- 240 pages
- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
About this book
"Ms. Perkins personal anecÂdotes are a delight." —Wall Street Journal
The stories we read as children shape us for the rest of our lives. But it is never too late to discover that transformative spark of hope that children's classics can ignite within us.
Award-winning children's author Mitali Perkins grew up steeped in stories--escaping into her books on the fire escape of a Flushing apartment building and, later, finding solace in them as she navigated between the cultures of her suburban California school and her Bengali heritage at home. Now Perkins invites us to explore the promise of seven timeless children's novels for adults living in uncertain times: stories that provide mirrors to our innermost selves and open windows to other worlds.
Blending personal narrative, accessible literary criticism, and spiritual and moral formation, Perkins delves into novels by Louisa May Alcott, C. S. Lewis, L. M. Montgomery, Frances Hodgson Burnett, and other literary "uncles" and "aunts" that illuminate the virtuous, abundant life we still desire. These novels are not perfect, and Perkins honestly assesses their critical frailties and flaws related to race, culture, and power. Yet reading or rereading these books as adults can help us build virtue, unmask our vices, and restore our hope.
Reconnecting with these stories from childhood isn't merely nostalgia. In an era of uncertainty and despair, they lighten our load and bring us much-needed hope.
Frequently asked questions
- Essential is ideal for learners and professionals who enjoy exploring a wide range of subjects. Access the Essential Library with 800,000+ trusted titles and best-sellers across business, personal growth, and the humanities. Includes unlimited reading time and Standard Read Aloud voice.
- Complete: Perfect for advanced learners and researchers needing full, unrestricted access. Unlock 1.4M+ books across hundreds of subjects, including academic and specialized titles. The Complete Plan also includes advanced features like Premium Read Aloud and Research Assistant.
Please note we cannot support devices running on iOS 13 and Android 7 or earlier. Learn more about using the app.
Information
Table of contents
- Cover
- Title Page
- Copyright Page
- Contents
- Introduction | The Transformative Practice of Reading Children’s Classics
- Chapter 1 | Danger Ahead: The Elephant in the Room
- Chapter 2 | Seven Books, Seven Virtues: Finding Goodness in Person
- Chapter 3 | Rigidity and Love: Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery
- Chapter 4 | Alienation and Faith: Heidi by Johanna Spyri
- Chapter 5 | Despair and Hope: Emily of Deep Valley by Maud Hart Lovelace
- Chapter 6 | Pusillanimity and Courage: The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
- Chapter 7 | Self-Indulgence and Temperance: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
- Chapter 8 | Favoritism and Justice: A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
- Chapter 9 | Rashness and Prudence: The Silver Chair by C. S. Lewis
- Chapter 10 | See the Flaws, Seek the Virtues: Consuming and Creating Children’s Stories
- Conclusion | Drinking Tea with the Dead
- Acknowledgments
- Notes