As librarians and book advocates, sometimes we get so excited about all the new books coming out, we may tend to leave out the Oldies but Goodies! I have so many favorites I grew up with and I am going to share a few here.
The Summer of my German Solider by Bette Greene
An emotional, thought-provoking book from multi-award-winning author Bette Greene.
When her small hometown in Arkansas becomes the site of a camp housing German prisoners during World War II, 12-year-old Patty Bergen learns what it means to open her heart. Although she’s Jewish, she begins to see a prison escapee, Anton, not as a Nazi–but as a lonely, frightened young man with feelings not unlike her own, who understands and appreciates her in a way her parents never will. And Patty is willing to risk losing family, friends–even her freedom–for what has quickly become the most important part of her life. Thoughtful, moving, and hard-hitting, Summer of My German Soldier has become a modern classic.
This is one of my favorite books of all time. When I read it, I was enamored with Patty and Anton. I remember thinking about this books long after I finished it. It was very thought-provoking for me as a young teen. I still re-read it and I still love it.
This is the book cover I had and I remember looking at it and falling in love. It is such a beautiful cover!
Click Here for Books by Bette Greene
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
Ponyboy can count on his brothers and his friends, but not on much else besides trouble with the Socs, a vicious gang of rich kids who get away with everything, including beating up greasers like Ponyboy. At least he knows what to expect–until the night someone takes things too far.
Written forty-five years ago, S. E. Hinton’s classic story of a boy who finds himself on the outskirts of regular society remains as powerful today as it was the day it was written.
This book got me through a lot of crazy times in my childhood. It was the one book I would always go to when I was sad, when I was scared, or when I wanted to visit with old friends. I can honestly say that this is the book that defines my childhood reading experience. I learned that I loved reading chapter books. I first read it when I was in the 4th grade and for the very first time, I fell in love with boys that lived in a book. I fell in love with all The Greasers. I was drawn to each of the characters in different ways and adored every single one of them. I read it constantly throughout my childhood and teen years. When I taught 8th grade, this was the one book I had to read with my students. It safe to say that I know EVERY SINGLE word to this novel. I have read it over 100 times, I am sure of it. It is still very relevant today and is one of the best books of my childhood. I LOVE IT.
This is the book cover I had. When I see it, it still brings a big smile to my face and a warmth to my heart. Thank you S.E. Hinton, for breaking the mold with this timeless classic.
Click Here For Books By S.E. Hinton
My Seventeenth Summer by Maureen Daly (Year Published: 1942)
What better time than summer for a little romance? Except for Angie, who doesn’t really date. Didn’t date, that is — until she saw Jack Duluth’s crew cut peeking out over a booth in McKnight’s drugstore one night.
He looked over at me, smiled, and then sat down again.
Thus starts a summer Angie will never forget — one full of spine chills, total bliss, heartache, and confusion…all the feeling that spell love.
This was one of the best little romances of my teen years. This book has been around since 1942 and I read it in high school, I think I was 15. I wanted to read it because like all 15 year olds, I was longing to be 17. This book had so many issues that are still relevant today, it goes to show that society and people don’t really change. I fell in love with Jack he was so dreamy. I remember this book fondly and I always recommend it to students, it is a good, clean little summer romance.
Sweet Valley Twins Series
Who will Todd choose—the glamorous Jessica or the gentle Elizabeth?
Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield are identical twins—beautiful, blonde, perfect—but they couldn’t be more different from each other. Elizabeth is friendly, good-natured, and kind, and the complete opposite of her clever, conniving sister. Jessica believes the world revolves around her…and the problem is that most of the time it does. Jessica always gets what she wants—at school, amongst her friends, and especially with boys.
This time, she’s got her eye on Todd Wilkins, the good-looking star of Sweet Valley High’s basketball team—and the one boy Elizabeth really likes. Now the twins are in a game of double love, with Todd as first prize. Will Elizabeth fight for the Todd? What will Jessica stoop to in order to get what she wants? Can the bonds of sisterhood stand up to the pangs of a broken heart?
Welcome to Sweet Valley High… the beloved series by Francine Pascal.
I LOVE Sweet Valley!! They were my absolute favorite growing up! I read them all! Sweet Valley Twins, Sweet Valley Junior High, Sweet Valley High and Sweet Valley University! I wanted to be Jessica…she was the rebellious twin, the one I saw more of myself in. To this day I have the fondest memories of this books. I grew up with Jessica and Elizabeth in all the stages of my life. I love that girls can still meet them today!!
Nothing to Cheer About by Marcie Anderson
Believe it or not I have this book!! I remember buying it at our local Walden Books and I loved it. When I started working as a librarian, I found THIS Book in a box with so many old Harlequin paperbacks!!! I was so happy!!! It is only 87 pages long and I did a quick re-read and as cheesy as it sounds now, I loved it.
It is no longer available from vendors but you can find it through secondary vendors at Amazon.
Nothing to Cheer About
