The Importance of Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol

Tiny Tim, one of the most well known characters from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, is a little boy, the son of Ebenezer Scrooge's clerk, Bob Cratchit.

He has an illness that has weakened his legs, and made it impossible for him to walk unassisted, requiring the little boy to use a small crutch wherever he goes on his own. He is a sweet boy who proclaims, "God bless us, everyone!", perhaps the most well known line from the book. As readers of the book know, Tiny Tim, who has either rickets, or likely renal tubular acidosis, though the disease is never named in the story, would otherwise die but for the change of heart Mr. Scrooge undergoes, giving Bob a better salary and therefore enough money to have Tiny Tim treated. The little boy's character is vital to the story in that without him, Scrooge's change would seem to be done only to save himself, and the terrible fate awaiting his soul after death. Because of Tim being there, we witness Scrooge's growing compassion for others, and his need to change to help others as well as himself. Because of this, despite the fact that Tim Cratchit is a fairly minor character, his presence is vital for the message of the story to come across, and for Scrooge to be seen as a truly changed man who has learned to be selfless and giving.

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness is a hauntingly beautiful story about Conor O'Malley and his inner and outer struggles as he deals with the sorrow of his mom's worsening illness and his guilt that he cannot save her, and also wants her pain and his, to end.

He struggles with the unkindness of a school bully, his feelings of betrayal when his best friend told others about his mom's cancer, his grandmother, and a monster made out of a yew tree as it tries to coach the reluctant boy into facing his feelings and acknowledging them for what they are. The story is both sad and beautiful, and young people as well as adults can learn valuable lessons about life, friendship, feelings, thoughts, actions, and knowing when it is okay to let go.

Henry Huggins by Beverly Cleary

Henry Huggins by Beverly Cleary gives us a look into the life of one of her characters, Henry Huggins, and his dog Ribsy, both of whom I was first made familiar with when I started reading Ms. Cleary's Ramona books.

Looking at the world from his prespective was interesting, especially the story of how he and Ribsy first met and became best friends. Henry is an interesting clever character that children, especially boys, can relate to, and the adventures he has are exciting and fun. Kids and adults who enjoy children's stories would enjoy reading or listening to this book.

Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing by Judy Bloom

Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing by Judy Bloom is a fun book about a boy named Peter Hatcher and his trials having to deal with his annoying neighbor Sheila Tubman, and his even more annoying little brother, Fudge.

Fudge does all sorts of annoying things from acting terrible in front of their dad's client and losing his business, to coloring all over Peter's homework. But when Fudge does the most terrible thing of all, will Peter be able to forgive him? This book is fun for kids and adults who enjoy reading books about sibling conflict and growing up.

Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great by Judy Blume

Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great by Judy Blume is a delightful story about a girl named Sheila Tubman who goes to Tarrytown, New York for the summer. Sheila, while being a bit annoying due to her penchant for lying and hating dogs, is at the same time funny and relatable in many ways. I enjoyed the story when I was the age of the character, and I enjoyed it recently when I listened to it again.

Sheila is from New York itself, and for the summer, she goes with her family to stay in the house of one of her dad's colleagues for the summer while the colleague and his family are away. Sheila doesn't like sleeping in a boys' room, but she enjoys making new friends and learning things. I especially liked when she learned about the headless horseman, since that is the area where Washington Irving lived in for some years, and where he got his inspiration for the popular story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow about the headless horseman and poor Ichabod Crane. Sheila learns and grows, and by the end of the book has realizes a few things about honesty and dogs. Children and adults who enjoy reading middle grade books would enjoy this story.