Kids Book Lists

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Suggested Biographies for Kindergarten

September 27, 2020 | strande

 

Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction. Explore these fascinating stories about real people. Books are suggested for Kindergarten, but remember that each Reader is different, and might find something interesting at another level.

Aretha Franklin by Ma Isabel (María Isabel) Sánchez Vegara

Discover the life of Aretha Franklin, The Queen of Soul. The fourth of five children, Aretha was born in Tennessee and took the stage at an early age in her fathers church choir. She went on to become the bestselling rhythm and blues singer of all time, and the first woman to be installed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 

Balloons over Broadway : the true story of the puppeteer of Macy's Parade by Melissa Sweet

Tells the story of puppeteer Tony Sarg, the man who first invented the helium balloons that have become the trademark of the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Suggested Titles for First Grade

September 27, 2020 | strande

 

The following titles may be enjoyed by First Graders. All readers are at different levels and have different interests, so not all titles will appeal to, or be appropriate for, all readers. For additional recommendations ask at the Children's Reference Desk or try our May We Suggest service.

Fiction

Fiction books for First Grade can be found in a variety of locations, including J PICTURE BOOK, J READER, and KIDS GRAPHIC NOVEL. Click on each title for location and availability.

Magic and Fantasy for Upper Elementary

September 27, 2020 | strande

 

Fans of Goddess Girls, Whatever After, and Harry Potter can look here for more magical, mythical, and fairytale style adventures.

Pip Bartlett's guide to magical creatures by Jackson Pearce

Possessing an ability to talk with magical creatures, including griffins, unicorns, and Fuzzles, Pip uses her talent to update a magic reference book and investigate a fuzzles invasion in spite of her friend Tomas' allergies. Part of the Pip Bartlett series.

The fairy-tale detectives by Michael Buckley

Orphans Sabrina and Daphne Grimm are sent to live with an eccentric grandmother that they have always believed to be dead. Mystery, adventure, and a daring rescue ensue. Part of the Sisters Grimm series.

Adventure and Fantasy Series for Early Elementary

September 26, 2020 | strande

 

Have you made your way through Dragon Masters and Last Firehawk, and need more series to read? Into fantasy and adventure? Give these titles a try.

The cave of Aaaaah! Doom! by Jaden Kent

A young dragon named Ella convinces her twin brother Owen to join her on a bold quest to find a wizard that will help cure Owen of his flaming cold. Part of the Ella and Owen series.

Grilled cheese and dragons by Nancy E Krulik

Princess Serena, who wants to be a knight instead of a princess, must perform good deeds on a Quest of Kindness to prove to her father that she deserves to go to knight school. Part of the Princess Pulverizer series.

Sports for Beginning Readers

September 17, 2020 | strande

 

The following titles focus on sports and active play for your beginning reader.

Best friends by Margery Cuyler

When his best friend Sue finds a new friend at school, Pete feels dejected until Sue invites everyone to play together.

Baseball buzz by C. C. Joven

Jackson loves baseball, but a bee in the outfield causes him to miss a fly ball, and the game is stopped until the bee finally departs.

Part of the Starting Line Readers series.

 

Princesses, Unicorns, and Fancy Fun for Early Elementary

September 17, 2020 | strande

 

Trying to satisfy a princess-obsessed reader? Look no further. The following titles are full of royalty and mythical creatures, and some ordinary characters with extraordinary flair. 

J READERS

Hansel and Gretel and the green witch by Laura North

In this classic fairy tale, retold with a twist, Hansel and Gretel are eat a lot of junk food and aren't very active. Their father, the woodcutter, plans a trip for them to the woods for exercise. But the children get lost and discover a hungry--but health-conscious--witch!

Part of the Tadpoles Fairy Tale Twists series.

Next Stop--Graphic Novels for Middle Grade Readers

September 5, 2020 | Michelle

Love Kids Graphic Novels but feel like you are ready for a longer story? Here are some awesome Kids and Teen Graphic Novels to reignite your love of the format. Enjoy!

All together now by artist Hope Larson

Animals and Humor for Early Elementary

September 1, 2020 | strande

When you combine a love of animals with an appreciation for good humor, what do you get? A lot of great things to read! For readers who love Elephant and Piggie and Pig the Pug, here is a selection of fiction and nonfiction to keep you laughing.

Llama destroys the world by Jonathan Stutzman
Also available in: video

Eating too much pie causes Llama to rip his dancing pants, opening a black hole and threatening the entire universe. Check out more books by Jonathan Stutzman.

I'm trying to love spiders : (it isn't easy.) by Bethany Barton

I'm Trying to Love Spiders will help you see these amazing arachnids in a whole new light, from their awesomely excessive eight eyes to the seventy-five pounds of bugs a spider can eat in a single year! Bethany Barton also tackles bees in a humorous and welcoming way.

Learning to Read? Not Sure Where to Start?

September 1, 2020 | strande

If you are looking for suggestions for a not-yet-reader who has just begun their reading journey, browse this list for some ideas to get them started. Don't forget to keep reading together to continue building their vocabulary and reading positivity. Take a look at our Early Literacy databases or Part 2 for additional resources.

I can run by Murray Head

The I Like to Read series is a great place to start. Featuring simple storylines and simple sentences, a variety of authors and illustrators and topics give readers an abundance of choice. The newer editions have Guided Reading levels clearly printed on the cover - look for A, B, or C levels for the very easiest reads.

Today I will fly! by Mo Willems

Gerald and Piggie team up to deliver a fun, thoughtful introduction to reading. Entirely made up of dialogue, highly relevant plotlines, and a lot of repetition, the Elephant and Piggie series is delightful to read aloud, and is a fantastic way to keep reading from becoming a chore.

If You Like the Smart Girl's Guides, Try...

August 26, 2020 | strande

If you enjoy the American Girl Smart Girl's Guide series, you might enjoy these other books about growing up, health and wellness, fun things to do, and inspirational people.

Be kind : 125 kind things to say & do : you can make the world a happier place! by Naomi Shulman

In a world where people spend more time engaging through screens than in real-life interaction, showing basic human kindness can feel like a lost art. Be Kind is a compilation of actionable things kids can do in their daily lives to make the world a kinder place.

Step into your power by Jamia Wilson

A guide for girls instructs them in how to harness their own power to succeed and grow, discussing the importance of community, making good choices, action, and self-care.

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