Book Lists & Reviews

Looking for your next great read aloud book? Our volunteers and supporters love to swap recommendations. Plus, below you’ll find links to excellent book lists.

For teachers, browse our Book Trunks. You can borrow these collections to use in your classrooms.

Recommendations By Age Group

Pre-School and Kindergarten

Early Grades

Upper Elementary

Upper Elementary/Middle School

Librarian Recommended! Suggestions for pre-kindergarten to sixth grade

Resources and Book Lists

2018-19 Read Aloud Volunteer Book Recommendations — At the end of each school year, we survey our volunteer readers to find the year’s biggest hits!

2014-17 Read Aloud Volunteer Book Recommendations — A record of all past recommendations.

All About Adolescent Literacy — This site aimed at parents and educators offers many things, including themed book lists for teens and tweens.

The Book Whisperer — Teacher and author Donalyn Miller offers insight, resources and reviews.

Goodreads — Follow Read Aloud and other friends for reviews and recommendations, plus track and review your own reading and favorites.

Guys Read — Children’s author Jon Scieszka has compiled titles good for little guys, big guys and everyone in between. Browse by topic, type or age. Lots and lots of funny books, as you would expect.

Jim Trelease — A Read Aloud champion lists classics and favorites from his “Read Aloud Handbook” as well as some published since his last edition was released.

New York Public Library — Find children’s books grouped by type, including fantasy, poetry, biography, for example.

The New York Times Books — Reviews of books for all ages.

NPR Books — The latest book news and reviews of books for all ages.

Planet Esme — Esme Raji Codell, teacher and author, groups recommendations by age, theme and genre.

Reading Rockets — Themed books lists and links to lists from other trusted sources.

A few more places to meet great children’s books:

NPR’s Backseat Book Club — Each month, National Public Radio invites young listeners to read a book and submit questions to the author for an upcoming interview.

Top 5 books for backseat readers (Age 9 and up).

A closer look at a childhood favorite: The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss