The Ultimate Reading Recommendation Guide Based On Your Childhood Favorites
Because at some point, you have to stop re-reading Harry Potter.
If you loved Little House on the Prairie, you should read "Lila"
If you're looking for an adult perspective on somewhat nomadic, small-town life, look no further than Marilynne Robinson's poignant narrative detailing the struggles of Lila's storied past.
If you loved Junie B. Jones, you should read "Bossypants"
Not only was Junie B a bit bossy, but her silly adventures definitely gave everyone a laugh while always learning an elementary school type lesson not unlike Tina's own hilarious anecdotes she shares in "Bossypants."
If you loved Nancy Drew, you should read "The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency"
In a similarly heroine-driven mystery series, "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" brings a discussion of deeper social issues with the cultural background of Botswana.
If you loved the Wayside School series, you should read "Catch-22"
"Catch-22" follows the brilliant and somewhat insane antics of Captain John Yossarian who could very well be a grown-up Wayside student thanks to unconventional and impractical methods with uncanny success.
If you loved Ramona Quimby, you should read "Don't Worry, it Gets Worse"
Ramona had quirky and relatable adventures that all of us felt at age 8. Alida Nugent's witty stories are written for the trials and tribulations of young adults, at age 20 something.
If you loved The Hardy Boys, you should read "The Lost Symbol"
Classic childhood mystery novels, meet classic adult mystery novels. If you haven't already read "The DaVinci Code" or "Angels & Demons" you've got a full lineup of thrill and mystery ahead.
If you loved the Clique series, you should read "Girls in White Dresses"
The Clique novels are the "Gossip Girl" precursor all girly pre-teens devoured with the A-list friend group dealing with middle school tropes at their uppity private school. "Girls in White Dresses" adds a dash of reality and real-world sanity to just as typical 20-something problems like on-again-off-again relationships and the fact that everyone around you is getting married.
If you loved A Series of Unfortunate Events, you should read "The Orphan Master's Son"
Lemony Snicket's treacherous tales of the three Baudelaire children were disturbing and creative, and Adam Johnson recreates similar elements of corruption and cruelty in the Pulitzer Prize-winning "The Orphan Master's Son"
If you loved the Magic Tree House, you should read "The Shadow of the Wind"
The Magic Tree House series combined education and adventure in attempt to save literary treasures. "The Shadow of the Wind" does nearly the same thing, with an air of mystery and beautifully adult writing.
If you loved the Harry Potter series, read "The Magicians"
While the name correctly implies magic is a central part of Lev Grossman's novel, "The Magicians" also adds a dose of reality to Quentin Coldwater's experience at the Brakebill's Academy for magicians in upstate New York. While you won't have the same amount of time to fall in love with the characters as in Rowling's epic series, "The Magicians" gives a more adult taste of magic to grown up Harry Potter fans.
If you loved The Baby-Sitters Club, you should read "Truth & Beauty"
There isn't exactly a group of babysitting pre-teens in Ann Patchett's book, but the all encompassing loyalty of friendship is at the emotional heart of "Truth & Beauty"
If you loved Goosebumps, you should read "Harbor"
John Ajvide Lindqvist takes the "things that go bump in the night" spooky trope to the next level with the chilling story of a mysterious island shrouded in ice and all sorts of other chilling secrets.
If you loved the Dear America series, you should read "The Tea Rose"
The Dear America books gave historical events and time periods a personal and relatable twist since they were told by the diaries of young girls. "The Tea Rose" follows a young woman living in 19th Century London as she struggles to confront secrets from her past that threaten to destroy her dreams.
If you loved The Chronicles of Narnia, you should read "The Poisonwood Bible"
Barbara Kingsolver trades the fantasy world of Narnia for postcolonial Congo but tells a similar story of familial adventure with significant biblical overtones for all the thematically inclined.
If you loved "Harriet the Spy," you should read "Where'd You Go, Bernadette"
Two child protagonists are wise beyond their years and investigate the curious happenings that plague their otherwise mundane lives. Maria Semple writes with hilarious authority and creativity for plenty of laughs along the way.
If you loved "Are You There God? It's me, Margaret," you should read "The Girls' Guide To Hunting and Fishing"
This now-classic Judy Blume novel follows Margaret through lots of tough pre-teen situations like buying her first bra and having a crush that were relatable and comforting to pre-teen readers everywhere. Melissa Bank constructs a similar feel for twenty somethings faceing the modern world of sex, relationships and workplace dramas.