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
