The best books to fill your world with wonder and transformation

I love all the twists and turns this book takes as Harry learns more about his family history and himself. It is a heroic story arc in which Harry finds the strength to face the evil forces that killed his mother and father and are now after him.

I appreciate how brave Harry is, how he does not worry about omens of death and “You-Know-Who” but goes after the escaped convict from Azkaban, Sirius Black, who is an evil sorcerer like no other. Aside from all the great characters, some amazing creatures and magical time travel bring about some unknown truths that change everything.

The storytelling mastery of this book comes from the heart with the richest sincerity. As a dog lover, I am most intrigued by Opal and her choice to adopt a mangy, disruptive dog she calls “Winn-Dixie.” Her own life has been turned inside out with a move to Florida after her mother abandoned her and her father, a preacher.

After several upsetting incidents that occur with people from her new neighborhood and finding a job at a local pet shop, Opal discovers that new beginnings and a new pal–such as Winn-Dixie–can sometimes heal the grief of loss and replace it with joy.

The instant I saw the marvelous illustrations of plump little hippo-trolls floating on clouds, I was captivated by their fun-loving world of wonder-full adventures.

This book is about moments of discovery that add richness to our lives–like when Moomintroll ventures to the top of a mountain with his friend, Snufkin, and they discover a hat–the “Hobgoblin’s hat”–which supposedly has magical powers. Or when the Hattifatteners, ghost entities, steal Hemulen’s barometer. Or when everything the moomintrolls need can be found in moominmamma’s purse.

Well, you can imagine the sort of fun and childish interplay of these curious characters as they make enchanting discoveries full of awe and whimsey while spreading kindness and fun-folly in and around Moomintroll Valley. 

I love books that can take me to places I have never been and where good can overcome evil. This story follows several mythical creatures who call upon Meg to face her lack of self-confidence and venture into a quest to save her father (a scientist experimenting with time travel).

They tell her he is caught in a realm of unbelievable beauty and ambiguity on a distant planet. However, there is a real risk of never returning home, as the evil entities that are holding her father captive also jeopardize the entire universe with the threat of total obliteration.

Another reason that I liked this book is the invented mythology of several characters and the universe mixed with mathematical theory to weave a story of unconditional love and unwavering courage.

My 6th-grade teacher read this book to our class, and years later, I shared it with my daughters; each time, I was overwhelmed with sadness. What I admired most about this book was Billy’s determination to help his struggling family and his vision of raising two hunting dogs to hunt raccoons (as there was money in selling coon pelts).

Billy and his dogs (Old Dan and Little Ann) wander the Ozarks hunting coons. Soon, his team wins a Championship Jackpot and becomes a local legend. However, the Ozarks are full of mystery and danger, and while they track the wiliest of coons, the legendary “ghost coon”, they do not expect the worst. This story is an emotional rollercoaster of love, loyalty, and loss that touches the heart.