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Which modern day children's books will become classics? Which modern day children's books will become classics?
(14 days later)
Many of you got slightly peeved with the BBC’s best children’s books of all time list which only included books that were published more than 35 years ago; not even newbie Harry Potter made the grade – and that was published last millennium!Many of you got slightly peeved with the BBC’s best children’s books of all time list which only included books that were published more than 35 years ago; not even newbie Harry Potter made the grade – and that was published last millennium!
Related: BBC chooses best children's books of all time - do you agree?Related: BBC chooses best children's books of all time - do you agree?
So we wondered, what if such a list was published in 50 or even 100 years time?So we wondered, what if such a list was published in 50 or even 100 years time?
Jump into your time machine and share which books published more recently, let’s say in the last 20 years, will still be making their mark on the next generations of readers – and will become the new future classics? And what sort of books can make the grade?Jump into your time machine and share which books published more recently, let’s say in the last 20 years, will still be making their mark on the next generations of readers – and will become the new future classics? And what sort of books can make the grade?
To start you off we’ve got some suggestions from authors and readers. Please send yours and we will add them to this blog. Do it by email childrens.books@theguardian.com headed “future classics” or on Twitter @Gdnchildrensbks #futureclassics.To start you off we’ve got some suggestions from authors and readers. Please send yours and we will add them to this blog. Do it by email childrens.books@theguardian.com headed “future classics” or on Twitter @Gdnchildrensbks #futureclassics.
SF Said, author of Varjak Paw and PhoenixSF Said, author of Varjak Paw and Phoenix
I think Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials will be read as long as there are readers, it’s a timeless story that tackles the eternal questions. I think Kate Saunders’ Five Children on the Western Front will one day be as highly regarded as Nesbit’s originals. A future classic for sure! And finally I predict that Peter Dickinson’s epic human origins story The Kin will be rediscovered and hailed as the classic it is.I think Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials will be read as long as there are readers, it’s a timeless story that tackles the eternal questions. I think Kate Saunders’ Five Children on the Western Front will one day be as highly regarded as Nesbit’s originals. A future classic for sure! And finally I predict that Peter Dickinson’s epic human origins story The Kin will be rediscovered and hailed as the classic it is.
Rowena House, contributor to War GirlsRowena House, contributor to War Girls
A Song for Ella Grey by David Almond, lyrical, rhythmic, timeless.A Song for Ella Grey by David Almond, lyrical, rhythmic, timeless.
Katherine Rundell, author of RooftoppersKatherine Rundell, author of Rooftoppers
I vote Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials and David Almond’s Skellig - tough-minded enough, structurally, to withstand time & beautiful enough to last foreverI vote Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials and David Almond’s Skellig - tough-minded enough, structurally, to withstand time & beautiful enough to last forever
Imogen Russell Williams, mega readerImogen Russell Williams, mega reader
Stephanie Blake’s Poo Bum: As long as small kids find poo funny and parents enjoy a joke at their expense, this mordant tale of rude rabbits and dyspeptic wolves will find loyal readers.Stephanie Blake’s Poo Bum: As long as small kids find poo funny and parents enjoy a joke at their expense, this mordant tale of rude rabbits and dyspeptic wolves will find loyal readers.
Brian Floca’s Locomotive: Caldecott Medal winner about the construction of the American railroad. Spare, onomatopoeic, deeply involving text, extraordinary illustrations. I hope it’ll be read forever.Brian Floca’s Locomotive: Caldecott Medal winner about the construction of the American railroad. Spare, onomatopoeic, deeply involving text, extraordinary illustrations. I hope it’ll be read forever.
Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre’s first exuberant outing is bursting with original, surreal wit and humour, but also full of heart. Welcoming to young readers (and lovely to read aloud) but not formulaic in the slightest.Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials, all but classics already; Northern Lights won the Carnegie, The Amber Spyglass won the Whitbread (now Costa). They move me more with every re-reading.Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre’s first exuberant outing is bursting with original, surreal wit and humour, but also full of heart. Welcoming to young readers (and lovely to read aloud) but not formulaic in the slightest.Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials, all but classics already; Northern Lights won the Carnegie, The Amber Spyglass won the Whitbread (now Costa). They move me more with every re-reading.
Robin Stevens’ Murder Most Unladylike and Arsenic for Tea (I am a massive cheerleader for these, but I think their balance of cosy, compulsive readability and astute observation is unparalleled and can easily see kids reading these for mystery/school story fixes from here to eternity! Timeless-feeling, too - but in no way mindless escapism.)Robin Stevens’ Murder Most Unladylike and Arsenic for Tea (I am a massive cheerleader for these, but I think their balance of cosy, compulsive readability and astute observation is unparalleled and can easily see kids reading these for mystery/school story fixes from here to eternity! Timeless-feeling, too - but in no way mindless escapism.)
David Almond’s Skellig: powerful, poetic, spare, distilled. Always makes me cry, in the heart-changed way only the best books do.David Almond’s Skellig: powerful, poetic, spare, distilled. Always makes me cry, in the heart-changed way only the best books do.
Andrew Smith’s Grasshopper Jungle: genre-defying, filthy, tender, insane. Vivid window on adolescent state of perpetual horniness and sexual curiosity - with a metamorphosing giant carnivorous grasshopper apocalypse in the background.Louise O’Neill, Only Ever Yours: I was one of the judges who awarded this debut the Bookseller YA prize. I think people will be reading it, and feeling hurt, challenged and shaken by its revelations, for the foreseeable (and unforeseeable) future.Andrew Smith’s Grasshopper Jungle: genre-defying, filthy, tender, insane. Vivid window on adolescent state of perpetual horniness and sexual curiosity - with a metamorphosing giant carnivorous grasshopper apocalypse in the background.Louise O’Neill, Only Ever Yours: I was one of the judges who awarded this debut the Bookseller YA prize. I think people will be reading it, and feeling hurt, challenged and shaken by its revelations, for the foreseeable (and unforeseeable) future.
Lottie Longshanks, site memberLottie Longshanks, site member
I would add My Name is Mina by David Almond. Phoenix by SF Said. One of Michael Morpurgo’s books that involve environmental issues – probably This Morning I Met a Whale because I think that my generation cares more about the environment than previous generations. Skyhawk by Gill Lewis, Where I Come From by Gillian Cross or Shadow by Michael Morpurgo because we should not be too insular in our selections.I would add My Name is Mina by David Almond. Phoenix by SF Said. One of Michael Morpurgo’s books that involve environmental issues – probably This Morning I Met a Whale because I think that my generation cares more about the environment than previous generations. Skyhawk by Gill Lewis, Where I Come From by Gillian Cross or Shadow by Michael Morpurgo because we should not be too insular in our selections.
@EmilyDrabs A Hole is To Dig by Krauss/Sendak, Olivia by Ian Falconer, How To by Julie Morstad...@EmilyDrabs A Hole is To Dig by Krauss/Sendak, Olivia by Ian Falconer, How To by Julie Morstad...
Theo WolfTiger, site member
I think that all of the David Williams books (Awful Aunty, Demon Dentist etc) will become classics. The very Roald Dhal-style storytelling make them ‘modern classics’. And they are very, very funny. Also, the Harry Potter books (obviously), and The Hobbit (don’t know if it was included in the official list). I’m sure I’ve missed many, as I tend to read more ‘adult’ books nowadays, but these are the ones I can think of off the top of my head.
Thoughtful Reader, site member
I absolutely ADORE classics, and I’m a huge fan of Shakespeare, Frances Hodgson Burnett and Charles Dickens. I think The Book Thief by Markus Zusak deserves to be a classic one day, because the way it is written is beautiful and emotional and it really does get to the reader. The language used is flowing, and the way the words are placed together really is exceptional. Even the plot is completely original and gripping. I think The Book Thief is a brilliant book, and I deserves to become a classic one day as I am sure it will be cherished by many future generations.
@EmilyDrabs ...2/2 Lost and Found by @oliverjeffers. Any picture book you loved as a child or loved giving your child.... #futureclassics@EmilyDrabs ...2/2 Lost and Found by @oliverjeffers. Any picture book you loved as a child or loved giving your child.... #futureclassics
@GdnChildrensBks Also, @satoshikitamura , Michael Foreman, @OliverJeffers write wonderful timeless picturebooks that deserve to be classics.@GdnChildrensBks Also, @satoshikitamura , Michael Foreman, @OliverJeffers write wonderful timeless picturebooks that deserve to be classics.
@EmilyDrabs I was discussing this with someone just this morning! Rooftoppers and The Last Wild trilogy, for sure.@EmilyDrabs I was discussing this with someone just this morning! Rooftoppers and The Last Wild trilogy, for sure.
@GdnChildrensBks Heard you're looking for future Children's Classics - Can I throw London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd into the ring please?@GdnChildrensBks Heard you're looking for future Children's Classics - Can I throw London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd into the ring please?
@GdnChildrensBks @burstofbeaden This is Not My Hat and @OliverJeffers Once Upon an Alphabet HAVE to be there.@GdnChildrensBks @burstofbeaden This is Not My Hat and @OliverJeffers Once Upon an Alphabet HAVE to be there.
@GdnChildrensBks I think probably When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead and (if young adult is allowed) I'll Give You The Sun.@GdnChildrensBks I think probably When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead and (if young adult is allowed) I'll Give You The Sun.
@EmilyDrabs Varjak Paw, across nightingale floor, Jimmy Coates books. Most exciting adventures with heart. Overlooked now but quality lasts.@EmilyDrabs Varjak Paw, across nightingale floor, Jimmy Coates books. Most exciting adventures with heart. Overlooked now but quality lasts.
@GdnChildrensBks @EmilyDrabs Feather Boy by Nicky Singer. #futureclassics pic.twitter.com/gXKQ3iE3ht@GdnChildrensBks @EmilyDrabs Feather Boy by Nicky Singer. #futureclassics pic.twitter.com/gXKQ3iE3ht
@EmilyDrabs Rooftoppers - Katherine Rundell has timeless classic feel + Boy in Striped Pyjamas for emotional impact @GdnChildrensBks@EmilyDrabs Rooftoppers - Katherine Rundell has timeless classic feel + Boy in Striped Pyjamas for emotional impact @GdnChildrensBks
@GdnChildrensBks I think probably When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead and (if young adult is allowed) I'll Give You The Sun.@GdnChildrensBks I think probably When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead and (if young adult is allowed) I'll Give You The Sun.
@EmilyDrabs @GdnChildrensBks In India, The Forest of Stories by Devdutt Patnaik. Skellig by David Almond.@EmilyDrabs @GdnChildrensBks In India, The Forest of Stories by Devdutt Patnaik. Skellig by David Almond.
@EmilyDrabs @GdnChildrensBks The Book Thief - will always be topical with WWII theme, beautifully written & utterly heartbreaking.@EmilyDrabs @GdnChildrensBks The Book Thief - will always be topical with WWII theme, beautifully written & utterly heartbreaking.
@EmilyDrabs @whatSFSaid @philipreeve1 Harry Potter classics. Illustrations will take on new form as in this interpretation bit,ly/1wyAm72@EmilyDrabs @whatSFSaid @philipreeve1 Harry Potter classics. Illustrations will take on new form as in this interpretation bit,ly/1wyAm72
@GdnChildrensBks @theprettybooks Definitely Rooftoppers and The Wolf Wilder by @kdbrundell & 5 Children on Western Front by Kate Saunders!@GdnChildrensBks @theprettybooks Definitely Rooftoppers and The Wolf Wilder by @kdbrundell & 5 Children on Western Front by Kate Saunders!
@EmilyDrabs 100 years is a really, really long time, but Rebecca Stead's 'Liar and Spy' is brilliant enough to stand the test, maybe...@EmilyDrabs 100 years is a really, really long time, but Rebecca Stead's 'Liar and Spy' is brilliant enough to stand the test, maybe...
@whatSFSaid @EmilyDrabs Culture is changing faster and faster. I'd be surprised if there are still books at all.@whatSFSaid @EmilyDrabs Culture is changing faster and faster. I'd be surprised if there are still books at all.
@EmilyDrabs Probably Harry Potter, given the age & gender span of its fans. Relatively timeless setting.@EmilyDrabs Probably Harry Potter, given the age & gender span of its fans. Relatively timeless setting.
@EmilyDrabs How I Live Now because of its authentic approach to a deadly, rural setting and how uniquely relatable it is to teenagers.@EmilyDrabs How I Live Now because of its authentic approach to a deadly, rural setting and how uniquely relatable it is to teenagers.
@GdnChildrensBks Fangirl by @rainbowrowell@GdnChildrensBks Fangirl by @rainbowrowell
@EmilyDrabs @janeharyott @GdnChildrensBks His Dark Materials by @PhilipPullman Chaos Walking by @Patrick_Ness Holes by Louis Sachar@EmilyDrabs @janeharyott @GdnChildrensBks His Dark Materials by @PhilipPullman Chaos Walking by @Patrick_Ness Holes by Louis Sachar
@GdnChildrensBks Wonder by @RJPalacio,The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by @john_boyne & Hetty Feather by @FansofJWilson #futureclassics@GdnChildrensBks Wonder by @RJPalacio,The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by @john_boyne & Hetty Feather by @FansofJWilson #futureclassics
@GuardianBooks @GdnChildrensBks 'Holes' by Louis Sachar #futureclassic@GuardianBooks @GdnChildrensBks 'Holes' by Louis Sachar #futureclassic
@GdnChildrensBks Has to be "The Book of Lost Things" by @jconnollybooks and His Dark Materials by @PhilipPullman #futureclassics@GdnChildrensBks Has to be "The Book of Lost Things" by @jconnollybooks and His Dark Materials by @PhilipPullman #futureclassics
@GdnChildrensBks @PiersTorday The Dark Wild by Piers Torday #futureclassics@GdnChildrensBks @PiersTorday The Dark Wild by Piers Torday #futureclassics
I can see The Hunger Games being one of the #futureclassics. George Orwell's 1984 did it! @GdnChildrensBksI can see The Hunger Games being one of the #futureclassics. George Orwell's 1984 did it! @GdnChildrensBks
@GdnChildrensBks "Series of Unfortunate Events," "Harry Potter." I'll say "Golden Compass," not "Subtle Knife" or "Amber Spyglass."@GdnChildrensBks "Series of Unfortunate Events," "Harry Potter." I'll say "Golden Compass," not "Subtle Knife" or "Amber Spyglass."
@GuardianBooks @GdnChildrensBks Have to say #TheBoyInStripedPyjamas #Narnia & #UnderTheHawthornTree - all have strong morals&timeless themes@GuardianBooks @GdnChildrensBks Have to say #TheBoyInStripedPyjamas #Narnia & #UnderTheHawthornTree - all have strong morals&timeless themes
@GdnChildrensBks HOLES by Louis Sachar THE GRAVEYARD BOOK by @neilhimself MORTAL ENGINES by @philipreeve1 #futureclassics@GdnChildrensBks HOLES by Louis Sachar THE GRAVEYARD BOOK by @neilhimself MORTAL ENGINES by @philipreeve1 #futureclassics
@GdnChildrensBks Rooftoppers by @kdbrundell has a timeless appeal Wonder by @RJPalacio should stand the test of time #futureclassics@GdnChildrensBks Rooftoppers by @kdbrundell has a timeless appeal Wonder by @RJPalacio should stand the test of time #futureclassics
@GdnChildrensBks #futureclassics MM's Private Peaceful and War horse@GdnChildrensBks #futureclassics MM's Private Peaceful and War horse
@GdnChildrensBks Bog Child by siobhan Dowd #futureclassics@GdnChildrensBks Bog Child by siobhan Dowd #futureclassics
Robyne, on email
His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman. The Old Kingdom series by Garth Nix so Sabriel; Lirael; Abhorsen and most recently Clariel. The Wind on Fire Trilogy by William Nicholson, so The Wind Singer, Slaves of the Mastery and Firesong. These have to be my favourite books I’ve read throughout childhood into my teens. Beautifully written with fantastic character development that you can really invest in. I reread these novels when I have time, and I really hope at some point they gain a good screen adaptation.
@GdnChildrensBks Across the age ranges: The Gruffalo; The Iron Man by Ted Hughes; Northern Lights; Room by Emma Donoghue #futureclassics@GdnChildrensBks Across the age ranges: The Gruffalo; The Iron Man by Ted Hughes; Northern Lights; Room by Emma Donoghue #futureclassics
Amanda, on email
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon; Skellig by David Almond; The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne; anything by Michael Morpurgo; the whole Spooks series by Joseph Delaney; and any of Oscar Wilde’s children’s stories, even if they aren’t recent. Nigel Hinton’s Buddy as well.
The heart & the bottle Oliver Jeffers; Where's my hat Jon Klassen, Guess how much I love you Sam McBratney & & & ... https://t.co/k4fTdITU5nThe heart & the bottle Oliver Jeffers; Where's my hat Jon Klassen, Guess how much I love you Sam McBratney & & & ... https://t.co/k4fTdITU5n
Patrizia, on emailPatrizia, on email
- His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman- Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling- Coraline by Neil Gaiman (or any other of his works, really)- The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins- The Man in the Moon (and the other volumes of The Guardians) by William Joyce- The Inkheart trilogy by Cornelia Funke- any book by Dr. Seuss- The Castle of Inside Out by David Henry Wilson- His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman- Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling- Coraline by Neil Gaiman (or any other of his works, really)- The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins- The Man in the Moon (and the other volumes of The Guardians) by William Joyce- The Inkheart trilogy by Cornelia Funke- any book by Dr. Seuss- The Castle of Inside Out by David Henry Wilson
The date of publication shouldn’t matter, only the contents of the book!The date of publication shouldn’t matter, only the contents of the book!
@GdnChildrensBks "The Indian in the Cupboard" by Lynne Reid Banks should be on the list! #futureclassics
Maxine, on email
Harry Potter, of course.Angie Sage’s Septimus Heap series.Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson & Jason Grace series.For the littlies: the Tashi books.
@EmilyDrabs @GdnChildrensBks I'd add Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book to the list!
Jean, on email
Seriously, Harry Potter needs to be on that list. The author of the article says about The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: “Go on, admit it. You’ve spent time hiding in your wardrobe, just wishing that you’d feel the crunch of snow under your feet as you journey into Narnia.” I would say that EVERYONE has fantasized about being magic. About controlling people and things around you with the flick of a magic wand. About being a hero that saves the day with magical powers, outwitting other magical creatures. Harry Potter will stand the test of time, and it’s relevant for kids now!!!
@GdnChildrensBks I'm surprised not to see Pratchett's Wee Free Men or any of the other Tiffany Aching books.
Philomena, on email
I would like to suggest Starlight by Stig Tomas. It’s an enjoyable sci-fi story for children which also addresses the problem of pollution on our planet and sends out scouts to look for other habitable planets. An interesting subject for future generations. The story is beautifully written and illustrated.
@GdnChildrensBks @EmilyDrabs I'd go with I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen.