Robinson Crusoe. Abridged from Defoe. A book universally fascinating, but not altogether a safe stimulus for a boy of a rambling and adventurous spirit.
The Swiss Family Robinson. A sensible and popular book.
For Young Persons of Thirteen and Fourteen.
Popular Tales. By Maria Edgeworth.
Display. By Jane Taylor. An admirable book for girls of this age.
The Cottagers of Glenburnie. By Miss Hamilton. Full of practical good sense and religious benevolence.
Home. Ends and Means. The Poor Rich Man. By Catharine M. Sedgwick. Most excellent and pleasant books.
Strive and Thrive. Hope On and Hope Ever. Little Coin Much Care. Work and Wages. By Mary Howitt. Genial and healthy in morals, and very attractive.
It is of very great importance that children should perfectly understand what they read. They should be encouraged to give clear and distinct accounts of what they have read; and when you are doubtful whether they know the meaning of a word, be sure to ask them. If you yourself do not know, do not hesitate to say so, and refer them to the dictionary. Some people think it diminishes respect to acknowledge ignorance; but the fear is unfounded. Good sense and good judgment command respect, whether they are accompanied by great extent of information, or not. No child ever respected a judicious parent less for saying, ‘When I was young, I did not have such opportunities for learning as you have; but I know how to value knowledge; and that makes me so anxious you should learn.’