A Wrinkle In Time, by Madeline L'Engle

Meg Murry is a brilliant student, although all her friends and teachers tend to regard her as a troublesome kid.  Her parents are scientists, and her genius father has been inexplicably missing for several months.  One stormy night, Meg and her brother Charles are having a late snack when their eccentric new neighbor, Mrs. Whatsit, bursts in with an amazing announcement.  Mr. Murry is apparently still alive, although his research has somehow caused him to be propelled off through space and time into a mysterious fifth dimension known as a tessaract.  Armed with this new knowledge, Meg sets off with Charles and her school friend Calvin in an attempt travel through space-time and rescue her father!

I’ve never been a huge reader of science fiction, but this book is an example of a story that transcends the genre.  It’s been a perennial favorite for readers of all ages, no doubt due to its amazing story and well-thought-out plotline.  I’ve made it a personal goal to read further on into Ms. L’Engle other books in the series, collectively known as “The Time Quintet”, and if you’re looking for an amazing adventure then you’re more than welcome to join me!

The BFG, by Roald Dahl

Sophie is a young girl who lives in a crowded, noisy orphanage.  Her ordinary life is interrupted one late night when she sees a large, cloaked person on the street outside her building.  Shocked at being discovered, this person carries Sophie off to his homeland in Giant Country!  There, Sophie and the BFG (Big Friendly Giant) quickly become friends, and find themselves on the frontlines of a coming war between England and the other, evil giants!

One reason that I liked this story (even though it included a girl as the main character!) was that Mr. Dahl challenges the reader to reconsider their preconceptions.  Most giants that we’ve read about before are evil, and based on this story it looks as if that notion is correct.  But what happens when one of them is secretly good, and spends his nights blowing peaceful dreams into the minds of sleeping children?  “The BFG” is an absolutely lovely adventure for readers of all ages, and I’m sure it’ll quickly become one of your childrens’ favorite books.