These four books are not only the beginning of some of my favorite series from my childhood, they are reminders of a lost part of my childhood. Recently, a fellow booklover reminded me of an author of one of my favorite childhood books, Sarah, Plain and Tall, and a rush of book memories flooded my mind. I still have my original copy, one of only a handful of books that have made it with me to adulthood. For reasons unknown, my cherished Baby Sitter's Club, Peanut Butter and Jelly, and Sweet Valley books have been lost, most likely left in an attic or basement during a move when I was in high school or college. There is actually a lump in my throat just thinking about the loss of these treasured books. I can certainly find copies of these books from a used book store or seller online, and I have found several copies of other beloved books that I have re-collected. But there is so much more power in holding the same book that I once treasured. I hold these books with as much reverence as old childhood pictures and notes passed between friends. The memories of these books are just as real to me as events that actually happened, which sounds crazy, but it's true. I loved reading these books over and over again, staring at the covers and admiring their outfits. My reaction to seeing these book covers is so strongly tied to my emotions that it just reaffirms the power of the right book for the right child. I can only hope that the books I have put in the hands of my students will elicit a similar reaction years from now.
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| Four original books from my childhood: (Clockwise from top left) Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary, Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume, Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia Maclachlan, My Daniel by Pam Conrad. |
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| Some lost books that I have found from used book sellers: (Left, top to bottom) The Dollhouse Murders by Betty Ren Wright, The Glass Mermaid by Susan Clymer, The Castle in the Attic by Elizabeth Winthrop. Box sets that I got as Christmas gifts: Nancy Drew and The Little House on the Prairie Series. |
Do you have any treasured books, lost or kept?
4 comments:
I am a hoarder on my daughter's behalf...she is not very sentimental, and would put everything in a garage sale, but I'm holding on to books for future grandkids- I know my daughter will be glad when the day comes. I look forward to reading them again, for sure. I still have some books from my childhood- you gave me inspiration for a future post. Thanks.
You are many years my junior:) My favorites have been Brighty of the Grand Canyon, All of a Kind of Family, Trixie Belden and Janet Lennon series books...oh and then Victoria Holt gothic romance as I grew. I will write about them too in a post. xo nanc
I think she will thank you! Good move keeping them! I look forward to your future post!
Isn't it funny how we remember all these years later? So powerful.
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