Since we moved on May 2, 2009 I am spending my early summer sorting and putting things away.  Putting away my books was pure joy.  But as I examine my personal collection of books and analyze what has survived the weedings and purgings through the years, I am struck by the fact that it appears I have kept the books that inspired me. 

A short list:

• Christy - Catherine Marshall
• Karen- Marie Killilea
• The Story of the Trapp Family Singers- Maria Augusta Trapp
• The Family Nobody Wanted – Helen Doss
• Follow the River – James Alexander Thom (haven’t had this one as long, but somehow ended up with three copies so it must be important!)
• The Hiding Place – Corrie Ten Boom
• Mrs. Mike – Benedict and Nancy Freedman
• The Story of My Life – Helen Keller
• Letters to Karen- Charlie W. Shedd
• Little House series – Laura Ingalls Wilder
• Anne of Green Gables series – L.M. Montgomery
• Little Women (and sequels) – Louisa May Alcott
• Light a Single Candle – Beverly Butler
• A Lantern in her Hand- Bess Streeter Aldrich
• On the Night of the Seventh Moon – Victoria Holt
• Heidi- Johanna Spyri
• Joy in the Morning – Betty Smith

Did these books shape me?  Or did I gravitate to these books because of who I am?

As I think through the common thread of the titles above I see women who were survivors – women who did the right thing in spite of tough circumstances – women with positive, make-the-best-of-it attitudes.  I think I have kept these books because they shaped me.  (I admit, the Victoria Holt title is stupidly romantic, but I adore that book.  I reread it recently and still adore it.)

I’ve owned most of these titles since I was in junior high (or before).  As a librarian for young adults I ask myself what titles are my students going to own and have on their book shelves in 30-35 years?  What is being published today that inspires them, molds them, makes them who they are?  I am a librarian – I have to believe that they are changed by what they read!  Not by everything they read – we all read stuff and move on – but some things will make a difference!

I’ve noticed that a majority of the books in MY list are biography or fictionalized biography.  (OK – not the Holt book.)  I can’t think of anything like them that has been published recently for my students.  So what are they finding in literature to impact their lives?  Will their reading shape their lives?

In my opinion the best of what is out there now tends to be fantasy.  Harry Potter is somewhat inspiring.  Patricia Wrede’s “Dealing with Dragons” has an inspiring heroine.  Wolf Brother, Ranger’s Apprentice…. the positive role models that come to mind are all in fantasy titles.  I can’t help but wonder if that is a reflection of our society?  Do we have REAL role models anymore or must we invent them? 

I’m over-thinking, I’m sure…  but if you read this and can suggest truly inspiring YA titles which you think will survive purgings and weedings on a current student’s personal bookshelves 35 years from now I would love for you to submit the title(s) in the comments section of this post.  Or share titles YOU have kept that impacted you and why.

And now… I’m going outside to take the dog for a long walk so I can lighten up…