Elementary Readers Journey to Far Away Places

In our lower schools, we look for books that are classics including many works of 20th century fiction.  As we explore some of the classics that are introduced on the lower school’s reading list, it is important to note that we do not treat children’s literature as a lower or “less than” form of literary work because of its younger audience.

“A children’s story is the best art-form for something you have to say,” said C.S. Lewis describing his own choice of writing children’s literature.  “Where the children’s story is simply the right form for what the author has to say, then of course readers who want to hear that, will read the story or re-read it, at any age. I never met The Wind in the Willows or the Bastable books till I was in my late twenties, and I do not think I have enjoyed them any the less on that account.  I am almost inclined to set it up as a canon that a children’s story which is enjoyed only by children is a bad children’s story.  The good ones last.  A waltz which you can like only when you are waltzing is a bad waltz.”

Many of the books for kindergarten and 1^st grade come in the form of fables, folk tales, and short stories.  These works are chosen not only because they are timeless, but they also tend to be shorter in length and age appropriate for our newer readers.  Literature at this level includes The Velveteen Rabbit, Mr. Popper’s Penguins, Frog and Toad Collection, and The Tale of Peter Rabbit.

“Choosing a favorite is always a difficult thing,” said Great Hearts Academic Officer Jake Tawney.  “At the elementary grades, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (3^rd grade) and Charlotte’s Web (2^nd grade) are spectacular.”

The 2^nd and 3^rd grade reading lists introduce longer form fairy tales like Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Pinocchio, and classic novels like The Little Prince, Trumpet of the Swan, and Little House in the Big Woods, which is the first book of the Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder.

4th graders enjoy great classics like Prince Caspian, The Adventures of Robin Hood, Wizard of Oz, King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table, and Peter Pan

Cammie Passey, Director of Curriculum for Lower Schools, began her time with Great Hearts as a 5^th grade teacher at Archway Veritas.  “I was already a big proponent of sharing good literature with my students. However, my first experience teaching The Secret Garden was at Great Hearts and it was so special,” said Passey.  “The magic of the garden and the beauty of redemption drew us in and, I don’t think I’m overstating this, changed us for the better. Engaging in thoughtful, nuanced discussion with 5th graders is a thrill and texts like The Secret Garden open up those conversational doors.”

Other notable titles for 5th grade literature include: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Where the Red Fern Grows, The Jungle Book, The Phantom Tollbooth, A Wrinkle in Time, Little Women, and Through the Looking Glass.

Tawney stresses that these works play an integral part in a Great Hearts Education.  “Literature forms the moral imagination of the student. It teaches the student what it means to be human and how to act virtuously in the world.”  For the complete Elementary Reading List, visit https://www.greatheartsamerica.org/great-hearts-life/great-hearts-curriculum/elementary-reading/.

Do you have a story or know of a story that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts?  Please contact jmoore@greatheartsamerica.org.