Recs if you like Caddie Woodlawn...

The books your teacher made you read between the ages of 11-14. They changed the way you saw the world, they made you realize books were more than just goofy or sentimental stories you gobbled up before bedtime, and they stuck with you, all these years later.

Suggestions welcome, especially from non-American readers!!

Note: this list was made by a Millennial, so I'd love to hear from some different generations! What did your teachers assign you?

According to the ALA, "The Newbery Medal was named for eighteenth-century British bookseller John Newbery. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children."

Complete as of August 2026.

alternative titles: girlhood in colonial america, young girls in young america, little house alternatives

goal: to curate a list of little house alternatives, with big appreciation for the diverse peoples and cultures.

including books appropriate for middle school and YA readers

A curated assortment of clean, age-appropriate books for girls ages 11-14, featuring picks from across genres, all with younger protagonists, light or no romance, and minimal heavy content; perfect for readers transitioning between middle grade and young adult who want engaging stories that feel safe, fun, and comfortable.

Stories of characters who find freedom/adventure outside of their four walls 🌷 🌼 🧭 🌏 🍄🍃 All suggestions welcome 😁💯

Other items used: "Grammar 5 Set" (includes "Grammar 5 Answer Guide and Resources" and "Grammar 5 Activity Sheets"), "Extra Language Arts E Student Activity Sheets", "Extra Science E Student Activity Sheets", "Discover & Do: Level E Experiments Paper Packet", "Discover & Do: Science Supplies Kit E", "Timeline Figures E", "Science E Instructor's Guide", "Language Arts E", "History/Bible/Literature E Instructor's Guide", "Songs About America", "Sing the Word: The Heavens Declare", "Discover & Do: Level E Science Experiments", "Discover & Do: Level E Science Experiment Videos", "Math-U-See Fraction Overlay Kit", "MUS5 Epsilon Online Instruction with Video", "Markable Map", "Markers", "3" Binder with Tabs" and "The Timeline Book".

Winners of the award for "the most distinguished contributions to American literature for children."