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.
Wildfires and Renewal: Books for Kids
Fire has been part of earth’s story for a long time. It has played a huge role in the development of the world. From heating to cooking as well as discovering the science behind fire, the relationship between human and fire has both beneficial and harmful outcomes. According to the National Interagency Fire Agency, in 2022, 87% of wildfires were caused by humans.
This short list contains picture books about forest fires and nonfiction books for kids that explore trees, wildfires, and experts trained to help.
Graphic Novel Crushes
Valentine’s Day is getting closer. This is a list of graphic novels on crushes and love.
Dog Man
Dav Pilkey has created a bunch of readers out there with not only Dog Man, but Captain Underpants and his Cat Kid Comic series. If your young reader is head over heels for Dog Man, we have gathered a few titles – both graphic novels and novels – to try. We picked them because they have certain features or a combination of features that Pilkey fans might enjoy such as: humor, adventure, action, characters with imagination or superpowers and/or engaging plot.
Skateboarding for Kids!
Did you know Skye Brown was only 8 when she became a professional skater, and 13 when she earned the bronze medal in the skateboarding park event at the 2020 Olympics? Check out the list below to get your library kid inspired to start skating this Spring!
Squirmy worms
Spring is here, rain is falling, and that means the sidewalks are covered in WORMS! Don’t squash our squishy friends, but do read all about them.
Here There Be Dragons
Picture books for all ages. Some are silly (ok, lots of them are silly) and some are sweet but all of them will delight!
Birds in Winter
National Bird Day takes place January 5th.
This marks the end of the Christmas Bird Count (December 14th to January 5th), an annual conservation effort that has expanded internationally, where everyday people volunteer to join scientists and track what kind and number of birds they see outdoors. To celebrate our aves, cozy up with these children’s picture books (JPs) featuring birds in winter.
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 Graphic Novels for Kids
Some of staff’s favorite graphic novels they read and enjoyed.
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)
The Wild Robot
The Wild Robot has been adapted into an animated feature film that is premiering in theatres this fall. Shipwrecked on a deserted island, a robot named Roz must learn to adapt to its new surroundings. Building relationships with the native animals, Roz soon develops a parental bond with an orphaned gosling. If you have read or watched The Wild Robot…try one of these!
Join Us for Storytime!
- Event: Storytime at College Avenue – Babies
- Date & Time: Friday, February 21, 10:30am
- Location: College Avenue Branch
- Description: Mothe Goose is on the loose! Babies up to 24 months and an adult are invited for stories, songs, fingerplays, and fun! Each session is followed by playtime just for babies.
- No Registration Required.
- Event: Construction Zone
- Date & Time: Friday, February 21, 11:00am
- Location: Beech Grove Branch
- Description: Toddlers 18-36 months can build and then demolish in this hands-on program with the Indiana State Museum. Explore art and engineering with ramps, towers, trucks, and more construction fun! This program will offer a tactile experience to build fine motor and problem-solving skills.
- Register Here
- Event: Tales ‘n Play Storytime
- Date & Time: Friday, February 21, 11:00am
- Location: Central Library
- Description: Stop in for some stories, music, and fun! Children ages 0-5 and their caregivers are invited to join the Learning Curve for a storytime! Afterward, all are welcome to stay for some open playtime.
- No Registration Required.
- Event: Franklin Road Library 25th Anniversary Celebration
- Date & Time: Saturday, February 22, 10:00am
- Location: Franklin Road Branch
- Description: Join us to help celebrate as Franklin Road turns 25! The celebration will include a family storytime, a presentation on the history of the Branch, music from the Franklin Central Orchestra ensembles, a scavenger hunt, and more!
- No Registration Required.
- Event: Family Storytime
- Date & Time: Saturday, February 22, 10:30am
- Location: Franklin Road Branch
- Description: Celebrate Franklin Road’s 25th Anniversary at this family storytime! Enjoy stories, songs, and activities.
- No Registration Required.