Jessica by Kevin Henkes Greenwillow Books, 1989 24 pages Kevin Henkes is one of my favorite author-illustrators for children. His perceptive, sometimes sly and snarky heroes and heroines are among the most engaging characters in picture book land. And his lovely little jewel-like illustrations beautifully capture the simultaneous limitations and limitlessness of a child's world, … Continue reading Jessica
Charlotte’s Web
Charlotte's Web by E.B. White; ill. by Garth Williams HarperCollins, 1952 192 pages Growing up, I read very little contemporary children's literature. Instead, my personal syllabus was full of Victorian and early 20th century authors: Dickens, Alcott, Montgomery, Lewis, Tolkien. I loved their flood of words, the historic texture of their stories, the feeling of … Continue reading Charlotte’s Web
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente; ill. Ana Juan Feiwel and Friends, 2011 247 pages Women and girls are survivors. Throughout history, across the world, we've been systematically oppressed, brutalized, and marginalized--yet here we are. We still make up the majority of the world's population. … Continue reading The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making
Read Like a Girl 