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Children's and YA reading.
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items Only a list of books my kids or I have actually read and recommend. It was my favorite form of escapism growing up as a kid. This list contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you.
I one of my favorites as a kid and I recently read this to my kids. This book is still unnecessarily scary for a kids book. 10/10 would traumatize my kids again (they loved it!)
The Beast from the East book by R.L. Stine
Wonderful story with fun characters.
A Living Nightmare (Cirque Du Freak Series #1)
Great kids thriller story and murder mystery.
The Ghost of Fossil Glen
Started my love of ghost stories as a child. Very spooky at the time, but a fun read.
Wait Till Helen Comes: A Ghost Story
I really enjoy this one, but it's become one of my daughter's favorites. She's 5 books in, in less than a month.
The Ruins of Gorlan (Ranger's Apprentice Series #1)
One of my favorites books growing up.
Poppy (Poppy Stories #3)
Even as an adult, it's a great read. Both kids adore the book.
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh (Newbery Medal Winner)
I had to add book two. It's just as good as the first one and most people don't know there were additional books.
Racso and the Rats of NIMH
For an elementary school math book, the story had no right being as good as it was. I spent years trying to remember the name.
Journey to the Other Side Downloadable Album: Songs for Teaching® Educational Children's Music
A favorite from Highschool. I still think about it often.
The Blue Girl book by Charles de Lint
Fun fantasy adventure books for kids and teens. There's even an anime that seems to follow closely to the source material. My kids love the series.
Deltora Quest: Special Edition, Books... book by Emily Rodda
This was a fun bedtime read for the kids, my son especially loved it.
The Map to Everywhere (Map to Everywhere Series #1)
Ok, this one made both my daughter and I cry at the end. Even I got very attached to the characters. I'm actually excited to pick up the second book.
Wolf Brother (Chronicles of Ancient Darkness Series #1)
I read this when it first came out and remembered loving it. Spent years trying to remember its name. I just ordered it again so my kids can read it.
Neverworld: The Other Side of the Map
What can I say, I love pirates. Always have. So vampire pirates? Yes please. It isn't holding up as well again as an adult, but my kids have having fun with it, so it goes on the list.
Demons of the Ocean (Vampirates Series #1)
I've read this multiple times myself, and my children requested a second reading. Definitely a household favorite with a fun twist.
The City of Ember (Books of Ember Series #1)
This started my weird obsession with wilderness survival. I was fully convinced this was a possibly and treated it as a survival guide as a child. 😅
Hatchet (Brian's Saga Series #1)
Another book I was weirdly obsessed with as a teen. Makes me cry every time.
The Outsiders
Another series that fueled my need to be self sufficient growing up. If these kids could do it, so could I.
The Boxcar Children Classic Treasury: All 19 Original Mysteries by Gertrude Chandler Warner
If you haven’t read the Redwall series, you’re missing out. Seriously, go read it. Wonderful characters, incredible adventures, and a world I’ve enjoyed since I was young.
Redwall (Redwall Series #1)
Another classic series! Funny, adventurous, and a great introduction to Greek mythology. Especially good for teens, but entertaining at any age.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians 5 Book Paperback Boxed Set (new covers) (B&N Exclusive Edition)
A classic series that I think everyone should try reading at least once. I especially like this particular boxed set.
Harry Potter Special Edition Paperback Boxed Set: Books 1-7
A classic series that I think everyone should try reading at least once. There are cheaper options, I just prefer hardcovers.
The Chronicles of Narnia Box Set
14yo me was obsessed! I read this book multiple times, and watched the movie even more. I've cried so much over this book it's embarrassing. Who else was a Sodapop girl?
The Outsiders
A family favorite. Not for every child.
One of my favorite kinds of children’s horror: wonderfully imaginative, genuinely unsettling, and just dark enough to make you question every ordinary-looking door.
Coraline
A fantastic adventure with mystery, humor, family history, and a story that comes together beautifully. One of those books that’s just as entertaining for adults as it is for younger readers.
Holes (Newbery Medal Winner)
Dragons, prophecies, friendships, and a world full of adventure. A wonderful start to the Wings of Fire series for younger fantasy readers.
The Dragonet Prophecy (Wings of Fire #1)
An underground city, a failing supply of light, and two children trying to uncover the truth. I think this was my first dystopian book and I've been hooked ever since. I'm currently reading as a bedtime story for my kids and they can't get enough.
The City of Ember (Books of Ember Series #1)
A new adventure in the world of Greek and Roman mythology, with plenty of monsters, humor, and mysterious characters. A great next series for anyone who enjoyed Percy Jackson.
The Lost Hero (The Heroes of Olympus Series #1)