The Trumpet of the Swan is the 'other' E.B. White book that often gets overshadowed by Charlotte's Web, but it's arguably more adventurous.

It’s a story about a kid—well, a swan—who is born different and has to work twice as hard to get half as far, and he does it with total class.

In an era of frantic, loud children's media, this is a breath of fresh air. It's gentle but not boring, and the ethical dilemma regarding the stolen trumpet provides a much meatier discussion point than your average modern chapter book.