We're Book People: The Summer Reads That Made Us Readers

Maybe it was a rainy afternoon, a long road trip in the back of the minivan, or a reason to convince mom for a trip out of the house to the library. For most of us who found our way into the world of books, there's a single summer – or a stack of summers – that made all the difference.

As we head into the season of long days and lazy afternoons, we thought there was no better time to pull back the curtain on the readers behind the Follett Content team. This summer, we're sharing something a little more personal: the books that captured our imaginations when we were kids – the ones we stayed up too late reading, the ones we checked out of the library three times in a row, the ones we still think about, the ones we’ve passed down to our kids.

Our executive team has each picked the title that meant the most to them growing up. You'll find adventure, mystery, magic, and more than a few dog-eared classics. Whether these are old favorites you'll want to revisit or new discoveries you'll want to press into the hands of a young reader in your life, we hope this list makes you smile.

After all, the best thing about a great children's book is that it never really stops being great.

Here's what we were reading – and why we still think kids today should, too.

Anne of Green Gables

By L.M. Montgomery

“I loved this coming of age series. I had a crush on Gilbert before Anne knew she had forgiven him.” – Britten Follett, CEO

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day 

By Judith Viorst

“Growing up, one book always stuck with me – Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. It reminded me so much of my brother, a classic middle child who had a real talent for finding trouble and an even greater talent for never learning from it. And just like Alexander threatened to move to Australia whenever the world felt unfair, my brother had his own dramatic escape plan – since Door County was our yearly summer destination, it was his perfect get away plan. Even now, it still makes me laugh and smile every time I think about it.” – Jill Bab, SVP of Sales

The Baby-Sitters Club: Kristy’s Great Idea

By Ann M. Martin

“Definitely whatever Baby-Sitters Club book came out at the time.  Fun fact = BSC was the first book I checked out alone at my public library. I snuck off by myself on my bike. Picture is from 1986 – the year the first BSC book was released.” – Amy Egan, VP & General Manager, Library

Ramona Quimby, Age 8

By Beverly Cleary

“Around the time of this picture I would have been enamored with Ramona Quimby, Age 8. And that’s my Cabbage Patch doll Myra Gabbie. She read with me all the time!” – Sarah Fisher, SVP of HR & General Counsel

Struwwelpeter

By Dr. Heinrich Hoffmann

Max and Moritz

By Wilhelm Busch

“The books might not have been my favorites, but the most memorable.” – Oliver Kaestner, VP of Strategic Initiatives & Operations

Sweet Valley High

By Francine Pascal

“So, I am a total toss-up between The Baby-Sitters Club and Sweet Valley High – absolutely remember loving both!  While I have rather thick skin, I am definitely not up for sharing the picture where my mother had me rocking a mullet with the entire company!” – Jenn Pothier, VP of Marketing

Best Word Book Ever

By Richard Scarry

"Here’s the first book I recall reading…it may be a different one in the series, but I have many hours invested in it." – Mike Rosera, SVP and CFO

The Boxcar Children, Book 1

By Gertrude Chandler Warner

“Had to be The Boxcar Children!  Growing up, nothing captured my imagination more…something magical about watching those kids carve out their own little world.  Turning found objects into a home, and living entirely on their own terms. I think what drew me was the sense of independence.  Resourceful and self-sufficient!” – Linda Semmler, VP of Publisher Relations & Content

Goosebumps

By R.L. Stine

“My favorite summer read was the Goosebumps Series by RL Stine.  I'm a huge horror buff and the love for it started quite early." – Renier Stander, VP of IT

Sideways Stories from Wayside School

By Louis Sachar

“It’s the only book I remember reading, lol.  I know I checked it out multiple times but I couldn’t even tell you what it was about now.” – John Stary, Sr. Director of Inventory & Data Management

We hope our favorite childhood books have inspired your next great summer read!