Reading Suggestions for Kids: Book List for Teens, Tweens, Picture Books, and More

Monday, April 10, 2023
Every month (or at least every season) I share my favorite book picks for kids of all ages. I also try to include one for adults (although I do believe some young adult books make GREAT reading material for adults, too). So whether you're reading at school, in the park, before bed, or on vacation (lucky you), I hope you'll find something here worth checking out!


Disclosure: Some books were sent to me as samples, but all opinions are my own. Also, this post contains affiliate links to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I may earn a (very small) commission from qualifying purchases. You can read more about this on my Disclosure page.

Be sure to Pin this post for future use! It's a good idea to have book suggestions handy.


Board Book: Richard Scarry's I Am a Bunny

You can't beat Richard Scarry for classic children's books! I am a Bunny is a beautifully illustrated book and a nice, long shape for little hands to hold. It contains simple sentences for a quick read, too. I actually own this one in my collection even though our son is no longer a baby. The illustrations are so pretty, I just had to keep it. Board book, 26 pages, ages infant-2 years old. 


Picture Book: Claris: The Secret Crown by Megan Hess

Megan Hess is truly a talented illustrator, and her Claris book series is like a work of French art! Claris, the Chicest Mouse in Paris, is back to delight young readers in this adorable mystery called The Secret Crown. This time, she's in London with her friend Monsieur. Hardcover, 48 pages, ages 3 and up.


Non-Fiction: National Geographic Kids Not-So-Common Cents

The full title of this National Geographic Kids book is Not-So-Common Cents: Super Duper Important Facts About Money You Can't Afford to Miss and it sure lives up to that moniker! This book features over 150 colorful pages of facts, lessons and more all about money. Kids can learn how society went from bartering to using currency, the basics of saving, investing, and interest, what credit really means, all about the stock market and so much more. As usual, National Geographic Kids offers up beautiful photos and bold, colorful fonts to keep kids interested. Paperback, 160 pages, ages 8 and up.


Chapter Book (Early Reader): Bad Food - Game of Scones by Eric Luper

A funny, whimsically illustrated book series, Bad Food: Game of Scones is sure to delight even the most reluctant reader. The characters are different foods, attending Belching Walrus Elementary School. Game of Scones is the first book in a 5 book series, and the illustrations were done by young viral sensation Joe Whale (a.k.a. 'The Doodle Boy,'). paperback, 160 pages, ages 6-8.


Pizza and Taco Who's the Best? by Steven Shaskan

The Pizza and Taco series by Steven Shaskan is also great for the reluctant reader (you know, the one who never wants to pick up a book or struggles with fluency and comprehension). Pizza and Taco: Who's the Best? is a fun and silly graphic novel geared towards ages 5-8 years old. There are several books in the series, too. Paperback, 72 pages, ages 5-8.


YA Chapter Book (Tween): National Park Mystery Series by Aaron Johnson

This National Park mystery series is a great way for kids to get to know their own country and spark interest in traveling. Adventure in Grand Canyon National Park is book 3 in the series, but I chose it because we recently took our own trip to The Grand Canyon and loved it. So if you want to start at book 1, look for Mystery in Rocky Mountain National Park instead! Paperback, 278 pages, ages 9-12. 


YA Chapter Book (Tween): Moo by Sharon Creech

Sharon Creech's signature poetic style resonates throughout Moo, a story about two city siblings who move to Maine and learn some valuable life lessons with the help of a cow named Zora and an elderly  neighbor named Mrs. Falala. Paperback, 288 pages, ages 10-12. 


Teen: Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson 

"Before Neverland faded into myth, it was a remote and dangerous island filled with deadly mermaids, psychotic pirates, and watchful faeries. And before Peter Pan belonged to Wendy, he belonged to the girl with the crow feather in her hair . . . Tiger Lily." That's from the back cover of Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson. Truthfully, it's one of my favorite books (Ms. Anderson is one of my favorite writers). I adored this story about Tiger Lily and what her relationship was like with Peter Pan. It was a joy getting to know a background character like this, someone we only saw glimpses of in Peter Pan. It wasn't a mushy love story- no, not at all. And Tinkerbelle is there, too. You'll see.  Paperback, 304 pages, ages 13-17.


Adult: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt was almost like a YA book to me- it is a unique storyline and some parts are even narrated by an octopus named Marcellus. That sounds odd but it made for an intriguing story that was lovely, sad and mysterious all in one. A great read for the beach, park or pool! Hardcover, 368 pages. It's an adult book but teens might also enjoy it.


Be sure to check out my previous book lists and suggestions here. Happy Reading!






















2 comments

  1. I am happy I came across your blog (better late than never). I am always encouraging my son to read as much as possible - all genres. Recently, he has been dealing with some issues at school and feeling like he doesn't really fit in so I have been on the hunt for some feel good "relatable" books that might make him feel better and something we can discuss together. I have found in the past that books really allow us to start a dialogue about some trickier subjects. I am going to keep browsing through your YA recommendations because I am sure I will find a lot to work with. I wanted to recommend a book to you (and other mothers) who may be in a similar situation as myself called "Mentors and Tormentors" by Tim Jones (https://mentorsandtormentors.com/). This book follows a 14-year-old boy, Wendall. It is written as fiction (so it definitely kept my son's interest) but it covers a lot of really important subjects: bullying, depression, self-respect, etc. Wendall meets a variety of different characters (good and bad) who teach him a variety of lessons along the way. I highly recommend this book for pre-teens and teens. Thanks again!

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    1. Hi there! Sorry it took me so long to respond to this - I appreciate your comment and the recommendation! I will definitely check it out. I'm sorry your son is going through that. It's not easy to be a kid these days (or a parent for that matter!).

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