Top Ten Books that Made a Difference to Me (and still do) Jen Cervantes

When I was a girl there was no Barnes and Noble or Amazon. I think there might have been a Waldenbooks at the mall, but I didn’t have the right kind of capital to support my reading habits. So I’d spend oodles of time at the library. Here is the place I discovered new voices, new stories, new places. To condense my favs down to a few was impossible (even for this writer who thrives on impossibilities). After racking my brain, I cheated. I went to my bookshelf and made note of all the books that have stood the test of time—the books from my childhood still holding a place. And like Brian I have some early editions of these…and unlike Brian, some I am still searching for some :)

10. The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary-- Because I love great humor
9. Little House on the Prairie (all of them) by Laura Ingalls Wilder-- Because I learned the value of friendship and family
8. Black Stallion by Walter Farley-- Because every book list should have a horse story
7. Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls—Because everyone should love one book that makes them sob like a baby

6. The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis-- Because I wanted to believe in the power of real magic
5. D’Aulaire’s Greek Myths by Ingri D’Aulaire—Because some books have the ability to captivate your imagination in a timeless way
4. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White-- Because of the impossibility of such a friendship and love
3. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl: Because I LOVE chocolate and a good underdog win!
2. Little Witch by Anna Bennett
1. Little Witch by Anna Bennett Yes, you read that duplication right-- because that’s how much I loved this classic tale! (Note: still looking for a first ed. first printing)