Ever since I learned how to read, I have been a lover of books. I would stay up past my bedtime tearing through pages in any book I could get my hands on. I would get in trouble in class for reading ahead or not paying attention to a lesson because I was too busy with my latest book. While I have not read every book on my mile-long reading list, I have read quite a few books that I think everyone should read. These are the books that I think you must read before you die. And yes, I realize I am missing some famous books on this list, but this list only has the books I have read. Quick note- I only chose books that are what is known as "chapter books" because I could write a list of children's books all by themselves, and I am capping this list at 25.

1. The "Harry Potter" Series by J.K. Rowling

I know; this is on every "must read" list after the first installment in the series was published in 1997. However, you can't argue with something that's great. And the "Harry Potter" series is just unquestionably amazing. With creative and dynamic characters, an exciting plotline with twists and turns at every chapter, and a fantasy world that's only a few pages away, what's not to love?

“Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of number four Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much.”

2. The "Percy Jackson" Series by Rick Riordan

Some people may not agree with me, but I am a firm believer in the greatness of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Not only do you learn Greek mythology, you learn it in such a captivating way that isn't always found in the classroom. Similar to "Harry Potter," these books also have exceptional characters and quality storylines that keep you from ever putting the book down.

"My name is Percy Jackson. I'm twelve years old. Until a few months ago, I was a boarding student at Yancy Academy, a private school for troubled kids in upstate New York. Am I a troubled kid? Yeah. You could say that."

3. "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee

Similarly, to the "Harry Potter" series, "To Kill a Mockingbird" is almost always on any "must read" list due to its coming of age story that centers around the truth of racism and racial inequality in the South. Readers love Scout's tomboy nature, Jem's infamous protective instincts over his little sister, and Atticus's strong moral compass that never leads him astray. An additional bonus, in the movie version, Atticus is played by Gregory Peck.

"I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what."

4. "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White

I absolutely love this book. The story of a pig being saved from the slaughter by a young girl? Sounds good. What's better? The pig then becoming famous due to the help of a kind spider named Charlotte. This book teaches that friendship comes in all shapes and sizes. And as much as I hate spiders, I have always loved Charlotte's compassionate nature and pure-hearted personality.

“Why did you do all this for me?' he asked. 'I don't deserve it. I've never done anything for you.' 'You have been my friend,' replied Charlotte. 'That in itself is a tremendous thing.”

5. "Gone With the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell

I wasn't sure about this book; it was long and my mom wanted me to read it (and the last book my mom wanted me to read was awful and boring). At over 1,000 pages, this book was a little daunting, but I couldn't put it down. I finished it within three days. The first 100 pages are a little slow, but after that, it's full of adventure and excitement with twists and turns at every chapter. At the end of the novel, I found myself rooting for a character that I didn't like in the beginning. The characters were compelling, dynamic, and had plenty of flaws that made them feel human and real to me.

“Burdens are for shoulders strong enough to carry them.”

6. "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

East Egg versus West Egg. Old money versus new money. Well, what if you're someone with no money? Meet Nick Carraway, a writer, who is intrigued by the life of what is known as Long Islanders and Great Neckers. This is the story of the American Dream at its best: having everything but one thing that you desperately need; the illusory nature of the beloved American Dream. Carraway is just along for the ride as Gatsby uses his wealth for opulent parties just to see his Daisy, who belongs to another. This is not a typical love story and this is not the typical story of the American Dream, but its unique nature makes for an even better story.

“In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since.
"Whenever you feel like criticizing any one," he told me, "just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had.”

7. "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë

Often considered one of the first feminist novels, "Jane Eyre" is the Victorian era tale of an orphan named Jane who doesn't follow society or gender norms, at least for the most part. In recent years, there has been a debate about whether this novel is actually a feminist novel, but considering when it was written and who it was written by, I will always consider this to be a feminist novel. At the end of the day, I think Jane saved herself and didn't need a man's help, even though it was appreciated. Jane inspired me to be more of myself than who society wants me to be, and I have read this book so many times that my copy is now falling apart (which actually makes me proud).

“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.”

8. "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl

Five children win a golden ticket in a chocolate bar and get to visit the illustrious chocolate factory and meet the ambiguous Willy Wonka who went into hiding after being betrayed by one of his employees. Doesn't sound too crazy, right? Well, it gets better; Willy Wonka has a group of people working for him in secret, a whole new race called Oompa Loompas. There's when it starts to get more on the imaginary side, but that's also where it gets even more exciting. There was never a limit to Roald Dahl's imagination, making this book unique and able to stand on their own. I don't think there's ever been an author since Dahl ever quite like him, and if there has been, the author never lived up to Dahl's fame. However, while his imagination created characters and stories that seemed crazy, they always were somehow a reflection on society and how Dahl perceived society, making the characters and stories not as crazy as they first seem.

"In your wildest dreams you could not imagine that such things could happen to you! Just wait and see!"

9. Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne

Everyone knows the story of the "silly old bear" named Winnie the Pooh, but some have never read the true story of the beginning of the beloved Winnie the Pooh. Created by Milne as a bedtime story for his son Christopher Robin, Milne used his son's stuffed bear named Edward and the rest of the stuffed animal crew to create what has become a household name. I have always loved the silliness that the characters bring to the table along with the poetic and insightful sense that Milne writes with.

“Wherever they go, and whatever happens to them on the way, in that enchanted place on the top of the forest, a little boy and his Bear will always be playing.”

10. "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak

Enter Liesel, a young orphan girl who just lost her mother and brother in the midst of World War II. While her brother and mother's stories have just ended, Liesel's has just begun. Liesel goes to live with her new foster parents, Hans and Rosa. Once in her new home, Hans realizes that Liesel is illiterate and decides to teach her the beauty and intricacy of literature and the written language. Liesel falls in love with books and even steals a book being burned by Nazis for its inappropriate and propaganda nature that conflicted with Nazi ideals, thus earning her the title of the book thief. While her foster family is poor, Liesel is happy in her new life especially because of Hans and the company that books provide. However, a young Jewish man comes to hide in the basement of the German family's home and Liesel teaches and bond with the young man with the use of the written language, teaching people that differences aren't all that different when you look for similarities, like the love of literature and words.

“I have hated words and I have loved them, and I hope I have made them right.”

11. "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll

Written by a mathematician under a pseudonym, "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," already seems to be an interesting book, especially considering this book is no math book; it's a story of fantasy, talking animals, and complete nonsense. Alice is a young girl who follows a white rabbit down a rabbit hole and finds herself in a new world full of adventures (and not always good ones). Since it was written, this novel has been incredibly influential in pop culture, sparking movies and an entire industry of Halloween costumes, memorabilia, and collectibles. I want to have my future students read this book because I think that its crazy, nonsensical nature will inspire a love of reading. I also think that for a book that doesn't seem to make literal sense, it is extremely profound and understanding of human nature.

“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?'
'That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,' said the Cat.
'I don't much care where -' said Alice.
'Then it doesn't matter which way you go,' said the Cat.
'- so long as I get SOMEWHERE,' Alice added as an explanation.
'Oh, you're sure to do that,' said the Cat, 'if you only walk long enough.”

12. "The Diary of Anne Frank" by Anne Frank

This book was without a doubt one of the most emotionally devastating and challenging books I have ever read. I read it in middle school and I remember reading it on a class overnight field trip, staying up late with a little book lamp that allowed me to see the words on the page. This book was honest and sincere because it came directly from the heart with no editing. One of my campers this summer asked me about a biography or autobiography to read this summer and this was the first thing to pop into my mind. There is no other book I would want my campers, students and children to read more than "The Diary of Anne Frank" because we have to keep telling her story since she can't do it for herself.

“It's really a wonder that I haven't dropped all my ideals, because they seem so absurd and impossible to carry out. Yet I keep them, because in spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.”

13. "The Hunger Games" Series by Suzanne Collins

The whole dystopian society-based novel thing isn't usually my thing, so I was wary of beginning this series. I was pleasantly surprised. As a feminist, I loved the female protagonist and hero who had major flaws. Katniss Everdeen of District 12, is no doubt a badass, but she's also a big softie when it comes to her sister (and even her sister's cat). This series kept me captivated from beginning to end, and it reminded me that you can't judge a book by its cover (or its dystopian society).

“Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor.”

14. "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe

This book was assigned to me my freshman year of high school by one of my favorite history teachers. While I am an avid reader, I am not typically a lover of books that teachers assign in history classes. I was wrong. I did not love the book like I love the other books on the list, but I still think it is important to read. The book is set in post-colonial Nigeria and describes the life of wrestling champion in a small village. Read this book to learn about the impact of colonialism in countries like Nigeria and learn about Nigerian culture.

"The white man is very clever. He came quietly and peaceably with his religion. We were amused at his foolishness and allowed him to stay. Now he has won our brothers, and our clan can no longer act like one. He has put a knife on the things that held us together and we have fallen apart."

15. "Looking for Alaska" by John Green

What was I supposed to expect from a John Green book? Well, I was hoping not to have my heart ripped out and stepped on, but we can't always get what we want. Meet Miles, a lover of words, especially last words, who decides to step out of his comfort zone and transfer schools for his junior year of high school. At his new school, he meets new friends and even develops a crush on an emotionally and romantically-unavailable girl named Alaska, who sparks Miles's true path into seeking a great perhaps while also finding out what the labyrinth is in reference to Simón Bolívar's last words.

“Francois Rabelais. He was a poet. And his last words were 'I go to seek a Great Perhaps.' That's why I'm going. So I don't have to wait until I die to start seeking a Great Perhaps.”

16. "Night" by Elie Wiesel

I first read this book in eighth grade, and I remember being heartbroken by this memoir. I then read the book again in tenth grade, and I remember feeling even more confused and heartbroken. I am Jewish, and I learned about the Holocaust when I was younger than most because it is part of my heritage and history. However, I never read the gruesome details of the Holocaust from someone who survived. When Elie Wiesel was sent to Auschwitz, he was only a little older than me when I first read the memoir. I couldn't believe what he had suffered and how he had survived; it tore me up. Read this book to remember Elie Wiesel. Read this book to remember the nights suffered by those during the Holocaust. Read this book to make sure history does not repeat itself.

“Never shall I forget that night, the first night in camp, which has turned my life into one long night, seven times cursed and seven times sealed....Never shall I forget those moments which murdered my God and my soul and turned my dreams to dust. Never shall I forget these things, even if I am condemned to live as long as God Himself. Never.”

17. "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett

Set in the 1960s in Jackson, Mississippi, "The Help" is the story of an African American help who served the whites. In the book, an aspiring writer name Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan, seeks to find the truth about how awful those who served the whites were treated just because of their skin color. With the help of Aibileen and Minnie, two African American maids who work for Skeeter's friends, Skeeter starts to find the truth. Skeeter interviews these women, and several of their co-workers, and publishes a story that exposes the truth causing a movement based on the truth. I loved this book because it told the truth even though it's a fictional novel, which is not always the easiest thing to do. I loved this book because it made me laugh and cry, sometimes at the same time. I loved this book for the extraordinary characters who I loved even more in the film adaptation of this novel.

“Wasn't that the point of the book? For women to realize, We are just two people. Not that much separates us. Not nearly as much as I'd thought.”

18. "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky

Epistolary novels are not my favorite thing in the world, but like most of the books on this list, "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" pleasantly surprised me. It channeled my inner wallflower, and I found myself identifying with Charlie, Sam and even Patrick throughout the novel. This is another coming of age tale about trying to fit in -- a freshman boy named Charlie desperate tries to fit in and be noticed, and two seniors who are step-siblings who just want to graduate. You'll laugh and cry along with the characters, and possibly find yourself in the process.

“Sam and Patrick looked at me. And I looked at them. And I think they knew. Not anything specific really. They just knew. And I think that's all you can ever ask from a friend.”

19. "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthrone

Published in 1850 and written by Hawthrone as a "romance", "The Scarlet Letter" is a story of forbidden love that has since become more a story about shame, guilt, and adultery in the 17th-century Puritan society. Hester Prynne had a child out of wedlock and refused to name the father of the child. This sin of having a child out of wedlock forced Hester to wear a red fabric "A" on her chest to let everyone know that she committed a sin and is an adulteress. Throughout the book, the father of Prynne's child is sought out by various members of the community. However, while this mysterious aspect of the novel is fascinating, it is the shame that people relate to. Today, this book is read because it has become an American classic, but also because it addresses the social stigma of sin and being publicly ridiculed by your community.

“She had not known the weight until she felt the freedom.”

20. "The Giver" by Lois Lowry

This novel follows a dystopian society that has eliminated feelings thus causing a world of black and white because feelings are the shades of color. The purpose of this supposed utopian society that truly is a dystopian society is to preserve equality by eliminating individuality. However, there is one member of the society who is required to feel the feelings for every member of the society and can see the color of the dark world he lives in. The Receiver of Memory is given an apprentice, Jonas, who is required to learn about feelings, something he has never had in his life. Jonas is distressed by his mentor, also referred to as "The Giver," because feelings can be dangerous and spark individuality. This book made me realize how important feelings are even though they might hurt you. This book made me grateful for my feelings, the good and bad ones.

“The worst part of holding the memories is not the pain. It's the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared.”

21. "My Sister's Keeper" by Jodi Picoult

What happens when you don't want to be saved? Kate is a teenager who has lived with cancer for the majority of her life. Anna is the youngest daughter who was created by fertility doctors to be Kate's cure. However, is it right for someone to be created and tasked with the challenge to save someone from the moment they are born? Is it right for parents to want to save their child so badly that they scientifically create a new one out of desperation, not love? Where do your morals lie? What if this was your family? Picoult makes you question what is right and what is wrong in this book while pulling at your heartstrings. You find yourself picking sides in this story all the while being seemingly shocked throughout the novel.

“It's about a girl who is on the cusp of becoming someone.. A girl who may not know what she wants right now, and she may not know who she is right now, but who deserves the chance to find out.”

22. "Hidden Figures: The American Dream and The Untold Story of the Black Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race" by Margot Lee Shetterly

This book is the newest book on this list and I only read it this past summer after seeing the "Hidden Figures" movie. However, like always, the book was better than the movie. The book told more of the story than the movie could have but watching the movie made the book easier to understand and keep track of the various characters. This is one of the few books where I would recommend watching the movie beforehand or while reading the book. It was inspiring to read the stories of how these amazing women helped us win the Space Race especially because they are forgotten about. Not anymore.

“Their dark skin, their gender, their economic status--none of those were acceptable excuses for not giving the fullest rein to their imaginations and ambitions.”

23. "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton

This book, aptly named for its characters that are outsiders looking in on their community, is a coming of age tale like no other. Written with a unique perspective because Hinton was only 16 when she began to write this book and 18 when it was published, Hinton grasps the awkwardness and feelings of being an outsider because she was living it while writing it. The book follows the rival gangs (the Greasers and the Socs) who are split by socio-economic status, giving it a similar feeling to "Romeo and Juliet," while remaining unique and able to stand on its own.

“It seemed funny to me that the sunset she saw from her patio and the one I saw from the back steps was the same one. Maybe the two different worlds we lived in weren't so different. We saw the same sunset.”

24. "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" by John Boyne

This book tells the story of two young boys who in normal circumstances, might have gone to school together and had playdates. However, the story is set during the time of the Holocaust, making it anything but normal circumstances -- one boy, stuck in a concentration camp, while the other the son of a Nazi. While they were separated by a barbed wire fence, an entire army, and an anti-Semitic ideology, these two became the best of friends. It's a story of true friendship and learning to see past our differences.

“What exactly was the difference? He wondered to himself. And who decided which people wore the striped pajamas and which people wore the uniforms?”

25. "Thirteen Reasons Why" By Jay Asher

This book was without a doubt one of the most emotionally draining books I have ever read in my life. As someone who has struggled with serious depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts in the past, I felt a connection with Clay and Hannah through their journey to find the truth. This book does not romanticize depression or suicidal thoughts but tells it like it is, which is refreshing but ultimately heartbreaking.

"You don’t know what goes on in anyone’s life but your own. And when you mess with one part of a person’s life, you’re not messing with just that part. Unfortunately, you can’t be that precise and selective. When you mess with one part of a person’s life, you’re messing with their entire life. Everything. . . affects everything."