Top Picks - Books
If you're looking for some great media suggestions for your kids--look no further than our Top Picks! We have a variety of lists in all of our media categories with some wonderful suggestions for kids of all ages. Whether you're looking for great fantasy books for your 8-14 year old or some classic holiday movies, you're sure to find something that your kids will enjoy.
Check back here often since we're continually adding new lists every week! If you have any suggestions for a new list or for a title that should be added to one of our existing lists, please let us know.
Books
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Classic Reads for Kids 8-12
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Depicts high school life with devastating accuracy. |
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The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank The journal of a Jewish girl in her early teens describes both the joys and torments of daily life, as well as typical adolescent thoughts, throughout the two years spent hiding with her family during the Nazi occupation of Holland. |
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The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman Violent fantasy, with elements of mystery and Dickensian melodrama. |
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Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt This historical tale is captivating and memorable. |
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Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor Cassie's family deals with racism in their Mississippi town. |
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The View from Saturday by E. L. Konigsburg Brilliant but complex novel for older kids. |
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This is an intense, fast, exciting read. |
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Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine Highly imaginative twists on an old tale. |
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One of the most thought-provoking children's novels ever written. |
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The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgeson Burnett For some, this is a stay-up-all night, flashlight-under-the-covers story. |
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A Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Newton Peck To a 13-year-old Vermont farm boy whose father slaughters pigs for a living, maturity comes early as he learns doing what's got to be done, especially regarding his pet pig who cannot produce a litter. |
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Catherine Called Birdy by Karen Cushman The thirteen-year-old daughter of an English country knight keeps a journal in which she records the events of her life, particularly her longing for adventures beyond the usual role of women and her efforts to avoid being married off. |
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Little Women by Louisa May Alcott The classic story of the sentimental and humorous adventures, joys, and sorrows of the four March sisters; Meg, the pretty one; Jo, the tomboy; Beth, the shy one; and Amy, the artist, as they grew into young ladies and married in 19th century New England. |
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The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain The adventures and pranks of a mischievous boy growing up in a Mississippi River town in the early 19th century who impresses his friends and horrifies adults by associating with the son of the town drunk, running away from home, attending his own funeral |
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The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman In medieval England, a nameless, homeless girl is taken in by a sharp-tempered midwife and, in spite of obstacles and hardship, eventually gains the three things she most wants: a full belly, a contented heart, and a place in this world. |
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The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi Newbery Honor 1991. As the lone young lady on a transatlantic voyage in 1832, Charlotte learns that the captain is murderous and the crew rebellious. |
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A horse in 19th century England recounts his experiences with both good and bad masters. |
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Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell A girl uses her knowledge of the world to ensure her survival. |
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A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle Madeleine L'Engle's classic story still inspires. |
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Number the Stars by Lois Lowry A brave Danish girl helps smuggle her Jewish friends to safety. |
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Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls Classic tearjerker about a country boy and his coon hounds. |
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Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert O'Brien A compelling mix of fantasy and science fiction. |
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The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis Classic fantasy story for kids. |
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- Best New, Can't-Put-'em-Down Teen Reads
- Best Green Reads
- Books Hitting the Big Screen
- Best Dr. Seuss Books
- Best Baseball Books for Kids
- Best Grandparent Books for Kids 10+
- Best Grandparent Books for Young Kids
- Mexican Stories for Cinco de Mayo
- Banned Books Week
- Best Buggy Books
- Best Fantasy Books
- Best Bunny Books
- Best Books About Dads
- Best Tween Reads with Great Heroines
- Books Behaving Badly: Cliques Edition
- Chick(en) Lit
- Best Role Model Books
- Best Book Club Books for Kids
- Best Books About Moms for Kids 8+
- Best Books About Moms for Kids 2+
- Best Love Stories for Kids
- Best Newbery Medal Books
- Best Bets for Young Kids 2-4 (Books)
- Best Bets for Kids 5-7 (Books)
- Great Chinese Books for Kids
- Best Bets for Tweens 8-10 (Books)
- Best of 2006 -- Books
- Best of Author Kevin Henkes
- Great Books for Teens
- 2008 Award-Winning African-American Reads
- Best Books for Special Needs
- Classic Reads for Kids 8-12
- Best Poetry Books
- Best Books Turned Movies for Kids
- Best Holiday Books for Young Kids
- Best Holiday Books for Tweens
- Best Holiday Books for the Whole Family
- Best Books Turned Movies for Tweens
- Classic Reads for Young Kids
- Halloween Books for Young Kids
- Best Halloween Books for Tweens
- 12 Days of Christmas Books
