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It’s completely normal for books to take on new meanings for us as we get older. As we experience more things and our worldviews become our own and not just a reflection of those of our parents or guardians, we may find that even stories with seemingly universal themes can affect us differently.
For me, I see this happening in three general categories: First, books that I couldn’t fully appreciate because I was too young to grasp the full message. I grew up in a Catholic family which, compared to others, was perhaps considered “strict” or “sheltered”. There are a lot of books that I reviewed as an adult and got that “OH!” moment of realization.
Second, it’s the books we loved when we were kids (or to be fair, we might have been told to love) that now, as adults, feel weird and manipulative to us. I’ve included one example in this list that I thought was accurate – but there’s bound to be more.
And third, books that are hits at any age and worth reading, whether it’s a reread or your first time. I mean, let’s be real. The books are for everyone and all age groups. I hope this list includes titles that you read as a child and are ready to immerse yourself in or books that interest you, whatever your age. Let’s dive into it.
Dies Drear’s House by Virginia Hamilton
When Thomas and his family move into their new home, he can immediately tell that something is wrong. It may be local legend that this was an Underground Railroad station and horrible things happened to both the runaway slaves and the owner, Dies Drear. When I first read this in 4th grade, it was the book my class took turns reading aloud in class. We were all focused on the “haunted house” aspect and not the Underground Railroad part. Rereading it a few years later gave a whole new perspective.
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
No matter your age, The Polar Express is an atmospheric read that really puts you in the winter mood. The illustrations are beautiful and, in my opinion, the book paints a more vivid picture than the film. The message rings (ha) true for all ages. I hope we never stop hearing the bells.
Bud, not buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
Set during the Great Depression in Flint, Michigan, 10-year-old Bud Caldwell has been in and out of orphanages and foster homes after his mother’s death. He has no idea who his father is, but he thinks his mother left a clue: a flyer for the band Herman Calloway and the Dusky Devastators of the Depression. After the prospect of a new foster home becomes a reality, he decides to go on his own to find Herman and potentially reunite with his family. Bud is a fantastic character, and the realities of the Depression (and Hoovervilles) are even more poignant today.
The tree that gives by Shel Silverstein
Growing up, most of us read this story through the prism of unconditional love. Now in adulthood, this book deserves to be reread (even more) and seen from another angle. While reading The tree that gives got me thinking about the importance of setting boundaries and sticking to them.
Rolling thunder, hear my cry by Mildred D. Taylor
Part of the Logans series (which Taylor based on her own experiences), this episode is by far the most well-known of her works, and it’s a work that stays with you. As you get older, you appreciate even more the tenacity and strength of the Logans as a strong black family during Jim Crow. Our story focuses on 9-year-old Cassie, who begins to experience injustice and bullying from her peers and has come to recognize it as racism. After hearing local news of black villagers being burned, she begins to fear for her family’s safety.
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Jess and Leslie are best friends who spend most of their time in the land of Terabithia, an imaginary world they have created for themselves. But one day, Leslie travels to Terabithia without Jess, and he’s forced to accept what it means. When we read this book as a child, it is sometimes difficult to grasp the themes of loss, grief and friendship, if only because we have not had enough life experience to really understand. (Although it’s worth acknowledging that absolutely some children, unfortunately, do experience this.)
Rising expectation by Pam Munoz Ryan
When I read this book again, I regretted not being able to fully appreciate this book when we read it for the first time in elementary school. Also during the Depression era, Esperanza and her family are forced to leave their home for California after a tragedy occurs. Experiencing new things for the first time, including prejudice and financial hardship, Esperanza must find a way to rise above her predicament to be there for her family.
A shortcut in time by Madeleine L’Engle
Full disclosure – this book scared me as a kid and I put off reading it for a long time. I read it again in my late teens and completely understood the love many of my peers had for this book and the rest of the quintet. Told from Meg’s perspective, we learn that her family is grieving after her father’s disappearance. One night, they are visited by a trio of mysterious women who tell them it’s time to save their father.
Kiki’s Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono
Kiki is a half-witch, and it’s a rite of passage for young witches to spend a year in a new town and perform magical services for it. Along with her cat, Jiji, Kiki sets her sights on the seaside village of Koriko. Unfortunately, she finds that the villagers are suspicious and do not immediately welcome her into the fold. Despite their reluctance, Kiki settles in and chooses to learn the trade of – you guessed it – a delivery service. Before the Studio Ghibli release, we had this book, and it’s worth reading whether you’re interested in anime or not.
The little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
When a pilot wakes up stranded, he encounters the titular Little Prince who begins to regale him with tales of his many travels and the lessons he has learned. Considered a classic by many, this book is definitely one that enchants us as a child and then takes on different meanings as we grow older.
Looking for other children’s book recs? Check out these other lists from the Book Riot team: