Hawthorn Spring reading list
Our teacher's favorite readings! Here you can find some gift ideas or suggestions for our students to read this Spring and Easter Break.
Gabrielle Macalintal
Science and nature books by Dianna Hutts Aston. Beautiful illustrations with lots of nature facts for curious explorers. For ages 4-8.
An Egg is Quiet
A Nest is Noisy
A Seed is Sleepy
A Butterfly is Patient
A Beetle is Shy
A Rock is Lively
Pauline MacDonald
Prince Caspian, C. S. Lewis.
– Book 4 of the Narnia series, but can also be read on its own… This one is my favorite!
The Velveteen Rabbit, Margery Williams
– This was one of my favorite stories as a child for my parents to read aloud to me.
The Princess and the Goblin, George MacDonald
Louise Montes
The Lighthouse Family series by Cynthia Rylant
A delightful series of books about a dog, cat, and three adopted mouse children who live in a lighthouse by the sea. The first book in the series is called The Storm.
Ages 6-9.
Red Sings from Treetops: a year in colors by Joyce Sidman
Ages 3-8.
Poetry and beautiful illustrations for every season.
Kelly Andino
Ages 3-8.
Easter by Fiona French. Words from the King James Bible accompanied by thought-provoking imagery inspired by the stained glass windows of English cathedrals.
James Herriot’s Treasury for Children by James Herriot. This beautifully illustrated collection of animal stories for children brings Herriot’s native Yorkshire to life.
Ages 5-8
When I Was Young in the Mountains by Cynthia Rylant. A simple tale of contentment, family, and daily life in old-world rural America.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. A classic tale of one girl’s discovery, new friendships, and the reawakening of nature. Ages 8-13. [Adaptations available for younger children, such as the picture book by Calista Brill.]
What is Given From the Heart by Patricia McKissack. A story about the joy and meaning of giving to those in need even in the midst of great personal struggle.
Tim McGovern
Grades 4-5
My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George. A story of a boy’s survival in the wilderness, testing his know-how, resolve, and virtue.
Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster. A highly enjoyable “epic,” where a boy pursues meaning in language.
Grades 6-8
A Man for All Seasons by Robert Bolt. The classic play demands thought on prudence and fundamental beliefs, set against the backdrop of the English Reformation.
Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain.
Danielle Mancuso
From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
The book follows the adventures of two siblings who run away from home to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin. This is an adventure/fantasy book that is inspired by Chinese folklore and was a Newbery Honor in 2010.
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell. A Newbery Medal winning story of strength, survival and courage.
The Mysterious Benedict Society (Series) by Trenton Lee Stewart
An exciting series that involves four children all orphans who are all extremely talented in their own ways. They are chosen to be a part of a secret mission and then the adventures begin!
Ages 2-7
Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales and Arabian Nights. There are two classic translations, one expurgated for children by Andrew Lang, the other complete by Richard Burton.
Ages 7-12
Log of a Cowboy by Andy Adams, ideally with illustrations by N.C. Wyeth.
True-to-life story of an 1882 cattle drive.
