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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10th grade (Ages 15-16)

	20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Signet Classics by Jules Verne, translated by Mendor Brunetti, with an introduction by Stephen Baxter and an afterword by Walter James Miller from Signet Classics Science Fiction for 10th-Adult in 19th Century Literature (Location: LIT6-19) $5.95
	20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Sterling Classics by Jules Verne, translated by Lewis Page Mercier and illustrated by Scott McKowen from Sterling Publishing Co. for 5th-10th grade in Science Fiction (Location: FIC-SCI)
	20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Bantam Classics by Jules Verne, translated by Anthony Bonner with an introduction by Ray Bradbury from Bantam Books Science Fiction for 10th-Adult in 19th Century Literature (Location: LIT6-19) $5.99
	20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Sterling Classics by Jules Verne, translated by Lewis Page Mercier and illustrated by William O'Connor from Sterling Publishing Co. for 5th-10th grade in Science Fiction (Location: FIC-SCI)
	Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Puffin Classics by Mark Twain from Puffin Books for 6th-10th grade in Puffin Classics (Location: FIC-PUF) $8.99
	Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Sterling Classics by Mark Twain, illustrated by Scott McKowen from Sterling Publishing Co. for 6th-10th grade in Action & Adventure Stories (Location: FIC-ADV) $14.95
	Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi, translated by Geoffrey Brock, with an introduction by Umberto Eco and an afterword by Rebecca West from New York Review of Books for 10th-Adult in 19th Century Literature (Location: LIT6-19) $14.00
	Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi, translated by John Hooper & Anna Kraczyna from Penguin Classics for 10th-Adult in 19th Century Literature (Location: LIT6-19) $15.00
	Adventures of Tom Sawyer Whole Story Series by Mark Twain, illustrated by Claude Lapointe from Viking Press Realistic Fiction for 6th-10th grade in 19th Century Literature (Location: LIT6-19)
	Adventures of Tom Sawyer Puffin Classics by Mark Twain from Puffin Books Realistic Fiction for 6th-10th grade in Puffin Classics (Location: FIC-PUF) $8.99
	Adventures of Tom Sawyer Sterling Classics by Mark Twain, illustrated by Scott McKowen Unabridged from Sterling Publishing Co. Realistic Fiction for 6th-10th grade in Action & Adventure Stories (Location: FIC-ADV)
	Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain, illustrated by Ted Lewin from Simon and Schuster Realistic Fiction for 6th-10th grade in Realistic Fiction (Location: FIC-REA)
	Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain, illustrated by Kamil Lohták from Simon and Schuster Realistic Fiction for 6th-10th grade in Action & Adventure Stories (Location: FIC-ADV) $8.00 (1 in stock)
	Adventures of Tom Sawyer / Tom Sawyer Abroad / Tom Sawyer, Detective by Mark Twain from Nelson Doubleday, Inc. Realistic Fiction for 6th-10th grade in Realistic Fiction (Location: FIC-REA)
	All Things Bright and Beautiful James Herriot Series Book 2 by James Herriot from St. Martin's Press Realistic Fiction for 7th-12th grade in Animal Stories (Location: FIC-ANI) $18.00
	Around the World in Eighty Days Sterling Classics by Jules Verne, illustrated by Scott McKowen Unabridged from Sterling Publishing Co. Adventure for 6th-10th grade in Action & Adventure Stories (Location: FIC-ADV)
	Around the World in Eighty Days Books of Wonder by Jules Verne, illustrated by Barry Moser from William Morrow & Company Adventure for 6th-10th grade in Action & Adventure Stories (Location: FIC-ADV)
	At the Back of the North Wind Everyman's Library Children's Classics by George MacDonald, illustrated by Arthur Hughes from Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. Fairy Tale for 4th-Adult in Everyman's Library Children's Classics (Location: FIC-ELC) $20.00
	At the Back of the North Wind by George MacDonald, Illustrated by Jessie Willcox Smith from Dilithium Press, Ltd. Fairy Tale for 4th-Adult in Fantasy Fiction (Location: FIC-FAN)
	At the Back of the North Wind by George MacDonald, Illustrated by Jessie Willcox Smith from David McKay Company Fairy Tale for 4th-Adult in Fantasy Fiction (Location: FIC-FAN)
	Belle Prater's Boy by Ruth White from Yearling for 9th-12th grade in Realistic Fiction (Location: FIC-REA) $6.99 $2.50 (4 in stock)
	Belle Prater's Boy by Ruth White from Square Fish Publishing for 9th-12th grade in Realistic Fiction (Location: FIC-REA) $8.99
	Blue Sword by Robin McKinley from Puffin Books for 8th-10th grade in Fantasy Fiction (Location: FIC-FAN) $8.99 $4.50 (1 in stock)
	Blue Sword by Robin McKinley from Greenwillow Books for 8th-10th grade in Fantasy Fiction (Location: FIC-FAN)
	Call of the Wild Whole Story Series by Jack London, illustrated by Philippe Munch from Viking Press Action/Adventure for 7th-10th grade in Animal Stories (Location: FIC-ANI)
	Call of the Wild Puffin Classics by Jack London 2008^th edition from Puffin Books Action/Adventure for 7th-10th grade in Puffin Classics (Location: FIC-PUF) $7.99
	Captains Courageous Signet Classics by Rudyard Kipling from Signet Classics Nautical Fiction for 7th-10th grade in 19th Century Literature (Location: LIT6-19) $5.95
	Captains Courageous by Rudyard Kipling from Living Book Press Nautical Fiction for 7th-10th grade in Realistic Fiction (Location: FIC-REA) $8.99
	Captains Courageous Reader's Digest World's Best Reading by Rudyard Kipling from Reader's Digest Nautical Fiction for 7th-10th grade in 19th Century Literature (Location: LIT6-19)
	Complete Tales of Uncle Remus by Joel Chandler Harris from Houghton Mifflin Animal Fantasy for 7th-Adult in 19th Century Literature (Location: LIT6-19) $39.99
	Complete Tales of Uncle Remus by Joel Chandler Harris, retold by Julius Lester, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney from Dial Press Animal Fantasy for 7th-Adult in 19th Century Literature (Location: LIT6-19) $50.00
	Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court Penguin Classics by Mark Twain from Penguin Classics Social Satire/Comedy for 8th-10th grade in 19th Century Literature (Location: LIT6-19) $10.00
	Death Walk by Walt Morey 1^st edition from Blue Heron Publishing for 10th-12th grade in Action & Adventure Stories (Location: FIC-ADV)
	Death Walk by Walt Morey 1^st edition from Blue Heron Publishing for 10th-12th grade in Action & Adventure Stories (Location: FIC-ADV)
	Fantasy Stories of George Macdonald - 4 Book Set Light Princess, Wise Woman, Gray Wolf, and Golden Key by George MacDonald, illustrated by Craig Yoe from Eerdmans Fantasy for 3rd-Adult in 19th Century Literature (Location: LIT6-19)
	Farther Adventures of Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe from Tyndale House for 10th-Adult in 18th Century Literature (Location: LIT5-18)
	Five Weeks in a Balloon by Jules Verne, translated by William Lackland and illustrated by Edouard Riou Illustrated Fir from SeaWolf Press for 5th-10th grade in Seawolf Illustrated Classics (Location: FIC-SW)
	Freckles by Gene Stratton-Porter from Indiana University Press Romance for 7th-10th grade in Realistic Fiction (Location: FIC-REA)
	Freckles by Gene Stratton-Porter from Indiana University Press Romance for 7th-10th grade in Indiana
	Freckles Dover Evergreen Classics by Gene Stratton-Porter from Dover Publications Romance for 7th-10th grade in Realistic Fiction (Location: FIC-REA) $9.99
	Freckles by Gene Stratton-Porter from Living Book Press Romance for 7th-10th grade in Realistic Fiction (Location: FIC-REA) $12.99
	Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton-Porter from Indiana University Press Realistic Fiction for 7th-10th grade in Realistic Fiction (Location: FIC-REA)
	Girl of the Limberlost Dover Evergreen Classics by Gene Stratton-Porter from Dover Publications Realistic Fiction for 7th-10th grade in Realistic Fiction (Location: FIC-REA) $12.99
	Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Illustrated Edition Harry Potter Book 2 by J. K. Rowling Illustrated from Arthur A. Levine Books for 4th-10th grade in Fantasy Fiction (Location: FIC-FAN) $39.99
	Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Harry Potter Book 1 by J. K. Rowling from Scholastic Press for 4th-10th grade in Fantasy Fiction (Location: FIC-FAN) $29.99
	Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Illustrated Edition Harry Potter Book 1 by J. K. Rowling from Arthur A. Levine Books for 4th-10th grade in Fantasy Fiction (Location: FIC-FAN) $39.99
	Hobbit & Lord of the Rings - Softbound Boxed Set by J. R. R. Tolkien from Houghton Mifflin Fantasy for 4th-12th grade in Boxed Sets & Literature Packages (Location: FIC-BOX) $72.00
	Ivanhoe Signet Classics by Sir Walter Scott from Signet Classics Historical Fiction for 9th-Adult in 19th Century Literature (Location: LIT6-19) $5.95
	Ivanhoe Penguin Classics by Sir Walter Scott, edited by Graham Tulloch from Penguin Classics Historical Fiction for 9th-Adult in 19th Century Literature (Location: LIT6-19)
	Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson from HarperCollins Family Stories for 7th-10th grade 1981 Newbery Medal winner in Realistic Fiction (Location: FIC-REA) $6.99 $3.00 (2 in stock)
	Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson from HarperTeen Family Stories for 7th-10th grade in Realistic Fiction (Location: FIC-REA) $6.99 $4.00 (2 in stock)
	Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson from Thomas Crowell Family Stories for 7th-10th grade in Realistic Fiction (Location: FIC-REA) $7.00 (2 in stock)
	Journey to the Center of the Earth Puffin Classics by Jules Verne Reprint from Puffin Books Science Fiction for 6th-10th grade in Puffin Classics (Location: FIC-PUF) $8.99
	Journey to the Center of the Earth Sterling Classics by Jules Verne, illustrated by Scott McKowen from Sterling Publishing Co. Science Fiction for 6th-10th grade in Science Fiction (Location: FIC-SCI)
	Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne, illustrated by Edouard Riou Illustrated Fir from SeaWolf Press Science Fiction for 6th-10th grade in Seawolf Illustrated Classics (Location: FIC-SW) $8.95
	Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne, illustrated by Edouard Riou from Dover Publications Science Fiction for 6th-10th grade in 19th Century Literature (Location: LIT6-19) $3.00 (1 in stock)
	Journey to the Centre of the Earth Great Illustrated Classics by Jules Verne from Dodd, Mead & Co. Science Fiction for 6th-10th grade in 19th Century Literature (Location: LIT6-19)
	Julie of the Wolves "Julie" Trilogy Book 1 by Jean Craighead George from HarperCollins Adventure for 7th-10th grade 1973 Newbery Medal winner in Action & Adventure Stories (Location: FIC-ADV) $7.99
	Little Prince by Antoine De Saint-Exupery from Harvest House Fantasy for 3rd-Adult in 20th & 21st Century Literature (Location: LIT7-20) $11.99
	Little Prince by Antoine De Saint-Exupery from Harvest House Fantasy for 3rd-Adult in 20th & 21st Century Literature (Location: LIT7-20) $6.00 (2 in stock)
	Little Prince by Antoine De Saint-Exupery, translated by Richard Howard from Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. Fantasy for 3rd-Adult in Everyman's Library Children's Classics (Location: FIC-ELC) $18.00
	Little Prince by Antoine De Saint-Exupery from Harcourt Fantasy for 3rd-Adult in 20th & 21st Century Literature (Location: LIT7-20) $7.50 (2 in stock)
	Little Women Reader's Digest World's Best Reading by Louisa May Alcott, illustrated by Hodges Soileau and Louis Jambor from Reader's Digest Realistic Romantic Fiction for 6th-10th grade in 19th Century Literature (Location: LIT6-19)
	Master Puppeteer by Katherine Paterson from HarperCollins Historical Fiction for 7th-10th grade in Realistic Fiction (Location: FIC-REA) $11.99 $4.00 (2 in stock)
	Moby-Dick or, The Whale by Herman Melville from Penguin Putnam Realistic Nautical Fiction for 9th-Adult in 19th Century Literature (Location: LIT6-19) $16.00
	Moby-Dick or, The Whale Calla Editions by Herman Melville from Dover Publications Realistic Nautical Fiction for 9th-Adult in 19th Century Literature (Location: LIT6-19)
	Moby-Dick or, The Whale by Herman Melville from Franklin Library Realistic Nautical Fiction for 9th-Adult in 19th Century Literature (Location: LIT6-19)
	Moby-Dick or, The Whale by Herman Melville, illustrated by Boardman Robinson from Easton Press Realistic Nautical Fiction for 9th-Adult in Leather Bound Collectible Books (Location: VIN-LEA)
	Once and Future King by T. H. White from ACE Publishing for 7th-Adult in 20th & 21st Century Literature (Location: LIT7-20)
	Once and Future King by T. H. White from ACE Publishing for 7th-Adult in 20th & 21st Century Literature (Location: LIT7-20)
	Once and Future King / Book of Merlyn by T. H. White from ACE Publishing for 7th-Adult in 20th & 21st Century Literature (Location: LIT7-20)
	Prince and the Pauper Signet Classics by Mark Twain from Signet Classics Historical Fiction for 8th-Adult in 19th Century Literature (Location: LIT6-19) $5.95
	Princess Bride by William Goldman from Harcourt Humorous Adult Fairy Tale for 8th-12th grade in 20th & 21st Century Literature (Location: LIT7-20) $30.00
	Return of the King Lord of the Rings Trilogy #3 by J. R. R. Tolkien from Houghton Mifflin Fantasy for 8th-12th grade in 20th & 21st Century Literature (Location: LIT7-20) $17.99
	Return of the King Lord of the Rings Trilogy #3 by J. R. R. Tolkien from Houghton Mifflin Fantasy for 8th-12th grade in Fantasy Fiction (Location: FIC-FAN)
	Slave Dancer by Paula Fox from Aladdin Paperbacks Historical Fiction for 6th-10th grade 1974 Newbery Medal winner in Realistic Fiction (Location: FIC-REA) $6.99
	Slave Dancer by Paula Fox from Simon and Schuster Historical Fiction for 6th-10th grade 1974 Newbery Medal winner in Realistic Fiction (Location: FIC-REA) $8.00 (2 in stock)
	Slave Dancer by Paula Fox from Simon and Schuster Historical Fiction for 6th-10th grade 1974 Newbery Medal winner in Realistic Fiction (Location: FIC-REA) $8.00 (1 in stock)
	Slave Dancer by Paula Fox from Bradbury Press Historical Fiction for 6th-10th grade 1974 Newbery Medal winner in Realistic Fiction (Location: FIC-REA) $5.00 (1 in stock)
	Slave Dancer by Paula Fox, illustrated by Eros Keith from Bradbury Press Historical Fiction for 6th-10th grade 1974 Newbery Medal winner in Vintage Fiction & Literature (Location: VIN-FIC) $12.00 (1 in stock)
	Story of Sir Launcelot and His Companions Howard Pyle's King Arthur series book 3. by Howard Pyle from Dover Publications Fairy Tales, Fables, and Legends for 7th-10th grade in Action & Adventure Stories (Location: FIC-ADV)
	That Hideous Strength Space Trilogy Book 3 by C. S. Lewis from Charles Scribner's Sons Allegorical Fantasy for 9th-Adult in 20th & 21st Century Literature (Location: LIT7-20) $30.00
	The Robe by Lloyd Douglas from Houghton Mifflin Historical Fiction for 8th-Adult in 20th & 21st Century Literature (Location: LIT7-20) $19.99 $10.00 (1 in stock)
	Tripods: City of Gold and Lead Tripods Book 2 by John Christopher Reprint from Simon Pulse for 6th-10th grade in Science Fiction (Location: FIC-SCI) $8.99
	Tripods: Pool of Fire Tripods Book 3 by John Christopher from Simon Pulse for 6th-10th grade in Science Fiction (Location: FIC-SCI) $8.99
	Tripods: White Mountains Tripods Book 1 by John Christopher from Simon Pulse for 6th-10th grade in Science Fiction (Location: FIC-SCI) $8.99
	Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea Vintage Classics by Jules Verne, translated by Henry Frith from Vintage Classics Science Fiction for 10th-Adult in 19th Century Literature (Location: LIT6-19) $10.00
	Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea Macmillan Classics by Jules Verne, translated by Lewis Page Mercier and illustrated by Charles Molina from Macmillan for 5th-10th grade in Vintage Fiction & Literature (Location: VIN-FIC)
	Yearling by Marjorie Rawlings from Simon Pulse Realistic Animal Stories for 6th-Adult in 20th & 21st Century Literature (Location: LIT7-20) $9.99
	Yearling by Marjorie Rawlings from International Collectors Library Realistic Animal Stories for 6th-Adult in 20th & 21st Century Literature (Location: LIT7-20)

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