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!
Use your Library card to login to NoveList Plus to find recommendations, read-alikes, series lists, reviews, and lists of award-winning books.
Need help? Ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or call, text or email Ask-a-Librarian.
Staff Picks
All About Swimming!
This list includes jp (picture books) and a couple of jz (easy readers) about swimming and pools! Some of them are about the delight of swimming and some are about overcoming the fear of swimming and learning to enjoy it! Special note of thanks to former colleague Mr. Jared for providing the some of the annotations below.
Children’s Books about Boundaries and Consent
Whether learning to ask our playmates before we tackle them with a hug or learning to keep our bodies safe, it’s useful to understand personal space, boundaries, body autonomy, and consent starting from a young age. Here are some picture books and a few nonfiction books to help you to start those conversations.
Dress-up fun
Costumes and other fancy clothes are a great way to give your imagination a work out.
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Juvenile Fiction about Moving
A collection of IndyPL juvenile materials focused on moving house — whether it be across town, the country, or the world. These materials are perfect support for young readers transitioning to a new home. This list is focused on school aged readers.
When a Kiddo Asks for a Kitten
What do you do when the child in your life asks (begs, pleads, cries) for a kitten? You can start by reading a few books about the care and love of cats and kittens. This list offers books at different reading levels, but mostly focuses on books to read together with preschool and early school-age children.
Join Us for Storytime!
- Event: Explore STEM + More
- Date & Time: Sunday, October 25, 1:00pm
- Location: Central Library
- Description: Kids and families, stop by the 3rd floor to immerse yourself in the world of science and tech exploration. Discover something new by exploring robots, LEGOs, STEM apps, crafts, games, and more at your own pace.
- No Registration Required.
- Event: Diners, Ducks & Drive-Ins
- Date & Time: Sunday, October 25, 2:00pm
- Location: Central Library
- Description: Join us in the Indianapolis Special Collections Room (ISCR) at the Central Library to explore the vibrant era of twentieth-century car culture featuring iconic Indianapolis stops like the Tee Pee, Al Green’s, Meadowbrook Diner, the Pole, Steer-In, and Wheeler’s restaurants and gas stations.
- Register Here
- Event: Little Sprouts
- Date & Time: Monday, October 26, 10:30am
- Location: Southport Branch
- Description: Little hands will create their own tiny terrarium. Grow and learn about plants together in this hands-on workshop. Dress to mess!
- Register Here
- Event: Baby and Toddler Storytime
- Date & Time: Monday, October 26, 10:30am
- Location: Eagle Branch
- Description: Baby and Toddler storytime is a great way to help your infant and toddler foster physical skills, early language, and early literacy skills as well as increase the bond between the parent or caregiver and the young child.
- No Registration Required.
- Event: Career Center at East 38th Street
- Date & Time: Monday, October 26, 11:00am
- Location: East 38th Street Branch
- Description: Adults needing help with creating a resume, searching for a job or career online, or filling out an online job application are invited to receive free one-on-one assistance.
- No Registration Required.