Do you remember your favorite book from childhood?
Choosing a favorite childhood book is difficult because different books were important to me at different stages of my life. One of my earliest favorites was Gooney Bird Greene by Lois Lowry. I loved reading about Gooney Bird because she was confident, creative, and unapologetically herself. When I was in elementary school, I admired how eccentric and unique she was, and I wanted to be just like her. She taught me that it was okay to stand out and embrace what makes you different.
As I got older and entered middle school, my reading interests changed dramatically. I became completely obsessed with the House of Night series by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast, as well as Libba Bray’s Gemma Doyle trilogy. These series introduced me to darker fantasy worlds filled with mystery, magic, and complex characters. They expanded my imagination and encouraged me to explore genres beyond the books I had enjoyed as a child.
In high school, I transitioned to more adult novels and discovered Barbara Taylor Bradford’s Emma Hart series. I was fascinated by Emma’s determination, ambition, and resilience. Reading about such a strong female character inspired me and showed me how powerful perseverance can be.
While many books captured my attention for a period of time, some series became much more significant in my life. Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, Twilight, and Maximum Ride were not simply books I enjoyed and then moved on from. Instead, they became defining parts of my life and identity as a reader. I grew up alongside these stories, eagerly awaiting new releases, discussing them with friends, and revisiting them over the years. They helped shape my love of reading and remain meaningful to me today.
Looking back, each of these books reflects a different stage of my life, making it nearly impossible to choose just one favorite.
