It’s wonderful that many classic books from the 90s and earlier are still being taught in schools today. After all, “classic” means that a book will stand the test of time.

Educators, parents, and readers should not forget that the 90s were over 35 years ago now. Many of my favorites are from the 80s… about 45 years ago.

Just as in our school days, this generation also will relate to and find modern books that will become the classics of tomorrow.

If you don’t know where to start “modernizing” your reading of Kid Lit, here are some matches between classic books and more modern fare.

Classic	More Modern Match
Little House books	Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson
Charlotte’s Web	Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate Answers to Dog by Pete Hautman
A Wrinkle in Time	Sal & Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundall
The Secret Garden	The Lions’ Run by Sara Pennypacker Deer Run Home by Ann Clare LeZotte Paint the Wind by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Holes	The Unteachables by Gordon Korman 24 hours in nowhere by Dusti Bowling
The Giver	The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller
Frog & Toad	Fox & Chick by Sergio Ruzzier
Island of the Blue Dolphin	Show me a sign by Ann Clare LeZotte Wolf wilder by Katherine Rundell Birchbark House by Louis Eldrich
Hatchet	Across the Desert by Dusti Bowling Heroes by Alan Gratz Alabama Moon by Watt Key The Trouble with Heroes by Kate Messner