Top Ten Fictional Fathers

I'm linking up with The Broke and the Bookish for another Top Ten Tuesday.

In honor of the upcoming Father's Day, this week's topic is all about fathers. I looked through my past reads to find some of my favorite fictional fathers — I'm sure this isn't all of them, though!

1. Hans Hubermann / Papa (from The Book Thief)
Hans doesn't care if he draws attention to himself for refusing to join the Nazi Party. He sticks to his values, his paint, and his accordion. He helps Lisel feel comfortable in her new home and teaches her to read. He's a stand-up guy and an awesome father.

2. Father (from Fortunately, the Milk)
It's Father's creative and hilarious tale that makes up most of this kids' book. No, he says, he didn't get distracted talking to friends on his way home from the store, he was abducted by aliens! And then you'll never believe what happened next...

3. Big Mav (from The Hate U Give)
Starr's dad is one smart, brave dude. He found a way to get out of gang life, even though it meant a stint in jail, and then he tried to make sure DeVante could also have another chance. He's devoted to making their neighborhood a better place. He can be stubborn and prejudiced but he has a big heart and is willing to change his mind.

4. Mo (from Inkheart)
Meggie's father has a deep love of books, which would be reason enough to rank him in the top ten, but he's also caring and protective of his family. He has a commitment to justice and tries to correct some of the imbalances of power and wealth that exist in Inkworld.

5. Harold (from A Little Life)
Being Jude's father is no walk in the park, and it's something Harold voluntarily took on after knowing Jude as an adult. He may not always know the best way to help Jude fight his demons, but he never stops trying.

6. Dan (from A Prayer for Owen Meany)
Dan charms John from the first time he meets him while dating John's mother, and then he soon becomes John's sole parent. Throughout John's childhood, he's a consistent source of wisdom and comfort and a solid role model for John and Owen.

7. Mr. Bennet (from Pride and Prejudice)
While Mrs. Bennet is constantly freaking out about their social status and her daughters being unmarried, Mr. Bennet takes it all in stride. Sometimes he may be a little too laid-back, but he at least recognizes that Elizabeth's brains are worth valuing and that it's not a tragedy if she doesn't take the first marriage offer she gets.

8. Robert Quimby (from the Ramona series)
Ramona's parents have a lot of patience with their second child's energy and imagination. Her father is caring, kind, and creative, and gives Ramona valuable advice about life.

9. David Logan / Papa (from Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry)
Papa has to make difficult choices between supporting his family and protecting them. He also has to teach his daughter some hard lessons about life. And ultimately, he's willing to sacrifice something valuable to him and his family for the good of the community.

10. Jack Spier (from Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda)
Simon's dad may be a little behind the times on political correctness, but that doesn't mean he's unsupportive when Simon comes out. Together with Simon's mom, they've created a family environment that is safe, fun, and sometimes pretty hilarious.

What books like this have caught your eye recently?

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