Great Books for Kids
Browse curated lists of outstanding children’s books—from timeless classics to today’s award-winners. These trusted recommendations help families discover high-quality reads for every age and interest.
BBC Culture polled 177 books experts from 56 countries in order to find the greatest children’s books ever.
Compiled by three sisters who are elementary school teachers.
Build critical reading skills and inspire a lifelong love for reading with these teacher-approved books and tips from Scholastic.
Named for eighteenth-century British bookseller John Newbery, it is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.
Named in honor of nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott, it is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.
Awarded to an American publisher for a children’s book considered to be the most outstanding of those books originating in a country other than the United States and in a language other than English and subsequently translated into English for publication in the United States during the preceding year.
From the New York Public Library, this list celebrates 125 outstanding titles from the last century of children’s literature. Selections include classics and modern favorites chosen for their literary quality, inspiration, humor, and heart.
A collection of community-voted lists on Goodreads, covering everything from all-time favourite children’s books to best picture books, fantasy titles, and best reads by age group. While user-generated, these lists provide a broad picture of popular and beloved titles across ages and genres.
An annual list of the best new children’s books as evaluated by Chicago Public Library librarians. The archive includes selections from recent years and is a reliable source of fresh, award-worthy titles.
From the Iowa City Public Library, a librarian-recommended resource that groups 125 titles by category (board books, picture books, chapter books, nonfiction, and graphic novels).
A long-standing annotated list developed by the International Literacy Association and Children’s Book Council, featuring high-quality books for readers in grades K–6 (ages 5–12). Titles are selected by children and educators.
Reading Rockets offers a collection of themed and seasonal booklists tailored for children ages 0–12, organized by topics such as nature, holidays, and cultural themes.