Listmania!
The Best Best Best Best Children's Books
By an Amazon.com customer
ClementineClementine by Sara Pennypacker
Buy used from: $4.64
The Clementine books will appeal first to girls, but Clementine is such a funny, no-nonsense character that she deserves a chance with the boys! Even though she will NEVER have a boyfriend, so don't worry!
Three Tales of My Father's DragonThree Tales of My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett
Buy new: $11.53 / Used from: $0.92
Whimsical, funny, with a really lovable dragon, this is a great young boy's read, especially aloud!
THE 13 CLOCKS by James Thurber, illustrated by Marc Simont (Dell Yearling trade paperback 1982 THIRTEEN CLOCKS)THE 13 CLOCKS by James Thurber, illustrated by Marc Simont (Dell Yearling trade paperback 1982 THIRTEEN CLOCKS)
Okay, this is a book for EVERYONE, but every child should read this or have it read to them starting at age 4 or 5. Right now it's "out of print", but I believe it is making a comeback and should be available again soon!
Many Moons (A Harcourt Brace contemporary classic)Many Moons (A Harcourt Brace contemporary classic) by James Thurber
Buy new: $8.00 / Used from: $2.32
Another one of Thurber's great childrens' books that adults can enjoy too. It's hilarious. It's about a king who is requested by his sick daughter to bring her the moon while she is bedridden.
The Wonderful O (Childrens Collection)The Wonderful O (Childrens Collection) by James Thurber
Buy new: $10.17 / Used from: $8.54
What would the world be like if we had no letter O? Find out by reading this to your child of any age!
Rapunzel's RevengeRapunzel's Revenge by Shannon Hale
Buy new: $12.91 / Used from: $6.99
HILARIOUS respinning of the Rapunzel story, with really delightful artwork. Recommended for 9 and up.
The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous JourneyThe Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey by Trenton Lee Stewart
Buy new: $9.93 / Used from: $3.25
For the gifted child, and any child for that matter--fun, fast-paced, and full of sticky situations! Ages 9-10 and up.
Once Upon a MarigoldOnce Upon a Marigold by Jean Ferris
Buy new: $5.95 / Used from: $0.01
All the elements of a fairy tale rolled up into one laugh-out-loud story! Don't forget the sequel (below). Ages 12 and up.
The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup and a Spool of ThreadThe Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup and a Spool of Thread by Kate DiCamillo
Buy new: $7.99 / Used from: $0.01
Who would have thought that a mouse could be just as noble as a knight? For ages 8 and up.
Time Cat (Puffin Modern Classic) (Puffin Modern Classics)Time Cat (Puffin Modern Classic) (Puffin Modern Classics) by Lloyd Alexander
Buy new: $6.99 / Used from: $0.01
For lovers of the Magic Tree House series, this one is a step above. It's about a cat who, with a young boy, uses his nine lives to go to different periods of time, where adventure awaits! Mostly a boy book, but I am a girl, and I liked it.
Coraline Movie Tie-in EditionCoraline Movie Tie-in Edition by Neil Gaiman
Buy new: $6.99 / Used from: $2.61
Creepy but thrilling!!!!!! NOT for kids who are afraid of the dark or of weird creatures. It's a great story, though, and those kids who like thriller and fantasy and spooky corners of the house will love it! For boys and girls.
The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1)The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1) by Rick Riordan
Buy new: $7.99 / Used from: $3.50
A hilarious story about a boy whose father is a Greek god, great book for boys and girls alike!
Bone: The Complete Cartoon Epic in One Volume (Vol 1)Bone: The Complete Cartoon Epic in One Volume (Vol 1) by Jeff Smith
Buy new: $26.37 / Used from: $15.00
This is a more complex story, written in graphic novel form. It's a good epic story though, and I recommend it for kids who are 10 and up, or kids who are really into stories with intricate plots and lots of fun characters and a brewing battle of the ages!
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Book 1)Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Book 1) by J.K. Rowling
Buy new: $14.61 / Used from: $1.70
It's my all-time favorite series. Great story, great characters, written very well...I don't need to say any more. You just need to read all 7 books if you have never read them before. It depends with kids though. The first few books are probably on the late middle school reading level, but they do get more complex.
The Dark Is Rising (The Dark Is Rising Sequence)The Dark Is Rising (The Dark Is Rising Sequence) by Susan Cooper
Buy new: $8.99 / Used from: $0.88
This is an older book, great for boys ages 11 and up who like fantasy. Recommended to read along with Ranger's Apprentice Series, Pendragon, Magyk, and similar.
The Secret Garden (Unabridged Classics)The Secret Garden (Unabridged Classics) by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Buy new: $9.95 / Used from: $1.71
For the classics lover. I love this book. It's about a spoiled little girl who learns how to be kind. Ages 10 and up.
InterWorldInterWorld by Neil Gaiman
Buy used from: $6.41
For the science fiction lover who has a fancy for traveling between worlds.
AirmanAirman by Eoin Colfer
Buy used from: $4.35
For older boys, a great story of how a boy becomes a man under the most extreme circumstances.
The Wish ListThe Wish List by Eoin Colfer
Buy new: $6.99 / Used from: $0.01
Boys and girls alike should enjoy this comedy of Heaven and Hell.
Artemis Fowl (Artemis Fowl, Book 1)Artemis Fowl (Artemis Fowl, Book 1) by Eoin Colfer
Buy new: $5.99 / Used from: $0.01
Artemis Fowl is one of the most annoying, arrogant, selfish make characters I have ever encountered, and his story, along with that of all the other memorable characters, is one of the best written. For science fiction and fantasy lovers, especially boys, but also all the science fiction and fantasy loving girls. There are six books in the series so far.
Inkheart by Cornelia Funke (Hardcover)Inkheart by Cornelia Funke (Hardcover) by Cornelia Funke
Buy used from: $13.94
Admit it: there has been at least one book you would have loved to jump into--literally. That's what happens with Meggie in Inkheart. I recommend this book for kids who have long attention spans, though. There are three to the series, but I have not yet read the third one.
Tales of Magic Boxed Set (Edward Eager Tales of Magic)Tales of Magic Boxed Set (Edward Eager Tales of Magic) by Edward Eager
Buy used from: $19.75
I read these a long time ago--a whimsical fantasy series for those kids who enjoy old-school childrens' make-believe stories.
The Wolves of Willoughby Chase (The Wolves Chronicles)The Wolves of Willoughby Chase (The Wolves Chronicles) by Joan Aiken
Buy new: $6.50 / Used from: $0.01
Rather dark, but the classic story of a little girl at boarding school who rises above the various hostilities she encounters there. I read it in the fourth grade I think, so about 9 and up.
Millions (Bccb Blue Ribbon Fiction Books (Awards))Millions (Bccb Blue Ribbon Fiction Books (Awards)) by Frank Cottrell Boyce
Buy used from: $2.99
A funny story about a boy who sees saints, and who finds a million dollars. Great book for boys!
Among the Hidden (Shadow Children #1)Among the Hidden (Shadow Children #1) by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Buy new: $6.99 / Used from: $0.01
This is not a series for kids looking for something fun. This is a series for kids who are looking for thrill, suspense, danger, and a bit of adventure. A good prelude to the high school dystopian literature requirements.
Howl's Moving CastleHowl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
Buy new: $6.99 / Used from: $3.87
If you like the whimsical fantasy style (see My Father's Dragon and Edward Eager), this is the perfect book! There are three related books (see below) but I have not yet read the third one. For ages 10 and up.
The Chronicles of Chrestomanci, Volume 1: Charmed Life / The Lives of Christopher ChantThe Chronicles of Chrestomanci, Volume 1: Charmed Life / The Lives of Christopher Chant by Diana Wynne Jones
Buy new: $7.99 / Used from: $0.01
Two books in one! Find out who this mysterious Chrestomanci is! A great fantasy for ages 11 and up.
Heir ApparentHeir Apparent by Vivian Vande Velde
Buy new: $6.95 / Used from: $0.01
For the kid who loves video games and virtual reality games, this is about a girl who actually gets STUCK in a virtual reality game.
The Ordinary PrincessThe Ordinary Princess by M. M. Kaye
Buy new: $5.99 / Used from: $0.86
A short, sweet upside-down fairy tale about a princess who is quite normal in every way, which just makes it all the more wonderful. Ages 9 and up.
The Doll PeopleThe Doll People by Ann M. Martin
Buy new: $7.99 / Used from: $0.01
Ever since Toy Story, I have sometimes wondered if your things really do magically come to life when you are not around. The three books in this series are about dolls who come to life when their owners are not around. Great for girls ages 8 and up.
Journey to the River SeaJourney to the River Sea by Eva Ibbotson
Buy used from: $0.01
A orphan girl, living with her awful relatives, goes on a trip on the Amazon with her governess; for girls ages 10 and up.
Which Witch?Which Witch?
Buy used from: $3.45
More whimsical fantasy from one of the best of its authors!!!! A wizard must choose a witch for his bride, and they all have to compete for his hand. Quite entertaining for kids 10 and up. Related books are Island of the Aunts and The Secret of Platform 13.
The Shakespeare StealerThe Shakespeare Stealer by Gary Blackwood
Buy new: $6.99 / Used from: $0.01
For the historical fiction lover. Great for boys, and also for girls who are into that time period and like a good strong male character. Don't forget the next two sequels!
The Chronicles of NarniaThe Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis
Buy new: $15.83 / Used from: $0.40
Need I say anything? The classic children's fantasy series!
Midnight MagicMidnight Magic by Avi
Buy new: $6.99 / Used from: $0.01
Great historical fiction from a great author. Ages 12 and up.