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
Novels in Verse for Kids
In celebration of National Poetry Month, here are some fantastic, recently published novels-in-verse for middle grade readers. Enjoy! (Created March 2023)
Spotlight on Meg Medina, National Ambassador for Young People's Literature
Meg Medina is the 2023-2024 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. Medina’s books examine how culture and identity intersect through the eyes of young people. (Created February 2023).
Black History Month: Kids' Nonfiction
In celebration of Black History Month 2023, here are some recent outstanding illustrated nonfiction books for kids! (Created January 2023)
Family Read Alouds
A curated list of some of our favorite books to read aloud together as a family. (Updated June 2022).
Staff Faves 2022: Kids Picture Books
Enjoy these picture book staff favorites - some with comments from staff, and others with annotations from professional review sources. (Created Nov. 2022)
Native American Books for Kids
Native American Books for Kids. Most of the titles included are by Indigenous and First Nations authors and/or illustrators. (Updated October 2022)
Spooky Chapter Books for Kids
Ghosts and things that go bump in the night -- read these if you dare! (Created September 2022).
Hispanic Heritage Month 2022: Books for Kids
Recently published reading suggestions for kids. (Created August 2022)
Summer of Learning 2022: Superhero Summer, List 2
This list of staff recommended Summer of Learning books for children explore powers like kindness, empathy and making the world a better place. (Created July 2022).
2022 Summer of Learning: Superhero Summer - Meet Civ!
This list of staff recommended Summer of Learning books for children explore powers like kindness, empathy and making the world a better place. (Created June 2022).
LGBTQ+ Books for Kids and Families
The experiences of LGBTQ+ kids and families are captured in this list comprised of picture books, chapter books, and graphic novels. (Updated June 2022)
Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage - Books for Kids
This list was created by Seattle Public Library Children's Services Librarians, in celebration of Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month. (Created May 2022)
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.
LGBTQ+ Chapter Books and Graphic Novels for Kids
A staff selection of LGBTQ+ chapter books and graphic novels 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.