1990
Oh, The Places You'll Go!Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away!
Now don’t you just love those words!? Whether for your own child or a new-born or a baby celebrating their first birthday or a graduate or someone starting a new job, this is truly the most uplifting and inspiring book you will ever give. Ever! Thank you, Dr. Seuss!
—Susan
1991
Polar Bear, Polar Bear What Do You Hear?Martin and Carle are a force to be reckoned with in Children's Literature. Along with its companion, Brown Bear Brown Bear, this classic is a fantastic read for storytime! The lyrical and rhythmic feel of the words paired with the bright and fabulous illustrations, gives young children something to easily recognize and want for years to come.
—Lindsay A
1992
Rainbow FishWho can resist the shiny scales of Rainbow fish? An immediate favorite in my house, and still relevant today as it introduces our youngest to the transformative power of sharing; a timeless message.
—Jamie
1993
The GiverThis is a book that takes dystopia landscape and fuels it with important questions that I believe is imperative to look at as a young adult. It examines the human condition down to its absolute core, and critically looks at what a "perfect world" actually is. With the past all but erased in this society, it forces the characters to focus on the present and become the same. I found myself longing for Jonas to introduce color, history, and music to his community. Doing so however, may have unintended consequences.
—Lindsay A
1994
Guess How Much I Love YouSuch musical writing makes this story about Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare, who are declaring their love for each other, a joy to read! Perfect to give at baby showers and first birthdays, this one is a keeper. I treasure the copy I was gifted when my son was born!
—Susan
1995
Math CurseI didn't know math could make me laugh so much! See how many of these fun and funny puzzles you can do while learning math concepts. Will you break the curse or become a Math Zombie?
—Jamie
1996
Falling UpShel Silverstein poems are like tickets to the summer carnival.They invite our inner child out--whether or not they are tall or small, then rollercoaster off our tongues, carousel around our hearts, ferris wheel us to the skies, while blinking lights in our eyes. Spinning us through teacup dreams, dizzying us with laughter, screams. All while filling our bellies wide with clouds of pink cotton candy, till we ride to the end of the long poetic night, tucked in by words that remind us of a world not yet out of our hearts or our sight.
—Tonya
1997
Ella EnchantedAs one of the first fantasy books I read as a child, Ella Enchanted gave me such joy and propelled me to explore more authors and magical realms. Levine challenges traditional female characters in fairy tales and gives us Ella, a girl cursed to obey any command but is also strong and intelligent and desperate to take control of her own story. She is the hero in this story, and as a young girl who was still trying to figure herself out, she became my hero too.
—Lindsay A
1998
HolesFirst of all, this is a great adventure tale, told with an amazing balance of humor and heart, laced with mystery and history, intersecting stories and a touch of the unexplainable. The underlying message, that how we treat each other matters, has new meaning in these strange times, but most importantly, this larger than life, somewhat absurd, wholely captivating story is a great read. It would be a fabulous pick for a family book group.
—Laura
1999
A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad BeginningThis series is perfect for the reader who is ready for a slightly darker sense of humor. If that reader loves words, so much the better! Like a Perils of Pauline for the modern age, three intrepid orphans are thrust into a world where villains never seem to be vanquished, heroes are scarce and fairly ineffective, and there is truly no place like home. But perseverance, practicality and quick thinking keep this tireless trio one step ahead of the evil Count Olaf. Each book stands alone, but together, the series builds to an unexpected and satisfying climax.
—Laura
2000
Because of Winn-DixieI fell in love with Opal as quickly as Opal falls in love with a scruffy smelly dog she names Winn-Dixie. DiCamillo is a master at creating strong, vulnerable girls who find a way to get what they need. Reassuring and poignant, this has all the hallmarks of a true classic.
—Jamie
2001
Artemis FowlIs it okay to find a 12 year old evil genius millionaire charming? He has kept kids turning pages late into the night, following unexpected twists and turns, and even guarantees some laughs. Share this novel with a middle grade child, and start a life long habit of book sharing and communication.
—Jamie
2002
CoralineNeil Gaiman, master storyteller, rather than toning it down with Coraline, chooses to focus on children’s desires, and children’s terror. The book blends whimsy and nightmare, and is Gaiman down to its bones.
—Matt
2003
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!One of my favorite picture books ever, this is the first in a series that creates a perfect read-aloud triangle between kids, reader and page, allowing parent and child to be a part of the story. Children will recognize the pigeon’s frustrations even as they get to be the one who says NO!
—Laura
2004
Kitten's First Full MoonPoor little kitten can see a huge bowl of milk in the sky, but can’t reach it no matter how hard she tries! A fun, cute story for all ages!
—Kathy
2005
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning ThiefThere are not enough words I can use to demonstrate how much this book has changed my life. It introduced history, friendship, and reading to me at age 12. Riordan has masterfully crafted a world in which he melds the genres of realistic fiction and fantasy into a true work of art. I would not be in this bookstore had it not been for Percy, Annabeth and Grover. If you have a kid, or know of a kid, who is struggling with just feeling different, this is the book for them. It celebrates the outcasts and shows them that there is truly something great in all of us.
—Lindsay A
2006
Library LionThis sweet, endearing story will make you cry—but in a good way—and make you feel oh-so-good inside each and every time you read it! I have such fond memories of sharing it with my son when it was brand new. And I know you’ll develop the same sentiment once you pick it up—it’s just that lovely. Add to that, Kevin Hawkes' soft, water-color illustrations are the perfect complement.
—Susan
2007
Diary of a Wimpy KidGreg Heffley's life is relatable to kids all over the world, and I found myself chuckling at his logic and antics. Heavily illustrated, Kinney's book is less cartoon and more of a personal journal with best friends, family members, and 1 piece of very stinky cheese creating a hilarious comment on 6th grade.
—Jamie
2008
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little ToesI love just about anything by Mem Fox, and this book for the youngest children reads aloud beautifully as she celebrates all children and every child. A lovely first book, and a perfect addition to a baby gift basket.
—Laura
2009
Where the Mountain Meets the MoonI always turn to Grace Lin for stories rich in detail, and relatable characters going on timeless quests. These are novels to savor from a master storyteller.
—Jamie
2010
SmileI was actually smiling at the end of this book! Telgemeier has perfectly written every nuance of being a sixth grader, while effortlessly reassuring us that it will get better. Warm, relatable, and empowering.
—Jamie
2011
Akata WitchFrom award-winning author Nnedi Okorafor comes a new fantasy novel set in modern day Nigeria. Sunny was born and raised in the U.S. for nine years, but now her family has moved back to Nigeria. She is an albino, but there is so much more that makes her special. When a serial killer strikes close to home, she must master her powers and herself, earning her place in the coven with 3 new friends. Brilliantly written and perfect for Harry Potter fans.
—Jamie
2012
This Is Not My HatThis is a newer classic where a modern sense of humor is at play. A small fish has stolen a hat and brags to the reader as it swims away, but Klassen’s pictures tell a different story. This is one of a trilogy of stand-alone Hat titles. While the books share some ideas, they are not identical, but work beautifully together so a child can predict, infer and enjoy them alone or together.
—Laura
2013
A is for ActivistA treasure trove of important words nestled in rhythmic colorful poems. What a feeling when my granddaughter finished the "d" poem with that profound word "equality"! The perfect start to a newborn's library.
—Jamie
2014
Brown Girl DreamingJacqueline Woodson's lyricism shines in this award-winning book- a memoir of her childhood written in verse. Revisiting her upbringing in multiple states and the shifting civil rights landscape, Woodson captures both personal and universal insights with grace and poignancy. An absolute must-read for adults and kids alike.
—Kelly
2015
The War that Saved My LifeIn this Newbery Honor book, one girl’s individual struggles are set against the struggles of a country at war. An unexpected evacuation to a country village introduces Ada, lame from birth and confined to a city apartment by an angry mother, to a new way of life and the possibility that she may have something to offer to those around her. There is hope in the midst of hardship, and that is worth fighting for.
—Laura
2016
Salt to the SeaI love when I read a historical fiction book and can learn something new yet again! This WWII novel is told from 4 distinct voices whose paths will cross. It’s extremely well written---touching, horrific, enticing! I would read anything by Ruta…loved her 3 books so far!
—Lori
2017
Long Way DownThis is the kind of story that is so genuine, written so precisely, that all I could do was keep turning pages when I really wanted to slow it down! So, I read it twice. Whether you love literature, or only read graphic novels, this one will captivate you. One of the finest writers for young people today.
— Jamie
2018
The Truth as Told by Mason ButtleTruly, you will appreciate and be inspired by Mason's sense of humor and outlook on life. Leslie Connor tells a moving, and at times--heartbreaking--story with unique characters that are so alive, they spring right off the page. A definite read for everyone and a book I hope that will end up in every classroom and school library.
—Susan
2019
New KidNever have I liked a main character more than I do Jordan. Never! And what a thoughtfully written middle grade (graphic) novel that opened my eyes, my mind, and my heart. Jerry Craft skillfully put me in the heads of all these very different kids. This is a book for every guy and girl to read no matter what your reading style is. Teachers of 5th grade and up, here’s a story you’ll want to have in your library. Loved it, loved it, loved it. Well done, Jerry Craft!
—Susan