This book is a timeless collection of scary tales and legends, compiled by folklorist Alvin Schwartz. It features over two dozen stories that include ghosts, skeletons, and other supernatural elements. The stories are often dark and do not have tidy, happy resolutions, making them thrilling and memorable. The book is illustrated by Stephen Gammell, whose creepy drawings enhance the spooky atmosphere of the tales. The collection also includes tips on how to scare an audience when telling the stories aloud, adding to the overall eerie experience.
A Prayer for Owen Meany, written by John Irving, is a novel that follows the lives of two childhood friends, Owen Meany and John Wheelwright, growing up in the fictional town of Gravesend, New Hampshire, in the 1950s and 1960s. Owen, despite his small stature and high-pitched voice, possesses extraordinary spiritual strength and wisdom. After accidentally killing John's mother with a foul ball during a Little League game, Owen becomes convinced he is God's instrument and destined for a higher purpose. The novel explores themes of faith, destiny, and the socio-political upheavals of America during the 1960s, including the Vietnam War. As the story unfolds, Owen's unwavering faith guides him through various challenges, ultimately leading to a heroic and tragic conclusion that deeply affects John and the community of Gravesend[1][2][5].
The story follows Sam Gribley, a 12-year-old boy who decides to leave his overcrowded New York City apartment to live on his great-grandfather's abandoned farm in the Catskill Mountains. Sam learns wilderness survival skills, including how to build a shelter, start a fire, forage for food, and train a falcon named Frightful. Throughout his journey, Sam faces various challenges and learns valuable lessons about independence, self-reliance, and the importance of human companionship. The novel is praised for its detailed depiction of wilderness survival and its portrayal of Sam's maturation and development.
The story centers around Bastian Balthazar Bux, an overweight and imaginative boy who escapes his difficult life by reading a book called 'The Neverending Story'. The book tells the tale of Atreyu, a young warrior in the magical land of Fantastica, who is on a quest to save the Childlike Empress and the land from the destructive force known as 'The Nothing'. As Bastian reads, he becomes increasingly involved in the story, eventually entering Fantastica himself and playing a crucial role in its salvation. The novel explores themes of imagination, identity, and the power of human creativity and dreams[1][3][5].
Heather O'Neill's "Lullabies for Little Criminals" is a poignant and captivating novel that follows the life of Baby, a young girl growing up in poverty and neglect. The story is set in Montreal and explores themes of resilience, family, and the search for belonging. Baby's journey is marked by both hardship and moments of unexpected joy. O'Neill's lyrical prose and her ability to create memorable characters make this a powerful and moving read. The novel's exploration of the human spirit's capacity for love and hope in the face of adversity resonates deeply with readers.
Deborah Spungen's "And I Don't Want to Live This Life" offers a raw and intimate look into the life and death of her daughter, Nancy Spungen. The book delves into Nancy's troubled childhood and her complex relationship with Sid Vicious. It provides a perspective often missing from other accounts of the infamous couple, shedding light on Nancy's struggles and vulnerabilities. The book is a poignant exploration of addiction, family dynamics, and the tragic consequences of a life lived on the edge. It remains a controversial yet compelling read for those interested in the punk rock scene and the complexities of human relationships.
In this classic children's book, Amelia Bedelia, a maid with a penchant for taking instructions literally, causes comedic chaos as she goes about her day. Her literal interpretations of commands often lead to unexpected and humorous results. Despite the confusion, Amelia Bedelia's excellent cooking and kind heart always manage to win over her employers, the Rogers family.
In 'Tuck Everlasting', Natalie Babbitt tells the story of Winnie Foster, a ten-year-old girl who stumbles upon the Tuck family's secret: they are immortal after drinking from a magical spring 87 years prior. The Tucks, consisting of parents Mae and Miles, and their sons Jesse and Miles Jr., live in hiding to keep their immortality a secret. When Winnie is kidnapped by the Tucks to protect their secret, she learns about the complexities and challenges of eternal life. The story explores themes of immortality, family, and the natural order of life and death. As Winnie navigates her relationship with the Tucks, particularly Jesse, she must make a crucial decision about whether to drink from the spring and join them in eternal life or to live a normal, mortal life[1][2][5].
Handsome 
