8 Children’s Books You Should Definitely Read Again

We find ourselves in a world that revolves around trends, money and power – so much so that we are numbed by the injustices that are taking place in society. Injustices we can put a stop too if we had the will to move our minds from comparison and open our eyes to what is really unfolding in front of us.

That is why it excites my soul to see that the following books are prescribed to high school students, allowing them to see all that has happened, can happen and possibly will happen in the world we find ourselves in. It is for this reason that I believe the time has come for us to stand up, walk over to our bookshelves, find these hidden gems, dust them off and enjoy reading them with a nice cup of tea.

It is in these books that we will be faced with challenges of the past starting to repeat themselves today; some challenges, that although fictional, will evoke a sense of fear and yes, eventually purpose for change; challenges that will remind us of who we are at our core: strong and resilient human beings that cannot be oppressed by maleficent people of authority, as well as people in our personal, everyday life.

Here are eight books school kids are reading, that we should definitely read again:

1 Animal Farm by George Orwell

Animal Farm is probably one of the most popular school reads in the world. George Orwell wrote it as a political allegory and has since then inspired the minds of not only adult revolutionaries but also the younger ones who start feeling the spark of righteousness and freedom for all of the humanity in their hearts.

The story of a group of farm animals revolting against their cruel owner, only to find themselves under the oppression of one they thought to be their “Comrade” will, as long as we have power-hungry leaders, stay universally true. The allegory also serves as a reminder of how the power of propaganda can be used in order to brainwash society and get them to submit.

This will advise us to open our eyes and not just accept everything we are being fed through the media and those in powerful positions. It is important to maintain order and respect, but not at the cost of losing our individuality and option to question what is happening to us and around us.

2 The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

It is said that The Little Prince is a book for children written for grown-ups, and I am of the opinion that this is in fact true. No matter how old you are, in this book you will find gems of wisdom and advice, gems that will guide you in your life and remind you not to lose your imagination and sense of childlike wonder.

The Little Prince reveals the true essence of human nature, it serves to advise us not to be fooled by those in power, it warns us that the conceited man is alone in his own world and it shows the loneliness of losing yourself in what the world has to offer – whether it be alcohol, money or acceptance.

3 Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

This is a wise, funny, and heartbreakingly moving comic-strip memoir of Marjane Satrapi’s years growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution, and how she dealt with life whilst experiencing the devastating effects of the war with Iraq.

We see Marjane being shaped by the different environments and people she finds herself at. Marjane talks about the danger of fundamentalism, however, as a child we see how she shows some characteristics of one too.

In spite of this, we see her perspective grow as she deals with all the challenges life throws at her. The mistakes she felt she made opened her eyes and shaped her into becoming the influential individual she is today.

4 A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park

This is definitely one of the must-read children’s book. A story of two people of the same country, but of different tribes and times – both finding themselves on this long, tiring and often dangerous walk of life. This book will remind us of how fickle life is and how we often take things for granted like safety, water and most of all, family.

5 Lord of The Flies by William Golding

This provocative and compelling novel is about a group of ordinary boys stranded on a coral island. At first it seems as though it will all be fun and games, however the fun and games soon turn into something more animalistic and cruel. Thus, life for some of the boys on the island turns into a nightmare of panic and death.

We see the more time they are away from civilization, the more they feel their savage side want to break free, some boys succumb to it revealing a primitive and terrible nature. In other words, when it comes down to it – no matter how pure a person believes he or she is – we are selfish creatures, with only our own interests at heart.

William Golding is trying to imply that civilization can mitigate the innate evil within every human being, but can never extinguish it. Strip away all the pretenses of rules and order, and with what are we left?

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6 To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee

Regarded as a masterpiece of literature – it is no wonder it won the Pulitzer Prize. Encompassing compassion, drama, and empathy – it moves its readers in the profound way in which it reminds us as human beings how important it is to defend the innocent, express kindness among cruelty and to love where there is hate.

To Kill a Mocking Bird is one of those rare classics that both bring you to laughter and tears. It reminds us of what Atticus so gently told Scout:,’You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.’

7 1984 by George Orwell

Yes, I am an Orwell Groupie, but that has absolutely nothing to do why I am putting the second novel of his on the list. 1984 is a dystopian novel that serves as a disturbing and ominous prophecy about the future.

The novel reveals an upsetting and haunting vision of the world, so powerful that although 1984 has come and gone, the reader remains convinced that it is happening at the present time (perhaps because many of the characteristics of the book is present in our everyday lives).

It is completely convincing from start to finish. The warnings within this book have been applicable to every generation and each day we find ourselves in a world where we are being dictated to think and act a certain way, it grows stronger and stronger.

1984 depicts the world where totalitarianism is in control, and although it might not seem evident today – qualities of this state are making it rounds. The novel reveals the world where freedom and privacy have completely disappeared, a world made possible through the leading force of technology, even everyday citizens have surveillance cameras constantly watching them, ensuring everything and everyone are following the rules set in place (for the protection, of course). Sound familiar?

8 The Harry Potter Series by J. K. Rowling

Okay, I know these books are not necessarily read as part of the school’s curriculum, but in honor of it just celebrating its birthday, why not allow it to be on this list? A story showing the absolute courage of a young boy, who despite his hard upbringing rose above adversity and become a powerful wizard.

The boy who was never afraid to speak his mind in the face of injustice and would always defend the helpless. A boy that shows us the importance of believing in ourselves and others.

This story tackles all aspects of life, from love to loss, fierce friendships to enemies and the constant battle we fight not only on the outside but also the inside. Harry Potter reminds us that the true power to defeat any enemy is not found in others, but found within each of us.

Read also – 8 Books I Am Happy I Read Before 25

Often we need a little nudge to remind us that individually and together, we have the ability to inspire, help, change and create the world we live in; these children’s books will serve as that reminder.

What a powerful instrument and weapon books are. In the words of the author Casandra Clare, ‘One must always be careful of books and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us.’