The stories we read as children shape us for the rest of our lives. But it is never too late to discover that transformative spark of hope that children's classics can ignite within us. Award-winning children's author Mitali Perkins grew up steeped in stories--escaping into her books on the fire escape of a Flushing apartment building and, later, finding solace in them as she navigated between the cultures of her suburban California school and her Bengali heritage at home. Now Perkins invites us to explore the promise of seven timeless children's novels for adults living in uncertain times: stories that provide mirrors to our innermost selves and open windows to other worlds. Blending personal narrative, accessible literary criticism, and spiritual and moral formation, Perkins delves into novels by Louisa May Alcott, C. S. Lewis, L. M. Montgomery, Frances Hodgson Burnett, and other literary "uncles" and "aunts" that illuminate the virtuous, abundant life we still desire. These novels are not perfect, and Perkins honestly assesses their critical frailties and flaws related to race, culture, and power. Yet reading or rereading these books as adults can help us build virtue, unmask our vices, and restore our hope. Reconnecting with these stories from childhood isn't merely nostalgia. In an era of uncertainty and despair, they lighten our load and bring us much-needed hope. "Ms. Perkins is at her best when interpreting and praising the books she loves, and her personal anecdotes are a delight ... her defense of classic novels ... is sincere and brave, for Ms. Perkins doesn't merely describe the 'heart-shaping' effect that the books have had on her but also extols their value in fostering Christian virtues." ~ Wall Street Journal "Perkins takes seven classic novels as guides: Anne of Green Gables, Heidi, Emily of Deep Valley, The Hobbit, Little Women, A Little Princess, and The Silver Chair. She walks us through the dominant vice and virtue examined by each story. She also delves into how each book treats the outsider. She shows us familiar novels with fresh eyes through a lens that is critical, yet full of love and respect for these mentor authors ... I'm thankful that Perkins calls us back to the truth in the middle, Aristotle-style, neither throwing out the old books nor turning a blind eye to their faults. May we all grow in discernment and love as we read both the old and the new." ~ Story Warren ✮ "Mitali's warmth and humility were so hospitable, I felt like I would be welcome to join her for a cup of tea and finish a conversation about books that has only just begun. And if she invited others who I strongly disagree with, I would feel comfortable engaging them in conversation." ~ Redeemed Reader , starred review "Beautifully crafted, carefully researched, Steeped in Stories is a requisite immersion for all who enter the domain of children's literature." ~ Rita Williams-García, New York Times -bestselling author and three-time National Book Award finalist Steeped in Stories is a timely exploration of timeless classics, clear-eyed about cultural blind spots, yet still enchanted by the wisdom, beauty, and wonder of these marvelous stories. This is one of the most brilliant guides to children's literature I've read. It is a model for us all of how to read all good books well." ~ Karen Swallow Prior, author of On Reading Well: Finding the Good Life through Great Books Mitali Perkins is an award-winning author of novels and picture books for young readers, including You Bring the Distant Near ; Forward Me Back to You ; Rickshaw Girl ; and Bamboo People , among others. Her books have been nominated for the National Book Award, have won the South Asia Book Award, and have been listed as Best Book of the Year by Publishers Weekly , Kirkus , and School Library Journal . Born in Kolkata, India, Perkins has lived in India, Ghana, Cameroon, Great Britain, Mexico, Bangladesh, Thailand, and the United States. She lives and writes in the San Francisco Bay Area.