The world was changing fast in the 1970s, but the generation that grew up just before the dawn of widespread cable TV, in-home video games, and MTV had at least one thing in common with their predecessors: they read a lot during their quiet time. Here are some of the best 1970s books series for young adults that kept the youngin’s deep in thought for weeks at a time.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
This series has been adapted for TV, so there are movies to watch as well!
The story follows the adventures of a girl and her younger brother who travel through space and time with their friend Calvin O’Keefe. They are looking for their scientist father, Dr. Murry, whom they believe has disappeared on a distant planet that holds many secrets from ancient civilizations.
Besides “A Wrinkle in Time,” other titles in the series included “A Wind in the Door,” “A Swiftly Tilting Planet,” “Many Waters,” and “An Acceptable Time.”
The series has four books. The first was published in 1962, while the last came out in 1988.
Fudge Series by Judy Blume
The Fudge Series is a great choice for kids who like to laugh. It’s about the life of a middle-class family with two children, Peter and his younger brother, Paul.
This series has six books which cover different events in their lives such as summer vacations and Christmas seasons.
Blume, of course, also dazzled young readers in the 1970s with coming-of-age tales like “Tiger Eyes” and “Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret.”
Harriet the Spy Series by Louise Fitzhugh
This is the first series on our list that has a female protagonist. The story follows Harriet M. Welsch, an 11-year old girl who lives in New York City with her family and whose hobby is spying around her neighboorhood.
This series is composed of five books and the events happen in a span from Thanksgiving to summer vacation.
Fitzhugh also wrote other novels, such as The Long Secret (published posthumously) and Weasel’s Modern Life which are worth reading for both their funny story lines and great illustrations.
Boxcar Children Novels by Gertrude Chandler Warner
Although this series began way back in 1924, it continues on today, now numbering more than 160 books in all. The 1970s brought a handful of new volumes to add to the adventures of Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny.
The four siblings have to find a new home after their parents died in a car accident. They are now living with their grandfather who is kinder than the children had expected.
Ramona (Henry Huggins series) by Beverly Cleary
The 1970s saw Cleary pen several books dedicated to Ramona Quimby, sister of Beezus and thorn in the side of longtime protagonist Henry Huggins. In the Disco Decade, Ramona juggles school, friends and family.
Dr. Seuss Books
Children everywhere — and of ever age — continued to binge on Dr. Seuss books whenever and wherever they could during the 1970s. New books in the decade included Lorax, the 1970 sequel to Cat in the Hat, and The Butter Battle Book.
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