On Books - Part Two

Something that has been really special to our family over the years is reading aloud. Usually Mom does the reading, although Dad has read a few books to us as well. There are so many excellent family read-aloud books that this post may get a little lengthy! Reading to my kids (assuming God blesses me with a husband and children) is one of the things I look forward to the most. Here are some books I’ve collected (and hope to finish collecting!) in preparation for that day.

C. A. Stephens
When Life Was Young
A Busy Year
A Great Year of Our Lives
(all the above subtitled "At the Old Squire’s")
Stories of My Home Folks
My Folks in Maine

C.A. Stephens is definitely one of our family’s favorite authors. The titles above are stories of six cousins growing up on their grandparents’ farm in Maine just after the Civil War. Fascinating for all ages (with plenty of adventure to hold boys’ attention!), they present an engaging picture of life on an old-fashioned farm, complete with stories about logging, trapping, hay making, maple sugaring, the village academy, and every kind of fun you can imagine. These books were published around 1910, so keep your eyes open for them at antique bookstores. Some collections of selected stories have been published more recently and may be easier to find – Grandfather’s Broadaxe (1967), Stories from the Old Squire’s Farm and Sailing on the Ice.

Eleanor Estes
The Moffats
The Middle Moffat
Rufus M.
The Moffat Museum
Ginger Pye
Pinky Pye
[Note from Natalie: I also really enjoyed Eleanor's The Hundred Dresses!]

Another favorite author! The first four books follow the Moffat family – a widowed mother and her four children living in a small town during World War I. The "Pye" books are about another family (the Pyes) in the same town, and their adventures with their dog, Ginger, and cat, Pinky. Very innocent, happy books. My parents really enjoy the family interaction and lack of sibling rivalry, disrespect, and bad attitudes. These gems should be available at your library, and I’m thrilled to report that they were recently reprinted!

Maud Hart Lovelace
Betsy-Tacy
Betsy-Tacy and Tib
Betsy and Tacy Go Over The Big Hill
Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown

Classics about innocent little girls growing up in small-town Minnesota at the turn of the century. These sweet books were some of my childhood favorites. Also recently reprinted!

Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher (some editions may say Dorothy Canfield)

Sickly, frightened, selfish Elizabeth Ann is transplanted to a relative’s farm in Vermont. She learns to think for herself, to think of others, and to overcome her fears. Instead of being scared Elizabeth Ann, she becomes "understood" Betsy. Excellent! This book is special to my family because I have a sister named Elizabeth Anne who is called Betsy.

Rebecca Caudill
Up and Down the River
Happy Little Family
Schoolhouse in the Woods
Schoolroom in the Parlor

Sweet books about a family in the Appalachians. The stories center around adorable four year-old Bonnie and are especially suitable for younger children (although so well-written they are enjoyable for all ages). Reprinted! Whoever is reviving these wonderful old books should get a medal!

Note: Did you know that if you buy any books from the links on this page, part of the profit goes to support the Young Ladies Christian Fellowship? It’s a great way to make a contribution and get good books at the same time! [Ed: We appreciate those who purchase through our links! Though a ministry, running the YLCF costs money; your purchase through our website helps cover the expenses of hosting and much more.]

- by Jeannie Castleberry