Children's Literature Association's Eleven Best American Children's Books Of The Past 200 Years
This is one of the 743 lists we use to generate our main The Greatest Books list.
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Charlotte's Web by E. B. White
A young girl named Fern saves a runt piglet from being slaughtered and names him Wilbur. When Wilbur grows too large, he is sent to live in her uncle's barn, where he befriends a clever spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur's life is in danger again, Charlotte weaves messages into her web to convince the farmer that Wilbur is too special to kill. The book explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the cycle of life.
The 107th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
A young boy named Max, dressed in his wolf costume, wreaks such havoc through his household that he is sent to bed without his supper. In his room, a mysterious, wild forest and sea grows out of his imagination, and Max sails to the land of the Wild Things. The Wild Things are fearsome-looking monsters, but Max conquers them by “staring into their yellow eyes without blinking once”, and he is made the king of all wild things. However, he soon finds himself lonely and homesick and returns home to his bedroom where he finds his supper waiting for him, still hot.
The 320th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
Tom Sawyer's Comrade
The book chronicles the mischievous adventures of a young boy living on the Mississippi River in the mid-19th century. The protagonist, a clever and imaginative boy, often finds himself in trouble for his pranks and daydreams. His escapades range from his romance with a young girl, his search for buried treasure, his attendance at his own funeral, and his witnessing of a murder. The narrative captures the essence of childhood and the societal rules of the time.
The 241st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
or, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy
This classic novel follows the lives of the four March sisters - Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy - as they navigate the challenges and joys of adolescence and adulthood in 19th century New England. As they grow, they grapple with issues of poverty, gender roles, love, and personal identity, each in her own unique way. The story is a testament to the power of family, sisterhood, and female resilience in a time of societal constraints.
The 93rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Tom Sawyer's Comrade
The novel follows the journey of a young boy named Huckleberry Finn and a runaway slave named Jim as they travel down the Mississippi River on a raft. Set in the American South before the Civil War, the story explores themes of friendship, freedom, and the hypocrisy of society. Through various adventures and encounters with a host of colorful characters, Huck grapples with his personal values, often clashing with the societal norms of the time.
The 22nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Little House In The Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
"Little House In The Big Woods" is a heartwarming story set in the late 1800s, following the life of a young girl named Laura and her family as they navigate the challenges and joys of living in the Wisconsin wilderness. Through vivid descriptions and engaging anecdotes, the book offers a glimpse into the daily routines, traditions, and adventures of pioneer life, highlighting the importance of family, resilience, and the simple pleasures found in nature.
The 1442nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes
A Novel for Old & Young
This novel is a historical fiction set in Boston during the early stages of the American Revolution. It follows the story of a young silversmith apprentice, whose life takes a dramatic turn after a crippling hand injury prevents him from continuing his craft. As he searches for a new purpose, he becomes involved with the Sons of Liberty, participating in pivotal events leading up to the American Revolution. Through his experiences, he encounters historical figures, faces moral dilemmas, and grows from a selfish adolescent into a patriotic young man, offering readers a vivid glimpse into the struggles and spirit of the time.
The 2970th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
A young girl from Kansas is swept away by a tornado to a fantastical land called Oz. To return home, she must find the mysterious Wizard in the Emerald City, and on her journey, she befriends a Scarecrow in need of a brain, a Tin Woodman longing for a heart, and a Cowardly Lion seeking courage. They all hope the Wizard can grant their wishes, but they must first overcome the Wicked Witch of the West who poses a great danger to them.
The 337th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
The book chronicles the adventures of a young pioneer family as they travel westward from Wisconsin to Kansas in the late 19th century. The family, consisting of a mother, father, and their three daughters, face numerous hardships and challenges along the way, including scarce resources, harsh weather conditions, and encounters with Native Americans. Despite these challenges, they manage to build a new life for themselves on the prairie, showcasing the resilience and determination of early American settlers.
The 692nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Island Of The Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
Set on a remote island off the coast of California, the story follows a young Native American girl named Karana who is left to fend for herself after her tribe is forced to leave their homeland. As the sole inhabitant of the island, she must summon her courage and resourcefulness to survive against the elements and wild animals. Over time, Karana learns to adapt to her solitary life, finding companionship in unexpected places and discovering her own strength and resilience. Her journey is one of self-discovery, survival, and the enduring bond between humans and nature.
The 4542nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Julie Of The Wolves by Jean Craighead George
This novel follows the journey of a young Inuit girl named Julie, who finds herself lost in the Alaskan wilderness after running away from home. In her quest for survival, she becomes integrated into a pack of wolves, learning their ways and earning their trust. Through this unique experience, Julie, also known by her Eskimo name Miyax, embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery, survival, and a deep understanding of the natural world around her. The story beautifully explores themes of identity, cultural conflict, and the intricate bonds between humans and nature.
The 7690th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon
Children's Literature Association, 11 Books
These selections are the result of a 1975-1976 survey of members of the Children's Literature Association, an international group of librarians, teachers, authors and publishers. The list includes the suggested readers' age range for each book.
This list was originally published in 1976 and was added to this site over 1 year ago.
This list has a weight of 75%. To learn more about what this means please visit the Rankings page.
Here is a list of what is decreasing the importance of this list:
- List: only covers 1 specific genre
- Voters: Unknown Names
If you think this is incorrect please contact us.
- Number of Voters:
- 500
- Voter Count Unknown:
- No
- Voter Names Unknown:
- Yes
- High Quality Source:
- No
- Location Specific:
- Yes
- Category Specific:
- Yes