Pageants

A parent might reach for this book when their child is a curious reader who loves variety or a reluctant one who might be tempted by a wide array of short pieces. "Pageants" is not a single story but a comprehensive anthology from the Houghton Mifflin Reading series, featuring a rich mix of folktales, realistic fiction, poetry, and nonfiction articles. It touches on emotional themes of curiosity, empathy for different life experiences, and the resilience needed to overcome challenges. Best suited for ages 8 to 11, this book is an excellent tool for broadening a child's literary palate, building vocabulary, and sparking conversations about history, nature, and diverse cultures, all within one cover.