Reading Rockets offers a wealth of reading strategies, lessons, and activities designed to help young children learn how to read and read better. Our reading resources assist parents, teachers, and other educators in working with struggling readers who require additional help in reading fundamentals and comprehension skills development.

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Recommended Kids Books by Theme

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Who says good books can't have pictures? Check out these books that combine great stories and great pictures!

Graphic Novels

One of the best ways to turn kids on to reading is to tap into what interests them. If it's Barbie, for example, share a book about princesses with your child. If it's Harry Potter, find books about wizards and fantasy. Sometimes it takes just one fabulous book to turn a kid into a reader!

The lists below are comprised of books organized by theme. The books were selected by our children's literature expert Maria Salvadore, formerly of the American Library Association's Notable Children's Books committee. They're for kids ages 0-9, focus on new titles, share a common theme, and emphasize quality. Happy reading!

Choose a book list

From Reading Rockets

Creatures

Events and special days

Favorite books

Feelings

Friends and family

Fun and funny

Genres

Holiday Buying Guides

Holidays

Interests

Me and my life

Nighty night

Reading and language arts

Science and math

Seasons

Social studies

Taking action

Other theme-based book lists

Kids' Books with Lessons for Life (NPR)
Reading With Dad Book List (MN Humanities Commission)

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