Building strong reading skills and cultivating a love for books is key in nurturing a lifelong passion for reading.
I believe that there is a perfect book for every reader, and if someone doesn’t enjoy reading, they simply haven’t discovered the right book yet. However, with so many incredible books available, selecting the best ones for different age groups can be a challenge. This guide highlights some of the best books for children and teens, categorized by age group.
Ages 0-3: Board Books
At this stage, books should be simple, colorful, and repetitive to engage babies and toddlers. Interactive books help young children become active participants in the reading process.
• “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle – A timeless classic that introduces colors and animals through engaging repetition.
• “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown – A soothing bedtime story with rhythmic language that comforts young readers.
• “Dear Zoo” by Rod Campbell – An interactive lift-the-flap book that introduces animals in a fun and engaging way.
• “First 100 Words” by Roger Priddy – A vibrant vocabulary builder that pairs common words with pictures.
Ages 3-5: Picture Books
Preschoolers enjoy books with engaging characters, simple plots, and themes of friendship and adventure.
• “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle – A beloved classic that reinforces sequencing, counting and science concepts.
• “Bark, George” by Jules Feiffer – A hilarious story about a dog who struggles to make the right sounds, reinforcing animal recognition.
• “Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes” by Eric Litwin and James Dean – A musical, fun story that promotes positivity and color recognition.
• “Dragons Love Tacos” by Adam Rubin – A humorous and imaginative story about dragons, tacos, and the dangers of spicy salsa.
Ages 5-8: Early Readers &
Beginning Chapter Books
Children at this stage enjoy humorous and engaging books as they develop confidence in reading.
• “Elephant & Piggie” series by Mo Willems – Simple yet fun books that encourage early readers. These are among the most sought-after books in my school library.
• “Arnie the Doughnut” by Laurie Keller – A funny and quirky story about a doughnut horrified to learn he is meant to be eaten! Check out the Storyline Online reading on YouTube by actor Chris O’Dowd — it’s fantastic!
• “Mother Bruce” series by Ryan T. Higgins – A humorous series about a grumpy bear and his unexpected adventures with other forest animals. The animal’s dialogue will keep kids laughing.
• “Penelope Rex” series by Ryan T. Higgins – A delightful series about a young dinosaur navigating school and home life. These books encourage inference and prediction skills.
• “The Bad Guys” series by Aaron Blabey & “Dog Man” series by Dav Pilkey – Graphic novels that are great for reluctant readers.
Ages 9-11: Middle Grades
At this stage, children are ready for more complex characters and adventurous stories. Chapter books help develop critical thinking and deeper comprehension.
• “Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling – A captivating magical adventure that has enthralled readers of all ages.
• “Percy Jackson & the Olympians” series by Rick Riordan – An exciting series blending mythology with modern-day adventure.
• “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio – A heartwarming story about kindness, acceptance, and resilience.
• Historical fiction by Alan Gratz – His compelling novels provide rich historical context while keeping young readers engaged.
Ages 12-16: Young Adult
Novels
Teens appreciate stories that reflect their experiences, emotions, and challenges while offering thrilling or thought-provoking narratives.
• “The Hunger Games” series by Suzanne Collins – A gripping dystopian adventure that serves as a great introduction to the scifi genre.
• “Divergent” series by Veronica Roth – Dystopian novels that explore identity, courage, and self-discovery.
• “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green – A touching and emotional romance that resonates deeply with teen readers.
• Mystery novels by April Henry – Thrilling mysteries that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Ages 17-18: Transitioning to
Adult Reads
Older teens often enjoy both YA and adult fiction, particularly books that expand their perspectives and challenge their thinking. However, it’s still important to offer age-appropriate literature that aligns with their emotional maturity.
• “Amy Chelsea Stacie Dee” by Mary G. Thompson – A suspenseful thriller about two kidnapped cousins and the aftermath of trauma.
• “Heroine” by Mindy McGinnis – A powerful and heartbreaking story about a high school athlete’s struggle with addiction.
• “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” series by Jenny Han – A widely beloved teen romance series that flies off my library shelves!
No matter a child’s age, books have the power to inspire, educate, and entertain. Series books are particularly beneficial, as they build anticipation and excitement for the next installment, reinforcing a lifelong love for reading.
Encouraging children to read from an early age and providing access to engaging, age-appropriate books sets the foundation for lifelong learning and a deep appreciation for literature.
Michelle Hilburn is a librarian at Purdy schools. She may be reached at mhilburn@purdyk12.com
