Handpicked by Our Editors

Testing the Ice: A True Story About Jackie Robinson
Age 5+
4

Testing the Ice: A True Story About Jackie Robinson

Why We Recommend It

Jackie Robinson was special on the baseball field and off. His daughter's bio of the slugger-as-dad emphasizes courage.

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

showing: autobiography
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Stitches: A Memoir by David Small
Parents Need to Know...

that Norton published this memoir for adults, but it is a 2009 National Book Award Finalist in the Young Adult category. Like most graphic novels that explore childhood, they are a challenge to categorize by both awards committees and ... read more

Age 16+
Stitches: A Memoir
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Miles to Go by Miley Cyrus, Hilary Liftin
Parents Need to Know...

this is the sweet Hannah Montana side of Miley Cyrus, not the controversial one that pops up in sexy photos. This isn't a dishy celebrity tell-all. Cyrus and her co-author keep her young fans in mind, with many "I'm just like ... read more

Age 8+
Miles to Go
3
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Three Little Words: A Memoir by Ashley Rhodes-Courter
Parents Need to Know...

that this is a true story filled with real-life horrors. While nothing is described graphically, it includes a variety of forms of child abuse and mistreatment; lots of sexual references, none of them healthy; swearing; drugs; alcohol; ... read more

Age 15+
Three Little Words: A Memoir
4
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The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain by Peter Sis
Parents Need to Know...

that this serious book deserves time and close attention. There are many big political and philosophical ideas and mentions of events that may disturb some children, including a plane hijacking, imprisonments, and deaths. read more

Age 8+
The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain
5
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Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Parents Need to Know...

that there are detailed descriptions of animal slaughter in this book. Children are also spanked when they misbehave, and one boy is stung by hundreds of yellow jackets. read more

Age 9+
Little House in the Big Woods
5
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My Thirteenth Winter by Samantha Abeel
Parents Need to Know...

that this memoir chronicles the author's challenges with dyscalculia, a learning disability that affects her ability to accomplish tasks related to sequential processing. This is a very personal and sometimes sad read, as the author ... read more

Age 13+
My Thirteenth Winter
3
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A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote
Parents Need to Know...

that a child drinks a little whiskey and lives with an assortment of relatives instead of with his parents. Otherwise there is nothing to be concerned about, and much to be enjoyed. read more

Age 7+
A Christmas Memory
5
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Opal: The Journal of an Understanding Heart by Opal Whiteley
Parents Need to Know...

that kids may need some help understanding Opal's strange dialect. Her love of, and attentiveness to, nature may inspire some of the same in your own children. read more

Age 9+
Opal: The Journal of an Understanding Heart
4
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Go Ask Alice by Anonymous
Parents Need to Know...

that this is a vivid picture of the life of a drug addict during the 1960s. Teen characters are involved in drugs, prostitution, etc., but the shocking reality of this book has been credited with keeping many teenagers from trying drugs. ... read more

Age 14+
Go Ask Alice
3
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Bill Peet: An Autobiography by Bill Peet
Parents Need to Know...

that this irresistible autobiography, written as a simple children's story, boasts lots of funny drawings, including favorite Disney characters. read more

Age 9+
Bill Peet: An Autobiography
4
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