Books for Children Handpicked by Our Editors

Nothing
Age 6+
4

Nothing

Why We Recommend It

This book about "nothing" is really about something -- and kids who enjoy wordplay will love the humor.

Read our full review
Finding great books for children makes them lifelong readers.

When you give your children books they love, you give them a gift that lasts forever. But finding books that appeal to kids when there's so much else competing for their time has become really tough. Our recommended lists by theme and topic will help you find books for children of all ages and interests, from All Things Harry Potter to the best books to share with dads.

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New Book Reviews

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Stone Rabbit Series by Erik Craddock
Parents Need to Know...

that although there is quite a bit of fighting and treachery within this series, it's done in a very outrageous and cartoonish way.  Stone Rabbit is always on the side of good ... even if it takes a push to get him there.  He displays ... read more

Age 7+
Stone Rabbit Series
3
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Kit Feeny Series by Michael Townsend
Parents Need to Know...

that this this super cute comic book series would be great for lovers of Babymouse.  Kit Feeny is a great role model who is learning some tough lessons that younger readers will really identify with.  Moving away, losing old friends, ... read more

Age 8+
Kit Feeny Series
4
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The Necromancer: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel, Book 4 by Michael Scott
Parents Need to Know...

that the books in the epic Nicholas Flamel series, like the Percy Jackson tales, will get kids immersed in and learning about mythology. Like its predecessors, the fourth tale in the series mixes in some historical figures (Joan of Arc, ... read more

Age 11+
The Necromancer: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel, Book 4
4
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Big Nate: In a Class by Himself by Lincoln Peirce
Parents Need to Know...

that this humorous book is based on the comic strip Big Nate. Illustrated in the same cartoon style as the Diary of a Wimpy Kid, it is a little milder and sweeter than that series. Although the characters are sixth-graders, the humor will ... read more

Age 9+
Big Nate: In a Class by Himself
3
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Todd's TV by James Proimos
Parents Need to Know...

that this book won’t reassure them about how much television their kids are watching! The message is pointed at parents, who probably won’t think much of Todd’s parents. But they’ll probably recognize -- guiltily -- a little ... read more

Age 4+
Todd's TV
4
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The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer
Parents Need to Know...

that this Twilight Saga spinoff is more horror than romance. There is darker, bloodier violence here than in the rest of the saga, rightfully so, as readers are experiencing life as a vampire. The completely sociopathic bloodlust of even ... read more

Age 13+
The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner
3
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As Easy As Falling Off the Face of the Earth by Lynne Rae Perkins
Parents Need to Know...

that this book is the perfect summertime read. It would make a great read aloud, as families could commiserate over the bad luck that follows Ry, his grandfather, his parents, and even the family dogs, and celebrate the kindness they all ... read more

Age 12+
As Easy As Falling Off the Face of the Earth
5
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Dad and Pop by Kelly Bennett
Parents Need to Know...

that though this book is particularly pointed toward blended families and celebrates the loving relationship between a little girl and her two dads, it teaches the even broader lesson about the importance of love and compassion within ... read more

Age 5+
Dad and Pop
3
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Seymour Simon Series by Seymour Simon
Parents Need to Know...

that this series is a good introduction to scientific subjects for children who are already curious about the material. The books read a bit like textbooks, with challenging vocabulary and concepts, but engaged kids will get a lot out of ... read more

Age 6+
Seymour Simon Series
3
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The Red Pyramid: The Kane Chronicles, Book 1 by Rick Riordan
Parents Need to Know...

that this new series comes from the author of the hugely popular Percy Jackson series. While Percy covorted with Greek gods and half-gods, brother and sister Carter and Sadie come face to face with ancient Egyptian gods, magicians, and ... read more

Age 10+
The Red Pyramid: The Kane Chronicles, Book 1
4
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Boys, Bears, and a Serious Pair of Hiking Boots by Abby McDonald
Parents Need to Know...

that this book starts out touting pro-environmentalism ideals, which is then tempered with a message of balance. One character is gay, but he doesn't want his small town to know because he fears he will only be defined by his sexuality. ... read more

Age 12+
Boys, Bears, and a Serious Pair of Hiking Boots
4
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For the Win by Cory Doctorow
Parents Need to Know...

that this science-fiction version of a not so distant future contains heavy graphic violence. Children are forced into sweatshops and are recruited and united online, but form real-world armies that attack and fight back, killing as ... read more

Age 16+
For the Win
4
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Farm by Elisha Cooper
Parents Need to Know...

that it's hard to say whether this book is fiction or nonfiction. The story is pretend, but realistic detail, both in words and artwork, is what this celebration of life on a family farm is all about.  read more

Age 5+
Farm
5
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I'm the Best by Lucy Cousins
Parents Need to Know...

that this gentle book puts a boastful show-off in his place -- humbled, but embraced by loving, understanding friends. Dog learns a lesson, but his character remains true. read more

Age 2+
I'm the Best
4
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One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia
Parents Need to Know...

that this book is a gem. Without violence, bad language, or sex, this story honestly explores the journey -- both physical and emotional -- made by three girls to visit their estranged mother. Delphine and her sisters are thoughtful, ... read more

Age 11+
One Crazy Summer
5
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The Dreamer by Pam Munoz Ryan
Parents Need to Know...

that this fable-like biography tenderly reveals the soul of an artist, a soul that may not have survived without  nurturing from astepmother and an uncle who were both brave and self-sacrificing. While the actions of his abusive father ... read more

Age 11+
The Dreamer
5
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Raven Summer by David Almond
Parents Need to Know...

that there are uncomfortable moments in this novel. A child soldier tells of his family being killed and of killing and a teen boy is so immersed in violence he begins to act out violently against animals and other teens. There is some ... read more

Age 14+
Raven Summer
4
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Guardians of Ga'hoole Series by Kathryn Lasky
Parents Need to Know...

that the first three books in this bestselling series are the basis of a September 2010 movie called Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'hoole. The first (and best) book contains the most violence and sadness -- young owls are ... read more

Age 9+
Guardians of Ga'hoole Series
3
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Sweet Little Lies: An L.A. Candy Novel by Lauren Conrad
Parents Need to Know...

that this book follows the lives of reality TV stars who live -- and party -- in Los Angeles. Characters drink -- one is an alcoholic who even pushes his girlfriend in a drunken rage -- and all do nasty things to one another. Madison is ... read more

Age 15+
Sweet Little Lies: An L.A. Candy Novel
3
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Cloud Tea Monkeys by Elspeth Graham, Mal Peet
Parents Need to Know...

that this folk tale, which includes a sickly mother, a brave little girl, a heartless overseer, and a royal tea taster who knows value when he tastes it, came from an ancient legend about tea-picking monkeys. It's a magical tale, OK ... read more

Age 5+
Cloud Tea Monkeys
4
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Meanwhile by Jason Shiga
Parents Need to Know...

that this fun and action-packed comic book contains a deadly invention: the Killitron 2000, Professor K's untested doomsday device. A few of the choose-your-own path stories end with Jimmy setting off the Killitron 2000 which results in ... read more

Age 8+
Meanwhile
4

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