The Experts' Suggested Titles
This is one of the 743 lists we use to generate our main The Greatest Books list.
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Don't Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! by Mo Willems
In this humorous children's book, a bus driver takes a break and asks the reader to keep an eye on his bus, specifically instructing not to let a pigeon drive it. The pigeon, full of personality and persistence, tries every tactic imaginable to convince the reader to let him take the wheel, from pleading and bargaining to throwing a tantrum. The story engages young readers by directly involving them in the narrative, encouraging them to say "no" to the pigeon's increasingly desperate attempts, ultimately teaching lessons about boundaries and self-control.
The 13890th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
The Stupids Step Out by Harry Allard
In this whimsical and humorous tale, the delightfully eccentric Stupid family embarks on a series of absurd adventures as they venture outside their home. With their unique perspective on the world, the family members, including Mr. and Mrs. Stupid and their children, Buster and Petunia, encounter a series of comically nonsensical situations. From mistaking a dog for a lion to getting lost in their own neighborhood, their antics are a playful exploration of misunderstandings and silliness, all while showcasing the charm of embracing one's quirks and the joy of family togetherness.
The 17007th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg
In this captivating tale, two siblings, Peter and Judy, discover a mysterious board game that brings the jungle to life in their living room. As they roll the dice, each turn unleashes wild animals and natural disasters, transforming their home into a chaotic adventure. The children must navigate through the game's challenges, solving riddles and overcoming obstacles, to restore order and return everything to normal. With each roll, the stakes grow higher, and the siblings learn the importance of teamwork and perseverance in the face of unexpected dangers.
The 14165th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
Food Fight! by Carol Diggory Shields
Poems About Eating
In a lively and humorous tale, a group of mischievous foods come to life in a bustling cafeteria, engaging in a playful and chaotic battle of wits and antics. As the food items hilariously clash and compete for attention, the story unfolds with vibrant illustrations and rhyming verses that capture the imagination of young readers. Amidst the chaos, a subtle message about cooperation and understanding emerges, leaving readers with a delightful and entertaining experience.
The 17007th Greatest Book of All Time -
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 3146th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Day My Bum Went Psycho by Andy Griffiths
In a hilariously absurd adventure, a young boy embarks on a quest to rescue his runaway bum, which has joined a rebellious army of bums plotting world domination. As he navigates through a series of comical and bizarre challenges, he teams up with a group of bum-fighting allies, including a bum-hunter and a bum-fighting dog, to thwart the bums' outrageous plans. This uproarious tale combines slapstick humor with a touch of the surreal, capturing the imagination with its unique and whimsical take on a world where bums have minds of their own.
The 17007th Greatest Book of All Time -
Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz
A 14-year-old boy named Alex Rider is suddenly thrust into the world of espionage after his uncle's mysterious death. Trained by MI6, he is sent on a dangerous mission to investigate a billionaire businessman who plans to distribute lethal viruses through computers. Using his wits and skills, Alex must stop this nefarious plan and save the world.
The 9047th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Honus & Me by Dan Gutman
A Baseball Card Adventure
In this captivating tale, a young boy named Joe Stoshack discovers a rare and valuable baseball card featuring the legendary Honus Wagner. As Joe grapples with the decision of what to do with his newfound treasure, he is magically transported back in time to the early 1900s, where he meets Wagner himself. Through their unexpected friendship, Joe learns valuable lessons about integrity, sportsmanship, and the true meaning of success, all while navigating the challenges of both past and present.
The 17007th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Beast by Walter Dean Myers
A Reckoning with the Past
Set against the gritty backdrop of Harlem, this compelling narrative follows Anthony "Spoon" Witherspoon, a young man who returns home from an elite boarding school only to find his neighborhood and relationships transformed by the pervasive influence of drugs and violence. As he reconnects with his girlfriend, Gabi, Spoon is confronted with the harsh realities of addiction and the challenges of staying true to oneself amidst chaos. Through his journey, he grapples with the complexities of love, loyalty, and the pursuit of a better future, all while navigating the beast that threatens to consume those he cares about.
The 17007th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
A young prodigy is enlisted into a military academy in space, where he is trained through complex war games to combat an impending alien invasion. Despite his initial struggles with isolation and manipulation by the academy's leaders, he rises through the ranks due to his strategic genius and leadership skills. The protagonist grapples with the moral implications of war and the cost of his own humanity, as he is groomed to be the Earth's ultimate weapon against the alien threat.
The 2603rd 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 778th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
There and Back Again
In this fantasy novel, a timid and unadventurous hobbit named Bilbo Baggins is whisked away on a grand adventure by a wizard and a group of dwarves. Their mission is to reclaim the dwarves' homeland and treasure from a fearsome dragon. Throughout the journey, Bilbo grows in courage and cunning, proving himself a true hero as he encounters trolls, goblins, giant spiders, and other perils. The novel culminates with a great battle involving various races of Middle Earth, after which Bilbo returns home, forever changed by his experiences.
The 146th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Lord Of The Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien
A young hobbit inherits a seemingly simple ring that harbors an ancient, corrupting power, and sets out on a perilous quest with loyal friends and unlikely allies to carry it to the only place it can be destroyed; along the way a diverse fellowship is tested by betrayal, war, and sacrifice as dark forces seek to reclaim the ring, rulers rise to meet their destinies, and the fate of their world hangs on courage, friendship, and the smallest acts of resistance against tyranny.
The 17th Greatest Book of All Time -
Judy Moody by Megan McDonald
was in a mood. Not a good mood. A bad mood.
The story follows a spirited third-grader who is navigating the ups and downs of school life with her unique flair and ever-changing moods. Determined to make her mark, she embarks on a series of adventures, from creating a memorable "Me Collage" to tackling challenges with her best friend, Rocky. With her quirky personality and imaginative ideas, she learns valuable lessons about friendship, self-expression, and embracing her individuality, all while keeping readers entertained with her humorous antics and relatable experiences.
The 17007th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Junie B. Jones And The Stupid Smelly Bus A.K.A. Junie B. Jones Is On Her Way! by Barbara Park
In this delightful and humorous tale, a spirited kindergartener embarks on her first day of school with a mix of excitement and trepidation. Her biggest concern is the "stupid smelly bus" that she must ride, which she finds intimidating and unpleasant. As the day unfolds, she navigates the challenges of making new friends, understanding school rules, and dealing with her vivid imagination. Her quirky observations and candid thoughts provide a heartwarming and entertaining glimpse into the world of a young child experiencing school for the first time.
The 17007th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch
In this delightful and empowering children's story, a young princess named Elizabeth finds herself in a predicament when a dragon destroys her castle and kidnaps her fiancé, Prince Ronald. With her clothes burnt to ashes, Elizabeth dons a paper bag and sets off on a courageous quest to rescue the prince. Using her wit and intelligence, she outsmarts the dragon, only to discover that Prince Ronald is ungrateful and shallow. Realizing her own worth, Elizabeth decides to embrace her independence, leaving the prince behind and celebrating her newfound freedom.
The 14901st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Fairy Tale Detectives by Michael Buckley
The Sisters Grimm, Book One
In this enchanting tale, two sisters, Sabrina and Daphne Grimm, find themselves thrust into a world where fairy tales are not just stories but reality. After being sent to live with their mysterious grandmother in the town of Ferryport Landing, they discover their family's legacy as fairy tale detectives, tasked with solving magical mysteries involving characters from classic tales. As they navigate this new world filled with danger and wonder, the sisters must rely on their wits and courage to uncover the truth behind a series of strange occurrences, all while learning about their own family's hidden past.
The 14901st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Sammy Keyes And The Hotel Thief by Wendelin Van Draanen
In this engaging mystery, a spunky seventh-grader finds herself embroiled in a thrilling adventure after she witnesses a robbery from her grandmother's apartment window. With a knack for sleuthing and a penchant for getting into trouble, she takes it upon herself to solve the case, navigating a series of twists and turns that lead her through a web of secrets and deception. As she juggles school, friendships, and her unconventional living situation, she learns valuable lessons about courage, trust, and the importance of standing up for what is right.
The 17007th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining by Anne Mazer
My Life as a Fifth-Grade Comedian
Abby Hayes is a spirited and imaginative young girl navigating the ups and downs of middle school life. With her vibrant red hair and a penchant for writing in her beloved journal, she captures the everyday challenges and triumphs of growing up. As she juggles friendships, family dynamics, and her own aspirations, Abby learns valuable lessons about resilience, optimism, and the importance of seeing the bright side in every situation. Her journey is a heartwarming reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always a glimmer of hope and positivity to be found.
The 17007th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares
The book follows four best friends—Lena, Tibby, Bridget, and Carmen—who discover a pair of jeans that miraculously fits each of them despite their different body types. Dubbed the Traveling Pants, the jeans become a symbol of their friendship and a way to stay connected as they spend their first summer apart. As the pants circulate among the girls, they experience a series of personal growth and life-changing experiences, from first loves to family conflicts. The story is a heartwarming exploration of the bonds of friendship, the pains of growing up, and the belief that a bit of magic can appear in the most unexpected places.
The 6555th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
The book follows the life of a teenage girl who discovers that she is the heir to the throne of a small European principality. Navigating the complexities of high school, she must also learn the intricacies of royalty and diplomacy. With the help of her grandmother, the reigning queen, she undergoes a transformation from an awkward adolescent to a confident young woman, all while dealing with the pressures of her newfound status, the media's attention, and the challenges of her personal relationships. Her journey is filled with humor, self-discovery, and the trials and tribulations of growing up.
The 4060th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Angus, Thongs And Full Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison
Confessions of Georgia Nicolson
This book is a humorous and candid teenage diary that captures the angst and euphoria of adolescence. The protagonist, a British teen girl, navigates the trials and tribulations of growing up, dealing with her eccentric family, her crush on a boy named Robbie, and the social minefields of high school. With a sharp wit and a flair for the dramatic, she documents her attempts to improve her kissing technique, reduce the size of her nose, and understand the mystifying behavior of the opposite sex, all while wearing her signature pair of leopard-print tights. The diary format offers an intimate glimpse into the protagonist's chaotic and endearing world as she tries to find her place and maybe even a bit of romance.
The 5740th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
The Plain Dealer , 22 Books
Children's author Jon Scieszka, with the help of librarians, compiled a list of books to get children (boys and girls) reading. Some of the books named on this list were entire book series, and so the first book in each series was chosen instead.
This list was originally published in 2006 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: Voter Count
- List: criteria is not just "best/favorite"
- List: only covers 1 specific genre
- List: only covers mostly "Western Canon" books
- Voters: are mostly from a single country/location
- Voters: Unknown Names
If you think this is incorrect please contact us.
- Number of Voters:
- 4
- Voter Count Unknown:
- No
- Voter Names Unknown:
- Yes
- High Quality Source:
- No
- Location Specific:
- No
- Category Specific:
- Yes