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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The Frog Scientist by Pamela S. Turner
Parents Need to Know...

that this captivating book brings kids right into the research lab. There are pictures of frogs being dissected, discussions of frogs intentionally being exposed to harmful chemicals and being killed for research, and explanations of the ... read more

Age 9+
The Frog Scientist
5
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Living Color by Steve Jenkins
Parents Need to Know...

that scientific-minded kids will lose themselves in this informative book. read more

Age 7+
Living Color
4
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An Inconvenient Truth: The Crisis of Global Warming by Al Gore
Parents Need to Know...

that this book on global warming contains almost exactly the same information as the documentary An Inconvenient Truth. A few images -- like those from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina -- are disturbing, but the really upsetting part ... read more

Age 11+
An Inconvenient Truth: The Crisis of Global Warming
3
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Why Are the Ice Caps Melting? The Dangers of Global Warming by Anne Rockwell
Parents Need to Know...

that this book offers a succinct, informative discussion of global warming. This book isn't right for every kid; some children will be upset by its frank, dire warnings. read more

Age 9+
Why Are the Ice Caps Melting? The Dangers of Global Warming
3
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Encyclopedia Prehistorica : Dinosaurs by Matthew Reinhart
Parents Need to Know...

that this book is both too delicate, and possibly too scary (on one page the jaws of a T-rex come out at the reader), for young kids. Though thoroughly researched, some of the information presented verbally and pictorially is ... read more

Age 7+
Encyclopedia Prehistorica : Dinosaurs
5
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Saturday Night at the Dinosaur Stomp by Carol Diggory Shields
Parents Need to Know...

that this joyous rumba has a weak story but shares informative details about dinosaurs. read more

Age 4+
Saturday Night at the Dinosaur Stomp
3
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How Come? Planet Earth by Kathy Wollard
Parents Need to Know...

that the uncomplicated writing incorporates humorous examples and comparisons to which kids can relate. read more

Age 11+
How Come? Planet Earth
3
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Splish! Splosh! Why Do We Wash?: Experiments in the Bathroom by Janice Lobb
Parents Need to Know...

that this book is packed with illustrations, humor, and experiments. read more

Age 4+
Splish! Splosh! Why Do We Wash?: Experiments in the Bathroom
4
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Our Earth by Anne Rockwell
Parents Need to Know...

that this book will get kids intrigued about the wonders of the Earth. read more

Age 4+
Our Earth
4
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The Sun by Seymour Simon
Parents Need to Know...

that there's no objectionable content in this book. The subject is inherently fascinating, and the full-page photos are awe-inspiring, but the challenging text uses some scientific terminology. read more

Age 6+
The Sun
4
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The Kingfisher Young Discoverers Encyclopedia of Facts and Experiments by Kingfisher Staff
Parents Need to Know...

that the science experiments are fun, easy, and safe, and use everyday objects. Safety note: Some experiments require adult supervision. read more

Age 9+
The Kingfisher Young Discoverers Encyclopedia of Facts and Experiments
4
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A Drop of Water by Walter Wick
Parents Need to Know...

that they won't find any objectionable content in this book that's driven by detailed photographs of water in various states. While the writing might not engage younger readers, the amazingly detailed images have the potential to interest ... read more

Age 6+
A Drop of Water
4
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Common Sense Media's book reviews and ratings for all ages are based on child development principles. We give you trustworthy information so you can pick what's best for your family. We may know media, but you're the expert on your kids.

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