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.
Autumntime Storytime
Cuddle up with some warm apple cider, near the campfire, and enjoy these autumn-time stories.
Stories of Modern Indigenous Life
Some people think that native culture is a thing of the past, but that could not be further from the truth! These books, some fiction and some nonfiction, explore the vibrancy and diversity of present-day culture across many different indigenous tribes and nations. Learn about things like family, food, and tradition and experience all the joy these indigenous authors and artists have put on the page!
Best Picture Books for Kids by and about American Indians
A guide to some of the best picture books by and about American Indians recommended by The American Indian Library Association, American Indians in Children’s Literature (AICL), or firstnations.org.
Los Libros Favoritos de Señora Flo
Señora Flo hace hora de cuentos, y estos son sus libros favoritos para leer a los niños.
Indigenous Picture Books
Indigenous picture books offer a wonderful way to introduce children to the diverse cultures, stories, and perspectives of Indigenous peoples. Many picture books feature Indigenous characters and themes, often highlighting traditions, family connections, and the importance of the natural world. Many of the books highlighted below are award-winners.
Kids Explore Vehicles
Humans LOVE to create new ways to move around on Planet Earth and beyond. The books in this list can help kids expand their knowledge about the wide range of vehicles people have designed and built across time and in cultures around the world.
"My Kid Wants to Read Wicked, What Do I Give Them?"
“Wicked: For Good” is coming to theaters on November 21st, the second part of the movie adaptation of the hit Broadway musical. While the movie/musical is appropriate for the tastes of many families, the book is a lot darker and contains content and themes that some readers may not be comfortable with (give “Wicked Book Trigger Warnings” a google). But never fear! No matter what it about the Wicked musical that you love, we have a book to scratch that itch.
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, October 28, 10:30am
- Location: Michigan Road Branch
- Description: Preschoolers, toddlers, and their caregivers are invited for stories, fingerplays, crafts and activities.
- No Registration Required.
- Event: Storytime at Southport – Preschool
- Date & Time: Tuesday, October 28, 10:30am
- Location: Southport Branch
- Description: Preschoolers ages 3 – 5 and an adult are invited for an active class featuring stories, songs, and rhymes that focus on early literacy skills and school preparedness. This program will be followed by age appropriate learning activities.
- No Registration Required.
- Event: Storytime at Glendale – Babies
- Date & Time: Tuesday, October 28, 10:30am
- Location: Glendale Branch
- Description: Babies up to 24 months and an adult are invited for stories, songs, fingerplays, and fun! Each session is followed by playtime with special toys designed just for babies.
- No Registration Required.
- Event: Baby ArtsPlay
- Date & Time: Tuesday, October 28, 10:30am
- Location: Franklin Road Branch
- Description: Little ones will be engaged through stories and songs with sensory play and body movement activities! Help your 6 month-36 month child with their motor skills, emergent language, spatial awareness, and object permanence in this workshop with teaching artist Amauunet Ashé from Arts for Learning.
- Register Here
- Event: Bilingual Storytime at Wayne – Baby and Toddler
- Date & Time: Tuesday, October 28, 10:30am
- Location: Wayne Branch
- Description: Babies and toddlers up to age 2 with an adult are invited for an active class featuring stories, songs, and rhymes followed by socialization and playtime with age appropriate toys.
- No Registration Required.