22 Books by American Authors for Older Kids

Reading has always been a favorite pastime for my children. They loved bookstores and libraries from the time they were little. When my youngest started high school, I dug out this list of American Authors for her to read.

I will take full responsibility for this as I was often dragging them with me in my own book-hunting adventures to never leave short of an armload of books.

As time has passed it has gotten harder to find books now that my kiddos are older.

Their tastes change over time and what brought excitement, joy, wonder, and discovery now brings “eh”.

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When I get asked what my kids love I feel like a failure because it is always changing. One day my daughter is in love with orange the next day she hates it. I can’t keep up.

It is the same with their tastes in books. Animals and adventure one day. Poetry and mystery the next.

With older kids it can be a struggle to get them to read as much as they used too.

My goal for my kids is to expose them to as many different “types” of books as possible.

Did you know that “types of books” include but are not limited to science fiction, satire, drama, action and adventure, romance, mystery, horror, self help, guide, travel, children’s, religious, science, history, math, anthologies, poetry, encyclopedia, dictionaries, comics, art, cookbooks, diaries, prayer books, series, trilogies, biographies, autobiographies, and fantasy?

You can find more information on exactly what that means here and here.

Simply put I wanted them to know and understand there is a world of books out there to be read.

How I am finding those books:

This year with the aid of the curriculum I am using such as Writing with Skill and Analytical Grammar along with various websites I have compiled a list of books I want the children to be able to choose from.

These are considered American Authors by the “Google” and other research I’ve done but if you see a mistake let me know.

Also, because I realize not everyone loves the smell of paper and the feel of a book in their hands I am including kindle book links to the book if available and the audio book (we love audible!). That way you can get the book to your teen in the format they prefer.

Pssst! Did you know that Amazon.com – Read eBooks using the FREE Kindle Reading App on Most Devices? Just learned about this!

It even has a “flashcard” suggestion where you can take notes. So neat!

Lastly, a disclaimer: I’ve done my best to choose titles that fit “American Authors for older kids”, but I haven’t read all of the books listed below. Please preview to determine and sensor for your own children what’s appropriate.  

American Authors For Older Children

Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein

One of my children’s favorite poetry books of all time, which is both extremely funny and intellectual, has been the most beloved of Shel Silverstein’s poetry books for generations.

Where the sidewalk ends, Shel Silverstein’s world begins. In this world, you will find a boy who turns into a TV set and a girl who eats a whale. Along with The Unicorn and the Bloath, and Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout who will not take the garbage out. It is a place where you wash your shadow and plant diamond gardens, a place where shoes fly, sisters are auctioned off, and crocodiles go to the dentist.

Another book of his your child may enjoy is the beloved classic The Giving Tree. (Kindle Version)

 Stuart Little By E.B. White

Did you know Stuart Little is no ordinary mouse? He was born to a family of humans, he lives in New York City with his parents, his older brother George, and Snowbell the cat. Though he’s shy and thoughtful, he’s also a true lover of adventure. His greatest adventure is when his best friend goes missing. (Kindle Version, Audible Version)

Other books your child may enjoy are: Charlotte’s Web (Kindle Version, Audible Version) and The Trumpet of the Swan (Kindle Version, Audible Version)

Big Red by Jim Kjelgaard

For the animal lover. In Big Red Danny sees the beautiful Irish setter, he knows this is the dog for him.  Big Red is fast and smart, strong and noble, neither boy nor dog can stand to be apart.  Learn about the many dangers Danny and Red face together in the harsh Wintapi wilderness that they call home.

“The Highwayman” by Alfred Noyes

This Alfred Noyes thrilling poem, charged with drama and tension, we ride with the highwayman and recoil from the terrible fate that befalls him and his sweetheart Bess, the landlord’s daughter.

“The Ransom of Red Chief” by O. Henry

A story about a tale of kidnapping gone awry. A little boy, self proclaimed “Red Chief”, is taken from his home, and has so much fun he never wants to go back, much to the chagrin of the kidnappers. Grab the Audio version

“Jabberwocky” by Lewis Carroll

This is a colorful version of “Jabberwocky” from Through the Looking Glass.  Jabberwock, Jubjub and Bandersnatch are fully and uniquely hewn from the artist’s imagination. “Slithy Toves” becomes two endearing little green creatures that look like a cross between prehistoric animals and beings recently arrived from another planet.

Another book of his your child may enjoy is the beloved classic Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll. (Kindle version, Audible version)

 Little Men by Louisa May Alcott

The story continues for Jo March – now Mrs Jo Bhaer-who has two sons of her own and 12  rescued orphan boys filling the unusual school at Plumfield. Come along with the boys who have a habit of getting into scrapes, and their mischievous antics.

Another book your child may enjoy is the beloved classic Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. (Audible Version )

Ferdinand the Bull by Munro Leaf

Ferdinand is a peaceful–and–beloved little bull. While all of the other bulls snort, leap, and butt their heads, Ferdinand really wants to just sit and smell the flowers under his favorite cork tree. (Audible Version)

Paul Revere’s Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Listen to the first battle cry for American independence spring from the pages of Paul Revere’s Ride. Hear of the midnight ride of Paul Revere on April 18, 1775 revolutionary hero who rode his horse through Medford, Lexington, and Concord to warn the American patriots that the British were coming to attack. (Kindle Version)

Casey at the Bat by Ernest Lawrence Thayer

This poem is about an epic battle is taking place in Mudville. The team needs to hold on for Casey to get a whack then life will be grand. (Kindle Version, Audible Version)

To Build a Fire by Jack London

The story of a man and his dog against nature. (Audible Version)

Other books my children loved by Jack London are: The Call of the Wild (Kindle Version) and White Fang.

“The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe

This is a narrative poem often noted for its musicality and stylized language. It tells of a talking raven’s mysterious visit to a distraught lover, tracing the man’s slow fall into madness. The lover, often identified as being a student, is lamenting the loss of his love, Lenore. (Kindle Version / Audible Version)

Another book your children may like is “The Bells”. ( Kindle Version )

“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Washington Irving

Sleepy Hollow is known for being home to ghosts and spirits, the most famous being the terrifying Headless Horseman. Please note: My children will not read this but I am leaving it on the list as it is included in the Analytical Grammar program my son is using. (Kindle Version / Audible Version)

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

One of our all time favorites The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn provides an unparalleled glimpse into the pre-Civil War South as runaway Huck Finn – a white boy – teams up with fugitive adult slave Jim as they flee by raft on the river. (Kindle Version / Audible Version)

Another book we enjoyed was The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain (Kindle Version / Audible Version)

Getting my kids to pick up the books:

So what is my method of madness for getting my kids to pick up something they might not normally consider?

Easy. I put it on the table and ignore it!

Yeah I know so detailed.

And it works. I just ignore the book and they rummage through and find something that catches their interest. And Voila! Off to visit another time, another world, or just another point of view.

Tell me what is your favorite book by an American Author for older kids?

Favorites from readers:

• Hatchet by Gary Paulsen (Kindle / Audible)
• The Outsiders  by S. E. Hinton (Kindle / Audible)
• Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’dell (Kindle / Audible)
• Encyclopedia Brown by Donald J. Sobol
• The Great Brain by John D. Fitzgerald