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What Should My Kids Read?

Are you wondering what your children should be reading? Boys Town parenting experts have compiled a list of books that kids of all ages are sure to love, along with engaging descriptions. Check them out and start a new reading adventure today!

Recommended Reading Lists by Age Group

  • I Saw an Ant on the Railroad Track (2006) by Joshua Prince: A colorful, suspenseful story about a wandering ant in search of a snack.
  • God Loves Me More Than That (2008) by Dandi Daley Mackall: An ABC book illustrating God's immense love.
  • Shark in the Dark (2009) by Peter Bently: A rhyming tale of a greedy shark and the sea creatures teaching him a lesson.
  • Giraffes Can’t Dance (2012) by Giles Andreae: A story about embracing uniqueness through the journey of a dancing giraffe.
  • This is Not My Hat (2012) by Jon Klassen: An underwater tale about a little fish who takes a hat that doesn’t belong to him.
  • The Very Cranky Bear (2014) by Nick Bland: A tale about four friends comforting a cranky bear.
  • Look! (2015) by Jeff Mack: A humorous story about a gorilla and a boy developing a friendship over books.
  • A is for Musk Ox (2012) by Erin Cabatingan: A laugh-out-loud story pairing each letter of the alphabet with characteristics of a musk ox.
  • Where the Sidewalk Ends (1974) by Shel Silverstein: A collection of funny poems filled with nonsense rhymes.
  • The Magic School Bus (various titles) by Joanna Cole: A classic series combining fun stories with educational facts.
  • I Need My Monster (2009) by Amanda Noll: A comforting story about a boy who needs his monster to fall asleep.
  • Those Shoes (2009) by Maribeth Boelts: A story about understanding the difference between wants and needs.
  • Blackout (2011) by John Rocco: A story about a family reconnecting during a blackout.
  • The Other Side (2001) AND Each Kindness (2012) by Jacqueline Woodson: Heartwarming tales embracing diversity and kindness.
  • The Matchbox Diary (2013) by Paul Fleischman: A story of an immigrant sharing memories through saved objects.
  • Here’s Hank (various titles) by Henry Winkler: Hilarious stories based on the author’s real-life experiences.
  • I Just Don’t Like the Sound of No! (2011) by Julia Cook: A story about accepting no for an answer.
  • Watsons go to Birmingham-1963 (2000) by Christopher Paul Curtis: A family story set against a historical backdrop.
  • Wonder (2012) by R.J. Palacio: A tale about not judging others based on appearances.
  • Zach’s Lie/Jack’s Run (2003/2007) by Roland Smith: A gripping story about family secrets.
  • King of the Mound: My Summer with Satchel Paige (2013) by Wes Tooke: A heartwarming story about overcoming challenges.
  • Mockingbird (2011) by Kathryn Erskine: A novel exploring the complexities of life.
  • I am Malala (2015) by Malala Yousafzai: A remarkable tale of courage and education.
  • The Junction of Sunshine and Lucky (2014) by Holly Schindler: A story about hope and treasure.
  • Cardboard (2012) by Doug TenNapel: An imaginative tale of cardboard creatures coming to life.
  • Maze Runner Series (2014) by James Dashner: A thrilling young adult science fiction adventure.
  • Divergent Series (2014) by Veronica Roth: A gripping dystopian tale.
  • Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2006) by John Boyne: A heartbreaking story of friendship during war.
  • Stormbreaker (2000) by Anthony Horowitz: A thrilling ride with a young spy.
  • The House of the Scorpion (2004) by Nancy Farmer: A riveting journey of self-discovery.
  • Counting by 7s (2014) by Holly Sloan: A novel about family and loss.
  • One Came Home (2014) by Amy Timberlake: An adventure-filled mystery.
  • I Capture the Castle (2003) by Dodie Smith: A coming-of-age story through journal entries.
  • Paper Towns (2009) by John Green: A captivating story about discovery and friendship.
  • The Fault in Our Stars (2012) by John Green: A poignant tale of love and loss.