Some of my friends and I have this sort of running joke about Jane Austen. They think she is the greatest writer ever; I can't make myself read her books. Oh, I've tried, but to me they are dull and boring, the language is stiff, and I really don't even like the main characters. When I bring these points into the conversation with my friends, they try their best to prove to me why I am wrong, how Austen's books are all about character, and that the language is rich and exquisite. Sorry, I just can't see it.

I guess it's only fair, then, that some of my friends either don't like or haven't read some of my old favourites--The Girl of the Limberlost, Gone with the Wind, Romeo and Juliet, Jane Eyre. 'To each his own' as my mother used to say. We all have our own personal reasons for attaching to a particular book, and also reasons why we don't like others.

Book become favourites for many reasons, I suppose. The character reminds you of someone you know, maybe even yourself. The plot touches your heart. The book was recommended by someone you love or respect. The conflict was exciting and pulled you along as though you were living the story. Whatever the reason, we find books that have meaning in our lives, even beyond the initial reading.

Think about your own favourite books. Are they classics or modern best-sellers? Were they written for children or adults? Are the characters memorable? The plot exiting? What was it about the book that earned its place among the best in your opinion? Have you ever shared your favourite with someone else? Did they love it the same way you did?

As parents or teachers we often hope that others will attach the same amount of love to books that we do, but this isn't always the case. I have five sons so I can't expect them to love the books I love, but sometimes parents work hard to nudge their children toward the same tastes. I guess there is nothing wrong with that; we all want our kids to experience what we consider the finer things of life. But just be aware, that children today are different than we were. What spoke to us in literature may not even call to our children, and that's okay.

Not everyone will experience the joy that one of my friends recently expressed when she talked about how her young daughter had just discovered Anne of Green Gables and was devouring the books just like she had in her own youth. But kids who are destined to become readers will discover joy in their own books, and someday they will want to pass on their own good memories in just the same way we as adults do today. And occasionally, the titles will remain the same.

Searching for Sasquatch

By Nathaniel

Lachenmeyer

Illustrated by Vicki

Bradley

(Sasquatch Books, 2006)

Arlo loves the time he spends in the woods with his dad, looking for Sasquatch. He loves it so much that he can't wait to tell everyone about his summer when school starts. But first his teacher, then the class bully tells Arlo that Sasquatch doesn't exist, and Arlo begins to feel ashamed about his adventures with his father. Are they right? Is Sasquatch only a myth? And if so, does that mean that Arlo's trips with his dad are a waste of time? The subtle message of being happy with who you are fits in well with the delightful illustrations. Be sure to watch for the proof that Arlo and his dad might really know more than the teacher and those bullies give them credit for.

Lu Ann Brobst Staheli is a Christa McAulliffe Fellow, 2005 Nebo Reading Teacher of the Year, and previous Utah English Language Arts Teacher of the Year. Find more information about literacy issues at www.LuAnnStaheli.com, www.LuAnnsLibrary.blogspot.com or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Lu Ann Brobst Staheli

Author, Educator

www.LuAnnStaheli.com

www.LuAnnsLibrary.blogspot.com

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