Great Kids' Books for Adults

October 01, 2012

Do you tell people who see your Harry Potter book that you are reading it for some non-existent niece or nephew? Do you cover your Twilight novels with Patterson or Grisham dust jackets? If so, then you are one of the many adult fans of juvenile and young adult literature who feel a secret shame or embarrassment over your enjoyment of these wonderful books. Don’t!

Many juvenile and young adult novels are just as well written (and in some cases better written) than many adult novels. And the themes they deal with are universal, not just for kids. Here at MCPL, our "kids" shelves are full of fantastic and imaginative stories that all ages can enjoy. In fact, there is one I have just finished that is marvelous and was written by someone you may recognize.

The Land of Stories: the Wishing Spell, written by Chris Colfer (yep, the young actor from Glee), is a great find for anyone who may be a fan of the show Once Upon A Time. This book presents a different take on our favorite fairy tales as twins, Alex and Connor, accidentally fall through their Grandmother’s book, The Land of Stories, into the world of Snow White and Rapunzel. Their journey to get back home by finding the famous items they need to cast the Wishing Spell introduces them to all their heroes. And they learn that happily ever after isn’t as easy to achieve as you might think.

From Cinderella’s trouble gaining acceptance from the masses (they don’t like a peasant girl becoming Queen) to an amusing love triangle involving Goldilocks, Little Red Riding Hood, and Jack from Beanstalk fame (let’s just say Red doesn’t come out looking too good), the twins discover secrets about their favorite characters as well as themselves. They also learn that there is more to the Evil Queen than just poisoned apples.

So for all you adults out there who hide in shame of your love of those darn "kid books," hold your head high and don’t miss out on a good read.   

Pamela M. 
Antioch Branch