The Giving Tree
by Shel Silverstein

I remember reading this book multiple times throughout elementary school. I believe that it is a good book for children of all ages because it teaches a very important life lesson about helping others without expecting something in return. I remember really enjoying this book when I was younger and I believe other children will, too.

-Recommended by Molly Cummins

Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
by Dr. Seuss

Oh, The Places You’ll Go! is a book that I will keep with me for the rest of my life. It is an inspiring story about how you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to, and although you may face hardships, you can always find a way to succeed.

-Recommended by Vincent Coppola

You Are Special
by Max Lucado

You Are Special is a book that I loved reading when I was a little kid. It’s the story of a boy who is told he is not good enough, but goes on to learn how amazing and important he really is. The book teaches kids to love who they are, because no matter what makes a person unique, it is never a bad thing to be different.

-Recommended by Vincent Coppola

Goodnight Moon
by Margaret Wise Brown

When I was younger, this book was read to me every night before I went to bed. I enjoyed ending my day cuddled up in the covers while I listened to the story unfold. It was a book that always made me feel very happy and relaxed. It was definitely my favorite book when I was little!

-Recommended by Francesca Coppola

Harold and the Purple Crayon
by Crockett Johnson

This book was one of my favorites when I was younger. It teaches young children to dive deep into their imagination and run with it. It also encourages them to explore and discover who they really are and allows them to build their character.

-Recommended by Molly Cummins

Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes
by Eric Litwin

Growing up, I read Pete The Cat books and they made me smile and laugh. This book was one of my favorites and it’s the first Pete the Cat book so it’s a good introduction to what Pete the Cat is like. Throughout the story, he steps in things that change the color of his white shoes and he sings a song about it. This book is an easy read for young kids since Pete’s song repeats with each color of his shoes.

-Recommended by Brianna Doria

Just Grace
by Charise Mericle Harper

This book was one of my favorites as a kid. Grace is in a class with three other students named Grace. Her teacher gives them names like Grace L., Grace F., and Gracie, but Grace wants to be called just Grace. “Just Grace” is so funny and she loves a good adventure. Overall, this book — and the rest of the series — is really engaging. Kids won’t be able to put it down, especially kids named Grace!

-Recommended by Grace Isernia

Don’t Be Such a Turkey! (Katie Kazoo Switcheroo)
by Nancy Krulik

Katie Kazoo is a fourth grader with a special ability. She can switch places with people, but it isn’t as great as it seems. In this book, Katie gets caught up in two switcheroos in order to learn the true meaning of Thanksgiving. I would recommend this book because not only is it super funny, but you also learn valuable lessons. Since it is a series, there are so many other fun books to read in addition to this one!

-Recommended by Grace Isernia

How to Train Your Dragon
by Cressida Cowell

How to Train Your Dragon is a very popular movie series, but all those movies were actually based on books. You can follow your favorite characters from the movie and learn even more about them. I would recommend this book for some reluctant readers who might find longer chapter books boring. With its engaging, underdog storyline, filled with action and adventure, kids will be begging to read the entire series.

-Recommended by Grace Isernia

The Penderwicks
by Jeanne Birdsall

The Penderwicks is a tale about four sisters: Rosalind, the motherly one; Skye, the wild one; Jane, the dreamer; and Batty, the sweetheart. This book is like a cool glass of lemonade on the most perfect summer day.  The story is full of delightful adventure, and readers will fall in love with the Penderwick sisters, who seem honest enough to be real friends.

-Recommended by Rya Vallabhaneni

Philippa Fisher’s Fairy Godsister
by Liz Kessler

Philippa Fisher wants a fairy godmother, but instead she gets a fairy — Daisy — who is the same age as her, making her more of a fairy godsister. Philippa starts making wishes but they keep making her life harder rather than easier. This book was another one of my favorites growing up. The characters are funny and the dynamic between Philippa and Daisy is just like a real pair of sisters. This is a perfect book for kids who love magic and fairies. It really makes you believe that magic is real.

-Recommended by Grace Isernia

A Wrinkle in Time
by Madeleine L’Engle

A Wrinkle in Time is a fantasy novel told from the point of view of Meg Murry — a twelve year-old girl who feels like a misfit. The story follows Meg’s most unusual adventure with her little brother, Charles Wallace, and her friend, Calvin O’Keefe. The book is a comforting one — the type that is best to read before bed when you’re snuggled up under the covers.  It is also magical, lifting readers up into an exciting and absolutely extraordinary universe.

-Recommended by Rya Vallabhaneni