Previously, we discussed why classic books are important. I will continue this article with how to start and compile your collection of classic books.
Where do I find classic books? Shop around. You can find classic books in many places, but since they are going to be in your home library for some time, I recommend you get leather bound books in good to fair condition. When building your in-home library of classic books, you should check the thrift stores for leather bound books. This is going to be your best deals price-wise, though for me the dust is prohibitive. Next, you can visit neighborhood yard sales, and check the book collections. You will find some wonderful treasures there. Libraries often sell older books to make room for new ones, so stop if you see a book sale at the library. Finally, search online auctions, and other websites for the harder to find classic books.
Which classics should you choose? Rather than saying what classics should be read, it makes more sense to say when they should be read. As Valorie Delp stated in the previously mentioned article, it not necessarily the subject matter from which children should be shielded, but instead for exposure at too young an age or maturity level. Always supply books to children that you are familiar with, or read them before giving them to your children. This way you will know if it is appropriate for your children. The following list is not exhaustive.
Younger Children should read the following classic books, or have them read to them:
Hans Christian Anderson’s Fairy Tales and Stories
A Christmas Carol
Peter Pan and Wendy
The Wizard of Oz
Alice in Wonderland
The Wind in the Willows
The Jungle Book
The Velveteen Rabbit
Older Children (preteen – teen) should read:
Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn
Little Woman
Pride and Prejudice
Sense and Sensibility
The Secret Garden
The Red Badge of Courage
Oliver Twist
Animal Farm
You may want to save the following classics for adulthood:
Jane Eyre
Wuthering Heights
The Scarlet Letter
The Iliad
More reading lists for your homeschoolers some of which contain classic books:
Reading List for Fifth Grade
Sixth Grade Reading List
Seventh Grade Reading Lists
Fifty Books for the Eighth Grade
Ninth Grade Reading List
Recommended Reading for the Tenth Grade
Eleventh Grade Reading List
Reading List for Twelfth Grade
Stay tuned for “The importance of Historical Fiction”