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Fabulous Fathers

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In celebration of Father's Day this weekend, we are rounding up our favorite father figures from children's literature. From classics and new favorites, we found so many amazing dads, brothers, uncles, grandpas, and friends worth celebrating that we had a hard time narrowing it down! Let us know if you have a favorite father figure from kidlit that we missed!


Mr. Robert Quimby from Ramona and Her Father
Ramona Quimby's dad, Robert, is one of the first names to come to mind when thinking about fathers in kidlit. Mr. Quimby is patient, humorous, and affectionate. In Ramona and Her Father, he even takes on the role of homemaker when he unexpectedly loses his job. Mr. Quimby loves his children with an unusual kindness that deserves to be celebrated.





Arthur Weasley from Harry Potter 
Arthur Weasley is not the flashiest father in the Harry Potter universe, but his loving dependability, for his own seven children and for Harry and Hermione, earns him an easy spot on this list. Throughout the series we see Mr. Weasley stand up for his family and their friends, and he is among the first people to make sure Harry feels at home in the wizarding world.






Matthew Cuthbert from Anne of Green Gables
Matthew Cuthbert and his sister Marilla had requested to adopt an orphan to help run their farm, but the orphanage mistakenly sends vivacious Anne Shirley instead of the boy they asked for. Marilla wants to send Anne back, but Matthew develops a quick bond with Anne and allows her to stay. Matthew is an important figure in Anne's life, and the first person to ever love her unconditionally. Easily one of the best fathers.





Mr. Montgomery-Hofstein from Starfish
Starfish is a new novel this year, but main character Ellie's dad is already one of our favorite fathers in any book. Ellie has been bullied her whole life for being fat, even by her own family, but never by her father. As her mom's fixation on changing Ellie's appearance intensifies, Ellie's dad steps in as her main advocate and helps Ellie find a therapist. Ellie's father is a great character and essential part of her journey to unapologetic self-love.





Marcus and Zoe's step-dad from From the Desk of Zoe Washington
This pick is a two-fer, because Zoe's biological father Marcus and her step-dad are both great father figures in their own way. Zoe grows up not knowing her biological father, because Marcus is incarcerated for a crime he didn't commit. On Zoe's 12th birthday she receives a letter from Marcus and becomes his pen pal. Marcus is a kind and gentle father who takes interest in his daughter's interests. At the same time, Zoe's step father is also an amazing father who loves and protects Zoe and helps her pursue her dreams.



When her papi comes home from work each day, Daisy rushes to meet him for their nightly ritual - a motorcycle ride around their neighborhood. Daisy loves their routine and the special time she gets to spend with her father, and papi gets major dad points for prioritizing time with his daughter even after a long day at work.




Jabari's dad from Jabari Jumps
Jabari wants to jump off the diving board at the pool but he is too scared to jump, until his dad gives him a gentle hand squeeze of encouragement to try something new. I love Jabari's dad, who tells his son that it is okay to be scared but that he still might want to try anyway. Jabari's dad is patient and encouraging and one of our favorite fathers.

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