‘Little Jaffna,' ‘Mahabharata' Lead London Indian Film Festival Lineup (EXCLUSIVE)
The London Indian Film Festival will open its 16th edition with the U.K. premiere of 'Little Jaffna.'
Directed by Lawrence Valin, the film, which he also co-wrote and stars in, explores the Tamil diaspora experience in France through the prism of gang culture in the area of central Paris known informally as Little Jaffna, named after the capital city of the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. It is set against the backdrop of the Sri Lankan civil war, which ravaged the island nation from 1983 to 2009. The film has had considerable festival play including at Venice and Toronto.
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The festival's central gala will be the restored version of Peter Brook's legendary interpretation of Indian epic 'The Mahabharata.' The screening at BFI Imax aligns with the 100th birth year of Brook, with expectations that some of the original cast will attend from France.
Director Rima Das returns to the festival with Busan debuting 'Village Rockstars 2,' continuing her exploration of rural Indian life through the story of an Assamese teenager who clings to childhood dreams while confronting contemporary challenges facing young people in rural India, from flood threats to family responsibilities.
The program also features Lakshmipriya Devi's 'Boong,' which tells the story of a disobedient schoolboy in Manipur who naively risks his safety crossing into Myanmar to search for his missing father in an attempt to mend his broken family. Set against the Himalayas, Vinod Kapri's 'Pyre' offers a sumptuously photographed narrative about an elderly couple deeply in love but struggling to survive in a changing mountain society.
Beyond film screenings, the festival will celebrate emerging British Asian talent through a new industry event developed in collaboration with RIFCO Theatre. The initiative aims to encourage more U.K. South Asians to enter the film industry while exploring co-production opportunities. This professional component will be accompanied by the festival's popular program of British-Asian shorts.
The London Indian Film Festival runs July 16-23 at BFI Southbank and BFI Imax. The Birmingham Indian Film Festival runs July 17-23 at the Midlands Arts Centre.
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'The High King' by Lloyd Alexander Lani Jacobson of Herndon, Va.: 'The High King' is the final book of The Chronicles of Prydain, a five-book series published in the 1960s. My elementary school librarian recommended it to me, and I used to check out the entire series from my hometown public library and read it over and over. It's a classic bildungsroman in which the main character, a foundling named Taran, grows up and learns how to be a good person. The setting is a stylized version of Wales, and the story and characters are loosely borrowed from Welsh mythology. 'The High King' tells the story of the culmination of a years-long battle between forces of good and evil, and Taran becomes a leader of the forces of good. He suffers, sacrifices, and loses good friends in battle but eventually emerges victorious. One of the main themes throughout the series is learning to understand the difference between romantic ideas of glory and the costs and responsibilities of true leadership. 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I read it the year I turned 55; it's a quick but meaningful read for anyone older than about 12. 'A Friend for Growl Bear' by Margot Austin Mark Muir of Burbank, Calif.: I loved 'Growl Bear' as a kid. My father read it to me over and over again. It is about a young bear who scares everyone in the forest by always saying 'Grrr.' The wise old owl finally figures out why he does that. It's a wonderful story, but sadly, I'm afraid it is likely out of print. 'The Journey Trilogy' ('Journey,' 'Quest,' 'Return') by Aaron Becker 'The Journey Trilogy' ('Journey,' 'Quest,' 'Return') by Aaron Becker Book cover Doris Smith of Bedford: There is one set of three wordless picture books that both my husband and I enjoyed very much. The first book, 'Journey,' begins with a young girl sitting on the front steps of an apartment building in a city. She looks downcast, but the eye of the reader will be drawn to a red scooter. She goes into her home and finds her mother cooking in the kitchen, but is also on the telephone, so she goes to her father, who is busy at his computer. He does not respond to her, so she goes to her big sister's room. The sister is reading a book and also ignores the girl. So she sits down on her bed, downcast. Her cat is sitting on the floor, but when she moves, the girl sees a red marker on the floor where the cat has been sitting. She picks up the marker and begins to draw a door on the wall in her room. When she opens that door, she finds herself in a forest, but one with lanterns strung all through the trees, and she still has the red marker in her hand. Advertisement 'A Bear Called Paddington' by Michael Bond Maryanne Dell of Cypress, Calif.: This tale of an orphaned bear adopted by an English family who takes him in after reading the 'Please look after this bear' tag affixed to his coat is funny, charming, and enlightening in its messages about acceptance and good humor. Although written in 1958, it stands the test of time. I first discovered it when I was around 7 years old and have read it at least 10 times over the years; so enamored am I still with the story. 'The War That Saved My Life' by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley Linda Hay: I am a retired librarian who also taught master's level courses in children's and young adult literature. My current favorites have sustained me during these awful opening days of Trump's reign of ignorance and vengeance. Set during World War II, this book and its sequel, 'The War I Finally Won,' are told by the heroine, 10-year-old Ada, an abused, physically disabled child from the slums of London with incredible doggedness who saves herself, her younger brother Jamie, and the depressed and misguided individuals who come to her aid. Her courage is not of the goody-goody sort … she is scrappy, terrified of being loved, yet a willing worker, be it in harvesting potatoes in cold and mud, watching for enemy bombs from a church steeple, or making meals from scanty rations (but lots of potatoes). Advertisement Often paralyzed by the love she is offered, she nevertheless offers hers and her courage in ways that change her life and those of others. The love she provides her 5-year-old brother and his newfound companion, a street cat he names Bovril, is typical of these books' unexpected gleams of light. 'Freddy the Detective' by Walter R. Brooks Barbara Keiler of Sudbury: I first discovered 'Freddy the Detective' as a 9-year-old. I loved the dry wit, the anthropomorphic farm animals with their distinct personalities, and the mystery plots. I discovered that it was part of a series of 'Freddy the Pig' books and tore through every Freddy book I could find in the library. Many years later, I became a novelist, and I learned that my agent represented the estate of Walter R. Brooks. When my firstborn was about six, my agent sent me several of the Freddy books, which had recently been reissued in new editions. I read them to my son and discovered that, beyond the wit and the characters and the mysteries, they contained subtle yet powerful moral messages (in particular, anti-fascist messages in the books written in the late 1930s). My son is now an adult — married, a homeowner, a professional, and, like his mother, a compulsive reader — and he still treasures those Freddy books. 'The Enormous Egg' by Oliver Butterworth Kevin Grunwald of Truro: I always loved this book as a kid, putting myself in the place of the main character. Nate Twitchell lives in Freedom, N.H., and has a chicken that lays an enormous egg. Nate helps to care for the chicken and turn the egg throughout the summer. What hatches is a triceratops. This book works at the surface level, but weaves in themes of loyalty, commitment, community, and patriotism, with clear references to the McCarthy Era. Butterworth was born in Connecticut and worked as a teacher there for most of his life. Advertisement 'Because of Mr. Terupt' by Rob Buyea Tina Miller of Bedford : Chosen by Colorado librarians for the 5th grade Battle of the Books competition this school year, 'Because of Mr. Terupt' tells of one year in rookie teacher Mr. Terupt's 5th grade. First-person narration by seven 5th graders in his class highlights how the year unfolds, how each of the narrators grows and changes, and how the class coalesces. I liked the neatness of the structure, organized by month and narrator, the clarity of the characterizations, and the book's overall feeling of confidence in the future. 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card Martha Gershun of Fairway, Kan.: This classic science fiction book for young adults primarily takes place in Battle School, an intergalactic spaceship where young children have been recruited to train as military officers in preparation for an upcoming invasion of an insect-like alien species known as The Buggers. Andrew 'Ender' Wiggin reveals remarkable tactical and leadership skills in the increasingly more difficult training games that pit the children against each other. I won't reveal the shocking ending here. Suffice to say this book has resonated with decades of 'gifted' children, and I love that Ender and his friends turn out to be a lot wiser than the adults who are using them to (perhaps) save humanity. 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' by Lewis Carroll Colleen Michell of Poway, Calif. (originally from England): This book, when first read as a child to me and my sister by our mother, was very entertaining. However, when I read it again as an adult, I realized how clever all the allusions are to everyday people and situations. A brilliant work! 'Otis Spofford' by Beverly Cleary Roslynn Mitchell of Philadelphia: I read this as a 2nd grader and again as a 2nd-grade teacher. It made me laugh as a kid and as an adult, but as an adult I understood his behavior better. 'Dr. Dog' by Babette Cole Richard Bailey of Wellfleet: My kid and I laughed through this illustrated British book; we lived in Germany, she was 5 or 6. It's the story of a family dog who is also a doctor. His family collapses into all kinds of silly maladies when he jets off to a medical conference in Brazil ... comic mayhem ensues. My German wife was a family doctor at the time, which may have contributed to our hilarity. 'The Dark Is Rising' by Susan Cooper 'The Dark Is Rising' by Susan Cooper Book cover Rita Aitken of Phoenix: I read this book while a college student and assistant children's librarian in the mid-1970s. The second in a series of five, it begins the quest of young Will, who is an 'old one' and destined to help conquer the dark, once and for all, before it overtakes our world forever. It has been a popular recommendation for young adults who may find Tolkien a bit intimidating, but want a great fantasy. It draws upon the legends of King Arthur and Celtic mythology, making it timeless. While its use of multiple kinds of magic is not unique, the idea of magic as a subtle nudge in contemporary life was then new to me and remains intriguing. This book cemented my lifelong love of fantasy and mythology, beautifully illustrating the gray in all things. The dark isn't all evil, nor is the light completely good. Fifty years later, this book holds a place in my list of favorites, and I still recommend it! 'Bud, Not Buddy' by Christopher Paul Curtis Pam Tinkham-Harms of Richmond, Va.: My friends sent me this book about a young orphaned boy who sets out across the country in search of his father during the Depression. The descriptions ring true with what I know about that period, and Bud is a delightful, brave child. This is truly a marvelous book, and I have read many of Mr. Curtis's other books. He writes with such ringing honesty in a way for kids to get a first-hand account of history. His 'The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963' (which I would recommend if I could vote for two books) has been banned. 'Danny the Champion of the World' by Roald Dahl Jane Pioli of Woburn: This is one of the less well-known of Dahl's books for children, but my favorite of all of them. I read all of his children's books to my kids when they were young, and the general theme that adults are either evil, stupid, or both, along with the overall silliness, made them some of their favorites. Danny lives with his widowed father in a gypsy caravan behind the auto garage where his father repairs cars. There is, of course, a rich pompous man who makes their lives miserable, as a foil. The plot to get back at this man is funny and somewhat naughty. I liked the book mostly because Danny's father is a good and kind father, but with a streak of an outlaw. He allows his son freedom to explore and be himself, and he respects him and listens to him. 'The Knight and the Dragon' by Tomie dePaola Toby Sedgwick: This is a timeless and humorous tale, with great illustrations that show the action and just enough words to tell the story. It's about working out differences and finding peaceful solutions to problems. It's got a fabulous ending and teaches an important lesson in cooperation. I like to ask my class, 'Who's the hero of the story?' Spoiler: It's the princess 'librarian.' 'Fire Pups to the Rescue!' by Lisa Desimini Jan Godown Annino of Tallahassee : Cutie pie Dalmatian pups Wink, Pip, and pals, who sleep, play, and work in the firehouse, enjoy helping when things get fire hot in the neighborhood. With back matter of fire safety tips and history of Dalmatian dogs as firehouse mascots. 'Because of Winn-Dixie' by Kate DiCamillo Book cover 'Because of Winn-Dixie' by Kate DiCamillo Pat Conway of Pittsford, N.Y.: Probably because I'm a shameless dog devotee, I've always loved this children's book, published in 2000, which I re-read every few years. It's about how a stray straggly mutt with an endearing personality becomes the catalyst for all the positive changes that happen to the 10-year-old girl who rescues him. I'm always heartened when I revisit the 182 inspiring pages — it gives me hope for the world and makes me love my dog even more, if that's possible. 'The Tale of Despereaux' by Kate DiCamillo Kerri Trott of Waltham: This book tells the story of a small but determined mouse on a quest to rescue a princess. Though the details have faded over time, what remains is the profound impact it had on me. The beautiful writing and the depth of understanding with which the author writes about each character — whether good, flawed, or somewhere in between. The story reminds us that no one is wholly good or evil, and that every soul carries wounds shaping their choices. One passage resonated deeply: There are those hearts, reader, that never mend again once they are broken. Or if they do mend, they heal themselves in a crooked and lopsided way, as if sewn together by a careless craftsman. Such was the fate of Chiaroscuro. His heart was broken. Picking up the spoon and placing it on his head, speaking of revenge, these things helped him to put his heart together again. But it was, alas, put together wrong. This book is a reminder that even the smallest among us can be brave, that kindness and understanding can change lives, and that some wounds, no matter how deep, can heal — though perhaps in unexpected ways. 'April Morning' by Howard Fast Peter Myette of New York, N.Y.: This is a story about a 15-year-old boy in Lexington, Mass., who is drawn into events that touch off the Revolutionary War. We experience formative episodes in his relationship with his father and see him mature in the lives of his mother, grandmother, and brother, as well as a girl whose friendship he values. Passages track his personal growth through encounters with others in the community, as together they reckon with a violent challenge to a nascent representative government. I first read 'April Morning' when I was 12 and read it again earlier this year. The strength of the novel is in the characterization of Moses Cooper, the protagonist's father. Moses gives voice to rationalist positions and moral values held within a context of religious belief, yet distinct from superstitious affectations undercutting faith. In words and actions, he exemplifies the roots of independent thinking and spirit that powered the Revolution. 'Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries' by Heather Fawcett Doreen Manning of Shirley : I love young adult books (my teenager and I often swap books). We just finished this; it is pure fantasy, not sci-fi. The heroine was an odd, clueless, and brilliant professor who loved her research and didn't care about what society thought of her. She was true to herself, her work, and her career. All the while navigating life in a faerie world. I felt like she was an empowering lead character. I also appreciated that the romance was lovely, innocent, and fun — not steamy and too hot to handle. It was an adorable series that I flew through in two weeks on the commuter rail! 'Hitty, Her First Hundred Years' by Rachel Field Wendy Wagner Robeson of Norfolk : This is a book about a doll who, over time, has many adventures all over the world; it is written as a memoir. I fell in love with this book as an elementary student and found it by chance in my school library. I have read it several times through the years and even purchased a copy for my daughter when she was younger. 'The Sissy Duckling' by Harvey Fierstein Russell French of Roslindale: This book is about a male duckling who doesn't really fit in with the other ducklings because he is more interested in doing his own thing instead of playing sports, etc., with the other male ducklings. But he does help save his father when he is surrounded by hunters. So even if he is a sissy, he is also a hero. I enjoyed this book because it shows that everyone is different; and we just all want to fit in without being teased or ignored. The book left me with a positive and happy feeling. Everyone should read this book; it shows that everyone has a place on this earth because we are all unique. 'Harriet the Spy' by Louise Fitzhugh Rachel Ross of Jefferson, Mass.: This book influenced me so greatly that I became Harriett for the rest of my school-age years and beyond by keeping a notebook (a journal) and writing down my observations of the people and the (often quirky) situations they found themselves in. I have kept a journal since I was perhaps 12 years old, although I don't go around writing about the people around me these days. I do continue to write almost daily. I have to give credit to Louise, who started my closet writing career more than 50 years ago. I've never read a more influential book since. 'Johnny Tremain' by Esther Forbes Fran Fecteau of Dennis: I was first introduced to this Newbery Award-winning historical novel as a 7th-grade reading assignment many years ago, and it started me on a lifelong love of reading history. The author writes of a young man living in Boston, apprenticed to a master craftsman, in the 2-3 years leading up to the battles of Lexington and Concord. It is American history told in large and small stories, teaching the beginnings of the fight for independence through the eyes of the protagonist and his struggles against personal obstacles and striving to fulfill his dreams. It is a wonderfully written story with characters you learn to care about by a Massachusetts author and Pulitzer Prize winner (for 'Paul Revere and the World He Lived In'). Marie Doench of North Adams: Set entirely in pre-Revolutionary Boston (1770s), it's not only a complex and elegantly laid out coming-of-age tale of a lonely orphan, but also the story of emerging and inspiring courage against the increasingly authoritarian British rule. The author wrote the book during the Nazi war against democracy, and both her fear AND hope are evident. It's such a needed and meaningful antidote to today's uncertain path forward, especially as America celebrates the 250th anniversary of Lexington and Concord. I read this book 6 decades ago and never forgot its lessons. 'Harley Merlin' series by Bella Forrest (a stable of writers) Jim Fraser of Flanders, N.J.: This is a series of 20 books in the Young Adult Fantasy Fiction/paranormal genre. Our entire family — grandparents (74/76), daughters (40/44), and grandsons (14/10) — thoroughly enjoyed the series. We were always waiting for the person ahead of us to finish and for the next one to come out. The main character is an orphan with magical powers who discovers she is not alone. Each character has different powers, and the novels follow the development of each as they do battle with monsters and the non-magicals. Easy but thoroughly enjoyable reading. Some adult themes, but nothing graphic. 'Amphigorey' by Edward Gorey Gerry Gajewski of Barrington, N.H.: This is probably not suitable for children, but for young adults, it's the perfect way to introduce them to dark humor, weird humor, and the cleverness of simple illustration. There are four Amphigorey books, but the first is by far the best. If you don't know it, you're in for a treat. Even if you do, reading it again will make you laugh. If you like this book, you and I would surely be friends. 'Red: A Crayon's Story' by Michael Hall Book cover 'Red: A Crayon's Story' by Michael Hall Kathi Cremeans of West Barnstable: This book is about a Red crayon that has been mislabeled. RED is actually a BLUE crayon with a red paper label. The Blue crayon has to deal with criticism, judgments, and 'helpful suggestions' to fit its label. Eventually, a Purple crayon convinces Red that it may need to be true to its color, Blue. Although I know children enjoy the book, it has a message to adults to consider how transgender, gay, or other people who are unique are misunderstood and treated. 'Rosie's Walk' by Pat Hutchins Wendy Prest of Groton: Rosie is a hen, and she decides to go for a walk. All along the way, she is stalked by a fox, who runs into lots of different troubles as he follows Rosie, who gets back to safety unscathed. We borrowed it from the library 3 or 4 times when my kids were quite young. It's a picture book, and the pictures and the story are a treat. 'Resistance' by Carla Jablonski Rachel Kai of Sebastopol, Calif. (formerly from Peabody): It takes place in WWII-occupied France. Paris and the rest of northern France are tightly controlled by the Nazis. It's set in a small town in southern France, which at the time is supposedly still 'free,' but has a substantial Nazi presence. The family in the story consists of three siblings: a teenage girl, a middle-school-age boy, and a younger girl. Their mother is struggling to take care of them and their farm while their father is away, a prisoner of war. The boy has a Jewish friend, who is also friendly with the rest of the family. The friend's parents are arrested and deported, but he escapes, and the children hide him. Each of the three kids can see all the damage the Germans are doing and independently join the Resistance (they can all keep secrets and don't even tell each other at first). The book brings alive a horrible period of history in a way that is appropriate for kids and is hopeful more than it's grim. It is about pushing for justice, fairness, and kindness even when it's illegal, and I see it as very relevant to our current political situation. 'Resistance' is the first of a set of three. It stands on its own well, but I think anyone who reads it will want to go on to the other two, 'Defiance' and 'Victory.' 'Harold and the Purple Crayon' by Crockett Johnson Carole Kessel Kenney of King of Prussia, P a.: Such a simple story — a little boy has a magical purple crayon that he uses to design fantastical and sometimes frightening pictures that take him out of his bedroom ... and then safely back to bed for a well-earned peaceful night's sleep. I loved it as a child, read it to my kids, and bought copies for all my grandchildren. Timeless. 'The Phantom Tollbooth' by Norton Juster Leslie Gecy of Baker City, Ore. (formerly of Wayland): I first read this book in elementary school, reread it as a teen, and then also as an adult. At each stage of my life, I always found delight in the book and something new. As a child, I vividly remember identifying with the young boy who always wanted to be somewhere other than where he was (yes, I was a daydreamer) until he ended up in the Doldrums where he could escape only by thinking hard and being in the moment. As an adult, I fell in love with the Alphabet Store, where you had to choose and purchase your letters wisely, as you could end up ending your own words. And I roared with laughter in the chapter about literally ending up on the Island of Conclusions. A great book for all ages. Also recommended by Sherri Oken of Wakefield. 'Wild Blues' by Beth Kephart Pat Christopher of Glenside, P a.: This is a suspenseful YA novel about Lizzie, who is spending her summer at her uncle's cabin in the Adirondacks, and her friend Matias, who has proportionate dwarfism. They spend an idyllic summer in the woods where Matias paints and Lizzie writes until one day, Matias doesn't arrive at their spot. When her Uncle Davey also disappears and news breaks about two escaped convicts, Lizzie sets out to find them. 'Just So Stories' by Rudyard Kipling J. Daniel Moylan of Brookline: The book is a series of fanciful stories on just how various animals came to be the way they are. It was given to me by a cousin of my mother when I was 2. Often, I would ask my grandmother (mother's mother, who lived with us) to read me a story from the book. 'The Elephant's Child' was my favorite, and I was enchanted with the description: 'the great grey-green, greasy Limpopo River, all set about with fever-trees.' I loved the baby elephant, and his animal relatives (his uncle, the baboon, and great-aunt, the ostrich). I don't think he found out what the crocodile had for dinner, but I was glad that it wasn't the elephant's child, and was happy that he was happy with his new trunk the crocodile gave him. 'The House in the Cerulean Sea' by T.J. Klune Mary Faretra-Bentson of Jamaica Plain: The author has created the most fantastical world with magical, imaginative characters and an immersive storyline. Yes, I told the book by its cover, and I'm so glad I did, as the settings are richly created, and I could easily place myself in any scene. Enter an unlikely bureaucrat from the Department of Magical Youth, who is dispatched out of his comfort zone to visit and evaluate an out-of-the-way orphanage where a group of gifted youth reside. This unusual community of young people is delightful, and the 'master' of this residence protects and cares for them. Worlds collide and soften in what is a create-your-own-family tale meets epiphany in a queer love story. The book defies pigeon-holing while conjuring 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' and John Green's 'The Fault in Our Stars.' Everything an escapist story can be! 'From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler' by E.L. Konigsburg Janet Anderson of Westborough: A brother and sister, feeling unappreciated at home, run away to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. They have very different personalities: Claudia is exacting about planning and grammar, and Jamie is thrifty with money. They get involved in a mystery surrounding a newly acquired sculpture at the museum, which eventually leads them to meet Mrs. Frankweiler and learn the truth about the artwork. Despite some initial conflicts, the adventure teaches the siblings to appreciate each other's strengths, and creates a bond between them. They go home as more mature people. I loved this book as a youngster because it showed kids being strong and independent, and solving their own problems. Whenever I felt fed up with my life, I always imagined running away to a place like this or living in the woods, a la 'My Side of the Mountain,' as a backup plan — although I never actually did run away! 'Still I Rise: A Graphic History of African Americans' by Roland Laird with Taneshia Nash Laird Book cover 'Still I Rise: A Graphic History of African Americans' by Roland Laird with Taneshia Nash Laird Stephen Pepper of Jamaica Plain and Dalton: For young adults and not children, this book covers, in 217 pages, both an overview and detailed stories of African American history — which is American history. I'm reading it now and learning so much that, as a 75-year-old white male, I was never taught. The illustrations are dramatic, compelling in the best 'comic book' style. First published in 1997, it was updated in 2009 and therefore includes Barack Obama on the new cover. 'Rabbit Hill' by Robert Lawson Anne Morse of Chicago: This Newbery Award-winner dates from 1944, but the anthropomorphized animals who live on Rabbit Hill are timeless and as recognizable as the people around us in our daily lives: the grumbler, the scatterbrain, the loquacious elder, the peppy youngster. When New Folks come to the neglected house on the hill, the animals wait to learn if they are 'planting folks.' It's unabashedly a Christian morality tale, with a statue of St. Francis playing a pivotal role, but it's full of goodness and charity, love of the earth and its bounty, and it never fails to make me cry. 'The Story of Ferdinand' by Munro Leaf Betsy Clark of Surry, N.H.: Ferdinand is a bull who refuses to play with his aggressive peers. He prefers to be alone. He grows to be a fine specimen of his breed, but will not submit to the taunts of the matadors in the bull ring. Finally, he is returned to his pasture and happily smells the flowers. A wonderful message for impressionable children. My all-time favorite child's book. I have gifted it to new parents, teachers, and family. 'A Wrinkle In Time' by Madeleine L'Engle Mar-c Perazabaker of Middletown, Conn.: Young adult science fiction. It's an adventure book about [the] love of family, never giving up, the triumph of good over evil and tesseracts! I loved the concept of things being bigger on the inside than on the outside. It made me feel that I could be a much bigger person on the inside than the 5-foot container I walk around in. Cynthia Franklin of Wellfleet: One of my favorite books as a young teen, and a book, along with its sequels, that I still enjoy as an adult and often re-read. YA science fiction/fantasy, whose young central characters — Meg Murray, her younger brother Charles, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe — travel through space and time in an attempt to find Meg's and Charles's father. Meg is the central character and must face her doubts and fears in order to save her family. The story line keeps you reading, but the book also explores themes of good and evil, science, and philosophy. Winner of a Newbery Medal and other awards, and inspired a 2018 film of the same name directed by Ava DuVernay. 'Where the Mountain Meets the Moon' by Grace Lin Susan NC Price of Warrenville, Ill.: A friend just loaned me this book, suggesting my granddaughter might enjoy it. I suspect she will because I certainly did. Author Grace Lin clearly draws on Chinese and Taiwanese folk tales and storytelling traditions in the crafting of this lovely fantasy. The main character, Minli, attempts an impossible feat; the story plays out with a combination of kindness, fortitude, and persistent hope. Minli, her parents, and some incidental characters along the way all learn the value of love, acceptance, hope, and striving for a worthy goal. 'Frog and Toad are Friends' by Arnold Lobel Betsy Hall of Boston: While not explicitly a gay arrangement, Frog and Toad's relationship had raised questions among the curious, particularly in the '70s and '80s. There are four books in the series, and they are warm and caring tales of a precious friendship. 'The Giver' by Lois Lowry Carolyn Fortuna of Stafford Springs, Conn.: This young adult novel starts out seemingly set in an idyllic society. All too soon, however, young Jonas learns that there is only one person who holds all the memories of their lives — and that person is going to pass those memories onto Jonas. It's a book that asks us to appreciate those who came before us and the gifts we have today because of them. It also offers a rather scary glimpse into the responsibilities that a select few children are forced to bear in life. 'Prophet Song' by Paul Lynch Yvonne Anderson of Kingston, Ontario : Powerful, suspenseful, riveting, and absolutely timely. Also beautifully written. Modern-day Ireland has elected a government that is now moving toward total control of its citizens and becoming a totalitarian regime. Reading this novel feels familiar; through world events and movies, we know the scenario. But this novel also feels so fresh, we feel the changes in the society where Eilish, her husband Larry, and four children live. One minute, Eilish is running a household, working a job, recovering from a surprise pregnancy, and getting her children out the door to school. She is visiting and trying to care for her widowed father, who is showing early signs of dementia. The next minute, two policemen show up at Eilish's door one evening, wanting to talk to Larry, who is a teacher and union activist. Very quickly, laws change, institutions no longer work for the benefit of their citizens, people disappear, the media is government-run, the cost of everything goes up, people are losing their jobs, and a draft is introduced for all boys aged 17 and over. Societal collapse is happening, not tomorrow or next week, but now. How do you accept its reality, and how do you navigate it? What would you do? Eilish works hard to keep the family safe and to protect her children above all. They, of course, don't understand the danger of daily life now, and it is challenging to get through each day. I was so moved by this novel, it has stayed with me and will be with me for a long time. An incredible read. 'Lifetimes: The Beautiful Way to Explain Life and Death to Children' by Bryan Mellonie and Robert Ingpen Irma V. González of Amherst: 'Lifetimes' helps us to understand that, whether long or short, all lives have a beginning and an end. With beautiful, detailed illustrations of plants, animals, and people, the authors examine different lengths of life and help children (and their adults) understand that, as sad as it is for us, death is an ordinary part of life as every living being will experience it. I especially appreciate the concept of 'the living is in between' being born and dying — and that each lifetime is complete. This book, gifted by a friend, helped me and my three children many years ago. It is a treasure that I share with families when they experience the death of loved ones. 'Touching Spirit Bear' by Ben Mikaelsen Debbie Middleswart of Searsport, Maine: I read this book chapter by chapter aloud to my Language Arts classes of 7th and 8th graders for many years. They each had a journal in which they individually wrote their thoughts at the end of the readings. It was led often by a pondering question I wrote on the board. We then shared their reflections aloud. It was one of the most moving, powerful stories that showed the life of a young boy who fell down 7 times and got up 8 (the Native American opening). It opened worlds to my students at every reading level. Many begged to read it more than once a week when they entered my room. The boy made a huge mistake in anger and finally took responsibility after many, many painful lessons. The large majority asked to read the sequel, 'Ghost of Spirit Bear,' on their own and discussed it in groups. 'When Stars Are Scattered' by Omar Mohamed as told to Victoria Jamieson Janet Lynch of Viera, Fla.: This graphic novel is based on a true story that is so very pertinent in today's world. Suitable for middle schoolers and up, the book follows brothers Omar and Hassan as they flee their home in Somalia and settle into a refugee camp in Kenya. Although their lives were hard to read about, the overwhelming poverty, the lack of food, the sameness of the days; there was always a small glimmer of hope to balance things out. Omar longs for schooling and dreams of coming to America. He is torn between the chance to go to school and caring for his disabled, younger brother. The graphics are amazing, the story eye-opening and heartwarming. My grandson introduced me to this book, and I'm so glad he did! Nancy Stenberg of Easthampton: I am an elementary school librarian. I love graphic novels and they are a good choice for my students who are learning to speak English or who are visual learners. This book is the true story of Omar Mohamed and his little brother, Hassan, who have spent most of their young lives in Dadaab, a refugee camp in Kenya. This book is heartbreaking and hopeful with a dash of humor. 'Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin' by Lloyd Moss Mary Carr of Batavia, Ill.: One by one, each of 10 instruments (with their players) comes on stage to form an orchestra. The rhyming text itself is musical, and the color illustrations are delightful depictions of the instruments' personalities. The book is a great introduction to music and to instruments individually and together in a group. I think this was the most requested read-aloud when my kids were small. I've kept the book as a family treasure, despite its separated cover (from overuse). 'The Prince of the Pond' by Donna Jo Napoli Randy Ascher of Lewes, Del.: This children's chapter book is told through the fairy tale 'The Frog Prince,' but all the science is true. In the story, the prince is changed into a frog, but he does not know how to be a frog until he meets and learns from a true frog. He, in turn, teaches the frogs to be more human. You laugh and cry while reading. This is truly my favorite book. 'Witch's Sister' by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor Jackie Miller of Woburn: Fear overwhelms 11-year-old Lynn Morley as two seemingly unrelated events occur during the summer and threaten her family. When her small Indiana town chooses to dig up the old cemetery, Mrs. Tuggle, the woman living next door to the Morley family, unexpectedly takes an interest in Lynn and her older sister, Judith. As the summer days creep along, Lynn comes to believe Mrs. Tuggle is a witch intent on forming a coven by bewitching Judith, Lynn, and her best friend, Marjorie 'Mouse' Beasley. And Mrs. Tuggle's interest in a body buried in the graveyard only increases Lynn's fears about what might happen next. Newbery-winning author Phyllis Reynolds Naylor delivers a spine-tingling novel of the occult for readers eager for a good scare. I wish I could read this book again for the first time. 'Witch's Sister' is the first in a six-book series, and I just ordered all six to read again on hot summer nights while casting watchful looks about my neighborhood. 'So Dear To My Heart' by Sterling North Isa Schaff of Dedham: This is the story of a boy (Jeremy) being raised by his (cantankerous but good-hearted) grandmother, who loves to quote the bible ('The Good Book'). They live on a farm. When the new lambs are born, there is a black lamb that the boy takes as his pet and calls Danny. Danny is full of energy (i.e., mischievous :-). Jeremy loves Danny with all his heart and wants to bring it to the Country Fair even if no black sheep has ever won a ribbon. This book is about love, friendship, and caring. As a child, I read this book over and over. I had a hard time finding it for my children because it was out of print, but I did manage to find a copy in a small used bookstore in Rhode Island. Even now, it can only be found in used bookstores online (or eBay), but it can also be downloaded free from 'The Silver Crown' by Robert C. O'Brien Ilana Gordon-Brown of Stow : In 4th grade, my favorite teacher of all time, Mr. Drury, read us this book. This teacher was the best at reading out loud. In fact, on the last day of school, instead of having a day of mostly recess, our class voted to sit inside and have him read to us once we had pushed the tables aside and put the chairs up, readying the room for summer vacation. I loved this book so much that when he finished reading it to us in class, I made my mom buy a copy so we could immediately read it again at home. And, of course, when my kids were old enough, I read it to all of them as well! The story begins when Ellen, a young girl, finds a silver crown on her pillow. Shortly after, her family and home are destroyed in what she's told is an unfortunate and unexplained fire, but she is certain that there's something else going on. She knows that she's not being told the truth, and despite being young and scared, she's determined to figure out what's happened to her family. She sets off on her own to find her family and the origins and powers of the silver crown. It's a great adventure tale that's the perfect amount of scary, and as a kid, it was exciting to have a story where the main character was a girl like me. 'V is for Verses' by Odille Ousley Carmel Watson of Bourne: This is a book of poetry for children. I remember the pictures and trying to sound out words to make sense of the poems. 'Mrs. Katz and Tush' by Patricia Polacco Maureen Redmond-Scura of Concord, N.H.: Mrs. Katz is an older Jewish woman whose husband, Myron, has died. She is childless and lonely. Young Larnel's mother visits her, and then Larnel starts going on his own, helping her adopt a tailless cat she names Tush. The two become fast friends for the rest of her life. She shares her customs with him, baking him her famous kugel, taking him to the cemetery to say Kaddish for Myron, and celebrating Passover. I cannot read this story without laughing out loud and crying genuine tears. We are all more alike than we realize; connection is the source of human happiness. 'Swallows and Amazons' by Arthur Ransome Larry D'Oench of Montville, N.J.: This book, the first in a series, discovers the joys of an English summer sailing vacation in the Lake District through the eyes of children who discover the pleasure of new friends. The book speaks to me of camaraderie, adventure, and adults as distant supports. 'A Brief Chapter in My Impossible Life' by Dana Reinhardt Maureen Denney of Woburn: I am a reading specialist, and, in the course of reading a lot of YA books to find good ones for my students, I discovered that a good YA novel is just a good novel. This is one of these. It's about a 16-year-old girl, Simone, who was adopted into a loving family. When she is a teenager, her birth mother asks to meet her. At first, Simone resists, but she relents. Simone faces feelings about family, allegiances, and belonging, tough decisions, and love and loss. 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J. D. Salinger Dan Hoyt of Haverhill: No need to belabor what the book is about: A bright, disillusioned 16-year-old trying to navigate life's bitterness, sweetness, and the reality of both. I remember reading it in my late teens and feeling (like countless teens) that Holden was my soul mate. It speaks to youthful naiveté and cynicism at the same time. Reading about people (mostly adults) in Holden's world being 'phony' and 'lousy' resonated. Considering where we are in this country right now (loads of loud lousiness and phoniness) ... It's a winner. 'Cars and Trucks and Things That Go' by Richard Scarry Lois Cronin of Marstons Mills: This colorful, lively, illustrated book shows all forms of vehicles in many creative ways. It fascinated our son to the point that the hardcover book had to be taped together from so many readings. When it came time to pass it on to his son, it was in such bad shape I bought a new one, to which our 4-year-old grandson has said, 'I love the pictures!' As with many Richard Scarry books, it's also fun to try to find Goldbug on each page! 'Fox in Socks' by Dr. Seuss Ed Santos of Everett: This is a classic example of Dr. Seuss's poetry in the form of tongue twisters. I read this to my daughter so many times as a child, and I still love it 20 years later. The belly laughs, hers and mine, were unforgettable as I would gasp for breath by the end of the tweetle beetle battle. 'Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories' by Dr. Seuss Mark Freitas of East Walpole: There are three stories in this book, but the one that has always grabbed my attention is the lead story, 'Yertle the Turtle.' It tells the tale of a tyrant king turtle, Yertle, who isn't satisfied ruling just his small pond. In his vain attempt to enlarge his domain, he orders his subject turtles to stack themselves up so he can sit atop them on a higher throne. This continues for several iterations, with an excited Yertle gaining dominion over a larger area each time. Mack, the poor turtle at the bottom of the stack, asks several times for relief from the pain and hunger, only for Yertle to bellow for him to be quiet. Come evening, Yertle is startled to see the moon rising over his head, and commands thousands more turtles to stack up so he can reach higher than the moon. But before this can be accomplished, poor Mack 'burps,' disrupting the stack, and Yertle comes tumbling down into the mud. As a result, his subject turtles are now free. I always loved reading Dr. Seuss books to our children back in the day, as he always had a message both for the children and adults. Yertle the Turtle was a favorite, as the concepts of speaking out against injustice, plus a cruel tyrant being inevitably deposed by his own selfish vanity and the simple act of one of his minions, were timeless. Little did I know then that I would personally witness history repeating itself. I've been waiting in vain so far for some politicians to start burping, but will keep hoping ... 'A Child's Garden of Verses' by Robert Louis Stevenson Jean Goldsberry of Concord : It's not the swashbuckling 'Treasure Island' or the horrific 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,' but a collection of beautifully phrased poems about faraway lands, adventurous dreams, and boats at sea. It's also about the simple things, like: The rain is falling all around, It falls on field and tree, It falls on the umbrellas here, And on the ships at sea. It describes shadows, 'I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me...' as well as, 'The moon has a face like the clock in the hall...' As a child, I had many bouts with tonsillitis which kept me homesick, and my favorite poem was 'The Land of Counterpane:' 'When I was sick and lay-a-bed, I had two pillows at my head...' The imagery throughout the book is wonderful, and re-reading it lately, I find myself transported to faraway places, including my childhood. 'A Girl of the Limberlost' by Gene Stratton-Porter Lorraine Lincoln of Hull: This is my favorite book, which I read several times when I was in my early teens in the late 1950s. It was published in 1909. I also loved her book 'Freckles,' set in the same part of the country. She really had a feeling for the young people who lived in Indiana's Limberlost Swamp area and described brilliantly life in poor but cheerful circumstances. 'The Mysterious Half Cat' by Margaret Sutton Karen Godshall of Verona, Wis .: I would recommend the entire Judy Bolton series. I read the entire series when I was probably in late elementary or junior high. Although these were similar in some ways to the Nancy Drew mysteries, I found them much more realistic, with a solid group of friends and no fancy cars. This particular title has a group of girlfriends trying to figure out the meaning of an encrypted note. I still recall that it said, 'What did you see?' 'I saw him cutting the cat in half.' 'They Called Us Enemy' by George Takei Anne Olivo of Brunswick, Maine: In this graphic novel, beautifully illustrated by Harmony Becker, George Takei tells of the internment of his family beginning in 1942 when George was 4 years old. George recounts the unwavering faith of his father in American democracy despite the hardships of life in the camp and the injustice of their confinement. My 10- and 13-year-old grandsons recommended this book. 'Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry' by Mildred D. Taylor Stephanie Minteer of Bozeman, Mont. (formerly Jaffrey Center, N.H.): This 1977 Newbery Award winner is the first book of the Logan family series, stories of racism and courage in a Black family in Mississippi at the height of the Depression. (There are prequels and sequels.) Mildred Taylor is in her early 80s and has been honored as one of the premier writers of historical fiction for young (and old) readers, all based on her personal history. Most importantly, in this odd period of historical revision, readers should live through the gut-wrenching saga of the Logans — and learn the truth. 'Eloise' by Kay Thompson Carol Brach of Bellingham, Wash.: I have loved this book since I was a kid. Some would say it's not really for kids, but I disagree. Eloise is a spunky, outspoken, lively kid who lives in the Plaza Hotel with her nanny. She is fearless and delightful as she totally owns the hotel and everyone in it. The illustrations are as wonderful as the narrative. This book always puts a smile on my face. 'Many Moons' by James Thurber Kate Landishaw of Greenville, S.C.: This is the story of Princess Lenore, who fell ill from a surfeit of raspberry tarts, and her father, the king's efforts to make her well. The illustrations are half the delight of this picture book of 45 pages, in which all manner of Important People are enlisted to help. There is plenty of adult-level chagrin and irony to be appreciated — it is Thurber, after all! I love it for both its language and its art, and cannot imagine living without this book close to hand. 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien Karun Das Moss of Montague: This trilogy — one book broken up into three parts, actually — opened my teenage eyes up to a vast world of possibilities with the plethora of characters, types of beings, magical elements, mastery of language, and brilliant storytelling. It also built a solid foundation for a lifelong spiritual journey. Tolkien does this by clearly delineating the distinction between goodness and evil, and how the one can be twisted into the other, with the only protection being a heart that is straight and true, and willing to stand firm for its truth. I've probably read through the whole trilogy at least 4 times, not even counting the various movies (none of which touch the depth of the written work). 'Mary Poppins' by P.L. Travers Linda Mitchell Maloney of Enosburg Falls, Vt.: During World War II, when I was born, children's books were at a premium, and no one was expected to learn to read before going to school (at least not if you were lower-middle-class, as we were). But my mother bought me a blackboard surrounded by the alphabet and taught me to recognize lower-case letters. Every night at bedtime, she lay beside me so I could see the book, and she read to me. I remember the 'Five Little Peppers' series especially. I didn't attend kindergarten. When I started school, my mother asked me excitedly after the first day: 'How was school, honey?' 'Boring!' I said (allegedly). 'They don't even know how to read!' 'Oh, well,' said my mother jokingly, 'just take a book with you and you can read it while they are learning.' So I did: My choice was a fat and well-worn volume containing 'Mary Poppins' and 'Mary Poppins Comes Back.' I continued to read and reread 'Mary Poppins' for years and years. I can still see the fat blue book with its increasingly ragged covers. Mary Poppins was the person I wanted to be: smart, capable, innovative, and supremely independent. She remains a good role model for women, I believe. 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' by Mark Twain Sarah Quilter of Somerville: I am suggesting this because I want to reread it. I am from the Midwest and have read as much Twain as I could put my hands on. It's a ripping good tale by an American master and can be enjoyed by adults as well as teens. Plus it is humorous. 'The Circus Ship' by Chris Van Dusen Lauren Brown of Bristol, England: Wow, am I impressed with the art quality; it's eye-catching and perfectly accompanies the poetic rhyming story of how a ship with a load of circus animals bound for Boston comes to grief in the fog just off the coast of Maine. The Captain is wise and cautious, the circus owner, Mr. Paine? Well ... he certainly was a pain! The ship came aground and the animals swam to shore and enchanted their way into the lives and hearts of a small Maine island's residents. There is a day of reckoning for Mr. Paine, but the animals and residents? Well, who wouldn't want to live together forever on a magical island in Maine! This is a child's story skillfully woven, but based on a true event, the wreck of the circus ship Royal Tar in 1836, which was on its way from New Brunswick to Portland, Maine. 'One Thousand and One Nights' by various authors Carlos Munoz of St. Petersburg, Fla. (formerly from Boston): My favorite book from childhood. These stories 'kept' Scheherazade alive, but for sure kept my younger self up many nights of a Christmas vacation when I received it as a gift! 'Homecoming' by Cynthia Voigt Julia Halevy of Boston: 'Homecoming' is about a 13-year-old girl and her three younger siblings whose mother leaves them in a Connecticut parking lot. The book describes how the girl, Dicey, cares for her siblings as they make their way to a great-aunt who lives in Bridgeport. My 42-year-old daughter and I read it together when she was in elementary school in the 1980s (maybe early '90s), and neither of us ever forgot it. While sad at times, it focuses on Dicey's resilience and resourcefulness. Kay O'Keefe of Manasquan, N.J.: This multiaward-winning YA novel (written in the early 1980s) features an unforgettable teenage character named 'Dicey' along with her three siblings. They are abandoned by their seriously ill mom and forced to travel on foot, on their own, to secure food, a roof over their heads, stability, and care. The first of the author's award-winning Tillerman Cycle. 'The Happy Hollisters' by Jerry West (pseudonym of Andrew E. Svenson) Jerry Brooks of Reading : This is a family detective series, each book focusing on a specific mystery linked to either their hometown or a family vacation. It's an interesting peek back in time at suburban family life in the '50s and '60s. What sets this series apart for me is the depth of character and the fact that it was set in my world, '60s suburbia. These were people and places I could identify with. Turns out that the characters were all based on Svenson's actual family and friends, which explains a lot. He co-wrote other children's series, including some of the Tom Swift, Hardy Boys, and Nancy Drew books, but I think he really found his sweet spot with this series because he was writing about what he knew best, his own family, and he involved them in the storytelling and editing. There are 33 books in the series, all told, a prolific amount of reading. I fell in love with 'The Happy Hollisters' after signing up for a Weekly Reader subscription back in the early '60s and read every book voraciously. Even took to haunting the mailbox in anticipation of their next adventure. Different times, cliff hangers by US mail. It kickstarted my love of reading, and left a permanent mark on me. 'Mistress Masham's Repose' by T.H. White David Vossbrink of Sunnyvale, Calif.: We read 'Mistress Masham's Repose' aloud to our two kids nearly 40 years ago and then to our grandsons over FaceTime during the pandemic. Although the book may presuppose some acquaintance by the reader with English country life and 'Gulliver's Travels,' that's certainly not a requirement. Kids (and their parents and grandparents!) can fully understand the book's satire of the absurdities of adults and their conventions, laugh at over-the-top silliness, and appreciate the wisdom of children and the common sense of Lilliputians. 'The Velveteen Rabbit' by Margery Williams Patricia Corliss of Rochester, N.H.: This children's book is about a toy rabbit who is told that his desire to become real can happen only if he is loved. For a long time, the boy, who has lots of toys, ignores him until finally he becomes the boy's favorite. When the boy gets scarlet fever, he takes his toy rabbit to bed with him for comfort, but when the boy recovers, all of his bedding, clothing, and the rabbit must be burned. The toy rabbit is rescued by a Magic Fairy who determines that the boy loved him and he is now real. 'The City Boy' by Herman Wouk PJ Hamel of Sandwich: Published in 1948, this book explores the blossoming of adolescence through the eyes of 11 1/2-year-old Herbie Bookbinder. It takes place in the Bronx in 1928, so obviously, the setting itself is very different from today's world, but the emotions and the growing-up process it details are timeless. I read this book countless times through middle school and into high school, and still have the well-worn paperback on my bookshelf. 'How Do You Live?' by Genzaburō Yoshino Pamela Gossin of Norman, Okla.: This is a thoughtful, charming story (a YA classic in Japan) told through a combination of a slice-of-life narrative about the thoughts and experiences of a 15-year-old Japanese schoolboy whose father has recently died, and the caring voice of his uncle who writes letters to guide him through his father's absence. With the main character unexpectedly nicknamed 'Copper' (short for Copernicus), the author, who was a moral philosopher, uses the metaphor of the Copernican revolution to teach his protagonist how to be less self-centered (geocentric) and learn to see the world and others in it from a broader (more heliocentric 'we're-all-in-this-together') perspective. Written in 1937, with the events of World War II looming, key teachable moments include episodes where Copper learns about empathy and poverty (both close at home and globally), how to deal with school bullies and tyrants (banding together instead of giving in), and how to take responsibility for one's own lack of courage, grow from feelings of guilt and shame, heal and make amends. Lessons to live by ... This book was influential on Hayao Miyazaki and was part of the inspiration for his anime, 'The Art of the Boy and the Heron.' 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak Ann McCarry Kilkuskie of Kalamazoo, Mich.: This historical novel is set in Nazi Germany during WWII. The protagonist and title character is Liesel Meminger. She is separated from her family for her safety and sent to a foster home. Throughout the story, she meets many interesting people, each with a story to tell from a personal perspective. Through them, the author tells the story of the war from several viewpoints, including Death's. I first read this YA title as an adult. It is a novel about love, fear, hate, peace, war, inclusion, exclusion, and the power of literature to heal, inform, and unite. Its themes resonated with me then, and I think they are very appropriate for the world we live in today. To subscribe to the Fast Forward newsletter, . You can find recent newsletters and our previous Bookies lists . Teresa M. Hanafin can be reached at
