10 Books From Your Childhood That Will Have You Missing The Good Old Days
When reminiscing about our childhood and adolescence, it’s easy to remember the books and stories that have stuck with us through the years. Sometimes, a simple scroll through a nostalgia-filled Twitter thread or aimlessly browsing an old bookshelf can transport us back to a simpler time. Recollections of novels filled with fantasy, fairies, happiness and heartbreak can be triggered by the mention of an author's name or a glimpse of an old book cover. These small souvenirs of the past pierce through the drab clouds of young adulthood like rays of sunlight, brightening even the darkest of days. Here are some of the books that have latched onto our memories and shaped our youth.
1. Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park
For 20 years, Barbara Park gifted children all over the world with the marvelous life of Juniper Beatrice Jones. Today Junie B. Jones is still one of the first book series that many children read, the love for the eccentric “almost six year old” transcending generations. Through her less than perfect grammar and humorous commentary, Junie B. Jones taught us that it was okay to be unapologetically you. Because of this, she holds a special place in our hearts.
2. The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins
Arguably one of the best dystopian novels of all time, The Hunger Games was first published in 2008, heralding a new wave of young adult dystopian literature. The world was quickly enthralled by the warped society of Panem, and the barbaric Hunger Games that gave the book its title. Once the first film adaptation of the trilogy hit theaters in 2012, it was rare to find someone who wasn’t completely fascinated by this captivating trilogy. By the end of the riveting trilogy, Katniss Everdeen taught us the power of inner strength and selflessness. The prequel, which centers around a young President Snow, was released in May of 2020, allowing lovers of the books to indulge in the Games once more.
3. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Eleanor & Park is not the cheesy, high school romance that one might expect from a 2012 young adult novel. Instead, it is a dual narrative love story set in the 1980s, with intertwining themes of race, domestic abuse, class, and body image. Through Eleanor and Park’s relationship, we learned to look deeper than what is on the surface, as our greatest qualities are buried within. This heart-melting love affair is expected to get a film adaptation soon, with author Rainbow Rowell having announced the news on social media in July of 2020.
4. The Clique Series by Lisi Harrison
This light-hearted, fashion-forward series was a staple for aspiring GLUs (or Girls Like Us, for those who have not studied The Cliquetionary). The books follow five friends, known to their peers as The Pretty Committee, as they navigate middle school, wavering crushes, and bad hair days. Looking past the snarky comebacks and catchphrases, The Pretty Committee taught us to let our guards down from time to time and be vulnerable with those closest to us. A cult classic for fashion and drama lovers alike, the nostalgic value of the series and its iconic, bold colored covers have led to the creation of blogs and podcasts dedicated to the ins and outs of the most popular girls in Westchester.
5. The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
An essential read for coming-of-age enthusiasts, The House on Mango Street chronicles a year in the life of 12-year-old Esperanza Cordero. Through small vignettes, Esperanza shares small pieces of her life in 1980s Chicago as she steps into adolescence. Sandra Cisneros touches on topics of racism, sexual assault, and domestic abuse through the eyes of a young girl. So many lessons were woven into not only Esperanza’s story, but the women around her. She taught us to aim for the stars, but never forget where we came from. The beautiful novel, loosely based on Cisneros’ own life and childhood, is considered a modern classic of Chicano literature.
6. A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
This classic, thirteen book series follows the lives of the recently orphaned Baudelaire children, who are sent to live with Count Olaf, a distant relative. The count’s ulterior motives and murderous plans to acquire the children’s hefty inheritance sends them into a chaotic spiral of unfortunate events, as the title suggests. Throughout the series, as the siblings continuously flee from the elaborate plots of Count Olaf, we get to see them mature from the innocent kids they were at the very beginning. As the series came to an end, the Baudelaire siblings left us with some helpful advice: always look on the bright side. The much-loved series was adapted into a Netflix original in 2017, and lasted for three seasons.
7. The Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osbourne
The seemingly never-ending Magic Tree House series allowed children to embark on wild adventures with the main protagonists, Jack and Annie, in every book. Traveling back in time to Ancient Greece or the Middle Ages, and touching every continent on Earth, the books were not only awe-inspiring, but incredibly educational. Jack and Annie showed us the power of imagination and just how far it can take us. Children of all ages found themselves wishing to stumble across an enchanted treehouse in their own backyard one day.
8. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Similar to Eleanor and Park, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is not your average teen romance novel. Set in 1987 El Paso, Texas, the story begins with the blossoming friendship of two Mexican-American teens, Ari and Dante. It later unfolds into a story of love, loss, and growth, as the two boys grapple with notions of masculinity and understanding their own sexuality in 1980s America. Ari and Dante’s tear-jerking story taught us the importance of staying true to yourself, and to confide in family and friends. You never know what you might learn from their perspective. Sáenz recently announced the publication of a sequel, set to release on October 12, 2021.
9. Matilda by Roald Dahl
Like most of Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s books, Matilda is an undisputed classic. The mix of fantasy and stark reality is common in his novels. However, this story of a young, overlooked girl with immense knowledge and the bond she creates with her teacher makes it a feel-good, comforting book to revisit time and time again. Matilda Wormwood taught us that you’re never too young or too small to do big things. The 1996 film adaptation was met with critical acclaim upon its release, and Matilda is still one of Dahl’s best selling novels to date.
10. The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
No list of books from our childhood would be complete without Harry Potter. The seven book series has acquired a cult following, maintaining cultural relevance even ten years after the release of the final film adaptation. The intricate world of witchcraft and wizardry that J.K. Rowling managed to create has enamored lovers of fantasy for decades. While we learned a lot from Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s unbreakable bond and heroic feats, perhaps the greatest lesson learned did not come from Harry, but from Professor Dumbledore. In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, he says “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” From the lovable characters to the tongue-twisting spells, the series remains exciting to read and reread every time.
Written by Simi Iluyomade
Header photo by Nguyen Thu Hoai on Unsplash
