QUICK SUMMARIES OF
MUST-READ CHILDREN’S BOOKS
For Preschoolers (Ages 3-5)
Listed in alphabetical order, by book name.
Picture books are wonderful for kids aged 3 to 5. With plenty of illustrations and around 1,000 words, these books tell engaging stories. Children can read them alone or share them with a parent. The pictures enhance the story and teach valuable lessons about kindness and friendship. Plus, they make learning to read fun and help kids understand the world!
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A Bad Case of Stripes, by David Shannon
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Oh, the Places You'll Go, by Dr Seuss
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Stone Soup, by Marcia Brown
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The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein
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The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss
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The Rainbow Fish, by Marcus Pfister
For Early Readers (Ages 6-8)
Listed in alphabetical order, by book name.
Early Reader books are perfect for kids who are starting to read on their own. They feature relatable characters and stories about everyday experiences, like making friends or feeling left out. The language is simple, with short sentences and plenty of dialogue. These books can be similar to picture books or chapter books, typically containing 200 to 1,500 words and about 48 to 64 pages.
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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, by Roald Dahl
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Charlotte's Web, by E.B. White
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James and the Giant Peach, by Roald Dahl
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Matilda, by Roald Dahl
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Mercy Watson to the Rescue, by Kate DiCamillo
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Mr Popper's Penguins, by Florence & Richard Atwater
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Nate the Great, by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
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The Mouse and the Motorcycle, by Beverly Cleary
For Growing Readers (Ages 9-10)
Listed in alphabetical order, by book name.
Chapter books are designed for kids ages 9-10. They range from 4,000 to 15,000 words and offer more complex language and content. Divided into chapters, these books help readers grasp the material better. They’re ideal for kids who are ready for a challenge but not yet ready for full-length novels. With short chapters and simple plots, these books typically contain between 8,500 and 12,000 words.
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Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
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Anne of Green Gables, by L.M. Montgomery
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Because of Winn-Dixie, by Kate DiCamillo
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Crenshaw, by Katherine Applegate
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Mrs Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, by Robert C. O'Brien
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Peter Pan, by J.M. Barrie
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Smile, by Raina Telgemeira
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The Chronicles of Narnia book series, by C.S. Lewis
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The Lemonade War, by Jacqueline Davies
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The One and Only Ivan, by Katherine Applegate
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The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett
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The Tale of Despereaux, by Kate DiCamillo
For Tweens (11+ years old)
Listed in alphabetical order, by book name.
Tween books (ages 11 and up) have relatable characters and stories about identity, friendship, and personal growth. They use more complex language with longer sentences and a wider vocabulary. These books usually range from 150 to 400 pages and may have pictures or be all text. They often feature more complicated plots and explore deeper themes, introducing new genres like fantasy, science fiction, or mystery.
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Eragon, by Christopher Paolini
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Holes by Louis Sachar
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Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott
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The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien
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Warrior Cats - Into the Wild, by Erin Hunter
