The Bookworm
Children's Literature
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The Railway Children
By E. Nesbit
"Everything has an end, and you get to it if you only keep all on."
- Chapter 12
The Railway Children
Published: 1906
Author: E. Nesbit
Bookworm Rating: 5 stars
Age Rating: 6+
Average Size: 200 pages
Bobbie, Phyliss and Peter are three perfectly ordinary suburban children. But when two strangers call at the house and take Father away, everything changes. Mother announces they are moving to the country where adventure and the railway await them.
Written in 1906, The Railway Children is a timeless classic that will inspire and entertain readers of all ages. A deeply empathetic book about childhood. A must-read for any bookworm.
The Bookworm rates this title as 5+ due to comprehension. A childhood classic. Features scenes of peril, including a landslide and threat of a rail accident. A simple read perfect for children and adults alike. Good comfort read.
“People laugh at me because I use big words. But if you have big ideas, you have to use big words to express them, haven't you?” - Chapter 2
Anne of Green Gables
Published: 1908
Author: Lucy Maud Montgomery
Bookworm Rating: 5 stars
Age Rating: 6+
Average Size: 400 pages
The red-headed orphan Anne Shirley arrives in Avonlea only to find that her adopters, siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, are expecting a boy instead. But Anne's imagination, tenacity, and brilliance take the Cuthbert's and Avonlea by storm. Has she at last discovered a real home?
Written in 1908 by Canadian author Lucy Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables is a joyous and hilarious read. Beloved for generations, Anne's honesty and imagination continue to steal hearts today.
The Bookworm rates this title as 4+. Featuring scenes of peril, including a fall from a ridgepole and a boat capsizing in a lake. A character is struck by a teacher for a minor offense. Anne of Green Gables is an entertaining and approachable book appropriate for readers of all ages.
“Most of the really exciting things we do in our lives scare us to death. They wouldn't be exciting if they didn't.” - Chapter 7
Danny, the Champion of the World
Published: 1975
Author: Roald Dahl
Bookworm Rating: 5 stars
Age Rating: 5+
Average Size: 205 pages
Danny lives with his amazing father in a gypsy caravan. But Danny is shocked when he discovers his Dad has been sneaking off to poach pheasants from the horrible Mr. Victor Hazel. Young Danny quickly becomes entangled in the poaching exploits, and becomes the Champion of the World!
Time magazine included the novel in its list of the 100 Best Young-Adult Books of All Time, and we agree. A commemoration of childhood, infused with mature insights regarding our role models and morality.
A feel-good adventure suitable for all ages. Equipped with typical Roald Dahl dark humor.
"It takes all sorts to make a world" - Chapter 4
Wind In The Willows
Published: 1908
Author: Kenneth Grahame
Bookworm Rating: 5 stars
Age Rating: 6+
Average Size: 197 pages
When Mole gets tired of doing spring cleaning he embarks on an expedition on which he meets the stern Mr. Badger, the mischievous Toad of Toad Hall, and the amiable Rat.
Christopher Milne described Wind in the Willows as 'two books in one', one dedicated to the narrative, and the other 'the emotions of fear, nostalgia, awe, wanderlust'. An instant favourite.
The Bookworm rates this title as 5+. Scenes of moderate danger are included; an otter pup goes missing for several days, and characters use weapons to scare off their attackers after storming a residence held by them. Wind in the Willows is a humorous and comforting book that is appropriate for all ages.
"This is Wild Cat Island. We've been here years and years"
Swallows and Amazons
Published: 1930
Author: Arthur Ransome
Bookworm Rating: 4 stars
Age Rating: 6+
Average Size: 350 pages
From their vacation port of Holly Howe, Captain John Walker, Mate Susan, Able-Seaman Titty, and ship's boy Roger set out for an island in the lake. Although they make camp there, they are not the only sailors who claim the island.
Set in August 1929, Swallows and Amazons charts the adventures of four children as they wage war on their new friends/enemies the Amazon Pirates. The author perfectly captures the solemnity attached to each activity, whether its waging war or catching sharks for supper.
The Bookworm gives Swallows and Amazons a 6+ rating. A children's novel which is quite lengthy and has some instances of out-of-date language.
“There's no great loss without some small gain.”
Heidi
Published: 1880
Author: Johanna Spyri
Bookworm Rating: 4 stars
Age Rating: 6+
Average Size: 300 pages
Heidi, her grandfather, and their goats lead an idyllic existence on the mountain. When she is taken away to Frankfurt, Heidi longs for home.
But wherever she goes, this special little girl makes people happy with her sincere kindness.
Heidi famous for its vivid portrayal of the the Swiss landscape. The titular character embraces Christian teachings, and the parable of the Prodigal Son features as part of the narrative.
The Bookworm rates Heidi as 4+, a simple read, with focus on spiritual and descriptive themes.
“However small the chance might be of striking lucky, the chance was there.”
Charlie & the Chocolate Factory
Published: 1964
Author: Roald Dahl
Bookworm Rating: 5 stars
Age Rating: 6+
Average Size: 180 pages
Charlie Bucket lives on a diet of watery cabbage soup. What he really wants is chocolate! Charlie embarks on an incredible, mouthwatering adventure when five lucky golden ticket holders are granted entry to the most extraordinary chocolate factory in the world!
Frequently ranked among the best children's novels of all time, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is bursting with imagination and hilarious antics.
The Bookworm rates Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 6+. Enjoyable even though it uses some outdated vocabulary.
"I say, that with cruelty and oppression it is everybody’s business to interfere when they see it.”
Chapter 12
Black Beauty
Published: 1877
Author: Anna Sewell
Bookworm Rating: 5 stars
Age Rating: 8+
Average Size: 245 pages
Black Beauty is born on a farm and remains by his mother's side until he is sent to Birtwick Park to serve Squire Gordon and his family. Lady Gordon, the squire's sick wife, is pleased by the beautiful horse and gives him his trademark name, Black Beauty. But soon Beauty finds himself passing from master to master, some kind some cruel.
Published in 1877, Black Beauty was an instant bestseller. It's author, Anna Sewell, was a life-long animal lover who broke literary ground by producing an 'Autobiography of a Horse'. The author said of her novel "a special aim was to induce kindness, sympathy, and an understanding treatment of horses". Black Beauty has since become one of the most well-known animal-rights works of all time.
A moving and heartbreaking read. In the midst of bearing-reins and colt breaking, Sewell's sensitivity shines brilliantly. A fantastic way to instill appreciation for the natural environment and to teach empathy. The Bookworm rates Black Beauty 8+.
“All the reading she had done had given her a view of life that they had never seen.”
Matilda
Published: 1988
Author: Roald Dahl
Bookworm Rating: 5 stars
Age Rating: 6+
Average Size: 212 pages
Matilda is a genius. She may only be five, but she is quite capable of running rings around her crooked parents and spending each afternoon curled up with a classic novel. But Matilda's parents hate their daughter, and would rather she watch more television! Starting school may provide an escape, but only if Matilda can reckon with the terrifying Trunchbull.
A celebration of reading, Matilda is a typically Roald Dahl response to a world increasingly dominated by the media of television. Despite Matilda's brilliance and cunningly devised tricks, she remains humble, likable and her love of reading is a joy to behold.
The Bookworm gives Matilda a rating of 5 stars, easy to read, engaging, and filled with marvelous Quentin Blake illustrations.