Thanks to author-member Margo Sorenson for this special list of books that speak to a child's heart and help them find characters to identify with.

Mistress Masham's Repose — T.H. White

This magical book had such a strong effect on me as a little girl that I kept hoping I, too, would find a forgotten colony of Liliputians! What child could not empathize with orphaned Maria, being kept a virtual prisoner by her evil governess and the wicked vicar in her dilapidated mansion in England?

To Kill a Mockingbird — Harper Lee

One never tires of discovering new messages, themes, and delights in each reading. Great literature doesn't change -- we do in between our readings of it -- and we bring new experiences and perspectives to books each time we re-read them. Scout's and Jem's courage, sense of adventure, and special relationship with Atticus made me wish that I grew up with them in Maycomb as well.

Red Sky at Morning — Richard Bradford

The New Mexico setting and the strength of the characters are a strong feature of this book. These characters are real down to their toes, and their failings as well as their admirable characteristics make them appealing to young people. Bradford never writes with condescension about his teenaged characters, even when adults come into the action in his novel, a real affirmation of human dignity.

The Great Gilly Hopkins — Katherine Paterson

Gilly's appealing mixture of vulnerability and "in your face" attitude make this book a real winner. Kids empathize with her need for respect and love, and they also admire her courage and (blush!) her sassiness.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone — J.K. Rowling

What child wouldn't agonize with Harry in his situation at the horrible Dursleys', worry with him about his lessons at Hogwarts, and shout with joy at his triumphs at Quidditch and over the wretched Malfoy? This literary masterpiece weaves a magical suspension of disbelief for readers, and they will keep pages turning to find out what obstacles Harry will overcome next, demonstrating his strong sense of integrity and remaining true to his values.

The Crystal Cave — Mary Stewart

Any child who loves knights in shining armour and power-filled intrigue will fall under the spell of Mary Stewart and her story of Merlin as a young man. His hard-won successes often come at great cost, but wise children will understand and want to read the other two books of this gripping Arthurian trilogy.

Crash — Jerry Spinelli

Those terrifying years of middle school come alive under Jerry Spinelli's touch. Readers will cringe with Crash Coogan, laugh out loud at his antics, and keep pulling for him in this classic tale of seventh-grade heroism against the forces clamoring for his downfall.

Holes — Louis Sachar

Kids will recognize much of themselves in Stanley Yelnats, the hero who overcomes fearsome obstacles in an astonishing plot line, and adults will remember with chagrin their own childhood sagas, as they read about Stanley's oddyssey to rehabilitate his own life in a juvenile correctional camp to which he has been sent by mistake.

Hatchet — Gary Paulsen

Paulsen's use of suspense and a strong character with universal vulnerabilities keep the reader's interest in this page-turner. Kids will feel a strong sense of empathy with Brian and rejoice at his accomplishments as he works to save himself both physically and mentally in this suspenseful tale with deep emotional chords.