101 Books to Read Before you Grow Up by Bianca Schulze

If you are like me and in denial of your age, if you are on the hunt for a good book to read aloud to your class, or buy for your children or grandchildren or if you just want to reread some great books – this is the book for you. Author, Bianca Schulze is the founder of The Children’s Book Review and flicking through this book, you know she knows what she is talking about.

101 Books to Read Before you Grow Up is a comprehensive list of new, classics, old favourites and books you may not have even heard of aimed at ages 4-11. Each book has information about the text, target rage, genre, publication dates, interesting facts and suggestions about what to read next. It is laid out in an easy to read and easy to follow manner. You can search books by target age range or genre.

I took this book home from the library, flicked through it, got in my car, went out and brought my own copy. 2017 will be the year where I read all 101 books from this list. It doesn’t matter if I have read them before, I will read them again. I am not alone in this challenge as a fellow book nerd is not only going to read all 101 books but is going to buy them for his class too.

Already, I have dug into my bookshelves, searched the libraries, downloaded e-books and had many conversations with friends and family about the books they have read, or books they think should have made the list. I have even twisted a few arms to borrow much loved editions of certain titles. I have finally read the copy of the Secret Garden my Grandma brought me when I was 8, re-read The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket and am looking forward to revisiting the first book to ever make me cry, Stargirl.

Will 2017 be the year I finally grow up? Check in with me monthly on the Hastings District Libraries Readers’ Blog to follow my journey and see what I have been reading. Between us, I think I am in a bit of trouble. It has just been announced that the next book in this series 101 TV shows to see before you grow up is coming in April.

Reviewed by Kristen

Catalogue link: 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up