As a busy parent, finding quality children’s book recommendations can feel overwhelming, and it’s hard to know where to start. I love curating book recommendations for parents and rely on a few trusted websites to make the process easier. These top sites for children’s book recommendations will help you discover engaging stories that spark your child’s imagination, foster a love for reading, and most importantly, offer trusted suggestions.
Whether you’re trying to excite a reluctant reader, find the perfect read-aloud book, or expand your homeschool reading resources, these sites have you covered. Here’s my list of top websites for finding children’s book recommendations:
1. Notable Children’s Books (from the American Library Association)
ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/notalists/ncb
The American Library Association’s “Notable Children’s Books” list is a yearly compilation of exceptional titles for kids. Each book is carefully selected by professionals for its quality and appeal. This list is ideal for finding highly praised literature for readers of all ages. Whether you’re after a picture book for your toddler or an engaging chapter book for your older child, this resource will point you to some of the best options out there.
Perfect for: Parents who want to select award-winning, expertly vetted books for their kids.
2. Read Brightly
Read Brightly provides expert advice for parents looking to build a family reading culture. Their reading tips for parents and themed lists, such as “Great Read-Aloud Books,” offer suggestions for every reading stage, from babies to teens.
Perfect for: Parents seeking targeted book lists for each stage of their child’s reading journey.
3. PaperPie
PaperPie offers engaging, educational books that focus on hands-on learning. Whether you’re looking to expand your homeschool reading resources or find interactive stories for younger kids, PaperPie’s collection is one of our family’s favorite choices. These are the books that my kids gravitate towards more than any other. Be sure to check out the “Book Quiz” on the homepage.
Perfect for: Parents seeking educational and interactive book options.
4. IRIS Center Book Lists
The IRIS Center offers comprehensive resources for educators and parents alike. It is a national center dedicated to improving education outcomes for all children, especially those with disabilities birth through age twenty-one, through the use of effective evidence-based practices and interventions. Be sure to check out their curated book lists (under the “resources” tab) that focus on books that portray people with disabilities. You’ll find everything from health impairments, autism spectrum disorder, visual impairments, and so much more. This is a great resource if you’re looking for books that can support both academic and social-emotional development.
Perfect for: Parents seeking inclusive and educationally rich book options, especially for children with learning differences.
5. Blossoming Through Books
Blossoming Through Books is a lovely blog dedicated to helping parents and educators find faith-based, wholesome, and quality literature for children. It also provides reading guides including discussion questions to help kids, teens, and women have thoughtful book club discussions. This would also be a valuable resources for family read-alouds or homeschooling families. Renee, the website’s curator, emphasizes character-building, family values, and nurturing a lifelong love of reading in her approach.
Be sure to check out the book club guide on Charlotte’s Web written by Yours Truly! I had so much fun putting this one together.
Perfect for: Parents looking for faith-based and character-building book recommendations.
6. Read-Aloud Revival
If you love the idea of making read-aloud time a cherished family tradition, the Read-Aloud Revival is for you. This site, created by Sarah Mackenzie, offers extensive resources to help parents choose read-aloud books for all ages. It also provides podcast episodes and seasonal reading book lists to help you build a strong family culture of reading.
Perfect for: Parents who want to create a strong family reading tradition through read-alouds.
7. The Children’s Book Review
This site offers curated top children’s books for all age groups. You can explore homeschool reading resources and find themed book lists to suit your child’s interests and needs. Search by subject, age, or browse through the “favorites” list.
Perfect for: Parents who want well-researched, detailed book reviews and recommendations.
8. Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media is a go-to resource for many parents seeking trusted children’s book recommendations. They offer detailed content breakdowns, including educational value and content maturity, so you can ensure the books align with your family’s values. I also appreciate that parents and kids can weigh in with their own reviews. It’s interesting to see how these differ!
Perfect for: Parents who want reliable, age-appropriate books for their children.
9. What Do We Do All Day?
This blog blends fun and educational book recommendations, making it a great resource for homeschooling families. From math picture books to science stories, it’s perfect for adding learning value to your home library. Here you will find playful kids activities, book recommendations and simple learning ideas.
Perfect for: Parents looking for homeschool reading resources.
10. Imagination Soup
Imagination Soup offers a wide range of children’s book recommendations with a focus on promoting literacy through activities. Their book lists, such as “Adventure Books for Kids” or “Books About Kindness,” make it easy to find the right fit for your child.
Perfect for: Parents who want to pair book recommendations with engaging literacy activities.
11. Goodreads
Goodreads is a community-based platform where you can browse reviews and lists like “Best Books for Kids” or “Top Children’s Books of the Year.” With user reviews, you get a variety of perspectives to help you choose the best book.
My favorite feature, and the one I often use when making recommendations, is the “Readers also enjoyed…” section. Search for your child’s current favorite book, then scroll down to this section to find other suggestions for books your child may enjoy. (This is also great for books YOU enjoy, too!)
Perfect for: Parents looking for personalized recommendations based on community reviews.
These trusted websites for children’s book recommendations provide expert-curated and community-driven lists to help you find the best books for your kids. Whether you need ideas for reluctant readers, great read-aloud books, or expanding your homeschool reading resources, these sites will guide you in choosing books that will foster a lifelong love of reading.
Please note that it is still important for you as a parent to check the content of the books recommended on these sites to ensure they are appropriate for your child and your personal values.
