Children's Literature

Some of my favorite books were written for children or young adults. Here's a sampling.

May Garelick, What Makes a Bird a Bird? -- A picture book about epistemology!

Goscinny and Uderzo -- These are the guys who produced the Asterix and Obelix series, which I find quite hilarious.

Anne Holm, North to Freedom -- The powerful story of one young person's search for freedom, trust, and self-knowledge in war-torn Europe is an absolute gem. My favorite novel. Also published under the title I Am David.

Crockett Johnson, Harold and the Purple Crayon -- A delightfully imaginative story of one boy's dreams.

Norton O. Juster, The Phantom Tollbooth -- This fanciful novel contains unforgettable scenes and ideas that are guaranteed to stimulate the minds of children young and old.

Leo Lionni, Frederick -- All of Lionni's works are interesting and fun; Frederick is especially illuminating for the importance it lays on the place of art in life.

Jean Merrill, The Pushcart War -- Scrappy good vs. plodding evil on the sidewalk marketplaces of New York City. Highly entertaining.

O.T. Nelson, The Girl Who Owned a City -- What if all those over age 12 mysteriously died from a dread disease? This novel tells the story of how young people would react, from a libertarian perspective.

Katherine Paterson, Bridge to Terabithia -- A heart-wrenching but ultimately inspiring story of the value of friendship and the challenges of realizing one's possibilities.

Sam Swope, The Araboolies of Liberty Street -- Another highly entertaining story with a libertarian bent; this one revolves around the all-important issue of having fun in life!

James Thurber, The Wonderful O -- A classic tale of censorship by bloodthirsty pirates come to a peace-loving island; simultaneously a celebration of language and of freedom.