And since I've been hearing this word a dozen or more times a day (often juxtaposed with "ta-aacky, Mama!"), I've got classy on the brain! So I decided to let "real life" spill over into writing and compile a list of classics for elementary-school aged girls.
So here you go. My recommendations for a "Classy Collection" for your newly-obsessed-with-books-first-to-fourth-grade-girl. (I'm not really qualified to do one for boys yet, give me about six more years.)
Black Beauty: Because you might as well just accept that The Horse-Loving Phase is descending upon you (or at least it's about to). And besides, it's Classy.
National Velvet: See above, plus, it leads into a nice family movie night pick– one that you can both enjoy!
The Princess and the Goblin: This book should really be at the top of the list. It's an excellent way to address the issue of courage and how to face one's fears and triumph over them.
Heidi: Who could resist this sweet story? Besides it's got baby goats in it! And a conflicted goatherd! And an evil step-mother-type person. What more could you ask for?
Swan Lake: Although this is just a tad over her head right at the moment, I think it should still go into the 1st-through-4th category. This version, by Mark Helprin, is my pick. The illustrations (by Chris Van Allsburg) are so awesome, as is the sense of history that the author puts into the story. If your little princess likes it, check out the sequel, A City in Winter.
And even though this is not a fashion column, I just have to share that one of her favorite Classy Things this week is a red-with-black-polka-dots silk blouse, with a black-patent-leather belt that has a Real Diamond buckle, Mama!
Classy.
Any of you have book-mad little ladies and some favorites to share?
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Elisa reads, writes, crafts, brags about her babies and occasionally waxes eloquent about life and other important things at her blog, Herb of Grace.
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Oh, thank you for this list! My 3rd grader hasn't read any of them, but I bet she'd like too. Lately mine has read a collection of Sherlock Holmes stories, a Ramona Quimby book, and one of the Boxcar Children books. I'm planning on passing on my collection of Nancy Drew books soon.
Oh yeah, the Boxcar Children! We've gotten to that now
She tried Ramona, but wasn't quite up to it yet. Maybe next year. And dear old Nancy Drew… Ah yes 
Can't wait til she's ready for them!