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.
Are you looking for MORE reading recommendations for kids? Your child’s new favorite book, handpicked for you! Hoosier Next Read is a personalized book recommendation service from The Indianapolis Public Library. Share your child’s reading preferences, and our Library staff will send you a custom list of 2–5 titles within 7 business days so you’ll always have their next great read ready. You can also 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!
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.
McFadden Lecture 2026: R.L. Stine
The 47th Annual Marian McFadden Memorial Lecture will take place on March 19, 2026. This event will feature a special discussion with acclaimed children’s writer, R.L. Stine, and author of the bestselling Goosebumps and Fear Street horror series. Stine will be joined in conversation by Reading Rainbow host Mychal Threets (aka Mychal The Librarian).
This list contains titles from R.L. Stine, as well as adaptations of his work, similar authors, and some cinematic entries. These titles that will make you feel like that kid again, curled under a blanket with a flashlight reading late into the night, and hoping the noises coming from under the bed stay within your imagination. Or maybe, hoping they don’t stay put…
Staff Picks
Easter Favorites for Kids
Enjoy these e-book and audiobook favorites for kids that highlight Easter traditions from family dinners, reading a child’s version of the Easter story in the Bible, or attending Easter services to dyeing and hiding Easter eggs.
Sheroes and Girl Power: Books for Kids
Newer biographies that celebrate the efforts and genius of women. Success in different fields and talents and the long reach and effort to continually push towards “justice” for all are just the tip of the list here.
Citizen Science – Observe the Nature Around You
YOU can contribute to knowledge about your world. Explore the natural world around you – and share what you find! This list starts with books meant for younger folks (but older folks will appreciate them too) and moves into books meant for older folks. You’ll even find some essays, prose, and fiction that may appeal to your Citizen Scientist Brain. Wrap up by registering for a City Nature Challenge workshop at a library branch near you!
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Books for Passover
Purim and Passover, two joyful Jewish holidays, will be celebrated this coming March and April. To help families prepare and get excited, the Jewish Community Library offers a wonderful selection of children’s and adult books exploring the stories, traditions, and themes of these holidays. Below is a list of selected titles to inspire learning, celebration, and meaningful holiday moments.
Peace
Teaching peace ideally begins in childhood. Here are some lovely picture books to introduce children to the concept of peace.
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Love/Amor
These heartwarming Spanish children’s books showing love for self, family, friends, even pets, and loving all the way. Through gentle stories and colorful illustrations, young readers could explore that love means kindness, caring, sharing, and feeling valued.
Picture Books to Celebrate Arab American Heritage Month
April is Arab American Heritage Month. These picture books are by Arab American authors and feature Arab and Arab American stories.
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2025 Best of Fiction for Kids
We had eight different staff members send some of their favorite “J Fiction” titles. The list includes the newly named National Book Award winner for youth (Teacher of Nomad Land) and the surprise bonus entry in Jason Reynolds’ Track Series – Coach. Reynolds mentioned in a recent interview that he really was not going to write another book in this series, but his young fans wanted more and specifically wanted to know more about Coach.
2025 Best of Books for Beginning Readers & Transitional Readers
Learning to read is a difficult process and the transition from learning to read to reading for knowledge/comprehension is the next step. This list contains a few of our favorite in the “JZ and JE” selection of our catalog.
2025 Best of Graphic Novels for Kids
Graphic Novels for kids has been an explosive market for publishers as well as authors and cartoonists alike. Anyone with a child around 8 years old already knows that the Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey has a new installment out. (Dog Man: Big Jim Believes). The list below provides a glimpse into some of our staff’s favorites that they read and were published in 2025 including The Cartoonists Club by Raina Telgemeier (Smile – a perennial favorite of hers that tweens still ask for) and the silly Cabin Head and Tree Head by Scott Campbell (Hug Machine – picture book).
2025 Best of Nonfiction for Kids
Bees, whales, octopus, oh my! From tiny creatures to large, this list has a little something for most readers. There are also a small selection of biographies of some amazing humans on the list.
2025 Best of Picture Books
Our overwhelming favorite vote getter from 2025 is the very sly and funny Don’t Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson followed closely by the adorable Every Monday Mabel by Jashar Awan.
See some beautiful art in several titles (Possible Caldecott contenders, we hope) such as: Cat Nap (Lies), Little Rebels (Morales), Fireworks (Burgess), and A Place for Us (Ransome). A couple of wordless or nearly wordless books – Pencil (Kim)and A Place for Us. Twisted or read like fairy/folktales such as Hansel and Gretel (by Stephen King featuring art by Maurice Sendak) and There’s a Bear Out there (Hannigan).
At the end of the list find a few favorites from previous years – one of which is a pretty funny potty book – How to Pee Your Pants *the right way.
Join Us for Storytime!
- Event: Storytime at Garfield Park
- Date & Time: Saturday, March 07, 10:30am
- Location: Garfield Park Branch
- Description: Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their parents/caregivers are invited for stories, songs, and movement activities.
- No Registration Required.
- Event: Harp Music & Stories
- Date & Time: Saturday, March 07, 10:30am
- Location: Glendale Branch
- Description: Babies and toddlers will be introduced to the music of a concert harp in this program with Arts for Learning teaching artist Melissa Gallant. Join us to learn that music brings stories to life through feelings and emotions!
- Register Here
- Event: Storytime at Nora – Move and Groove
- Date & Time: Saturday, March 07, 10:30am
- Location: Nora Branch
- Description: A story time that incorporates songs and dance, and will help start a great day. Encourages language development and physical activity. For toddlers and preschoolers, and their caregivers
- No Registration Required.
- Event: Paws to Read at Michigan Road
- Date & Time: Saturday, March 07, 2:00pm
- Location: Michigan Road Branch
- Description: Beginning or reluctant readers ages 6-11 are invited to read to a registered therapy dog who loves to listen to stories. Its a great way to improve a child’s reading skills and self-confidence. Register for a 15 minute session online or by calling the branch at 317-275-4370 ext. 4.
- Register Here
- Event: Harp Music & Stories
- Date & Time: Monday, March 09, 10:30am
- Location: College Avenue Branch
- Description: Babies and toddlers will be introduced to the music of a concert harp in this program with Arts for Learning teaching artist Melissa Gallant. Join us to learn that music brings stories to life through feelings and emotions!
- Register Here