10 Childhood Books That Still Inspire Me

As a child, I was an avid reader, and my love for books only grew over the years. During my childhood, I read hundreds of books, but here are 10 of my favorites that continue to inspire me today.

Coraline – Neil Gaiman
Coraline is a 2002 children’s fantasy horror novel. I remember being immediately captivated by it. It was one of the first horror books I ever read as a child. I found it fascinating that the inspiration behind the book came from a lack of horror stories for children. It's also inspiring to know that Gaiman wrote the book just 50 words a night. The cover, with its image of the "Other Mother" and her creepy button eyes, was both intriguing and terrifying.

A Wrinkle in Time – Madeleine L’Engle
Wrinkle in Time is a 1962 children’s science fiction novel. Even though science fiction isn't a genre I often read, I loved this book. At first, the plot was a bit confusing, but what drew me in were the quirky characters. I could relate to Meg’s insecurities and her journey toward self-acceptance.

The Giver – Lois Lowry
The Giver is a 1993 YA dystopian novel. It introduced me to the dystopian genre. What stood out was the coming-of-age story combined with themes of individuality. Jonas’ journey through experiencing emotions like love, pain, and memories was powerful, and the ambiguous ending left a lasting impression.

Charlotte’s Web – E.B. White
I have fond memories of Charlotte’s Web, both from reading the book and watching the movie. The story made me laugh, smile, and cry. Its themes of friendship and the inevitability of death are beautifully presented. The characters, especially Charlotte and Wilbur, are unforgettable.

The Outsiders – S.E. Hinton
I first read The Outsiders in high school English class. It's one of the few required readings I genuinely enjoyed. Though the details are a bit fuzzy now, I remember appreciating its themes of friendship and the commentary on social class.

The Secret Garden – Frances Hodgson Burnett
As a child, I read The Secret Garden several times. I loved the mystery surrounding the hidden garden. It symbolized the beauty and healing power of nature, and the themes of transformation and growth were inspiring. The characters undergo meaningful changes by the end of the story, which made it all the more captivating.

Amelia Bedelia – Peggy Parish
I adored the Amelia Bedelia series because of the playful wordplay and humor. These books always made me laugh. Despite Amelia’s quirky misunderstandings and mistakes, by the end of each story, everyone embraced her, which I found heartwarming.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Roald Dahl
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a timeless classic for good reason. I loved the fantastical elements of Willy Wonka’s factory, and like many children, I daydreamed about swimming through chocolate. The original movie adaptation is also one of my childhood favorites, and I'm a big fan of Roald Dahl’s imaginative storytelling.

Junie B. Jones – Barbara Park
The Junie B. Jones books were one of my favorite series growing up. I loved how sassy and witty Junie B. was—her voice was unlike any other character I had read about. The stories were also some of the first chapter books I read, and I could relate to her experiences with school, friends, and siblings.

The Berenstain Bears – Stan and Jan Berenstain
I have a special place in my heart for The Berenstain Bears. The illustrations are warm and comforting, and the stories are relatable, tackling themes like sibling rivalry, honesty, and bullying. Each book taught a moral lesson without being too preachy. The characters, though simply named Mama, Papa, Brother, and Sister, felt like a sweet, wholesome family.