From picture books to graphic novels, fantasy to family fun, these must-read books have the power to hook both The Cat in the Hat boys and girls. Some are cultural A kids’ classic that put Dr. Seuss touchstones that belong in every kid’s on the map. library. Others open kids’ minds to worlds beyond their own. And some Frog and Toad Are Friends are modern releases that have the Engaging stories spotlight timeless quality of classics — the charming, relatable characters. kinds that get handed down to siblings Madeline 50 Books and passed around classrooms. Rhyming classic is a sure winner Whether you have a reluctant reader with kids. or budding bookworm, check out All Kids these sure fire titles all hand-selected by Common Sense Media experts. Should The Complete Tales & Poems of Winnie-the-Pooh Beloved, classic stories and poems in one volume. Read Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus Silliness that appeals Mercy Watson to the Rescue: to preschoolers. Mercy Watson, Book 1 Before Funny, silly pig story great for Goodnight, Goodnight, early readers. Construction Site They’re 12 Charming bedtime book is magic for truck lovers.
Goodnight Moon Charlie and the The ultimate going-to-bed book. Chocolate Factory The Very Hungry Caterpillar Classic morality tale is Picture book brings humor to highly entertaining. caterpillar’s development. Ivy + Bean: Book 1 Where the Wild Things Are A sure hit with kids starting Classic all-ages masterpiece has a chapter books. wild imagination. Stuart Little Excellent bridge from chapter books to novels.
Where the Sidewalk Ends Harold and the Purple Crayon Irresistible collection of clever, Imagination reigns in timeless hilarious poems. classic about drawing boy.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit Beatrix Potter’s first and one of her best. Charlotte’s Web Gentle, much-loved classic delights all ages.
Ramona the Pest Ramona tale helps young kids build empathy. The Hobbit Brilliantly written, inventive pre-LOTR tale. Coraline Anne Frank: The Diary of a Strange, surreal tale sure to creep The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson Young Girl kids out. and the Olympians, Book 1 Inspiring wartime journal reveals Modernized Greek myths meet teen’s inner life. Harry Potter and the fast-paced adventure. Sorcerer’s Stone Wonder Magical start of best-selling Little House in the Big Woods Moving, uplifting tale of disfigured Potter phenomenon. Classic view of pioneer life through boy with inner beauty. a little girl’s eyes. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: The Chronicles of Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing Narnia, Book 1 Toddler antics bug brother, amuse Classic Narnia tale has exciting readers in 1st Fudge book. Ender’s Game battles, Christian themes. Boy genius trains to crush alien A Wrinkle in Time invasion in sci-fi classic. The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Classic sci-fi story still inspires and Story of a Mouse, a Princess, gets kids thinking. The Fellowship of the Ring Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread Spectacular fantasy classic is Brave mouse adventure a modern where Frodo’s journey begins. classic; great read-aloud. The Hunger Games, Book 1 Esperanza Rising Exciting, provocative tale of lethal Historical fiction at its best in book reality show. on ‘30s farmworkers. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Legend, Book 1 A classic that both adults and Hold Fast Stylish dystopian thriller in a kids love. Touching story of resourceful girl not-so-future Los Angeles. solving a family mystery. Anne of Green Gables March: Book One Beloved classic features lovable, I Am Malala: How One Girl Powerful graphic novel captures imaginative heroine. Stood Up for Education and spirit of desegregation. Changed the World The Bad Beginning: A Series of Inspiring memoir of teen Nobel The Outsiders Unfortunate Events, Book 1 laureate shot by Taliban. Story of ostracized kid a timeless A cliff-hanging adventure wrapped fave of teens, preteens. in black humor. Inside Out and Back Again Inspiring, educational immigrant To Kill a Mockingbird Big Nate: In a Class by Himself: story told in free verse. Stunning classic examines Big Nate, Book 1 racism— and justice. Milder than Wimpy Kid and a sure My Side of the Mountain hit with boys. Gripping, inspiring wilderness- survival adventure. Bridge to Terabithia Honest, moving story of friendship Revolution Is Not a Dinner Party and loss. Gripping story, great intro to China’s Cultural Revolution. Bud, Not Buddy Well-crafted tale of an orphan’s Walk Two Moons search for home. Dramatic, complex tale has rich characters, emotional depth. Common Sense is an independent Diary of a Wimpy Kid nonprofit organization dedicated Laugh-out-loud-funny series start to helping kids thrive in a rapidly tucks lessons in stories. changing world. www.commonsensemedia.org