West Virginia Day celebrates the anniversary of West Virginia joining the Union and becoming its own state, separate from Virginia, in 1863. In celebration of our state’s founding, we collected a list of children’s books featuring the mountain state and its many stellar authors. We enjoyed putting these together so much that this 10 to Try actually features twelve great books because we just couldn’t narrow it down to ten. Enjoy!
When I Was Young in the Mountains by Cynthia Rylant (Grades K to 3)
An evocative and eloquent tribute to growing up in rural Appalachia.
— Suzanne Wood, Fayette County
From Miss Ida’s Porch by Sandra Belton (Grades 3 and up)
A Raleigh County native, Sandra Belton paints a picture familiar to West Virginians, the very best time of day, evenings on the porch. In her warm, conversational way, she lets readers sit alongside the kids in the story to hear their old-timers talk about life before the Civil Rights movement, and after.
More Than Anything Else by Marie Bradby (Grades 1 to 5)
This is the story of Booker T. Washington who would write “Up From Slavery” as an adult. In this story he is a child laboring at the salt works and struggling to teach himself what he wants to know “more than anything else.” Beautifully illustrated by Chris Soentpiet.
The King of Little Things by Bil Lepp (Grades K to 5)
Champion West Virginia storyteller Bil Lepp can make almost anyone sound good with his rhythmic rhymes, telling the story of a modest little king and the unsung odds and ends that stick up for him. It is wonderfully silly and subtle.
Panther Mountain: Lydia’s Story by Christy Perry Tuohey (Grades 5 to 8)
I would highly recommend Panther Mountain: Lydia’s Story by Christy Perry Tuohey. The book deals with the area that would become the state of West Virginia and includes several local references such as Gauley Bridge and Summersville. I purchased the book last fall with the hope of reading it to the Fifth Graders at Fayetteville Prek-8.
— Janice Wiseman, Fayette County
Passing the Music Down by Sarah Sullivan (pre-K to adult)
There may be no Vandalia Gathering this year, but you can enjoy a lyrical story, inspired by the tradition of passing the music down to each generation. Any age can find something to appreciate here.
Where, Oh Where, Oh Where, Could We Go? by Tony Caridi (Ages 3+)
Travel across the mountain state touring popular locations and learning to identify the unique WV shape hidden on each page in this rhyming, fast-paced adventure.
— Jeremy Crites, Putnam County
No Star Nights by Anna Smucker (Grades 2 to 5)
The author remembers growing up in Weirton, when smoke from the steel mills blocked the night sky.
Golden Delicious: A Cinderella Apple Story by Anna Smucker (Grades 3 to 5)
I read this to preschoolers and they enjoyed that West Virginia was highlighted in the book, and they also enjoyed their golden delicious apples from Clay County.
— Deb Blakeman, Kanawha County
John Henry by Julius Lester and Jerry Pinkney (Grade PreK to 3)
There are several books about John Henry, the legendary West Virginia man who challenged a new steam-powered tool to stop it from taking the men’s jobs. This one draws details from several versions passed down over the years, highlighting the aspirations of the men.
Mountain Christmas by Marc Harshman (Grades K to 3)
Track Santa on his way to West Virginia with state Poet Laureate Marc Harshman.
West Virginia: A History by John Alexander Williams (middle school to adult)
Each of seven chapters stands alone as a readable, discussion-prompting story for middle school students or older. Each takes on a problem or topic in West Virginia history. Visit Point Pleasant, Harpers Ferry, Droop Mountain, Tug Fork, Paint Creek, Hawks Nest or Buffalo Creek.
The majority of the links above will route you to the online store of Charleston’s Taylor Books. You can still have your books sent to you, as with most online retailers, and your purchase will benefit a West Virginia small business and help to keep local bookstores open!