The Secret Garden
Do you have memories of long summer afternoons engrossed in a book? This is one of my favorite childhood memories. It was hot, humid, and rainy where I grew up and the grass grew well. While I was sprawled across my bed on a hot afternoon, I would smell the sweetness of fresh cut lawns from my father or one of the neighbors mowing. It’s a scent that still brings back a pleasant association. I looked forward to my free afternoons and each book opened a new world that I lived in and explored until I began another book.
At the time, I never analyzed why I enjoyed reading. Probably it was because kids identify with the characters and form a deep connection. Sometimes they are hooked by the excitement or humor of the story. Whatever the reason, childhood stories remain a part of us. We were never without a friend as long as we had a book.
I saw the profound impact of powerful stories when I was a classroom teacher. Children learn empathy and life lessons when they identify with characters. They internalize behavior and ideas and carry the lessons of some books forever. This was what inspired me to write middle-grade books along with my adult novels.
Of course, kids don’t’ analyze things like this. They read because they love the books. If you’re like me, you’re not an exception Some of the favorites I remember are the Narnia series by C.S. Lewis, Little Women, Island of the Blue Dolphins, The Bronze Bow, Old Yeller, The Borrowers ,The Secret Garden, and Anne of Green Gables.
Being a horse lover from a young age, I read all the horse books I could find, Black Beauty, Fury, The Black Stallion and Smokey were a few.
Then I got a little older, I read the entire Trixie Belden series.
Maybe you have read some of these books and have special memories of that time in your life. If so, I’d love to hear about it. Perhaps your favorite novels inspired you to put on a play or write a story of your own.
These are some middle grade novels I have written to inspire and entertain. Look at them if you like and tell me what you think. I always love to hear from my readers. If you have any suggestions, I like to hear those, too.
Here are some books I have written for middle grade readers.
Until next time, keep reading.
