Best Classics to Read Aloud
E. Nesbit31-Day FavoritesClassicsEpisode 7Some of the Best Books by Living Authors31-day-favoritesBest Classics to Read AloudEpisode 07Episode Living Authors
The Railway Children (Puffin Classics)
**Description from Amazon: When Father is taken away unexpectedly, Roberta, Peter, Phyllis and their mother have to leave their comfortable life in London to go and live in a small cottage in the country. The children seek solace in the nearby railway station, and make friends with Perks the Porter and the Station Master hims...
Watership Down: A Novel
More than 40 years old, Watership Down continues to be a classic. Two brothers lead the surge against the invasion of man and the destruction of their home. Spoiler alert: The brothers are rabbits. Who talk.
Louisa May Alcott127ClassicsEpisode 100Episode 141Episode 146Episode 158Episode 27Episode 41Episode 42Episode 46Episode 62Some of the Best Books by Living AuthorsBest Books for GirlsBest Classics to Read AloudEpisode 100Episode 127Episode 41Episode 42Episode 46Episode 62Episode Living Authors
Little Women (Puffin in Bloom)
The March sisters are each distinctive in their own way, but they band together to help their mother while their father is serving in the Civil War. The original version follows the girls as they grow into womanhood. Girls might enjoy identifying with a particular sister -- Meg, Jo, Beth or Amy.
C. S. Lewis08911511890 8-12ClassicsEpisode 113Episode 136Episode 166Episode 172Episode 84More 31-Day FavoritesBest Classics to Read AloudEpisode 113Episode 115Episode 118Episode 132Episode 136Episode 84Episode 89Episode 90Episode 90 8-12more-31-day-favorites
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (The Chronicles of Narnia, Book 2)
If you're looking for a story to inspire heroic virtue, and sweep everyone away in an unforgettable tale, The Chronicles of Narnia cannot be outdone. I recommend beginning the series with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (you can circle back to The Magician's Nephew at the very end.)
L.M. Montgomery087088118Books Girls Love: TeensClassicsEpisode 100Episode 113Episode 15Episode 156Episode 166Episode 27Episode 34Episode 38Episode 46Episode 52More 31-Day FavoritesBest Books for GirlsBest Classics to Read AloudEpisode 100Episode 113Episode 118Episode 38Episode 46Episode 52Episode 87Episode 88girls books teensmore-31-day-favorites
Anne of Green Gables
The Cuthberts are expecting a boy to help work on their farm, Green Gables. Instead, they get “Anne with an e,” who will surely win girls’ hearts with her spunky personality and big imagination.
Books Boys Love: TeensClassicsEpisode 138Episode 19Episode 23Episode 37Episode 38Episode 42Episode 59Episode 83FantasyMore 31-Day FavoritesBest Classics to Read AloudBest FantasyEpisode 138Episode 37Episode 38Episode 42Episode 59Episode 83Episode 92 teensmore-31-day-favorites
The Hobbit
The prelude to the Lord of the Rings, Bilbo sets out on a great adventure. Lots of suspense and humor … There’s a beautifully illustrated version available that can make this book a little easier to share with families with a large age gap.
A. A. Milne31-Day FavoritesClassicsEpisode 107Episode 109Episode 43Episode 5131-day-favoritesBest Classics to Read AloudEpisode 107Episode 109Episode 43Episode 51
Winnie-the-Pooh
Littles love these sweet stories, but older kids will get more of A.A. Milne’s humor. Pooh, Piglet, Eyeore and the whole gang are sweet and always overcoming a new challenge.
Ralph MoodyBooks Boys Love: Ages 8-12Books for the Whole FamilyClassicsEpisode 138Episode 15Episode 158Episode 25Episode 30Episode 38Episode 39Episode 42Episode 57Episode 79Best Books for BoysBest Classics to Read AloudEpisode 138Episode 38Episode 39Episode 42Episode 57Episode 79Episode 92-8-12Whole Family
Little Britches: Father and I Were Ranchers
This one comes up again and again in podcast episodes! The first in Ralph Moody’s autobiographical series, this is a wonderful father-son story. Note: Does contain a few mature words that begin with H and D.
A Little Princess (Puffin in Bloom)
Also by Frances Hodgson Burnett (The Secret Garden), Sarah goes from princess to servant. Will she remain noble despite her circumstances?
Dorothy Canfield Fisher127Books Girls Love: Ages 8-12ClassicsEpisode 26Episode 42Best Classics to Read AloudEpisode 127Episode 42girls books 8-12Middle Grade Novels
Understood Betsy
Elizabeth Ann must leave her home to move to rural Vermont and live with relatives. She needs a little extra care, though, so will anyone there understand her? If you're a homeschooling family, you'll especially love this one! (The characters are 👌🏼.)
Dr. P. L. TraversClassicsEpisode 37Episode 58Some of the Best Books by Living AuthorsBest Classics to Read AloudEpisode 37Episode 58Episode Living Authors
Mary Poppins: 80th Anniversary Collection
Fans of the Disney film may be surprised by this books series, which begins with Mary Poppins. The plot is similar, but nanny Mary is a little less “spoonful-of-sugar” in this classic that’s been a favorite for more than 80 years.
J.R.R. Tolkien132 AdultBooks Boys Love: TeensClassicsEpisode 110Episode 39Episode 57Episode 97FantasyBest Classics to Read AloudBest FantasyEpisode 110Episode 132Episode 132 AdultEpisode 39Episode 57Episode 92 teensEpisode 97
The Fellowship of the Ring: Being the First Part of The Lord of the Rings
Frodo and his pals set out on a journey to find the Ruling Ring. Will the Hobbits’ friendships be enough to keep them safe?
Kenneth GrahameClassicsEpisode 22Episode 37Episode 51Episode 62Best Classics to Read AloudEpisode 37Episode 51Episode 62
The Wind in the Willows
A classic story of friendship starring Toad, Rat, Mole and Badger, this river tale is a wonderful read-aloud full of big personalities. (Except for Mole, who is a little shy.) Look for the version illustrated by Ernest H. Shepard of Winnie the Pooh fame!
Johanna SpyriBooks Girls Love: Ages 8-12ClassicsEpisode 146Episode 156Episode 22Episode 62Best Classics to Read AloudEpisode 62girls books 8-12
Heidi (Puffin in Bloom)
Everyone is scared of Heidi’s grandfather, but when she moves to the Alps to live with him her sunny personality helps them form a connection. Soon, however, they are separated. Will they reunite? This classic is an excellent read-aloud for all ages.
The Little Prince
In this book like no other, a little prince serves as a guide for a pilot whose plane goes down in the Sahara Desert. A bit fairy tale, a bit fantasy, this book is much more than it seems and filled with complex lessons.
George MacDonaldClassicsEpisode 19Episode 22Episode 41Episode 5FantasySome of the Best Books by Living AuthorsBest Classics to Read AloudBest FantasyEpisode 05Episode 41Episode Living Authors
The Princess and the Goblin
*Description from Amazon: Leopold Classic Library is delighted to publish this classic book as part of our extensive collection. As part of our on-going commitment to delivering value to the reader, we have also provided you with a link to a website, where you may download a digital version of this work for free. Many of t...
Frances Hodgson Burnett127ClassicsEpisode 100Episode 139-RAR recommendationsEpisode 41Episode 46Episode 62Best Classics to Read AloudEpisode 100Episode 127Episode 41Episode 46Episode 62
The Secret Garden
A classic about an orphan who struggles to adjust to her new life until she discovers a secret garden. Excellent for all ages. Look for the one with illustrations by Tasha Tudor!
