — every little girl must read this book and discuss the story with her mother. Poor Wanda is made fun of day after day by the other girls in school because she says she has a hundred dresses at home in her closet, all lined up. Maddie — a girl who goes along with the mocking because she wants to be popular but always feels bad about it — serves as the conscience of the story. The surprise ending gives cause for personal reflection over issues of showing favoritism, speaking hurtfully to one's peers, and judging others as well as speaking up and taking a stand against wrongdoing. (ages 6-12)
Little House on the Prairie et.al. by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee — for mature readers. Though Scout is a tomboy in every sense of the word (and there is certainly nothing wrong with that!), her father Atticus Finch can serve as an example of a truly admirable man for a female reader. Their delightful neighbor, Miss Maudie, is a wonderful woman of character who helps Scout and Jem understand how truly great their father is.
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Warner Chandler
American Girl Series — especially Addy, Felicity, Kirsten, Josefina and Samantha. Some families shy away from this series because they are not Christian and do not want to spend money on the dolls, but the books are such excellent stories, and the girls in this series do live out traditional gender roles. These books are designed to keep little girls from growing up too fast. (ages 7-10)
Betsy-Tacy, et al by Maude Hart Lovelace
Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan
A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Little Pilgrim's Progress by Helen Taylor (retelling of John Bunyan's classic). Includes the story of Christiana. (read-aloud to ages 7 and up, read for self ages 10 and up)
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