Inspiring Child Authors
What better way to hook children on reading than by introducing them to young authors? From classics like The Diary of Anne Frank, written at age 13, to modern day books like The World Through a Child’s Eyes by Michael Brasier, a compilation of his travel writings from ages 6 to 12, there are plenty of books written by children for children. Read your kids a book written by a young author, and maybe they’ll be inspired to pick up a pen and notebook as well!
The World Through a Child’s Eyes by Michael Brasier
By the time Michael Brasier was 12 years old, he had already visited 13 countries; The World Through a Child’s Eyes is a collection of his observations from his eye-opening childhood travels. His book will give future travelers the opportunity to explore new places and cultures… and will get them excited to plan trips of their own.
Eragon (Inheritance) by Christopher Paolini
Christopher Paolini began writing this action-packed young adult epic when he was just 15 years old. This fantasy tale centers around Eragon, a young man who finds a mysterious blue gemstone that turns out to be a dragon’s egg. It leads him on a magical journey complete with elves, magic swords and a battle between good and evil.
Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
The diary of Anne Frank, a 13-year-old Jewish girl forced to hide in an attic with her family for two years during the Nazi occupation, is an honest, beautiful and heartbreaking true story that has been translated into more than 60 languages. Anne writes eloquently about her dreams, frustrations, fears and passions, and through her hardships, she maintains that, “Despite everything, I believe that people are really good at heart.” The book deals with painful subject matter, but pre-teens and teenagers will relate to her familiar struggles with growing up.
She Was Nice to Mice by Alexandra Elizabeth Sheedy
At the age of 12, Alexandra Elizabeth Sheedy (better known as the actress Ally Sheedy) wrote She Was Nice to Mice, a charming take on the reign of Elizabeth I from the perspective of a mouse who lives in Buckingham Palace. Young readers will love this sweet, inventive version of an interesting historical period.
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
S.E. Hinton wrote this classic story of high school cliques, gangs and rivalries when she was just a teenager herself. Though the book, told from the perspective of the tough-yet-sensitive “greaser” Ponyboy, takes place in the 1960s, it is still just as relevant and poignant for adolescent readers today.
Heartsongs by Mattie J.T. Stepanek
Mattie Stepanek, a young man who was born with a rare form of muscular dystrophy, began writing poetry and short stories when he was only three years old. This collection of his early writing is hopeful, candid, encouraging and often funny, a surefire way to inspire budding poets.
Is your child itching to become a famous writer? Read “Fun Activities to Do in Your Journal” to get the creativity flowing!
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