Literature - Classic books for all ages
When we think of literature, authors like Mark Twain, H. G. Wells, Louisa May Alcott, and Robert Louis Stevenson surely come to mind. Children’s versions of these great works of literature can be found that make it easier for kids to read.
Mark Twain is famous for his works of literature “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” among others. Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn are classic stories about life along the Mississippi River in the 1800’s and follows the adventures and mishaps of young Tom and Huck.
Before the movie starring Tom Cruise, there was the famous work of literature “War of the Worlds” by H. G. Wells. The book was an early science fiction novel written in the late 1800’s and describes an invasion of Earth by aliens from Mars. When the story was broadcast on radio, many people thought it was actually happening!
“Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott is also a famous piece of literature that was made into a movie. Little Women centers around the lives and loves of four sisters growing up during the Civil War. The main character, Jo, the tomboy sister, was played by Wynona Ryder in the 1994 movie version. Alcott went on to write sequels to the book, “Good Wives” and “Little Men.”
“Treasure Island” the classic piece of literature by author Robert Louise Stevenson was published in 1883 and tells the story of a young boy named Jim Hawkins. Jim joins two men in the search for treasure by hiring a ship and a pirate named Long John Silver, who are hunting the treasure for themselves.
Possibly the most famous piece of Christmas literature (other than the Bible telling of Jesus’ birth) is the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, in Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Scrooge is visited by the spirits of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. In the end, Scrooge changes his ways and offers help and Christmas spirit to his employee, Bob Cratchit, and his family. Several movie and television versions of this classic story have been made since its publication.
Perhaps the most famous and beloved movie of all, “The Wizard of Oz,” was based on a book that was written around the turn of the century (the 1900s that is). “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” was written by L. Frank Baum and tells of the young farm girl Dorothy and her dog Toto. On her journey to a magical land, she meets the Scarecrow, who wishes for a brain, the Tin Man, who longs for a heart, and the Cowardly Lion who just wants to have courage. My favorite movie of all time would never exist if it weren’t for the classic literature of L. Frank Baum.
You can be sure that these classic works of literature will be around in some form or another for many, many years to come and will be enjoyed by young and old alike.