Ten Children's Novels to Read Aloud in 2023
I went through a period of reading a lot of heavy novels and self help books. But when I noticed that my energetic capacity was drained and I still wanted to read, I picked up a few of my daughter’s novels and enjoyed the simplicity of reading shorter stories. Like a simple meditation, these books allowed me to begin practicing mindfulness and presence. Reading is a great way to focus and be present. If you struggle with reading without distraction I suggest setting a timer and start reading for 5-10 minutes at a time. Turn off your notifications, find a comfortable space in your home or outside, and crack open a book.
Reading aloud has become a part of our daily homeschool rhythm. Each morning I read aloud with the kids, free from as many distractions as possible. The phone is away, notifications are turned off and we immerse ourselves in a story. Reading aloud to my kids has been such a gift of mindfulness and memories that I've become so grateful for.
Here is my list of ten children's novels to read aloud in 2023.
Pax by Sara Pennypacker
A moving story of the extraordinary friendship between a boy and his fox, and their epic journey to be reunited. Pax was only a baby when his family was killed and he was rescued by ‘his boy’, the story is the incredible adventure, written from the perspective of both the boy and the fox.
Wonder by R. J. Palacio
I read this book aloud with my eldest when she was in grade 2. I will forever remember reading chapter after chapter in a cozy winter rental cabin. Neither of us could put it down and both of us finished the book in tears. If you haven’t already read this story or watched the movie about a boy with a significant facial disfigurement you need to. It is such a heartwarming story of love and acceptance but also challenge and perseverance. A well written story that is a great jumping off point for family conversations around disability, acceptance, and respect.
Fish In A Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Based on Albert Einstein's quotation: “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” This book is for anyone who’s ever felt like there was something wrong with them. It is a lovely story of a young girl finding her way in a school where she just doesn’t seem to fit in.
Holes by Louis Sachar
“Digging up holes, diggin them.” Our kids literally dug a six foot hole on our hill after reading this book. It’s a fun, quirky story about a group of boys sent to a youth detention camp to spend day after day digging holes. Themes of race and culture provided lots of good conversation starters. We also watched the Disney adaption of it, and they did a good job of recreating the story.
Gentle Ben by Walt Morey
Set in the beautiful Alaskan wilderness, Mark Anderson is a young boy left lonely and grieving after the death of his brother. It is a story of adventure and the unlikely friendship of a young boy and a bear. Great story for kids of any age.
Where The Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
This is a fantasy inspired by Chinese folklore written by Grace Lin. Written in 2010, it was awarded the Caldecott honor. It’s the story of young Minli, a girl who sets out on a journey to find the old man on the moon and change her family’s fortune. The book was full of adventure and magic. Beautiful writing and inspiring characters. Great story for any age.
Echo Mountain by Lauren Wolk
Echo Mountain is written by the award winning author of Wolf Willow. The story takes place in the mountains of Maine. It’s the 1930s, and the recession has left 11 year old Ellie and her family forced to leave everything they know and start again in the mountains. It’s a story of courage and bravery. It was so beautifully written, it stopped me in my tracks many times and brought me to tears more than once.
A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus
In this historical fiction based in the 1940s, three young children are orphaned and then evacuated along with other children from London to the English countryside during WWII. As they adapt to life with billeted families, they begin a unique journey to find their true home. Full of literary references and cozy lighthearted stories that make you want to curl up in a blanket and read all afternoon.
The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
A timeless classic by C.S. Lewis. It is a fantasy and the first in the Chronicle of Narnia series. Children will love the mythical characters, it is the perfect choice if you are looking to get lost on a magical journey.
Owls in the Family by Farley Mowat
If you haven’t read Farley Mowat, you need to. I’m a big Farley Mowat fan and in fact we even named our cat after him. This story has a nostalgic significance as I can remember reading it and other Mowat stories in Elementary school including The Dog Who Wouldn’t Be. Owls in the Family is the story of a young boy and his friends who discover a baby owl in the woods and make it their pet. The book is reminiscent of The Sandlot, with the same adventure and foolishness that a group of boys can have growing up in the 1950s with the focus and appreciation of the natural world in only the way Farley Mowat can tell it.
So that’s it, our reading recommendations for 2023.
Have a good book to recommend? We are always adding to our list. Drop your recommendations in the comments below. Not a big reader, or can’t remember the last time you picked up a book and finished it. Try one of the books above and go get lost in a story.
Happy Reading!