50 Books Every Kid Should Read
This is one of the 759 lists we use to generate our main The Greatest Books list.
-
The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney
This wordless picture book tells the classic Aesop's fable of a tiny mouse and a mighty lion. When the mouse accidentally disturbs the lion, the lion spares the mouse's life. Later, when the lion is caught in a hunter's trap, the grateful mouse gnaws through the ropes to free him. The story is a beautiful depiction of kindness and reciprocity, showing how even the smallest creature can help someone much bigger and stronger.
The 6468th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
This classic children's book follows the story of a persistent character who tries to convince his friend to try green eggs and ham. Despite the friend's repeated refusals, the character remains determined, suggesting various locations and companions to try the unusual dish with. In the end, the friend finally agrees to try the green eggs and ham, and to his surprise, he finds that he actually enjoys them. The story is a fun and engaging lesson about trying new things.
The 4682nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen
In a charming tale set in a quaint library, a gentle lion becomes an unexpected yet beloved visitor, delighting patrons with his quiet presence and helpful nature. Initially met with skepticism, the lion wins over the librarian and visitors by adhering to the library's rules and assisting with daily tasks. However, when an emergency arises, the lion must decide whether to break the rules to help a friend in need. This heartwarming story explores themes of friendship, acceptance, and the importance of understanding when rules can be bent for the greater good.
The 17113th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
Bread And Jam For Frances by Russell Hoban
In this charming tale, a young badger named Frances is a picky eater who insists on having bread and jam for every meal, much to her parents' concern. Despite their attempts to introduce her to a variety of foods, Frances remains steadfast in her preference. However, as she observes her family and friends enjoying different meals, she begins to realize the joy of trying new things. Through gentle encouragement and her own curiosity, Frances eventually discovers the delightful flavors of diverse foods, learning the importance of variety and balance in her diet.
The 14127th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
On Christmas Eve a skeptical young boy is swept aboard a mysterious train bound for the North Pole, where he and other children embark on a magical journey guided by a genial conductor; they experience snow-filled landscapes, a visit to a bustling Santa’s village, and the wonder of a single sleigh bell—heard only by those who truly believe—which ultimately rekindles the boy’s faith in the spirit of Christmas.
The 17113th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
The Mitten by Jan Brett
In this charming winter tale, a young boy named Nicki loses one of his white mittens in the snow, and it becomes a temporary refuge for a series of woodland animals seeking warmth. As each animal, from a tiny mouse to a large bear, squeezes into the mitten, the story humorously illustrates the challenges of sharing limited space. The beautifully illustrated narrative captures the magic of the forest and the unexpected camaraderie among the animals, culminating in a delightful and surprising conclusion when the mitten finally bursts.
The 17113th Greatest Book of All Time -
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
A young boy named Max, dressed in his wolf costume, wreaks such havoc through his household that he is sent to bed without his supper. In his room, a mysterious, wild forest and sea grows out of his imagination, and Max sails to the land of the Wild Things. The Wild Things are fearsome-looking monsters, but Max conquers them by “staring into their yellow eyes without blinking once”, and he is made the king of all wild things. However, he soon finds himself lonely and homesick and returns home to his bedroom where he finds his supper waiting for him, still hot.
The 321st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans
The Classic Children's Story
The book is a classic children's story about a brave and spirited little girl living in a Parisian boarding school. Despite being the smallest girl in the group, Madeline is fearless, full of mischief, and the leader of her peers. The tale is especially known for its rhythmic text and distinctive illustrations, capturing the essence of Paris. The plot takes a dramatic turn when Madeline must go to the hospital for an appendectomy, showing her courage and earning the admiration of her friends. The story is a celebration of childhood, resilience, and the adventures that can be found in everyday life.
The 2089th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola
In a quaint Italian village, an elderly woman known for her magical abilities, particularly her enchanted pasta pot, hires a young man named Big Anthony to help with chores. Despite being warned not to touch the pot, Big Anthony's curiosity gets the better of him, leading to a comical disaster when he attempts to use the pot himself. The village is soon overwhelmed with an endless supply of pasta, and chaos ensues. Ultimately, the wise woman returns just in time to save the day, teaching Big Anthony a valuable lesson about listening and responsibility.
The 15010th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond
In this heartwarming tale, a young bear named Paddington travels from Peru to London, where he is discovered by the Brown family at Paddington Station. Despite his initial clumsiness and lack of knowledge about the human world, Paddington's kind-hearted nature and love for marmalade sandwiches endear him to the Browns and the community. As Paddington navigates his new life, he embarks on various adventures while teaching the importance of acceptance, family, and friendship.
The 2539th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
Greg Heffley's Journal
The book is a humorous portrayal of the protagonist's daily life as he navigates the trials and tribulations of middle school. Through his diary entries, the reader gets a glimpse into his struggles with family, friends, and school. With a unique blend of text and cartoons, the book provides an engaging and relatable depiction of the protagonist's attempts to gain popularity and survive the school year, despite his many embarrassing incidents and frequent misadventures.
The 5619th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Histoire de Babar by Jean de Brunhoff
le petit éléphant
This children's book tells the story of a young elephant named Babar who escapes the jungle after his mother is killed by a hunter. He is discovered in a city by a kind Old Lady who educates him and teaches him the ways of civilized life. Babar eventually returns to the jungle where he is made king of the elephants and marries his cousin Celeste. The tale explores themes of cultural difference, the effects of colonization, and the value of education.
The 12572nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne
Dinosaurs Before Dark
In this enchanting children's series, siblings Jack and Annie discover a mysterious treehouse filled with books that transport them through time and space on thrilling adventures. Each book they open takes them to a different historical period or fantastical realm, where they must solve puzzles, learn valuable lessons, and help those they encounter. With a blend of magic, history, and imagination, the series captivates young readers, encouraging them to explore the wonders of the world and the power of knowledge.
The 17113th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
Ramona The Pest by Beverly Cleary
This book follows the adventures of Ramona Quimby, a spirited and curious kindergartener who often finds herself in the middle of mischief, much to the dismay of her family and teachers. With her vivid imagination and boundless energy, Ramona navigates the complexities of school life, friendships, and sibling relationships, all while trying to prove she's not as much of a pest as everyone seems to think. Through her eyes, readers experience the joys and challenges of growing up, learning valuable lessons about empathy, patience, and the importance of understanding others' perspectives.
The 13951st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold
Set in 1939, the story follows an imaginative young girl named Cassie Louise Lightfoot, who dreams of flying over her Harlem neighborhood. As she lies on the rooftop of her family's apartment building, she envisions herself soaring above the George Washington Bridge, claiming it and the city as her own. Through her flights of fancy, Cassie explores themes of freedom, empowerment, and the boundless possibilities of dreams, all while celebrating the rich tapestry of African American culture and community life during the era.
The 15010th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Arrival by Shaun Tan
"The Arrival" is a wordless graphic novel that tells the story of a man who leaves his troubled homeland to seek a better life in an unknown country. The man's journey is filled with strange, surreal experiences as he navigates a new culture, language, and way of life, all while missing his family. The book explores themes of immigration, displacement, and hope in a beautifully illustrated, silent narrative.
The 3948th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Sylvester And The Magic Pebble by William Steig
In this enchanting tale, a young donkey named Sylvester discovers a magical pebble that can grant any wish. Overjoyed by his find, Sylvester's excitement quickly turns to despair when he inadvertently wishes himself into a rock to escape a lion. Unable to communicate or reverse the wish, he remains trapped while his parents desperately search for him. The story beautifully unfolds as it explores themes of love, hope, and the unexpected twists of fate, ultimately leading to a heartwarming reunion that underscores the power of family and the magic of simple joys.
The 5925th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Charlotte's Web by E. B. White
A young girl named Fern saves a runt piglet from being slaughtered and names him Wilbur. When Wilbur grows too large, he is sent to live in her uncle's barn, where he befriends a clever spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur's life is in danger again, Charlotte weaves messages into her web to convince the farmer that Wilbur is too special to kill. The book explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the cycle of life.
The 102nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Adventures of Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
An Epic Novel
The book follows the mischievous antics of two fourth-grade friends who, after hypnotizing their grumpy principal, turn him into Captain Underpants, a superhero of their own comic book creation. The boys navigate through a series of humorous adventures as they control the principal-turned-superhero, who has no actual powers but is convinced of his own heroism. Their escapades are filled with pranks, battles against ridiculous villains, and plenty of toilet humor, all while trying to keep their principal's alter ego a secret and manage the chaos they've unleashed at their elementary school.
The 2638th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
A young boy named James, after being orphaned and forced to live with his cruel aunts, embarks on a magical adventure inside a giant peach. Alongside a group of anthropomorphic insects who also reside in the peach, James navigates through a series of fantastical events, including battling pirate-like creatures and flying across the Atlantic Ocean to New York City. This whimsical journey helps James escape his miserable life and find a new family amongst his insect friends.
The 1444th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia
"One Crazy Summer" is a heartwarming and poignant story set in the 1960s, following the journey of three sisters who travel to Oakland, California to spend the summer with their estranged mother. The girls find themselves immersed in the Black Panther movement and discover the harsh realities of racial inequality and social injustice. Through their experiences, they learn about love, resilience, and the importance of family.
The 14275th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
The Black Stallion by Walter Farley
A thrilling tale of adventure and friendship, this story follows a young boy named Alec Ramsay who survives a shipwreck and finds himself stranded on a deserted island with a wild, untamed black stallion. As they struggle to survive, Alec forms a deep bond with the majestic horse, eventually gaining its trust. Upon their rescue, Alec returns home with the stallion, where they face new challenges and opportunities, ultimately leading to an exhilarating journey into the world of horse racing. The narrative beautifully captures the spirit of resilience, the power of companionship, and the pursuit of dreams.
The 16519th Greatest Book of All Time -
Island Of The Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
Set on a remote island off the coast of California, the story follows a young Native American girl named Karana who is left to fend for herself after her tribe is forced to leave their homeland. As the sole inhabitant of the island, she must summon her courage and resourcefulness to survive against the elements and wild animals. Over time, Karana learns to adapt to her solitary life, finding companionship in unexpected places and discovering her own strength and resilience. Her journey is one of self-discovery, survival, and the enduring bond between humans and nature.
The 4547th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Tale Of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread
This enchanting narrative follows the adventures of Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with oversized ears, born in a castle and in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. Unlike other mice, Despereaux is not timid; he seeks out adventures that break the strict rules of the mouse world, leading to his banishment to the dungeon—a place crawling with rats and devoid of light. His journey intertwines with that of a servant girl who wishes for a different life and a devious rat who desires the world above. Together, their stories weave a tale of bravery, forgiveness, and the importance of following one's heart, challenging the traditional roles and expectations placed upon them by society and their own kinds.
The 13961st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
This novel tells the story of a young boy living in the Ozark Mountains who dreams of owning a pair of Redbone Coonhounds for hunting. After working hard to save up enough money, he buys two pups and trains them to be champion hunters. The book explores themes of determination, love, and loss as the boy experiences the joys and heartbreak of owning and training his beloved dogs.
The 4307th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
A Children's Adventure Novel
A young boy named Milo, who is always bored and uninterested in the world around him, unexpectedly receives a magic tollbooth. When he drives through it in his toy car, he is transported to the Kingdom of Wisdom. Here, he embarks on a quest to rescue the princesses Rhyme and Reason, who have been exiled by the warring brothers, King Azaz of Dictionopolis (where words are supremely important) and the Mathemagician of Digitopolis (where numbers are most valued). Along his journey, Milo learns the value of learning and the excitement that can be found in the world around him.
The 522nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
All Of A Kind Family by Sydney Taylor
Set in the bustling streets of early 20th-century New York City, this heartwarming tale follows the daily adventures of five spirited sisters growing up in a loving Jewish family. Through a series of charming vignettes, the narrative captures their experiences of childhood joys, sibling camaraderie, and cultural traditions, all while navigating the challenges of immigrant life. The story beautifully weaves themes of family bonds, resilience, and the rich tapestry of Jewish customs, offering a nostalgic glimpse into a bygone era filled with warmth and laughter.
The 14880th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Borrowers by Mary Norton
In a quaint English country house, a family of tiny people known as "Borrowers" live secretly beneath the floorboards, surviving by "borrowing" items from the human inhabitants. The story follows the adventures of young Arrietty Clock, who yearns for exploration beyond her hidden world. Her curiosity leads to an unexpected friendship with a human boy, which threatens the Borrowers' existence as their secret is at risk of being exposed. This enchanting tale explores themes of courage, friendship, and the delicate balance between two vastly different worlds.
The 10365th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
D'aulaires' Book Of Greek Myths by Ingri d'Aulaire
This enchanting collection brings to life the timeless tales of Greek mythology, offering readers a vivid journey through the world of gods, goddesses, heroes, and mythical creatures. With captivating illustrations and engaging narratives, the book introduces the origins and adventures of iconic figures such as Zeus, Athena, Hercules, and many others, weaving together their stories in a way that is both educational and entertaining. It serves as a delightful introduction to the rich tapestry of Greek myths, making these ancient legends accessible and enjoyable for readers of all ages.
The 14209th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Wonder by R. J. Palacio
The book is a heartwarming and thought-provoking story about a young boy with a facial difference who, after being homeschooled for years, enters fifth grade at a mainstream school. The narrative explores his journey of facing the challenges of being different, dealing with bullying and the struggle to be accepted by his peers. It's a tale of empathy, resilience, and the importance of kindness, told through multiple perspectives that include the boy's own viewpoint as well as those of his classmates, family members, and others in his community. The story encourages readers to look beyond appearances and find the wonder in everyone's uniqueness.
The 3923rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, this poignant tale follows a young girl who is forced to leave her privileged life in Mexico after a family tragedy. As she and her mother journey to California to work in migrant labor camps, she faces the harsh realities of poverty and discrimination. Through resilience and hope, she learns to embrace her new life, discovering the strength within herself and the power of community, ultimately transforming her perspective on wealth and happiness.
The 14275th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Smile by Raina Telgemeier
"Smile" is a heartfelt graphic novel memoir that follows the life of Raina, a sixth-grade girl who experiences a life-changing accident when she injures her two front teeth. Through a series of dental surgeries and awkward encounters, Raina navigates the ups and downs of middle school, friendship, and self-discovery. With her signature humor and relatable storytelling, Raina's journey of finding her own voice and embracing her imperfections is both inspiring and empowering.
The 15010th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
The book follows the adventures of an inquisitive and fiercely independent eleven-year-old girl who loves to write and aspires to be a spy. Armed with her trusty notebook, she observes her friends, family, and neighbors, jotting down candid and sometimes unkind notes about them. Her world turns upside down when her secret notebook is discovered and read by her classmates, leading to a backlash that tests her friendships and her understanding of honesty and privacy. Through her trials, she learns valuable lessons about empathy, trust, and the consequences of her actions.
The 988th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
A Series of Unfortunate Events #1 by Lemony Snicket
The Bad Beginning
This book is the first in a series that follows the unfortunate lives of the Baudelaire children, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny, after their parents die in a mysterious fire. The children are sent to live with their distant relative, Count Olaf, who is cruel and only interested in their large inheritance. The children must use their unique skills and intellect to outsmart Olaf's evil plans and find a way to escape his clutches.
The 3149th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L'Engle
The novel follows the story of a young girl named Meg Murry, her younger brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe as they embark on a cosmic journey to rescue Meg and Charles Wallace's father. The father, a scientist, has been missing since he discovered a new planet using the concept of Tesseract, which is a wrinkle in time. Guided by three mysterious celestial beings, the children travel across different dimensions, face evil forces, and learn about the power of love and self-sacrifice.
The 293rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
From The Mixed Up Files Of Mrs Basil E Frankweiler by EL Konigsburg
And Other Stories
In this captivating book, two siblings, Claudia and Jamie, decide to run away from home and live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. As they explore the museum during the day and hide in the exhibits at night, they stumble upon a mysterious statue that may have been created by the famous sculptor Michelangelo. Determined to solve the statue's origin, Claudia and Jamie embark on an exciting adventure, uncovering secrets and learning valuable lessons about family, art, and self-discovery along the way.
The 1942nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Giver by Lois Lowry
The book is set in a seemingly perfect community without war, pain, suffering, differences or choice, where everything is under control. The protagonist is chosen to learn from an elderly man about the true pain and pleasure of the "real" world. He discovers the dark secrets behind his fragile community and struggles to handle the burden of the knowledge of pain and the concept of individuality. He must decide whether to accept the status quo or break free, risking everything.
The 1799th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
Set in Mississippi during the Great Depression, this novel follows the life of a young African American girl and her family who are struggling to maintain their integrity, pride, and independence in the face of racism and social injustice. The family owns a piece of land which provides them some protection from the harsh realities of racial discrimination. The story is a poignant exploration of how they navigate through a prejudiced society, face social and economic challenges, and fight to keep their land.
The 1309th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
The story of a boy who embarks on a journey to find his father during the Great Depression.
This novel follows the journey of a ten-year-old African American boy during the Great Depression in the United States. After the death of his mother, he runs away from a series of foster homes in search of his father, armed only with a few clues about his identity. Along the way, he encounters various characters and experiences the realities of the era, including poverty, racism, and the power of community. The story is a heartwarming tale of resilience, hope, and the quest for a place to call home, all seen through the eyes of a young boy determined to find his place in the world.
The 15010th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
Holes by Louis Sachar
This book follows the story of a young boy who is falsely accused of stealing a pair of sneakers and is sent to a juvenile detention center in the middle of a desert. Here, the boys are made to dig holes every day as a form of punishment. As the protagonist digs, he discovers the truth about the warden's obsession with the holes, the mystery of a hidden treasure, and a curse that has been haunting his family for generations. The story is a blend of adventure, mystery, and coming-of-age themes.
The 5231st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume
The book is a coming-of-age story about a sixth-grade girl who is growing up without a religious affiliation, due to her parents' interfaith marriage. The protagonist is in search of a single religion while also confronting typical pre-teen issues such as buying her first bra, having her first period, coping with crushes and the changes that come with growing up. The book explores themes of friendship, religion, love, and self-identity.
The 573rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis
Four siblings are evacuated from London during World War II and sent to live with an old professor in the countryside. In his house, they discover a magical wardrobe that serves as a portal to the land of Narnia, a world filled with mythical creatures and ruled by an evil White Witch. The children are soon caught up in a struggle to free Narnia from the witch's eternal winter, aided by the majestic lion Aslan. The story combines elements of fantasy, adventure, and Christian allegory.
The 381st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone by J. K. Rowling
The story follows a young boy, Harry Potter, who learns on his 11th birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses unique magical powers of his own. He is summoned from his life as an unwanted child to become a student at Hogwarts, an English boarding school for wizards. There, he meets several friends who become his closest allies and help him discover the truth about his parents' mysterious deaths, the dark wizard who wants to kill him, and the magical stone that holds immense power.
The 238th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
This novel follows the story of two young friends, Jess and Leslie, who create a magical kingdom called Terabithia in the woods where they spend their free time. Their friendship deepens as they rule over Terabithia, facing and overcoming various challenges together. However, a tragic accident results in Leslie's death, leaving Jess devastated. The story concludes with Jess learning to cope with his grief, and finding the courage to introduce his little sister to the magical world of Terabithia, thereby keeping Leslie's memory alive.
The 13085th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Set in Nazi Germany during World War II, the novel follows the story of a young girl who finds solace in stealing books and sharing them with others. In the midst of the horrors of war, she forms a bond with a Jewish man her foster parents are hiding in their basement. The story is narrated by Death, offering a unique perspective on the atrocities and small acts of kindness during this period. The girl's love for books becomes a metaphor for resistance against the oppressive regime.
The 1085th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants by Anne Brasheres
Four inseparable teenage friends who are forced to spend their first summer apart keep their bond alive by sharing a single pair of jeans that inexplicably fits each of them, sending it from one girl to the next as a talisman of connection. As the pants travel, each girl encounters her own tests—first loves, family tensions, painful loss, and the struggle to define herself—and through those experiences they grow, change, and learn how to support one another even when distance and life pull them in different directions. The story is a tender coming-of-age portrait about friendship, identity, and the ways people hold on to one another through joy and hardship.
The 17113th Greatest Book of All Time -
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Set in a dystopian future, the novel revolves around a teenager named Katniss Everdeen, who lives in a post-apocalyptic nation where the government, in order to maintain control, forces each of its twelve districts to send a boy and girl to participate in a televised annual event. This event, known as the Hunger Games, is a fight to the death. When Katniss's younger sister is selected to participate, Katniss volunteers to take her place. The book follows her struggle for survival in the cruel game, against the backdrop of a brewing rebellion against the oppressive regime.
The 1389th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Monster by Walter Dean Myers
The book is a powerful exploration of the American juvenile justice system through the eyes of a 16-year-old African-American boy who is on trial for his alleged involvement in a robbery-turned-murder. As he faces the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence, the protagonist grapples with his identity, the perceptions of others, and the harsh realities of a system that is quick to label him a monster. The narrative is uniquely presented through a mix of screenplay format and diary entries, offering an introspective and multifaceted look at the protagonist's experiences and the complexities of morality, truth, and humanity within the confines of a legal battle for his future.
The 8546th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton
The book is a coming-of-age story focusing on a group of teenage boys living in a poor neighborhood. They are constantly at odds with the affluent kids from the other side of town, leading to violent gang fights. The story, narrated by a 14-year-old boy, explores themes such as class conflict, friendship, and the loss of innocence. It also delves into the struggles of the protagonist as he grapples with his identity, societal expectations, and the harsh realities of life.
The 779th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
This novel follows the poignant journey of two teenagers, both cancer patients, who meet in a support group and fall in love. Their shared experiences and unique outlook on life and death bring them closer together, and they embark on a trip to Amsterdam to meet a reclusive author they both admire. Through their journey, they explore the harsh realities of living with a terminal illness while also experiencing the beautiful and tragic aspects of first love.
The 3487th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
Entertainment Weekly, 50 Books
This list presents a curated set of 50 recommended books designed to build a kids’ library and spark a lifelong love of reading, spanning early picture books through teen novels and organized with age-range guidance and short editorial notes; selections are driven by editorial judgment focused on age-appropriateness, lasting literary quality, cultural relevance, award recognition, and the books’ ability to teach empathy, imagination, or essential life lessons, with each entry accompanied by a brief staff-written blurb explaining why it made the cut. The list was put together by Entertainment Weekly’s editorial team and reflects an internal curation process rather than a public poll, with clear age recommendations and occasional references to awards or historical significance noted alongside each entry.
Who Voted: EW Staff, the number of voters and names are unknown
This list was originally published in 2016 and was added to this site about 1 year ago.
This list has a weight of 1%. To learn more about what this means please visit the Rankings page.
Here is a list of what is decreasing the importance of this list:
- Voters: unknown count
- List: only covers 1 specific genre
- List: only covers mostly "Western Canon" books
If you think this is incorrect please contact us.
- Voter Count Unknown:
- Yes
- Voter Names Unknown:
- No
- High Quality Source:
- No
- Location Specific:
- No
- Category Specific:
- Yes