Honey for a Child's Heart

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Gladys Hunt is right: kids don't stumble on great books by themselves, they read the titles they're given. Most adults discover books the same way, which is why she's written guides to help families choose only the best stories for their children and teenagers (as well as one for Christian women, Honey for a Woman's Heart).

These aren't simply book lists. Both Honey for a Child's Heart and Honey for a Teen's Heart are divided into two parts: the first discusses the importance of reading, various genres (science fiction, poetry, animal stories, etc.), the question of censorship, the elements of a good book, etc.; the second part offers extended book lists to direct you to the right titles for your family.

Part I of both books is equal parts information and encouragement. While Hunt identifies the two levels of reading (for the story, and for the ideas) and the place literature holds in the formation of good character and critical thinking skills, she also talks about how much fun it is to read good books, especially together as a family.

In Part II Hunt presents extensive lists of books. Each title is organized by age-level, genre and author, with a brief synopsis for each one. Honey for a Teen's Heart is more oriented toward students on their way to college, so the reading level is pretty high, but there's nothing most high schoolers won't be able to handle (thought parents will want to know some of the titles include fairly mature content).

Neither of these books are intended simply as "suggested entertainment," lists of books kids will enjoy. There is an emphasis on enjoyment, but there's an equally strong emphasis on reading for instruction and development. Hunt chooses books that will both delight and stretch readers, helping them to think clearly about themselves, the world around them, and God.

There are also a lot of books: over a thousand in Honey for a Child's Heart, and 400 in Honey for a Teen's Heart. No one will be able to read all the titles listed here; these are intended as general guides, not rigid models. There's no real curriculum element here, either—Hunt wants families to read because they want to and understand the benefits of good books, not because they must.

We decided early on at Exodus Books that we wanted a strong selection of quality literature for children. Honey for a Child's Heart was the first book we turned to, and it proved an immeasurable help. Whether you're a parent who wants to find great books for your kiddos but don't know where to start, or a veteran who's run out of ideas, these are some of the best available guides to building a reading list and library, and knowing how to make the very best use of them.

You'll find a good number of the books listed in Hunt's guides below. We're constantly working on expanding this section, so if you don't see a book she recommends let us know and we'll do our best to bring it in. As your kids make their way through these titles, be sure to discuss with them often, as the goal of reading is growth, not simply knowledge or fun. Gladys Hunt is a capable and enthusiastic guide, and we offer her books without reservation.

Review by C. Hollis Crossman
C. Hollis Crossman used to be a child. Now he is a husband and father, teaches adult Sunday school in his Presbyterian congregation, and likes weird stuff. He might be a mythical creature, but he's definitely not a centaur. Read more of his reviews here.

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Honey for a Child's Heart

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	Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Puffin Classics by Mark Twain from Puffin Books for 6th-10th grade in Puffin Classics (Location: FIC-PUF) $8.99
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	Days with Frog and Toad An I Can Read Book Level 2 by Arnold Lobel from HarperCollins Animal Fantasy for Kindergarten-2nd grade in I Can Read Books (Location: EAR-ICR) $5.99
	Door in the Wall by Marguerite de Angeli from Yearling Realistic Fiction for 3rd-6th grade 1950 Newbery Medal winner in Historical Fiction (Location: FIC-HIF) $7.99
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	Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard & Florence Atwater, illustrated by Robert Lawson from Little, Brown & Company Humorous Fiction for 3rd-6th grade 1939 Newbery Honor Book in Fantasy Fiction (Location: FIC-FAN)
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	One Morning in Maine by Robert McCloskey from Puffin Books Realistic Family Stories for Kindergarten-3rd grade 1953 Caldecott Honor Book in Picture Books (Location: PICTURE) $8.99
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	Rip Van Winkle and Other Stories Puffin Classics by Washington Irving from Puffin Books Fairy Tales, Fables, and Legends for 5th-9th grade in Puffin Classics (Location: FIC-PUF) $7.99
	Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry Puffin Modern Classics by Mildred Taylor from Puffin Books Realistic Fiction for 5th-8th grade 1977 Newbery Medal winner in Puffin Classics (Location: FIC-PUF) $8.99
	Secret Garden Puffin Classics by Frances Burnett from Puffin Books Realistic Fiction for 4th-8th grade in Puffin Classics (Location: FIC-PUF) $8.99
	Singing Tree Puffin Newbery Library by Kate Seredy from Puffin Books Realistic fiction for 4th-6th grade 1940 Newbery Honor Book in Realistic Fiction (Location: FIC-REA) $7.99
	Story About Ping by Marjorie Flack from Grosset & Dunlap Animal Realistic for Kindergarten-2nd grade in Picture Books (Location: PICTURE) $5.99
	Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf from Puffin Books Animal Stories for Preschool-2nd grade in Picture Books (Location: PICTURE) $7.99
	Story of the Treasure Seekers Puffin Classics by E. Nesbit, illustrated by Cecil Leslie from Puffin Books Family Stories for 4th-8th grade in Realistic Fiction (Location: FIC-REA) $7.99 $3.50 (1 in stock)
	Swiss Family Robinson Puffin Classics by Johann Wyss from Puffin Books Realistic Stories/Adventure for 4th-8th grade in Puffin Classics (Location: FIC-PUF) $8.99
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	Thimble Summer by Elizabeth Enright from Square Fish Publishing Realistic Fiction for 4th-6th grade 1939 Newbery Medal winner in Realistic Fiction (Location: FIC-REA) $7.99 $5.00 (2 in stock)
	Treasure Island Puffin Classics by Robert Louis Stevenson from Puffin Books Action/Adventure for 5th-9th grade in Puffin Classics (Location: FIC-PUF) $8.99
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	Tripods: White Mountains Tripods Book 1 by John Christopher from Simon Pulse for 6th-10th grade in Science Fiction (Location: FIC-SCI)
	Twenty-One Balloons by William Pene du Bois from Puffin Books Fantasy for 4th-7th grade 1948 Newbery Medal winner in Action & Adventure Stories (Location: FIC-ADV) $7.99
	Wheel on the School by Meindert DeJong from HarperCollins Realistic Fiction for 4th-8th grade 1955 Newbery Medal winner in Realistic Fiction (Location: FIC-REA)
	Wheel on the School by Meindert DeJong from Inheritance Publications Realistic Fiction for 4th-8th grade 1955 Newbery Medal winner in Realistic Fiction (Location: FIC-REA) $21.90
	Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls from Bantam Books Realistic Animal Stories for 4th-8th grade in Animal Stories (Location: FIC-ANI) $8.99 $5.00 (1 in stock)
	Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne from Puffin Books Animal Fantasy for Kindergarten-4th grade in Fantasy Fiction (Location: FIC-FAN) $7.99

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