by Rebecca Carvalho

Created on: August 01, 2011   Last Updated: August 02, 2011

The new generation of readers that started after the publication of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series is characterized by an eagerness to explore more complex literary worlds. As fourth-graders dwell into children's literature and the many nuances of teen novels, it is worth introducing classic works to them. This article, then, will make it easier for parents and kids to make their first 19th and early 20th century books choices by presenting a list of the top ten classic children's books. All books are available for free on Google Books.

#1 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

For kids interested in detective stories, reading Sherlock Holmes – the most famous detective in literary history – is indispensable. This collection of twelve short stories was first published by the Strand Magazine from 1891 to 1892.

#2 Moby Dick: Or, The White Whale, by Herman Melville

This great story follows the adventures of Ishmael, a sailor on board the whaleship Pequod. His commander, Captain Ahab, is seeking a ferocious whale, Moby Dick, which in a previous encounter bit off his leg. This story should not be underestimated, for it evokes many questions on the meaning of good and evil and more complex existential dilemmas. It was published in 1851.

#3 White Fang, by Jack London

It was published in 1906. Although mostly written from the view-point of a dog, its main character, this story should not be regarded as an easy fable. It follows a wolfdog's adventures in Canada and its domestication, and closely approaches the aggressiveness within the animal and the human worlds.

#4 The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum

It is one of the most famous children's novels. Originally published in 1900, since then it has been explored and re-interpreted on stage and in film. The plot follows an orphaned girl named Dorothy Gale and describes her adventures in the Land of Oz. Harry Potter lovers and readers interested in magic will certainly recognize similar magical traits in Baum's novel.

#5 Just So Stories, by Rudyard Kipling

These are great pourquoi stories published in 1902 that attempt to cleverly explain the meaning of many creatures, objects and certain tools from different perspectives, such as magic. Themes include how the leopard got his spots and how the first letter was written.

#6 The Swiss Family Robinson, by Johann Rudolf Wyss

First published in 1812, the plot follows the life of a family shipwrecked in the East Indies. The narrative

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