Children's Books

  1. Home
  2. Parenting & Family
  3. Children's Books

Children's Books and Young Adult Books

By Elizabeth Kennedy, About.com Guide to Children's Books

Whether you have an eager reader or a reluctant reader, there are many books and other resources available to meet your needs. Children do not move from intermediate fiction to young adult fiction all at once; they do it a book at a time, often moving back and forth for months. In this section, you will learn about recommended books and resources at both levels.

  1. Recommended Fiction for 9-12 Year Olds
  2. Recommended Nonfiction for 9-12 Year Olds
  3. Books and Tips for Parents
  4. Resources for Reluctant Readers
  1. Harry Potter
  2. Popular Authors
  3. Young Adult Books and Information

Recommended Fiction for 9-12 Year Olds

cover art of Love that Dog by Sharon Creech

These books include novels, picture books, and chapter books that appeal to 9-12 year olds. They include fiction and nonfiction and cover a variety of topics.

Recommended Nonfiction for 9-12 Year Olds

Cover art of childrens nonfiction book Hurricanes Earth’s Mightiest Storms

These books include history, science, language, and more.

Books and Tips for Parents

Cover Art of The Read-Aloud Handbook 2006-2007 Edition by Jim Trelease

Here are some books and tips to help you raise a reader, who is enthusiastic about books. Learn about the importance of reading aloud to your child at every age, the value of audiobooks, and resources for locating exceptional books for elementary and middle school students.

Resources for Reluctant Readers

Cover art of book Wired for reluctant readers

Is your child a reluctant reader? Some children are not that interested in reading and need help in finding reading material that will arouse their interest. Others read below grade level and consider the books they can read to be "babyish." Here you will find tips on encouraging your child to read and information on some good hi/lo books. The books are at the reader's interest level (hi stands for high interest) but written at a lower reading level (lo stands for low readability) to encourage reading.

Harry Potter

Cover art of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

The Harry Potter series by J.k. Rowling continues to be wildly popular and to be challenged by those who think it promotes witchcraft. Learn all about the series, the censorship battles, and the last book.

Popular Authors

Photograph of Jane Yolen, copyright Jason Stemple

Most of these authors have remained popular for a number of years. Some are rising stars. Their writing includes fantasy, historical fiction, contemporary fiction, and humor. Some write for 8/9-12 year olds as well as even younger children; others also write young adult books.

Young Adult Books and Information

Cover art of the young adult book The Giver courtesy of Houghton Mifflin

Young Adult books, also known as YA books, are generally written for kids or teens somewhere between the ages of 12 and 18, although many books published for 10 and up are considered YA books. As your 'tweens and middle school students begin to select YA books, they may need your help in finding books they'll like. Here you will find information about the services of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association and information about some excellent readng lists.

Elizabeth Kennedy
Guide since 2000

Elizabeth Kennedy
Children's Books Guide

Newsletters

Children's Books

  1. Home
  2. Parenting & Family
  3. Children's Books

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.