Kids’ Books You’ve Always Meant to Read

A witch, a curse and a girl on an epic journey — what more could you ask for? This quirky, whimsical and clever story has enchanted readers of all ages for decades and will continue to do so for many years to come.

You can’t do better if you’re looking for wit, wordplay, and enough pun-inspiring passages to fill a dad joke book. This is a timeless (pun intended) tale of finding the beauty in life, no matter how hard you have to look for it.

A wonderful journey that dissects the relationship between nature and technology, The Wild Robot is a survival tale about a young robot lost in the wilderness. It will make you consider what it really means to be alive, and the joys that come with it.

If you somehow missed reading this in school, it’s time to read it now. And even if you did — read it again. It’s the timeless tale of Jonas, a young boy in a society hiding under the guise of a utopia, as he grapples with themes of challenging inherent beliefs and the power of individuality.

Quirky, fun, and mysterious all at once, Holes is a modern classic worthy of a spot on every young reader’s bookshelf. Louis Sachar deftly weaves together stories from the past and present, creating a brilliant and thought-provoking tale about Stanley Yelnats, Camp Green Lake, and the power of strength and perseverance in the face of adversity. A must-read at any age.

Told from the perspective of a captive gorilla, this is a heartfelt, humorous story of friendship, no matter the participants. It’s a modern addition to the upper echelon of animal-driven stories for young readers that make us reflect on our own humanity in the best ways possible.

Young Rusty dreams of life beyond his owner’s fence. Joining the Thunderclan sets in motion the sweeping feline fighter series that packs action onto every page.

The classic that needs no introduction, this is a book that has captivated generations. A refreshingly engaging story of time-travel, of the most unlikely and yet strangely realistic distant galaxies, and of the unflinching foundation that holds family together.

A truly timeless classic, Charlotte’s Web is a poignant story about an unconventional friendship between a spider and a pig. This book is humorous and heartwarming and it belongs on every shelf.

It’s not often that a debut book enchants hearts and minds as much as Amari and the Night Brothers does. Chock full of imagination, heart and spellbinding magical fun, this book is middle-grade fantasy at its finest.

Trenton Lee Stewart’s quirky storytelling makes this contemporary tale deserving of a spot on shelves beside well-known classics like The Phantom Tollbooth. The Mysterious Benedict Society is an action-packed story filled with riddles, mysteries and puzzles that young readers will love solving alongside the characters.

It’s not easy being the new kid, especially when you don’t look like everyone else. This instant classic middle grade graphic novel is about existing in two worlds and not belonging in either. It’s the story of finding yourself so that others can find you too.

Written in gorgeous verse, this memoir for young readers reflects on Jacqueline Woodson’s upbringing and her journey to becoming a writer. Practically every line oozes with tangible joy and positivity, making this a delight of a read.

An essential middle grade mystery that pits 16 people against each other to win millions from the will of Samuel W. Westing. Oozing with humor and deliciously mysterious plot twists, this is the perfect read for any young readers who love solving puzzles.

This book is a great beginning to a fantastic series. Young Percy Jackson has just discovered that he is a demigod, and now it’s a race against time as he tries to avoid the wrath of Zeus. Filled with action and humor, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief will have every reader looking to join Camp Half-Blood.

Through the door and into the sprawling fantastical world of Narnia, full of satyrs, talking beavers, and umbrellas of questionable origins. Join Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy as they look to save this new kingdom from a menacing evil. This classic tale, the most popular of the series, is not the first in the series (see The Magician’s Nephew) but it’s immediately readable.

An inspiring immigration tale set in the 1930s about a wealthy young girl who is forced to flee Mexico with her mother after her father’s death. This will spark some important conversations among young readers.

The quintessential tale of animal-led heroics, this is an adventurous tale of a brave young mouse that reminds readers that no matter the size of the body, it’s the strength of the heart that counts.

With strong female characters complete with colorful personalities, Little Women will encourage all readers to embrace their own unique personalities. This is a classic that all should read.

Billy has finally made the leap to dog dad-dom and he doesn’t stop there, raising his pups to be two legs of an incredibly efficient hunting tripod. Even as sorrow tries to elbow into Billy’s plans, he and his pups won’t be defeated, reminding everyone of the unstoppable power of hope… and of having a dog or two.

Gorgeous and at times devastating, this picture book tells the story of knowledge, exploration and the cross-section of loneliness and humanity. It’s the tale of one little boy and his journey through space, and it packs all the feels.

The smart and daring orphan girl, Anne Shirley, has been warming children’s hearts for generations. Fall in love with the book that started the timeless series whose characters continue to inspire young and older readers.  

This great American classic that has been visiting children’s hearts for generations makes readers feel truly immersed in the sparsely settled 19^th century Midwestern frontier.  

This beautiful new exclusive edition of Barnes & Noble’s 2024 Children’s Book of The Year will delight young readers eager to head back into Katherine Rundell’s mythical world of rare magical creatures and unexpected adventures.

The book that introduced us to the wizarding world, J.K. Rowing’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is the beginning of a magical journey that changed the world. Follow the boy who lived as he navigates his first year at Hogwarts.