Hi Reader,

For the final time during this campaign, I'm celebrating today's sponsor, a brand that loves a good story by talking about stories that shaped me.

Sponsored by: The Story Grid​ Learn how to write stories readers will love so much, they’ll tell their friends about it. Based on 30+ years experience as a writer and editor. Join the Story Grid email list and we'll immediately send you a free 5-part video series on using our tools to level up your writing.

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Over the last two weeks, I shared with you 5 fiction and 5 nonfiction stories that stayed with me.

Then I thought to myself, what about children's books? After all, these stories were so impactful they formed my being as a reader.

So, today, I'm sharing the children's stories that shaped me. There's something especially magical in their nostalgia.

Do we have any in common?

American Girl books:

Where'd you learn about history? I learned about it from the American Girls. Through Molly, particularly, I tapped into my own family histories during World War II. Now? My nieces share my Molly doll and do the same. The nostalgia is palpable for generations.

Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume:

And where'd you learn about life? Because I learned about it from Judy Blume. No one before or since has spoken to the thoughts in every young girl's head. I can't count the number of times I read this book, and perhaps you can't either. I know I'm not alone.

The Baby-Sitters Club books by Ann M. Martin:

The Baby-Sitters Club book characters are who I aspired to be as a preteen. They had fun, independence, and a cozy Connecticut community. What more can you ask for at that age (or any age)?!

The Best Loved Doll by Rebecca Caudill:

I bet you never heard of this one! But I also bet that you, too, have a random childhood book you never forgot. This 1962 book had vintage black, white, and pink illustrations that kept me coming back to it again and again. As an adult, I thought about it so often I purchased a used copy to keep in my home library.

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg:

If I could only name one book that impacted my childhood, it would be this one. I have vivid memories of "checking on it" each week during library class to make sure it was ok. It's, quite literally, a magical story with breathtaking illustrations and festive charm to match.​

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I hope you, too, can take a moment to reflect on a nostalgic childhood story that was so impactful that you can still feel its power.

Remember, it's a good day to read a book.

-Jules