Another Meme this week. A meme is a chance to share a post
with others posting on the same topic.
This week I am trying: Top Ten All Time Favorite Characters In Books. I have chosen to highlight children's and YA book characters.
Be sure
to check out the other great Top Ten Tuesday Lists like mine.
In No Particular Order:
Top Ten All Time Favorite Characters In Books
1. Ramona Quimby by Beverly Cleary– I think of Ramona like a best friend from
childhood. We shared so many days
reading together, snuggled under blankets, laying in the sun, and everywhere in
between. Ramona was truly the first
character that I connected with on a very, very personal level. It wasn’t because Ramona and her books were
ultra-deep, rather they were common. I
mean that as a sincere compliment. Every
child has lived through shameful misunderstandings at school, jealously towards
siblings, and worries about being a big girl.
Being 8 years old and reading about Ramona helped me to be a little less
self-centered and realize we all struggle to grow up, we all feel crazy sick
when we have the flu, and we all love our families, our pets, our books, and
our stuffed animals in a way we think no one else could possibly understand. Wow,
even writing this makes me want to go back and reread all of the Ramona
books. : )
2. Brian from Hatchet series by Gary Paulsen – I will admit that Hatchet is
my beloved favorite book ever. Some will
argue that what makes the book so amazing is the epic battle of Man vs. Nature,
with Nature being the star of the show.
I disagree. To me, Brian is the
driving force of the story because we learn from him, want him to succeed, and
share his pain, suffering, and finally triumph.
I just love this kid and would read his adventures forever. Brian is clever, resourceful, thoughtful, and
strong. I admire Brian for many
attributes that I, myself don’t have. Maybe that’s part of the reason why I like him
so much.
3, 4, & 5.Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione
Granger by J.K. Rowling – These three friends all make my list because I was blessed enough to
see them grow, mature, and persevere in an amazing journey. Each one is very likable to me. First, there
is Harry who is smart, powerful, choosing goodness over evil, and guiding us on
his journey to find himself and those who seek to ruin him. I always felt like Harry invited us along on
story, sharing himself not only with the cast at Hogwarts, but also with
readers. No doubt, Harry was written to
be likable. Truly, he was able to make
me believe in the magic, for that I am very, very grateful for the experience.
Then of course, there were the two friends who are way more than
sidekicks. Ron and Hermione weren’t just
along for the ride in the Harry Potter series.
They took risks and matured alongside Harry too. Ron is loyal and funny, scatterbrained, and
nervous. Love him. And Hermione who is smart and serious,
beautiful and delicate, but showed amazing strength and aptitude! These three
friends are favorite characters of mine because of their individual strengths,
but also because of all they did together.
6. Biscuit the Puppy by Alyssa Satin Capucilli– Woof! Woof! If you have a little one
or teach the youngest school aged kids, you know Biscuit. I love his soft warm yellow fur and his small
cries of Woof! Woof! He always seems to be
gentle and kind, loving and sweet. There
is just something about him that makes you feel comfortable. Whether he is making new friends, going to
bed, going to the doctor, a new school, or sharing a snack, Biscuit is a
joy. Preschoolers and Kindergarteners love
his stories, and beginning readers love the accessible words and predictable patterns
offered in these short and sweet books.
7. Heather Wells by Meg Cabot– (Please note that techniquly Cabot's Heather Wells series is an adult series.) Heather Wells is a former teen sensation. She finds herself struggling along, living
with her ex-fiance’s brother (who she kinda has a thing for), working at a
residence hall, struggling to fit into her size 12 jeans, and solving murder
mysteries on the side. Heather Wells is
flawed, but lovable. She makes bad
choices, but somehow triumphs. I love
the play on her size, her former stardom, and her painfully tragic
lovelife. She is more mature than
college students she works with, and this too gives Heather a unique
dynamic. Of everyone on this list, maybe
I like Heather because she is the only character who still is in a current
series. I can’t wait for the next 2
books to come out in this series.
8. Laura Ingalls from Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder – Laura Ingalls was another heroine whose
life felt somehow familiar. Her dynamic
with her family, her struggle to decide between right and wrong, and her
hardships living on the prairie all connected with me. Okay, maybe I didn’t live on the prairie, but
Laura made me feel like I could have done so.
I have read and reread these books a number of times and always enjoy
Laura’s spirit and intelligence. She
taught me a lot about being proud of your strengths, helping others, and
valuing family.
9. Wilbur from Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White – It’s Wilbur’s innocence
that really makes him lovable to me. He is
born into a world not willing to care for him.
He makes friends with Fern and the most unlikely group of animals. He also makes famous the farm that is ready
to make a meal from him. Wilbur’s tale
is full of hardship and sorrow, but this simple pig always finds a way to put
on a brave face and survive despite the odds.
10. D.J. Schwenk from Dairy Queen Series by Catherine Gilbert Murdock – D.J. is the dairy
farm tomboy who navigates family hardships, romantic heartbreaks, sports, and
learns lessons about herself along the way.
She is full of surprises, but always manages to be herself, not changing
for her family, friends, or boyfriend. However she does mature and strengthen
throughout her 3 book series. She isn’t
girly or silly, she doesn’t need saved by friends or a boyfriend, she is
amazing and the Dairy Queen books are well worth the read. Reviewed Here!!
