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.
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!
A StoryWalk® Through the Woods at Newfields
Beginning April 19, take a stroll through The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park at Newfields to read Wake Up, Woods by Michael Homoya and Shane Gibson with illustrations by Gillian Harris. The StoryWalk® is a partnership between The Indianapolis Public Library and Newfields. Find this book and more like it below. We hope you’ll visit soon! Learn more about the grand opening event.
Graphic Novels for Kids
Look at this graphic novel roundup for kids! Read science fiction, history, and romance, you can even find some to read to your pet!
- Graphic Novel Crushes
- Graphic Novels about Space
- Graphic Novels for Girls
- Graphic Novels to Read with Your Pet
- Heroes with Tails: Dog Man and Other Graphic Novels Featuring Pups
- Historical Graphic Novels for young (and old)
- If You Liked Dog Man
- If You Liked Smile
- LGBTQ+ Friendly Comics & Graphic Novels for Kids and Teens
- My Top 10 Favorite Smurf Graphic Novels
- Over the Garden Wall
- Sci-Fi Graphic Novels for Kids
- Spooky Graphic Novels for Kids
- Video Game Graphic Novels
- Staff Picks 2024 – Best of Graphic Novels for Kids
- Best Graphic Novels for Kids: General (PreK – 6th grade) and Nonfiction
- Best Graphic Novels for Young Readers (ages 3-8) and Easy Readers (ages 5-9)
- Best Graphic Novels Nonfiction for Middle Grades (ages 7-11) and Tweens (ages 10-13)
- Best Graphic Novels for Middle Grade Kids (7-11 Year olds)
- Best Graphic Novels for Tweens (10-13 year olds)
- Best Graphic Novels for Kids: Grades PreK-2nd Grade
- Best Graphic Novels for Kids: Middle Readers (3-4 grades)
- Best Graphic Novels for Kids: Older Readers (5-6 grades)
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!
Twisters
2025 is the 100th anniversary of the Tri-state tornado that hit southern Indiana, Illinois and Missouri on March 19th, 1925 and the 60th anniversary of the Palm Sunday Tornado outbreak on April 11, 1965. Tornadoes are always a popular subject. Here are some chapter books and a few picture books that tiny storm chasers will 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 Garfield Park
- Date & Time: Wednesday, May 28, 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: Family Storytime at College Ave
- Date & Time: Wednesday, May 28, 10:30am
- Location: College Avenue Branch
- Description: Families with children of all ages are invited to listen to stories, sing songs, and participate in movement activities. Stay after stories are finished for some literacy activities and play time.
- No Registration Required.
- Event: Storytime at Glendale – Toddlers and Preschool
- Date & Time: Wednesday, May 28, 10:30am
- Location: Glendale Branch
- Description: Children ages 2-4 and their caregivers are invited for stories, fingerplays, crafts, and activities.
- No Registration Required.
- Event: Storytime at Fort Ben – Preschool
- Date & Time: Wednesday, May 28, 10:30am
- Location: Fort Ben Branch
- Description: Preschoolers and their caregivers are invited for stories, fingerplays, crafts, and activities.
- No Registration Required.
- Event: Storytime at West Perry – Preschool
- Date & Time: Wednesday, May 28, 10:30am
- Location: West Perry Branch
- Description: Children ages 3-5 and a caregiver are invited for stories, songs, crafts, and more!
- No Registration Required.