Children’s Books for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers (ages 0 – 4)
Reading to children is foundational to their later reading success. But what children’s books are the best? And which picture books are appropriate for each of the stages, starting with babies and then moving to toddlers and preschoolers? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with good books for every age and stage!
Children’s Books for Kindergarten and Early Elementary (ages 5 – 8)
Children learn to read beginning reader books with phonics, sight words, and decodable text, then continue to grow as readers by reading engaging books at the next just-right level for them.
Keep in mind that the goal is reading and improving reading skills, not reading fancy literature. This might look like reading children’s books you don’t personally love. Let that go for now and remember that as a child grows, they won’t read those books forever.
I highly recommend giving children a choice of books — even if you pick the choices from which they can choose. It’s highly motivating for kids to choose their own books.
Also, try to find help children grow their love of reading with children’s books about topics or in genres in which the child is interested.
Encourage a mix of audiobooks, graphic novels, nonfiction, picture books, and chapter books.
Continue reading aloud to your kids– it’s a wonderful, enriching way to bond and grow children in their literacy skills.
Books for Upper Elementary and Middle School (ages 9 – 12)
Discover the best middle grade children’s books for young readers ages 9 to 12.
Just like at earlier ages, try to find books that interest each child, boy or girl, by theme, topic, or genre.
Once your readers love reading books for pleasure, encourage them to broaden the books that they’re reading with new topics and genres.
There are a wide variety of recommended children’s books with reviews, including the newest, best chapter books on the market.
You’ll also notice that I’ve indicated the genres for each book, such as fantasy, mystery, science-fiction, and realistic as well as an indication if the book is part of a series.
Happy reading!
Books for Teens (ages 13+)
While I don’t review as many young adult books for teens as for other ages, these book lists should give you many good books for your readers, including advanced younger readers. My reviews indicate if there is any questionable or mature content.
Here’s one thing I know, by high school, kids have so much required reading that it’s often very difficult to get them to read independently.
Give them books, access to audiobooks, and help them find time to read. Even if it’s only on vacation days.
Keep trying!
