Book ideas for kids

Raising Readers: A Family Book Culture

In our house, reading is more than a hobby—it’s a way of life. Between my husband and me, we’re always buying, borrowing, and swapping books with friends and family. We believe that building a reading habit is one of the best things we can do for ourselves—and now, we’re starting to see that same love for reading blossom in our kids.

But here’s the challenge: ask me for a great book for adults, and I’ve got a list ready. Ask me for a good children’s book recommendation—especially for early readers or chapter book fans—and I freeze! That’s why I thought we could use this space to share favorite kids’ books and children’s series from all age groups.

Bestselling Children’s Books to Get You Started

To kick things off, I’m sharing the top five children’s books from various categories based on a recent New York Times Bestsellers list. These are modern bestsellers (not the classics we all grew up with), and while they aren’t grouped by age, they’re great titles to explore.

Children’s Picture Books

• Silverlicious by Victoria Kann

• A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead

• Of Thee I Sing by Barack Obama, illustrated by Loren Long

• When I Grow Up by Al Yankovic, illustrated by Wes Hargis

• LEGO Star Wars by Simon Beecroft

Children’s Chapter Books

• I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

• The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

• The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

• Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool

• Witch and Wizard by James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet

Children’s Paperback Books

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

• Fallen by Lauren Kate

• The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, illustrated by Ellen Forney

• Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Popular Children’s Series: Fan Favorites

These children’s book series are topping the charts and library checkout lists. They range from fantasy adventures to funny slice-of-life reads—perfect for growing minds and different reading levels.

• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

• Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

• House of Night by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

• Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne

Have your kids read any of these? Which ones are worth the hype—and which ones didn’t live up to expectations?

My Nostalgic List of Children’s Series: Yay or Nay?

Some of these were childhood favorites of mine. Others are titles my daughter loves, and a few are series I’m curious about. I’d love your input—are they still worth recommending today?

• Encyclopedia Brown

• The Hardy Boys

• Nancy Drew

• Judy Blume books

• American Girl

• Henry & Mudge

• Junie B. Jones

• Captain Underpants

• Amelia Bedelia

• Ramona and Beezus

Let’s Share the Best Books for Young Readers

Whether you’re raising a toddler who loves board books or a middle-grade reader diving into fantasy series, we all want great books for kids. So let’s crowdsource some ideas! Share your favorite early readers, chapter books, and children’s book series in the comments.

Have a title your kids couldn’t put down? Drop it below and let’s build the ultimate kid-approved book list together.