Where Inspiration Begins

What’s the first book that truly stayed with you?

We asked our teams to reflect on the children’s books that inspired them or shaped their thinking, as part of our CARES program quarterly focus on literacy.

The stories shared weren’t just about beloved characters or bedtime rituals. “Children’s books have a unique way of planting seeds that last a lifetime.” said Susan Parr, Chief Operating Officer of FedWriters, Inc. “Many of our team members can trace their confidence, curiosity, or career paths back to stories they read as children.”

In this FedFeature, we’re celebrating the titles our team remembers most—and the lasting impact those stories continue to have on the way we think, create, and connect today.

• The “Magic Tree House” Series by Mary Pope Osborne

These books had an impact on me by providing an imagination outlet growing up!

They were short and plentiful, with titles like “Dinosaurs Before Dark” and “Night of the Ninjas” that I could read through same day like eating popcorn, a delightful jaunt of 2 kids problem-solving their way through wild adventures that always led them back home. This really helped me to have a safe entertainment outlet at home and stay out of trouble. Submitted by Abigail C.

• “The Phantom Tollbooth” by Norton Juster

This whimsical fantasy-adventure novel inspired my love of art and language through its creative use of puns and idioms.

I actually enjoyed it more as a young adult since I was able to better appreciate the absurd characters! And even though it was written in the ’60s, the themes carry true today. Highly recommend. Submitted by Carolyn M.

• “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss

The Lorax was the first book I read entirely on my own in English at age three, and its message about environmental stewardship left a lasting impression that shaped my life’s direction. Combined with my father’s work in renewable energy research and our family’s passion for protecting wildlife, the book’s call to “speak for the trees” inspired me to care deeply about our environment from an early age.

This early influence led me to study biology and actively participate in cleanup, outdoor access, and reforestation efforts starting in middle school and continuing throughout my career. Today, I’m proud to support agencies like NOAA, NSF, NMSF, and NIH that explore the critical intersection between environmental health and human wellbeing—a testament to how a simple children’s book can plant seeds that grow into a lifetime of meaningful work. Submitted by Zara N.

• “The Little Engine That Could” by Watty Piper

The Little Engine That Could has always stuck with me because it’s such a simple, powerful reminder that momentum starts with mindset. The little engine doesn’t have the biggest strength or the best circumstances, just persistence and the willingness to keep going when the climb gets steep.

Whenever I’m facing tough moments, I think about that steady ‘I think I can’ rhythm and how small, consistent effort adds up. It taught me that accomplishment isn’t always easy or something you can wait for; it’s something you earn by showing up and trying again and again. Submitted by Susan P.

• “The Golden Compass Trilogy” by Philip Pullman

In middle school, I really enjoyed reading the Golden Compass trilogy. I found the story’s fantastical elements – the talking animals, the travel to other dimensions, and learning to use truth-telling devices – captivating! I was especially drawn to the journey of the main character, Lyra, who is an intelligent and brave young girl.

“As a young girl myself, reading about another young girl’s quest to defeat evil and overcome physical and emotional challenges through her wits and perseverance was truly inspiring. The series left a lasting impression on me, and I’d recommend it to tweens who are interested in an unforgettable, fast-paced fantasy adventure. Submitted by Suzy R.

• “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton

…I’m a Gen X’er, and I read it around sixth grade. At the time, it resonated with me because I was at a new school and very much felt on the ‘outside.’ I identified with the ‘greasers.’

Looking back, I see the empathy I felt for those who don’t seem to fit in. In the end, we all are the same, but we create such great, unnecessary divides. I still feel the same way today. Submitted by Myra R.

• “The Hobbit” by J. R. R. Tolkien

One of the first fantasy books I ever read was The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, and it immediately captured my imagination. Bilbo’s journey as a small, unassuming hobbit stepping into a vast and dangerous world struck a chord with me as a kid.

Tolkien’s story showed me that courage and adventure can belong to anyone. Submitted by Tricia R.

• “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeline L’Engle

This book received the Newberry Award. I read this book as a pre-teen, read it to my children, and have purchased it for my grandchild.

This book takes you on a journey of self-discovery and scientific discovery that entails time travel, adventure, danger, faith, love, and compassion, all while bridging the gap between realism and mysticism. Submitted by Rhonda S.

• “A Light in the Attic” by Shel Silverstein

When I was a kid, I was dyslexic and always hated reading out loud in school… until I discovered Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein. My mom would read the poems to me, and I memorized them so well that in third grade I ‘read’ some of the poems out loud like a total pro in front of the class. It was probably my first academic plot twist, and it made me feel smart for the first time.

That book will always remind me that confidence can sometimes start from faking it. Submitted by Kristyn S.

Inspiration That Still Guides Us

One thing is clear from these submissions: the stories that shape us early on never really leave us. They show up in the way we solve problems, the way we collaborate, the way we imagine what’s possible.

A sincere thank you to our team members who participated in this CARES Program campaign and shared a piece of their story with us. By sharing these books, we’re not only revisiting childhood memories, but also recognizing the experiences that helped shape our perspectives, creativity, and values.

FedWriters, Inc. is also paying it forward by donating books to children through the Fairfax-local Books are Food for Your Brain organization, as well as other organizations like Isaiah 117 House local to our nationwide spread of team members—helping others discover the same spark of imagination and inspiration that shaped our team.

“By partnering with organizations like Books are Food for Your Brain,” continued Parr, “we’re honored to help extend that same opportunity for inspiration to children in the communities where we live and work.”

It’s a reminder that inspiration often begins in simple places, and that storytelling at any age has the power to shape who we become.