Great Books for Kids

Every kids' life should be filled with great books
Great Books for Kids is Cuyahoga County Public Library's annual list of the best books for kids of all ages. We think these books would make great holiday gifts, but they are also available to borrow from our collection.
Titles are organized in age-appropriate groupings from books to read to babies to titles for teens. Click the arrow buttons to expand and reveal each list. Use the Print List buttons to print any list.
A Is for Anemone
by Roy Henry Vickers & Robert Budd
RequestAges 0-2
Vibrant and colorful illustrations by Indigenous artist Roy Henry Vickers bring the natural wonder of the Pacific Northwest to life.
Birds
by Ruth A. Musgrave
RequestAges 0 - 2
This bird-centric board book pairs bright photographs with simple text. Bonus bird facts for older kids (or parents) are also included.
Cat’s First Baby
by Natalie Nelson
RequestAges 0 - 2
The relatable and silly story is told through the cat's eyes as it compares itself to the baby.
Families Grow
by Dan Saks; illustrated by Brooke Smart
RequestAges 0 - 2
A perfect book for expectant families to introduce the topic to their little ones.
Give Me a Snickle!
by Alisha Sevigny
RequestAges 0 - 2
A book filled with sweet photographs of babies and fun word play.
Hi-Five Farm!
by Ross Burach
RequestAges 0 - 2
Perfect for fans of the Book-O-Masks, this interactive book helps young readers practice their high-five skills.
How to Dress a Dinosaur
by Robin Currie; illustrated by Alycia Pace
RequestAges 0 - 2
A clever mom finds a unique way to help her child get dressed and ready when he decides to become a dinosaur!
I'm Still Up!
by Antoinette Portis
RequestAges 0 - 2
A recognizable depiction of a young child’s nighttime routine when they think they aren't sleepy.
Who Dug This Hole?
by Laura Gehl; illustrated by Loris Lora
RequestAges 0 - 2
This colorfully illustrated lift-the-flap book gives a peek inside holes and burrows dug by wild animals.
Wonderful Babies
by Emily Winfield Martin
RequestAges 0 - 2
A gentle introduction to emotions with simple text and sweet illustrations of babies.
Woodland Dance!
by Sandra Boynton
RequestAges 0 - 2
Woodland creatures hear a fox's bugle call and celebrate the night with a moonlit dance.
Bathe the Cat
by Alice McGinty; illustrated by David Roberts
RequestAges 3 - 5
Grandma is on her way and the family needs to get through the to-do list ASAP!
The Blur
by Minh Lê; illustrated by Dan Santat
RequestAges 3 - 5
Time flies when you are the parents of a baby with superhero powers!
Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem / La canción del cambio
by Amanda Gorman; illustrated by Loren Long
RequestAges 3 - 5
Poet Amanda Gorman creates a powerful and lyrical book that shines when read aloud.
Fluffy McWhiskers: Cuteness Explosion
by Stephen W. Martin; illustrated by Dan Tavis
RequestAges 3 - 5
This book will have you rolling on the floor laughing and exploding with cuteness overload.
Group Hug
by Jean Reidy; illustrated by Joey Chou
RequestAges 3 - 5
This sweet picture book is a great read alike for fans of the book Bear Came Along.
I Say Please and Thank You
by Rachel Isadora & Robie Rogge; illustrated by Rachel Isadora
RequestAges 3 - 5
Discover a child-friendly introduction to etiquette.
I'm Hungry! / Tengo Hambre!
by Angela Dominguez
RequestAges 3 - 5
This bright and colorful bilingual picture book reminds us how good friends take care of each other.
It Fell from the Sky
by Terry Fan & Eric Fan
RequestAges 3 - 5
A garden full of insects is awestruck by a glass marble that lands in the grass
Kunoichi Bunny
Sara Cassidy; illustrated by Brayden Sato
RequestAges 3 - 5
This wordless picture book is a great companion for the classic favorite Knuffle Bunny.
Math Play!
Linda Dauksas & Jeanne White
RequestAges 3 - 5
Children will be so absorbed in the fun-filled activities that they won’t even know they’re learning!
The Me I Choose to Be
Natasha Tarpley; illustrated by Regis & Kahran Bethencourt
RequestAges 3 - 5
The photos in this book take the reader through the many possibilities they could be, from joyful to a superhero.
Soomi's Sweater / Sumiui sae seuweteo
Susie Oh
RequestAges 3 - 5
Soomi learns the importance of patience after ripping a sweater.
Thankful
Elaine Vickers; illustrated by Samantha Cotterill
RequestAges 3 - 5
This quiet book is a perfect bedtime story for snuggling up and reading together.
Print listThe Bug Club
by Elise Gravel
RequestAges 6-7
Readers will be enthralled by this book’s cartoon graphics and fun facts about bugs.
Cornbread & Poppy
by Matthew Cordell
RequestAges 6 - 7
Cornbread and Poppy are two mouse friends who could not be more opposite when it comes to planning ahead!
Drive It! Fix It!
by Larry Dane Brimner; illustrated by Kaylani Juanita
RequestAges 6 - 7
This book will inspire and build confidence for early readers.
Even Robots Aren't Perfect!
by Jan Thomas
RequestAges 6 - 7
Red and Blue Robot have the perfect friendship—or do they?
The Legend of Gravity: A Tall Basketball Tale
by Charly Palmer
RequestAges 6 - 7
With striking artwork and a story of neighborhood friendships and pickup basketball games, this tall tale is a fun story.
My Big Book of Outdoors
by Tim Hopgood
RequestAges 6 - 7
A celebration of the joy of the outdoors throughout the seasons.
Negative Cat
by Sophie Blackall
RequestAges 6 - 7
Negative Cat isn't quite the cuddly pet this family expected.
Photo Ark ABC: An Animal Alphabet in Poetry and Pictures
by Debbie Levy; photographs by Joel Sartore
RequestAges 6 - 7
Striking wildlife photography meets varying poetry styles in this unique alphabet/animal conservation book.
Pill Bug Does Not Need Anybody
by Jonathan Fenske
RequestAges 6 - 7
In this hilarious early reader, the illustrations and simple text will help the newest of readers gain confidence.
The Shape of Home
by Rashin Kheiriyeh
RequestAges 6 - 7
This book is a great introduction to geography and culture inclusivity.
Sona Sharma, Very Best Big Sister?
by Chitra Soundar; illustrated by Jen Khatun
RequestAges 6 - 7
Sona Sharma’s life is changing with the impending arrival of her new baby brother or sister.
XO, Exoplanet
by Deborah Underwood; illustrated by Jorge Lacera
RequestAges 6 - 7
This is a great book for children who love the solar system.
The Year We Learned to Fly / El año en que aprendimos a volar
by Jacqueline Woodson; illustrated by Rafael López
RequestAges 6 - 7
A beautifully illustrated story of a young girl and her brother learning from their grandmother how to fly.
The Aquanaut
by Dan Santat
RequestAges 8 - 9
A band of sea creatures seek out Aqualand while looking for a place safer than the ocean to call home.
Because of You, John Lewis: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship
by Andrea Davis Pinkney; illustrated by Keith Henry Brown
RequestAges 8 - 9
Young Tybre Faw discovers a hero in Congressman John Lewis.
Fairy Tale Science: Explore 25 Classic Tales Through Hands-on Experiments
by Sarah Albee; illustrated by Bill Robinson
RequestAges 8 - 9
Fairy Tales and science mix in this enchanting, witty book.
Just Harriet
by Elana K. Arnold; illustrated by Dung Ho
RequestAges 8 - 9
Utterly charming and an excellent read-aloud for the whole family.
Just Right Jillian
by Nicole D. Collier
RequestAges 8 - 9
For Jillian, coming out of her shell is easier said than done.
Kapaemahu
by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hamer & Joe Wilson; illustrated by Daniel Sousa
RequestAges 8 - 9
This book offers a more complete history behind the Hawaiian legend of The Healer Stones of Kapaemahu.
Kicks
by Van G. Garrett; illustrated by Reggie Brown
RequestAges 8 - 9
Award-winning poet Van G. Garrett creates a melody that speaks to the joyfulness of a new pair of kicks.
Love in the Library
by Maggie Tokuda-Hall; illustrated by Yas Imamura
RequestAges 8 - 9
This age-appropriate picture book explains the experience of Japanese Americans during World War II.
Marshmallow Clouds: Two Poets at Play Among Figures of Speech
by Ted Kooser & Connie Wanek; illustrated by Richard Jones
RequestAges 8 - 9
Whimsical poems with personifications, metaphors and the like are framed by the four natural elements.
Pink: A Women's March Story
by Virginia Zimmerman; illustrated by Mary N. DePalma
RequestAges 8 - 9
Grandma is knitting pink hats for the entire family—even dad and big brother are going to the Women's March of 2017!
Rescuing Titanic: A True Story of Quiet Bravery in the North Atlantic
by Flora Delargy
RequestAges 8 - 9
A beautifully illustrated depiction of the night the Titanic sank.
We Can: Portraits of Power
by Tyler Gordon
RequestAges 8 - 9
Talented teen artist Tyler Gordon has painted portraits of icons who inspired him and put them together in this wonderful book.
Print listAfrican Icons: Ten People Who Shaped History
by Tracey Baptiste; illustrated by Hillary D. Wilson
RequestAges 10-11
The interweaving of facts and brief on 10 leaders and thinkers historically important in building Africa can be read in small chunks for busy readers.
Amira & Hamza: The War to Save the Worlds
by Samira Ahmed
RequestAges 10 - 11
When Amira's little brother Hamza breaks the ancient Box of the Moon during a rare blood blue moon eclipse, a piece of the moon hurtles towards earth.
Black Boy Joy: 17 Stories Celebrating Black Boyhood
by Kwame Mbalia
RequestAges 10 - 11
Seventeen authors share short stories that show the reader the joy in the life of each boy featured.
Deep Dive into Deep Sea: Exploring the Most Mysterious Levels of the Ocean
by Tim Flannery; illustrated by Sam Caldwell
RequestAges 10 - 11
Browsable look at the deepest parts of the ocean and the creatures that live there.
Fast Pitch
by Nic Stone
RequestAges 10 - 11
Shenice Lockwood dreams of leading her all-black girls’ softball team to the U12 softball regional championships—but her great-uncle throws her a curveball.
The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza
by Mac Barnett; illustrated by Shawn Harris
RequestAges 10 - 11
The moon is being eaten by an army of rats! There’s no other choice than to activate Project 47—a cat fit for space travel.
How to Train Your Dad
by Gary Paulsen
RequestAges 10 - 11
Carl is determined to change his father’s embarrassing Dumpster-diving, bargain-hunting ways and make him into a normal, fly below-the-radar dad.
Maizy Chen's Last Chance
by Lisa Yee
RequestAges 10 - 11
A great family read-together, the novel becomes a mix of present-day happenings and a look back at the history that shaped a family.
On This Day: A History of the World in 366 Days
by Andrea Mills, Meghaa Gupta, Upamanyu Das, Zaina Budaly & Amanda Wyatt
RequestAges 10 - 11
Find out what happened on every day of the year through history.
Paws: Gabby Gets It Together
by Nathan Fairbairn; illustrated by Michele Assarasakorn
RequestAges 10 - 11
Three friends who aren’t allowed to have dogs at home start a dog walking business.
Playing the Cards You're Dealt
by Varian Johnson
RequestAges 10 - 11
Fifth grader Anthony, better known as Ant, has his sights set on winning the neighborhood’s annual Spades tournament.
The Shadow Prince
by David Anthony Durham
RequestAges 10 - 11
For kids obsessed with gods and goddess stories, this book will introduce them to the Egyptian cast of characters.
Stuntboy, in the Meantime
by Jason Reynolds; illustrated by Raúl the Third
RequestAges 10 - 11
Portico learns imaginative new stunts to handle his frets, a bully and his arguing parents in his castle apartment building.
Alias Anna: A True Story of Outwitting the Nazis
by Susan Hood with Greg Dawson
RequestAges 12 - 13
This nonfiction novel-in-verse shares one family’s story, discovered by a grandchild doing a report for school on what it was like when grandma was 13.
The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities: New Stories About Mythic Heroes
edited by Rick Riordan
RequestAges 12 - 13
The authors from the Rick Riordan Presents imprint offer 10 stories featuring new and old characters.
Daughter of the Deep / La última descendiente
by Rick Riordan; illustrated by Lavanya Naidu
RequestAges 12 - 13
After Ana Dakkar’s elite high school is destroyed by a rival school, she is stunned to learn her summer reading, Jules Verne's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, is more fact than fiction.
Hardcourt: Stories from 75 Years of the National Basketball Association
by Fred Bowen; illustrated by James E. Ransome
RequestAges 12 - 13
Celebrate 75 years of the National Basketball Association with the story of its origin, highlights from major events and more.
It's the End of the World and I'm in My Bathing Suit
by Justin A. Reynolds
RequestAges 12 - 13
What starts as a genius way to get out of doing chores all summer turns into Eddie stuck at home doing laundry in his bathing suit.
The Many Meanings of Meilan
by Andrea Wang
RequestAges 12 - 13
Newbery Honor-winning Wang’s use of different Chinese characters helps show all the pieces that make Meilan who she is.
Pony
by R.J. Palacio
RequestAges 12 - 13
Set in 1860s Ohio, Silas Bird is guided by the mysterious Pony on an unforgettable journey that will change his life.
Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs
by Pam Muñoz Ryan
RequestAges 12 - 13
Soon-to-be-crowned Mexican princess Solimar must protect weak butterflies who in turn give her the gift of prophecy—but not without a price.
Stowaway
by John David Anderson
RequestAges 12 - 13
Fans of Star Wars, in particular Han Solo, will enjoy this space-pirate adventure.
Swim Team
by Johnnie Christmas
RequestAges 12 - 13
When Bree moves to a new town, she is placed into Swim 101—without knowing how to swim.
Welcome to Dweeb Club
by Betsy Uhrig
RequestAges 12 - 13
A humorous read that’s perfect for fans of Gordon Korman.
Yummy: A History of Desserts
by Victoria Grace Elliot
RequestAges 12 - 13
Drawn in the style of Manga, this graphic novel includes the origins, names and evolutions of desserts from ice cream to macarons.
Print listAnd We Rise: The Civil Rights Movement in Poems
by Erica Martin
RequestAge 14-15
This powerful collection of history-in-verse explores timely themes of the Civil Rights Movement.
Big Boned
by Jo Watson
RequestAges 14 - 15
This poignant coming-of-age title explores body positivity, first love and what it means to grow new roots in a one-size-fits-all world.
Braincomix
by Jean-François Marmion; illustrated by Monsieur B
RequestAges 14 - 15
An anthropomorphized human brain takes the reader on a journey through the goings on of the most complex structure in the universe.
A Clash of Steel: A Treasure Island Remix
by C.B. Lee
RequestAges 14 - 15
Xiang is trying to prove herself to her mother with the help of Anh, a mysterious girl who has spent her life on the sea.
Disability Visibility: 17 First-Person Stories for Today: Adapted for Young Adults
edited by Alice Wong
RequestAges 14 - 15
Life’s challenges, experiences and joys are examined in 17 first-person essays.
The Ghosts of Rose Hill
by R.M. Romero
RequestAges 14 - 15
While tending to a local Jewish cemetery, Ilana Lopez meets a ghost who draws her into the city’s magical spirit world.
Girl on Fire
by Alicia Keys & Andrew Weiner; illustrated by Brittney Williams
RequestAges 14 - 15
A coming-of-age novel about a girl who discovers she has powers and must figure out how to use them.
Kings of B'More
by R. Eric Thomas
RequestAges 14 - 15
Before his best friend Linus moves away, 16-year-old Harrison vows to give him a day of adventure.
The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School
by Sonora Reyes
RequestAges 14 - 15
Yamilet struggles with how much of herself she can reveal to her peers, even a new friend she finds absolutely charming.
A Short, Hopeful Guide to Climate Change
by Oisín McGann
RequestAges 14 - 15
This pithy guide explaining our planet’s bleak state (in a hopeful way) is perfect for budding environmentalists and young activists.
Skin of the Sea
by Natasha Bowen
RequestAges 14 - 15
A beautifully told tale of Black mermaids, interspersed with African mythology, romance, and revenge.
Sunny G's Series of Rash Decisions
by Navdeep Singh Dhillon
RequestAges 14 - 15
Sunny doesn’t make rash decisions, but after losing his older brother, he decides to take Goldy's notebook and fill it with rash decisions.
All My Rage
by Sabaa Tahir
RequestAges 16 - 18
When Sal’s mom dies, Sal goes to extreme measures to save his family’s motel and his alcoholic dad, but will his friendship survive his lies?
Allies: Real Talk About Showing Up, Screwing Up, and Trying Again
by Shakirah Bourne & Dana Alison Levy
RequestAges 16 - 18
This compilation of essays and true stories provides perspective and opportunities for reflection.
How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe
by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland
RequestAges 16 - 18
This beautifully written romance follows Moon Fuentez through an incredible journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
If This Gets Out
by Sophie Gonzales & Cale Dietrich
RequestAges 16 - 18
As the band embarks on a whirlwind European tour, the pressure of fame begins to take a toll on its members.
Loveless
by Alice Oseman
RequestAges 16 - 18
A cute book about love by the author of the popular Heartstopper book series which is now a Netflix show.
Margot Mertz Takes It Down
by Carrie McCrossen & Ian McWethy
RequestAges 16 - 18
Mertz Cleans Your Filth, LLC is dedicated to clearing the internet presence for students and teachers alike—but it’s not always so simple.
Messy Roots: A Graphic Memoir of a Wuhanese American
by Laura Gao; illustrated by Weiwei Xu
RequestAges 16 - 18
Debut author/illustrator Laura Gao explores her childhood immigration from Wuhan, China to Texas.
No Filter and Other Lies
by Crystal Maldonado
RequestAges 16 - 18
What is 16-year-old Kat to do when one of the connections she makes as a fake person on social media leads to real feelings?
Private Label
by Kelly Yang
RequestAges 16 - 18
Serene Li dreamed of being a fashion designer like her mom, but when her mom is diagnosed with cancer, she takes over a fashion empire and tries to find her father.
Queen of the Tiles
by Hanna Alkaf
RequestAges 16 - 18
After noticing cryptic posts on her friend Trina’s Instagram, Najwa Bakri works to find out who’s behind her friend’s mysterious death.
Reclaim the Stars: 17 Tales Across Realms & Space
edited by Zoraida Córdova
RequestAges 16 - 18
An engaging, unique and inclusive collection of fantasy and science fiction short stories.
Squad
by Maggie Tokuda-Hall; illustrated by Lisa Sterle
RequestAges 16 - 18
When Becca transfers schools, she’s shocked to find herself in the popular girls’ pack—and even more so by how they spend their full moons.
TJ Powar Has Something to Prove
by Jesmeen Kaur Deo
RequestAges 16 - 18
When TJ becomes the subject of a viral "expectation vs. reality" meme, she questions whether people understand how much effort goes into maintaining her "natural" look.
Print list
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Great Toys for Kids
These librarian-approved toys make great holiday gifts. All of the toys on this list are also available to borrow. Click the image or toy title to learn more about each toy. Toys can be requested and delivered to the branch of your choice for pickup.

Magna Tiles-Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
Ages: 3 Years and Up
Category: Blocks and Building
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