The best books to get kids, tweens, and teens reading (and loving it)

When my first son was born, I excitedly attempted to instill in him a love of books by reading to him nightly. But we didn’t just flip through the pages of Clifford the Big Red Dog. Our first book together was a classic that filled my childhood with magic and was my first introduction to the wonders of reading: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. 

Now, my boy was barely out of the incubator, so he didn’t understand a word I was saying. But that really didn’t matter, because he was simply happy to stare at me as I enthusiastically read page after page of gobbledegook (fun fact, that’s the actual name of the goblin language in Harry Potter). 

Now my son is ten years old, and I still read to him nightly, from Percy Jackson to Ready Player One (with some redactions). Because each of those nights weren’t just about the stories, but a habit that became a tradition and, to this day, is still one of the most meaningful ways we connect.

Whether your child loves flipping physical pages or diving into online books for kids, the right story can help them rediscover the joy of reading.

Why reading matters (according to experts)

Reading doesn’t just help kids succeed in school—it helps them grow into calmer, kinder, and more capable people. And that’s not just a pleasant idea, it’s backed by research. 

According to WebMD, reading:

• Reduces stress fast. Just 6 minutes of reading can lower stress by 68%—more than music, walking, or drinking tea.
  
• Supports long-term brain health. People who read regularly are significantly less likely to develop dementia later in life.
  
• Boosts emotional well-being. Reading is used in therapy (called bibliotherapy) to help reduce anxiety, increase empathy, and build self-awareness.
  
• Trains focus and imagination. Reading activates creative centers in the brain, helping kids picture scenes, solve problems, and slow down their thoughts.
  

Even a few minutes of reading can reset a stressed brain.

The Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report™ also offers insights from real families:

• 74% of kids say reading helps them understand the world.
  
• 53% of kids say a book has helped them through a tough time.
  
• 88% of parents say reading helps their child understand different perspectives.
  
• 95% of parents agree that book characters help build traits like kindness, confidence, and empathy.
  
• 89% of kids say their favorite books are the ones they choose themselves.

Reading helps kids make sense of big feelings, try on new perspectives, and feel seen—all while building skills for the classroom and beyond. 

Today, many libraries now offer free online books for kids through apps like Libby or Hoopla, so even devices can support your child’s reading habits. And if your child has a Gabb Phone 4 Pro, you can approve reading apps—such as Kindle or even Audible—to help them explore thousands of titles without the distractions of games or social media.

So, without further ado, here are some of the best books and series to help kids of every age fall in love with reading.

Books for kids (Ages 5–8) that spark joy

At this age, books that are playful, bright, and full of discovery might be the bet for your child. The benefits of children’s books go far beyond the page—they build focus, empathy, and resilience. 

Here are some great go-to series that can build confidence, imagination, and connection.

Stories they can read themselves

Short, funny, picture-rich stories that help kids feel successful and excited about reading.

• Dog Man (Dav Pilkey)
  A bold, goofy graphic novel series that keeps emerging readers laughing—and turning pages.
  
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Jeff Kinney)
  A doodle-filled, diary-style series that’s full of goofy antics and keeps reluctant readers engaged.
  
• The Bad Guys (Aaron Blabey)
  Fast-paced and hilarious, this graphic series is perfect for kids who love action and a proper dose of non-sense. My kid devoured these books.
• Pete the Cat (James Dean & Eric Litwin)
  Simple language and bright illustrations make Pete endlessly re-readable. Honestly, I don’t get it. But all of my kids loved these.
  
• Curious George (H.A. Rey)
  Adventures full of curiosity and gentle mischief that are perfect for new readers. And c’mon… they’re classics.

Books you can read to them

If your kid isn’t quite ready to embark into a wilderness of words on their own, you can set off on their reading journey together with these picture books and read-aloud favorites .

• The Food Group Series (Jory John & Pete Oswald)
  With titles like The Good Egg and The Cool Bean, these warm, funny stories deliver big emotions and gentle lessons—excellent for bedtime reading.
  
• Conscious Stories (including The Hug That Got Stuck)
  Another of my kids’ favorites, my wife found these gems. These are great stories that help children develop emotional intelligence—and put words to how they feel.
  
• Magic Tree House (Mary Pope Osborne)
  Short chapters and imaginative settings make this a perfect nightly read-aloud for curious minds. And the variety means there’s probably at least one tree house adventure for every child’s interests.
  
• How to Train Your Dragon (Cressida Cowell)
  Laugh-out-loud storytelling with dragons, bravery, and heart. The narration style is perfect for shared reading—and kids quickly fall in love with Hiccup and Toothless.

Parent Tip: Build the Habit Together

Even ten minutes a night adds up to many shared stories a year. Kids may learn to read on their own, but they never outgrow the joy of hearing your voice tell a story. 

Books for tweens (Ages 9–12): 

Tweens are in that magical middle space—old enough for deeper plots, young enough to get caught up in the wonder. The right book can keep them reading and help them learn more about themselves.

Great books & series for tweens

• Percy Jackson & the Olympians (Rick Riordan)
  A hilarious, fast-paced series packed with mythology, friendship, and relatable heroes. One of the most reliable “turn them into a reader” series ever written.
  
• Fablehaven (Brandon Mull)
  A rich fantasy world full of magical creatures, secrets, and real sibling dynamics. It’s like Jurassic Park meets Harry Potter, but a lot less scary. Perfect for adventure-loving tweens.
  
• Amari and the Night Brothers (B.B. Alston)
  A modern fantasy-mystery with big twists and an empowering hero who discovers a world of magic after her brother disappears.
  
• The Wild Robot (Peter Brown)
  A thoughtful story about a robot learning to survive—and belong—in the wild. This one absolutely hooked my son with its world that perfectly blends technology, nature, and heart.
  
• Wonder (R.J. Palacio)
  A moving, unforgettable read about empathy and courage. It’s a solid choice for sparking thoughtful conversations.
  
• Explorer Academy (National Geographic Kids)
  A globe-spanning adventure series inspired by real science and exploration—perfect for curious, fact-loving kids. NatGeo puts out some great content for kids, and this read didn’t disappoint.
  
• How to Defeat a Demon King in Ten Easy Steps (Andrew Rowe)
  This one is a LitRPG, a new genre that’s really been popping off and where the world’s “rules,” like levels and abilities, are clearly shown in the plot. Don’t confuse it with a choose-your-own-adventure; it’s more like a traditional novel with game-like flavor. Great for scratching the “video game” itch without the screen time.
  
• Impossible Creatures (Katherine Rundell)
  A thrilling fantasy adventure filled with mythical beasts, breathtaking settings, and lyrical writing. This breakout hit is already being called a future classic—and it’s the perfect next step for tweens ready to fall hard for fantasy. This is our current nightly read, and so far it’s a delight. The second book in the series was just released in September.
  
• Comic Books & Graphic Novels (General Pick)
  From Bone to Amulet, graphic novels are a powerful bridge for developing readers. The visuals help with comprehension, the pacing keeps them engaged, and it takes some of the edge off for less confident readers.
  
• Harry Potter (Books 1–3)
  The early books in the series are lighter, funnier, and full of magical discovery—great for tweens who want adventure without the heavier themes that show up later. For many, including myself, these books were to show us that really could be for pleasure.
  

Parent tip: audiobooks count

A big reason I started reading novels to my kid before he even knew his fingers from his toes was that I wanted to foster in him a love for reading. Well, it turns out he really doesn’t like reading that much (though a few books have managed to hook him). 

What he really loves is listening. Give that kid an audiobook and he’ll curl up for hours to listen. There are some benefits specific to actually reading, but audiobooks still count. Empathy, imagination, and diverse thinking can all be developed through listening as well as reading words on a page.

Teens (Ages 13+): books that spark obsession (the good kind)

Teens want stories that sweep them away—books that feel big, bold, emotional, and impossible to put down. These are the kinds of reads that turn “I’m not really a reader” into “I stayed up way too late finishing this.”

Great Books & Series for Teens

• The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins)
  Fast, intense, and addictive. This series hooks even reluctant readers with its pace, heart, and themes of bravery and compassion.
  
• The Maze Runner (James Dashner)
  Cinematic and full of mystery. Twists, action, and high stakes keep readers tearing through this series.
  
• Mistborn (Brandon Sanderson)
  Epic fantasy that’s surprisingly approachable. With a unique magic system, clever plot twists, and unforgettable characters, this is an incredible “first big fantasy” that often sparks a lifelong love of reading. I fell away from fantasy for a bit. This series dragged me right back in.
  
• Scythe (Neal Shusterman)
  A smart, high-concept sci-fi series with gripping action and big ethical questions. Readers love its sharp writing and unpredictable plot.
  
• The Book Thief (Markus Zusak)
  A powerful historical novel written in a poetic, compelling style. It’s often the book that flips the switch from “reading is schoolwork” to “reading makes me feel something.”
  
• Six of Crows (Leigh Bardugo)
  A stylish fantasy heist with unforgettable characters and brilliant plotting. Readers race through it and immediately want the next book.
  
• The Fault in Our Stars (John Green)
  Tender, funny, and emotionally rich. A perfect gateway into contemporary fiction that feels real and relatable.
  
• Harry Potter (Books 4–7)
  These deeper, more complex books explore courage, friendship, loss, and growing up. With higher stakes and richer arcs, the later books keep teens fully immersed and often spark a love of long-form reading.
  

Parent tip: follow their favorites

Once your teen finds one book they love, follow the thread—more from the same author, similar genres, or companion series. Teens often fall in love with reading through a streak of good picks, not a single title. 

And, though your child may have aged out of you reading to them by this point, you can still join along. Reading a book at the same time is a great way to connect asynchronously.

The story starts here

Books are still one of the simplest, brightest ways to help kids grow imagination, empathy, and joy—no notifications required. Not every child will fall in love with reading overnight—and that’s okay. 

The goal isn’t to force it; it’s to keep offering stories that move them, whether by simply being fun and exciting, or connecting with them on a deeper level. 

What about you?

Have a book your child loved—or one that sparked a love of reading in your family? We’d love to hear about it! Share your favorite titles or reading tips in the comments below.