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Since I don’t have kids, maybe these books are already widely loved by kids and teens today.
Either way, I think they’re timeless and worth reading. I’m picking some older books and then including newer ones, too.
1) Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
Why? Because Shel understood the weirdness of being a kid.
2)The Sneetches and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss
Why? Dr. Seuss knew how to explain complex and important topics to young readers in fun and accessible ways.
3) Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery by Deborah Howe
Why? To help develop their critical thinking skills and because the idea of rabbit vampires who drain the life out of vegetables is amusing.
4) The Princess Bride by William Goldman
Why? One of the things that really bothered me when I was a kid was how resistant some of my male classmates were to stories about girls. I never complained about the dozens of male protagonists we read about, but somehow it was considered a big deal for them to see the world through a girl’s perspective or empathize with us.
I think books like this one could be a good way to help push against the idea that men and boys are somehow more important or interesting than women and girls.
5) The Small Spaces Quartet by Katherine Arden
Why? It’s an exciting middle grade mystery quartet that includes strong friendships and talks about some interesting historical events.
6) She Is a Haunting by Trang Thanh Tran
Why? This is a good introduction to the haunted house genre, and the deeper themes in it about racism and colonialism are thought provoking as well.
7) Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Why? It’s a thoughtful and honest discussion about race and racism.
8) The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
Why? From what I’ve heard, it’s a nuanced coming-of-age story, and every kid and teen should read lots of those!