Are you looking for reading recommendations for kids? We can help! Visit us in person or online to get ideas for great reads for kids. For one-on-one help call or ask a Library staff member at any of our locations. You can also call, text, or email ask-a- librarian!
This collection of book lists created by our staff can assist students with homework, help them find more books by their favorite authors, and aid parents in finding books for the youngest readers, among other things! We add new lists each month so returning readers can continue to find their next read! Find more reading recommendations for kids in our blog or enjoy storytime online.
You can also get reading recommendations online from NoveList K-8 Plus or Book Connections. Read book reviews, see “read alike” lists, browse starred reviews, and more.
Little Tree Huggers
A collection of books in which trees are the main character, setting, or theme. Perfect reads for the summer to fall transition.
Sweet Treats for Middle Grade Readers
The only thing I love more than baking is books that involve bakers or baking! This list is full of middle school books that incorporate baking into the stories. They are stories from many cultures with exciting recipes that you can try at home. Some are mysteries, some are fantasy, and some are coming of age stories, but all are delicious!
Balls of Fun
Books featuring beach balls, sports balls, bouncing balls, movement, and a small helping of science. Additionally, there is a little swerve to include a few shape books.
Kindergarten Jitters
Starting school for the first time can be scary or overwhelming! Covering topics from leaving parents and siblings at home, to riding the school bus, to meeting new classmates and eating lunch in the cafeteria, these picture books help new students understand what to expect on their first day, and teach them to cope with nervousness or anxiety.
Hello, my name is…
It’s almost time for back to school, where kiddos will be meeting new friends and learning their names. Our names can carry deep personal, cultural, and familial connections. Names can also give us a sense of who we are, and the communities to which we belong. In this list you’ll find picture books that stress the importance of remembering, respecting, and pronouncing others’ names correctly, as well as correcting others when they mispronounce your own name.
Favorite Teachers in Chapter Books
We love teachers! Can you name your very favorite teachers? Do you have anybody that is Professor McGonagall good? What are the things you like so much about a favorite teacher? Listed below are some all-time favorite teachers from kids’ chapter books. When Library staff made suggestions for this list – Miss Honey from Matilda was suggested the most often. She gets an A+!
Favorite Teachers in Picture Books
I bet you will hear a lot, “My teacher says…”! Stories about what happens in the classroom will help you understand what your child’s day is like away from you. After a child’s first day of school, talk to them about his or her teacher. What is the teacher’s job? What did the teacher ask you to do while you are at school? How does the teacher know if you have a question?
Maybe this is the year for a favorite teacher who will be remembered for a long time! Here are some of our favorite storybook teachers – characters who capture exactly what makes teachers so special! This group of favorites care about their students while adding cleverness and a sense of humor to the school day.
Middle Grade Horror Short Stories
Experience a summer fright with these middle grade horror short story anthologies.
Join Us for Storytime!
- Event: Storytime at Fort Ben – Baby & Toddler
- Date & Time: Monday, September 16, 10:30am
- Location: Fort Ben Branch
- Description: Babies and toddlers and their grownups are invited for stories, songs, coloring/crafts, and playtime.
- No Registration Required.
- Event: Bilingual Storytime at East Washington – Spanish / Hora del cuento bilingüe – en español
- Date & Time: Monday, September 16, 11:00am
- Location: East Washington Branch
- Description: Young children will enjoy books, songs, and games in this bilingual storytime in English and Spanish! / ¡Los niños pequeños disfrutarán de libros, canciones y juegos en esta hora de cuentos bilingüe en inglés y español!
- No Registration Required.
- Event: Family Storytime at Wayne
- Date & Time: Monday, September 16, 12:00pm
- Location: Wayne Branch
- Description: Families and children of all ages are invited to join us for stories, songs, and so much more fun every Monday! After each storytime there will be a playtime session for those that wish to stay longer!
- No Registration Required.
- Event: Storytime at Garfield Park
- Date & Time: Monday, September 16, 6:00pm
- Location: Garfield Park Branch
- Description: Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their parents/caregivers are invited for stories, songs, and movement activities.
- No Registration Required.
- Event: Storytime at Lawrence – Pajama Storytime!
- Date & Time: Monday, September 16, 6:30pm
- Location: Lawrence Branch
- Description: Young children and their caregivers are invited to join us for stories, songs, and fun. Stay after stories are finished for some literacy activities and play time.
- No Registration Required.