Staff Picks for Kids
Discover the best books for kids of all ages–from new readers to tweens–selected by our staff. Find new featured book lists every month, or explore our picks by reading level or genre.
Featured Booklists
Poetry Month 2024: Recent Books for Kids
This list was created in celebration of National Poetry Month, which takes place every April! (created April 2024)
Women's History Month 2024 For Kids
Here are some recently published books for kids about women who work to eliminate bias and discrimination from our lives and institutions.
African Americans & the Arts - Books for Kids
The national theme for Black History Month 2024 is African Americans & the Arts. (Created Jan. 2024)
Seattle Picks: New Readers - Just Beginning
The child who is just beginning to read is learning to sound out words, is learning to recognize a handful of sight words, and is comfortable with very simple books. (Created Nov. 2023)
Staff Faves 2023: Books for Kids
SPL staff members' favorite kids books of 2023. (Created Nov. 2023)
Staff Faves 2023: Kids Picture Books
SPL staff members' favorite picture books of 2023. (Created Nov. 2023)
Native American Books for Kids
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month 2023 with books for kids (Updated Nov. 2023)
Filipino American History Month: Books for Kids
A collection of children's picture and chapter books celebrating Filipino American History Month. (Created Sep. 2023)
Hispanic Heritage Month 2023: Recent Kids Books
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, here are some recent books for children by Latinx authors and illustrators. (Created Aug. 2023)
2023 Summer of Learning: Time Travel
Summer of Learning book suggestions that prove time travel is possible through reading, playing, and the arts. (Created May 2023)
2023 SOL Reading suggestions - heritage
A staff selection of books about exploring the past for kids (Created June 2023).
Early Childhood
For New Readers
New Readers - Off to a Good Start
A staff selection of books for new readers who are off to a good start.
New Readers - Reading Independently
A staff selection of books for new readers who are reading independently.
Elementary Grades
Books for Kindergarteners & First Graders
A staff selection of books for kindergarteners and first graders.
Genres & Topics
Advanced Reading Level for Younger Readers
A staff selection of advanced reading level books for young readers.
Asian Pacific American Heritage Books for Kids
A staff selection of Asian Pacific American titles for kids.
The Immigrant and Refugee Experience in Childrens Books
A staff selection of titles that explore the immigrant and refugee experience for kids.
Race and Social Justice Books for Kids K-5
A staff selection of race and social justice titles for kids.
Resources for Kids and Families Impacted by Incarceration
A staff selection of resources for kids and familes impacted by incarceration.
Local Interest
Washington Picture Book Authors
A staff selection of picture books by authors from Washington State for kids.
Washington Picture Book Illustrators
A staff selection of picture books by illustrators from Washington State for kids.