This is the first reading list for White Eye Joyce Lo.

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There is a very touching story behind this list!

Many years ago, I was teaching Louis Sachar's Marvin Redpost series and his remarkable Holes for the class Children's Literature.  One day at the end of the semester, Little Monkey and Freeman walked to my classroom and couldn't wait to read the text of a new Sachar to me.  I was "quite interrupted", because I was counting the exam papers.  Well, Freeman read the stories aloud to me while I was counting, after I counted them and when we walked up to my office.  Little Monkey laughed all along the way and kept saying "And now read that one which....."  That book was called Sideway Stories from Wayside School. After reading, Freeman sent that book to me as a gift, and sent me more books by Sachar each time when she visited Taipei.

Later, of course we read other STRANGE WHITE-EYE stories by Sachar, and loved all of them.  I tried to read the stories to little English learners.  Unbelievably, even the 7-year-olds who just learned English for six months understood the stories.  (Maybe I read too well?)

Vin also loves Louis Sachar a lot, and he possibly has read all of the SACHAR PRODUCTION. He was the one who told me how to pronounce Sachar's name.

I believe Freeman is now counting which book I missed.  I lost Sideway Arithmetic from Wayside School, and didn't buy There is a Stranger in the Basement.

This is a good start to get to know children's literature.  The essence of children's literature, if there is any, is fun and inspiration.  I know most educators treasure instruction over entertainment and inspiration, but I believe FUN functions better.  Life is tedious and already too "practical," why shouldn't people develop a better way to view it?

End of whining!

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So, Joyce, you might be interested in shopping for some books in Eslite or Page One.  I have this collection, don't feel shy to borrow them from me.  (I won't lend any Sachar books to strangers.  I have lost the most valuable one--Sideway Stories from Wayside School which Freeman sent me.)  If you find you are short of money, you can pawn your "designer's bracelet" and ask your mommy to get it back!  (Isn't this idea fantastic and thoughtful?)

The second list for you would be Roald Dahl.  I believe you know his books very well.