But back to the article - Steinberg does a great job of picking books that are oldies but goodies: things that you may have read as kids (or your parents may have read) that aren't really talked about much today. The standouts from his list for me are A Wrinkle in Time and Amelia Bedelia. Those are both incredible books that while targeted to different age groups have the kind of charm that lasts forever. I still read A Wrinkle in Time almost every year and the Amelia Bedelia series are great to flip over when I'm wandering around the library.
I had so much fun reminiscing about what I loved as child that I've composed my own 6 children's books to read, and I hope that if you haven't read them yourself you give them a try and remind yourself of the depth and diversity that children's literature provides.
1) Berenstain Bears by Stan and Jan BerenstainI can't comment on any 'Christian overtones' but I can say that I loved the family in these books and I'm pretty positive I read through most of them without complaint, with no more junk food, too much tv, and strangers being the topics I remember most clearly.
2) Magic School Bus by Joanna Cole
I don't know how anyone learned anything without Ms. Frizzle. She had the bestest craziest class and bus EVER and she is totally unforgettable. If you (or your child) hasn't learned about the solar system, the human body, erosion, or any other cool science-y subject through these books well go read them now!
3) Encyclopedia Brown by Donald J. Sobol Encyclopedia Brown holds my heart as that great combination of brains, brawn, and small town charm. Selling his services for $0.25 a mystery, Enyclopedia Brown is a 5th grade wonder, helping the town's police force solve big and little crimes. The best part of these book is that they allow readers to try and find the answers on their own, as each mystery is connected to a 'How and Who Dunnit' section at the back of the book.
4) Bronze King by Suzy McKee Charnas
One of my favorite fantasies - and I think one of the best urban fantasies out there in the juvenile section. There's action and suspense, romance and sadness - it's all here and culminates in a great final battle (though I must admit I hate this cover
5) Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce No one does a female heroine like Tamora Pierce. With Alanna she's crafted a young girl that defies society to do what she knows her heart demands, and Pierce goes above and beyond to show the ups and downs of that decision. Still what's best about this series (and all her books) is that the male characters aren't relegated to the back stage or blithering idiots. They're still there as main supporting characters, equals to Alanna, which I think does the best job possible of showing both young boys and girls why they're both deserving of praise and the chance to do what they love.
6) Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley
I've not made it hidden that I love Robin McKinley. Her books are great juvenile/young adult/adult crossovers and demonstrate some pretty unbeatable fantasy. This book makes the list for having both a great female lead and an irresistible fantasy world. You always want to know more, you're always as the reader ready to keep going and see what the next battle's going to be. I own this and the sequel and couldn't recommend them enough to any and everyone.
Honorable Mentions:
The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper <---- SO GOOD! Just putting it out there.
The Last Vampire by Christopher Pike
Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
Whatever Happened to Janie? by Caroline B. Cooney
