Are you looking for reading recommendations for kids? We can help! Visit us in person or online to get ideas for great reads for kids. For one-on-one help call or ask a Library staff member at any of our locations. You can also call, text, or email ask-a- librarian!
This collection of book lists created by our staff can assist students with homework, help them find more books by their favorite authors, and aid parents in finding books for the youngest readers, among other things! We add new lists each month so returning readers can continue to find their next read! Find more reading recommendations for kids in our blog or enjoy storytime online.
You can also get reading recommendations online from NoveList K-8 Plus or Book Connections. Read book reviews, see “read alike” lists, browse starred reviews, and more.
Can You Dig It?
Children’s nonfiction books about archaeology and paleontology. These books introduce kids to history through the study of fossils and ancient artifacts.
Digging for Dinosaurs
Dinosaurs are always a popular subject for young ones, but especially now with the new Dinosphere exhibit at the Children`s Musuem of Indianapolis opening. This list will pique the interest of budding paleontologists.
Dinosaurs ROAR!
I love dinosaurs and (maybe) so does your child! These are some of my favorite dinosaur read aloud books. I hope this list helps you find one (or ten) new ones to read before bedtime!
Dinosaurs and other Endangered Species
Enjoy some fiction and nonfiction children’s books about some of their favorite extinct species and learn more about why other animals are endangered.
Kids Explore Geology
What an amazing planet we live on! The books in this list will provide young scientists with vital information about how the Earth formed and help them explore geology through experiments, rock collecting, and more.
No Longer With Us: Kids Books All About Extinct Animals
Fiction and nonfiction books for kids who are interested in learning about prehistoric/extinct animals.
Rocks and Minerals!
Rocks and minerals are all around us, especially in Indiana! Have you ever been fossil hunting at Turkey Run State Park, or geode hunting in Brown County? Find more about rocks and minerals and get into the summer reading spirit with these picks!
Let Me Share My Culture With You
Dive into these wonderful picture books that feature children sharing their culture with classmates, friends, and neighbors.
Numbers Tell a Story
Help little kids become familiar with numbers by reading them books with numbers in the spotlight. Some of these books come from our “concept” book collection – books that focus on core learning concepts like letters, numbers, shapes and colors. Others are in our regular jP collection. Either way, all of these have a story to tell. Instead of just putting a number in the middle of the page, these numbers get to be in the middle of the action. I think they help keep kids’ attention while also introducing simple math ideas. These are just a few that I like best, but please ask your local librarian for more suggestions.
Yoga for a Day
Celebrate Yoga Day on June 21st with a whole day of yoga books and other materials for kids! This list begins in the morning and ends at bedtime, with fun yoga guides and stories along the way. These materials offer a fun way to introduce yoga to children at any time. The relaxation and mindfulness that yoga brings may leave you wanting to add some of the featured practices and poses to your child’s daily routine.
Let’s Play!
Explore the nature of play with these books! Research tells us that imaginative play is vital to the social and cognitive development of children. When children embody a character, animal or person, they try out new language. They are also engaging and developing theory of mind – which allows them to develop empathy. This list features books about play and books that encourage imaginative play. Have fun!
Picture Books Which Celebrate America’s Rich Cultural Diversity
Here are some books that touch on America as a Nation of Immigrants. These are picture books, but many are inspired by real people and true stories.
Beach Time, Excellent!
In this list you’ll find picture books that feature the many wonders to be found where sand and rocky shores meet ocean waves. Humor and history, family fun and sensory delights, gorgeous artwork and evocative descriptions spill from these pages. Enjoy a little respite from our mostly beach-less state, until one day your feet just might carry you to the edge of the world.
How to Train your Dragon
These books are filled with adventure, fun, and friendship. And there might even be some dragons along the way!
Visit the Farmers Market!
It’s Farmers Market season! Enjoy a visit to a market near you and here are some great books to share with your kids to go along with it!
Community Garden Picture Books
The library is flourishing with wonderful picture books about community gardens for kids. You don’t have to have a “green thumb” to thumb through these books! Enjoy!
Community Gardening For Kids
Spring is the perfect time to get your hands dirty and help your favorite grown-up work in your local neighborhood or community garden! Check out these books about community gardens.
Staff Picks 2024 – Best of Picture Books
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Our staff share some of their favorite picture books from 2024 that they have seen – from beautiful to funny, we hope there is something for you and your littlest readers to enjoy.
Staff Picks 2024 – Best of Fiction for Kids
Some of our favorite new fiction titles published for kids. At the very bottom of the list, enjoy older bonus material: staff were also asked if they read an older title/not published in 2024 that they might also recommend.
Staff Picks 2024 – Best of Beginning and Early Readers for Kids
Staff sent in some of their favorite 2024 books that fall into our JZ and JE category. JZ are the books for young readers that are beginning to read on their own and typically these books have very controlled vocabulary and still a lot of pictures. (Think Piggie and Elephant; Bob books; Yasmin). JEs are books that introduce a longer narrative and sometimes chapters or vignettes; contain more content; characters that have depth and experiences. (Think Magic Treehouse or Bad Guy series)
Join Us for Storytime!
- Event: Storytime at Michigan Road
- Date & Time: Tuesday, June 17, 10:30am
- Location: Michigan Road Branch
- Description: Preschoolers, toddlers, and their caregivers are invited for stories, fingerplays, crafts and activities.
- No Registration Required.
- Event: Paws to Read at Southport
- Date & Time: Tuesday, June 17, 6:00pm
- Location: Southport Branch
- Description: Beginning or reluctant readers ages 6 – 11 are invited to read aloud to a registered therapy dog who loves to listen to stories. It’s a great way to improve a child’s reading skills and self-confidence. Please visit or call the Southport branch at (317) 275-4510 to register your child.
- No Registration Required.
- Event: Paws to Read at Irvington
- Date & Time: Tuesday, June 17, 6:00pm
- Location: Irvington Branch
- Description: Beginning or reluctant readers ages 6 – 11 are invited to take a turn reading to a registered therapy dog who loves to listen to stories. It’s a great way to improve a child’s reading skills and self-confidence. Children may read from any book they choose.
- Register Here
- Event: Storytime at Eagle – Pajama Time!
- Date & Time: Tuesday, June 17, 7:00pm
- Location: Eagle Branch
- Description: Families with children ages 3 – 8 are invited for a fun-filled storytime featuring stories, music and activities! Children are welcome to wear their pajamas and bring their favorite stuffie for bedtime!
- No Registration Required.
- Event: Family Storytime at Nora
- Date & Time: Wednesday, June 18, 10:30am
- Location: Nora Branch
- Description: Families with children ages 0-6 are invited to join us for stories, songs, and so much more fun every Wednesday morning.
- No Registration Required.