Say hey to Emily Dowling, a rising junior at Colgate University, here today to share the five books and the characters that most influenced her life! Emily is from Rye, New York, and is studying History and Art History. This summer, she's interning in the digital marketing department at Scholastic. Thanks, Emily!
Reading was always an escape for me: a release from the drama of middle school, the stress of math class, and the chores that I never seemed to get to. When asked to pick my top five favorite books, I remember the books that I wasn’t able to tear my eyes away from, the imaginary places where homework didn’t exist, and the protagonists that made me laugh. As a fictional wannabe, I decided to share my top five characters with you!
Junie B. Jones from the series by Barbara Park: I remember my parents handing me a copy of Junie B. Jones on my sixth birthday. A chapter book? Did they seriously think I could read this many pages on my own? I skeptically opened the book, but was instantly immersed into the hilarious kindergarten world. After reading the first few books in the series, I began to think that I was Junie B. Jones. This sassy first-grader emulated everything I wanted to be and more. I wore a big pink bow in my hair, was also a “toothless wonder” missing both of my front teeth, and even considered demanding that people call me Emily A. (Ok, I'm kidding there.) Junie B. is an unforgettable character, and it's definitely one of my all-time favorite series.
Nick Allen from Frindle by Andrew Clements: This story of defiance depicts Nick’s movement to change the word pen to “frindle.” Although Nick’s teacher can’t stand this violation of the English language, frindle starts to catch on. Eventually Nick is successful and frindle becomes nationally recognized; it’s even added to the dictionary. This book is a standout among my childhood favorites and is always a really cute, short read.
Ginny Weasley from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling: Like most people at Scholastic and in the world, I am a huge Harry Potter fan. Being a redhead, I was somewhat convinced that J.K. Rowling had merely forgotten to include the tenth Weasley in her series. I always thought that writing Ginny a sister would have provided her some solidarity in such a male-dominated family. Unfortunately, as each book came out, there was no Emily Weasley emerging within the pages. Regardless, there is nothing quite like reading a Harry Potter book, so I quickly became a die-hard fan. I vividly remember standing in line at midnight, holding my nimbus two-thousand and wearing a Hogwarts scarf, anxiously awaiting the arrival of The Order of the Phoenix. These books transported me to the most magical place in the world, and I yearned to be a part of it. Plus: Rowling, Dowling...coincidence? I don’t think so.
Maud Flynn from A Drowned Maiden’s Hair by Laura Amy Schiltz: This story depicts a quirky, stubborn orphan on her journey with the two women who adopt her. For once in Maud’s life she is spoiled; getting new clothes, books, and most importantly a home. However, she quickly learns that these women adopted her for a reason; to help them conduct fake séances in their mansion. Maud aids these women in their schemes, but really just longs for their love. This book is melodramatic, exciting, and truly unlike anything else I have ever read.
Daisy Buchanan from The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: This book was shoved into my hands in my seventh grade English class as a homework assignment. When I got home, my parents both exclaimed that it was one of their favorites (making it even less appealing to 7th grade me). This story is so wonderful and tragic all at once. Daisy Buchanan, the fought-over flapper in this 1920’s novel, is married, but longs for her lost love with Jay Gatsby. This story follows Gatsby’s never-ending quest to win back Daisy; moving across the water from her, throwing extravagant parties, and trying to steal her from her husband. What girl doesn’t want to be loved like this? I will keep looking for the light at the end of the dock, where my Jay Gatsby should theoretically be waiting…
Those are the characters and the books that have most influenced me. What are yours?
