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Books & Series that shaped my childhood
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items These are the books and series that didn’t just entertain me growing up — they shaped how I saw the world, helped me escape when I needed to, and in many cases, sparked my lifelong love of reading. From magical adventures and mysteries to heartfelt c...
Sections
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Series
Standalone Books
Series
My mom introduced me to this series- reading it to me when I was still to young to read on my own. Since then I've collected all 8 books and have grown to love Anne like a friend.
Anne of Green Gables, Complete 8-Book Box Set
Some of these are hard to find, but Animporphs was one of my favorite series. Maybe it was the way they could morph into different animals or that they were saving the world but I loved this series growing up.
Animorphs Book Series
I am still collecting this series and all the stand alone novels as an adult. Maybe it's cause I love cats or because I've collected so many already but teaching respect, conflict resolution etc through cats is genius.
Books
This series includes the original series, the hero of Olympus and the new senior Years. As a kid and an adult I've always loved the idea of different, underdogs saving the world. Plus the mix of greek/Roman mythology is interesting and fun
Percy Jackson and the Olympians
As a young book lover it's no surprise a series about two kids getting to have amazing adventures via a book made an impact on my life.
Magic Tree House
This is actually a 5 book series, but it shaped a lot of adolescent minds including mind. 4 friends navigating the struggles of teenage life was super relevant.
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants: Complete Collection
My mom watched the TV show and I read the books. Plus it's a representation of Wilders real life experiences growing up.
Browse All Little House Books
Not so sure why kids loved reading about misfortune but something about this series was so captivating.
A Series of Unfortunate Events 13-Book Set
I loved this series as a kid. Yeah is was in owl form but the idea of being an underdog, fighting for good, being a hero, was exciting for me. Liked the lore and legends woven into the books too.
Guardians of Ga'Hoole: Book Series by Kathryn Lasky
There were parts that wrecked me as a kid, but a (mostly) feel good trilogy about a kids pet dog resonated with someone who grew up with pets.
The Shiloh Collection - Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds
I know there are a lot of people who don't like this because of the witchy themes but I loved the fantasy vibes flowing up. It also taught me about friendship and perseverance.
How many books are there in the 'His Dark Materials' series? : r/hisdarkmaterials
A series about a teen navigating high school, crushes, friends and bullies? She may have been a princess but this series was 100% relatable as a teen.
The Princess Diaries Series by Meg Cabot
Tolkien world building capabilites are amazing and this series really became a classic to so many of us millennial. The friendships in this series are unparalleled to anything I've ever read.
The Lord Of The Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
One of my favorite fantasy series out there. I was obsessed with this series and I still reread it every so often
The Inheritance Cycle 4-Book Trade Paperback Set
Definitely one of my guilty pleasures. There may be debate on whether it's well written or appropriate but I was def a hard-core fan as a teen.
The Twilight Saga Complete Collection
I dont feel the movies (besides the first one) did the series justice. I do think the series spans generations and will be on shelves for years to come.
The Chronicles of Narnia: 7 Books in 1 Paperback
Standalone Books
We had to read this in middle school, and I think the fact my school bought us zingers and had us watch the movie is what makes this book so nostalgic for me.
Maniac Magee (Newbery Medal Winner) - Spinelli
A story about twins who informally get adopted by an older couple who shows them and adventure. I remember learning that family isn't always who you're related to.
Ruby Holler: 9780060560157: Creech, Sharon: Books
I didnt have someone to teach me the cultural significance as a kid but anything that had a slight theme of rising despite impossible circumstance helped shape me into the person I am today.
Esperanza Rising (Scholastic Gold) by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Any book about the holocaust is important but I sought this one out after reading Anne Frank and it was really the start of wanting to learn about truth and history.
Number the Stars: A Newbery Award Winner
While this book didn't make me into a hard-core environmentalist, I always resonated with books that had characters standing up for what they believe is right.
Hoot: Hiaasen, Carl - Books
This may be about 2 teens discovering their feelings for each other but I loved the dual perspective. It's a great introduction into different forms of books.
Flipped - Van Draanen, Wendelin: Books
Fantasy, romance, plus overcoming obstacles and bullying? Yeah the teen in me was obsessed with this book.
Ella Enchanted: Levine, Gail Carson