This week we looked at classic adventure books for young readers, as recommended by now-grown people who look fondly on them.
The nineteenth century ‘Great Game’ of espionage is recalled in Kim, which is still popular after more than a hundred years.
Several female readers suggested Nancy Drew: she’s been a role model since 1930, and the pigtailed Swedish strong-girl Pippi Longstocking was also highly recommended by several people
The Other Side Of The Mountain is a stirring tale of a boy who runs away from city life to live in an old cabin in the Catskills. And finally, for a recent ‘old school’ adventure – a very funny adventure, we suggested Howard Whitehouse’s The Strictest School in the World from Kids Can Press.
There were many other suggestions for classic children’s adventures. Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons was mentioned more than once. Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island and Kidnapped had fans. Rosemary Sutcliff’s historical fiction was suggested. Chances are, if you ask any adult reader what they liked as a kid, they’ll have some titles for you!
