The Classics

As many of you might know, my girls changed schools this year. It was something that Sweet Pea was very worried about (and I'll be honest, Zilla and I were too) because she'd gone to school with the same kids since she was three. Baby Girl wasn't as concerned because, as we explained to her, everyone in her class would be new to the school and starting kindergarten together.

We could have saved ourselves some sleepless nights. Both of the girls have settled in really well and absolutely love their new school. But what I'm most happy with is how they are both blossoming. (Excuse me while I brag for a minute :-)) Baby Girl is working at a higher level than I ever expected her to...they're learning subtraction and her homework this week included some word problems. I was surprised and really impressed when she had no problems reading and solving them all by herself. I don't remember doing subtraction until second grade.

However, I think there's a more important change that has come out of the move. Sweet Pea, my child who was reading at the top of her class in first grade had stopped reading. It bothered me. I knew she could handle the advanced material - that wasn't my concern. What upset me more was that she seemed to lose her love of reading. She just couldn't seem to find books that interested her. I even broke down and bought her some Hannah Montana books thinking that if she liked the show then perhaps she'd like the books. I don't think she even opened them.

That has changed. She has begun spending hours each evening reading. It makes my little heart swell with pride and happiness. In fact, she's started reading some of my own personal favorites from my childhood. She just finished Anne of Green Gables, has already tackled Black Beauty and currently has the first Harry Potter for free time at school. She loved Anne as much as I did (although, I admit I was older when I read it...I think in middle school at least). She immediately asked for the second book and when I told her there was a movie she requested a girls day to watch it. I'm looking forward to it. It's something we can share together.

I started thinking about all the other books I was looking forward to sharing with her. Misty of Chincoteague, Circus Shoes, Ballet Shoes, Little House on the Prairie, Gone with the Wind (eventually). I'm really glad that she's finally rediscovered her love of reading. It was so much a part of my childhood and my way to escape into a wonderful world of fantasy and imagination. I wanted that for her too.

So what are your classics? What books do you remember most from your childhood? Do you have a special book or series that you've shared with your children?

Instigator

P.S. She's also discovered the Disney Fairy books. What can I say? I enjoyed a little Sweet Valley High mixed into the classics too.