BOOKS

It's a common misconception that children's books are only for kids—there are *tons* of literary works that can be enjoyed at any age! Despite their simplicity, children's books are full of interesting plotlines, powerful imagery and important life lessons that might prove more insightful now that you're a bit older and have had some more life experience.

Not sure which book to revisit first? We've compiled some of the best stories to get lost in when you're feeling a bit too grown-up.

A Light In The Attic by Shel Silverstein

@unsuccessfulbookclub

Looking to pick up something simple yet insightful? Check out Shel Silverstein and his work. Silverstein was a world-renowned poet and cartoonist who wrote famous stories like The Giving Tree, Where The Sidewalk Ends and Falling Up. His books are full of whimsical tales, heartfelt poetry and eclectic drawings that are sure to make you feel all warm and fuzzy with nostalgia.

A Light In The Attic is no different. At first glance, this piece might seem like a silly children's book full of poems, but it's actually full of subversive jokes that you might have totally missed when you were younger. Its inspirational pieces (like the poem "Put Something In") and accompanying illustrations that are gritty, simplistic and comedic make this the perfect book for a reminiscent read.

The Royal Diaries series - Various Authors

@ellenjanegonzalez

Are you dreading that history exam on the French Revolution? What about that term paper on Egypt's Hellenistic period? It might be time to simplify the source material with this awesome historical fiction series from Scholastic Press. The Royal Diaries series details the lives of famous historical girl bosses like Marie Antionette, Cleopatra, Sondok, Nzingha and Mary, Queen of Scots through fictionalized journal entries. These books are beautiful (the gold-gilded pages are to die for!), captivating and a fun way to brush up on your historical knowledge. And now that you're a bit older, you can really appreciate The Royal Diaries series for all it has to offer!

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

@mycozymnbooks

Want something with a bit of mystery? Take a look at some of Neil Gaiman's work. He's an English author well-known for his ethereal and uncanny world-building abilities—and Coraline might be the most famous display of his talents yet. The story details the unsettlingly too-good-to-be-true alternate world that Coraline finds herself in after being frequently forgotten about by her overworked parents. When I was a kid, Coraline was just as relatable as it was unsettling, and tbh, it's remained just as creepy and captivating as I've gotten older.

The book has been so popular that it spawned an award-winning animated film in 2009, which has since remained the second highest-grossing stop-motion animation film of all time. And now might be the perfect time to reread this spooky tale: the 15-year-old film is rumored to be getting a theatrical rerelease in August 2024!

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

@morristownbooksta

If you want a YA novel that is both delightful and inspiring, check out Stargirl. Jerry Spinelli's book is a critically acclaimed New York Times Bestseller that has received several well-deserved awards. It's a melancholy, slow-burn story that deals with connection, individuality and acceptance. Themes of nonconformity are intermingled with comedic imagery, descriptive prose and tear-jerking relatability.

Even though Stargirl was released almost 25 years ago in 2000, its legacy lives on. 2007 brought the novel's sequel, Love, Stargirl, which is just as enchanting as the OG. *And* the original book was adapted into a charming Disney+ movie that premiered in 2020. Chances are if you haven't read it in a while, you might've forgotten just how good this book really is. So why not give it a reread? You might find it's so good, that it practically feels like a new story every time.

Follow us on IG @glbestiebookclub for more book recs!

Top image: Annie Spratt via Unsplash
Slider image: Toa Heftiba via Unsplash

by Faith Green | 3/10/2024