Themed Booklists
Recommended Books for Kids
Sometimes it just takes one wonderful book to turn a kid into a reader. Tap into what interests your child. Browse these book lists selected by Maria Salvadore, our children's literature expert. These books are for kids up to 9 years old, focus on new titles, and emphasize quality. Happy Reading!
Featured booklists
Summer brings longer days - and more time for reading! Slide into a comfortable chair or a hammock under the trees and enjoy some of the wonderful new stories from this BIG list of books. Browse online or download and print the age-appropriate lists. See booklist >>
Reading the Pictures: Graphic Novels for Younger Children
In a graphic novel, visuals drive the story. The cinematic, detailed, and expressive illustrations help children, including many reluctant readers, unlock a story's plot and characters. Meet Magic Pickle, Fashion Kitty, Polo, and a band of other heroes in this eclectic mix. See booklist >>
A Backpack of Invisible Keepsakes: New Poetry Books
From bees, snails, and peacock tails to Langston Hughes ("I've known rivers/I've known rivers ancient as the world") to 'punny' haiku, dip into this great new crop of books, for kids 0-9 years old. See booklist >>
Choose a booklist
Events and special days
- Favorite Books for Black History Month
- March Into Change
- Women's History Month
Favorite books
- Comforting Classics
- Favorite Books from Our Favorite Authors
- Old Friends for the New Year
- Personal Favorites
- Prized Books for the New Year
- When You Can't Read Just One
Feelings
- Being Brave
- Blankies and Other Favorite Things
- Books to Help Children Heal
- Moving On, Moving Away, Moving In
- Ten Books That Say 'I Love You'
Friends and family
- Best Friends
- Brothers & Sisters, Sisters & Brothers
- Fabulous Fathers
- Friends & Family
- Great Books About Grandparents
- Mothers and More: Books About Families
- Somebody's Getting Married
Fun and funny
- Field Trips and Other Adventures
- For Laughing Out Loud
- Great Goofy Stuff to Read, Eat, and Do
- Lots of Laughs
- That's So Gross!
- That’s So Gross! – Take II
Genres
- Around the World
- Arts and Crafts for Summer Fun
- Beyond Harry Potter
- Books and Movies
- Cooking Up Fun
- Graphic Novels
- Latino and Spanish-language Favorites
- Native American Stories
- Nursery Rhymes
- Poetry for All Ages
- Read the Pictures
- Tall Tales
- Ten Unforgettable Biographies
- Tricky Tricksters
- World Folktales
- World Travel
- Young Detectives
Holidays
- Let's Give Thanks
- Ten Books for Halloween
- Ten Books for the Holiday Season
- Ten Books for Thanksgiving
Interests
- Books About Art
- Monster Madness
- Music Makers
- Princesses
- Things to Do When There's Nothing to Do
- Winning Books About the Olympics and Fun Summer Sports
Nighty night
- Sleepytime Books
- Ten Bedtime Stories
Reading and language arts
- Beyond Books? Reading Alternatives
- Books About Kids Who Find Reading Hard
- Letter Writing
- Listen to This! Audio Books
- Listen Up! More Audio Books
- Play with Your Words
Science and math
- Aliens! (And Other Strange Creatures)
- An Anniversary Blast
- Count it Out
- My Mother Earth
- Secrets of Science
- Ten Books About Space
Seasons
- A Poetic Spring
- April Delights
- Books for the Beach!
- Change Is in the Air
- It's Summer Vacation
- Let It Snow
- March Magic
- Summer Stuff
- Ten Books for Spring
- Welcome Summer
Social studies
- Bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln
- Celebrate America
- Hail to the Chief
- Inside the White House
- It's a Small World After All
Taking action
- Heroes
- Making a Difference
- Standing Tall
Booklists from other organizations
- Kids' Books with Lessons for Life (NPR)
- Reading with Dad Book List (MN Humanities Commission)











