Top 10 Books for Kids That Both Alexa & I Love Right Now
A pair of these clip-on lights and any book by Raina Telgemeier is a recipe for a smooth and sweet bedtime binge read session for both my third grade daughter Alexa and myself!
When I was Alexa’s age (she is about to turn 9), I remember reading books on books on books. Besides the fact that there were no iPads (GASP!) in 1987, I am an only child- which meant many quiet hours both at home and on vacations when reading felt like a much better option than staring at the walls (at home) or being forced to make friends with random kids walking around the hotel (on vacation). In the 3rd grade at our public schools here in Westport, CT kids have to read 20 minutes a night as part of their homework. I was having a really hard time getting Alexa to do it- until I bought us both clip-on reading lights and started to crawl into bed next to her every single night with a book of my own. Now, reading has become the highlight of our weeknight evenings (I know, right?!) and here are 10 books that made a huge impact on both of us:
Guts by Raina Telgemeier: This is the first book I ever saw Alexa devour in ONE DAY. She could not put it down. It touches on the author’s own struggles with anxiety and puts words to feelings that I don’t think, prior to this book, Alexa was really able to articulate. Tremendously helpful discussion-starter for our family and a riveting read all at the same time!
Drama by Raina Telgemeier: Our first “grown up” story line book, Lex and I read this one together because certain parts needed to be explained (i.e. this was her first time reading about a gay relationship between middle school boys- so she had lots of questions and it was actually an amazing experience to talk through this with her!)
El Deafo by Cece Bell: Alexa is currently reading this for the second time- and I am not gonna lie, this may be one of my top 10 books of all time too- a fascinating true story of the author’s childhood when she suddenly lost her hearing around age 3 or 4. The detail with which is is able to remember how she felt at the time is incredible and riveting.
Sweet Valley Twins Originals: Can’t leave this off the list- especially since Amazon has a set of the original paperbacks available to order via Prime right now! Nostalgic for me, and a bit bewildering for Alexa (in Book 2 when there is a mix up about dance rehearsal, she can’t comprehend why Jessica didn’t just call Elizabeth on her cell phone) but a really special thing to re-read the series that defined my childhood side by side.
Baby-Sitters Club Retro Set: Yup, I squealed with joy when I saw that this retro set is available in a cute collector’s box on Amazon right now, and you should too! I mean, I love Raina Telgemeier (clearly) but I will never be able to read a graphic novel version of this iconic series! Alexa and I tried to get through Book 1 together but I think it is a little dense for her just yet- but a year from now, I plan to read every damn one with her.
A Smart Girl’s Guide- Liking Herself: My friend (and unofficial “how to parent” guru) Meredith told me about this book. It took a few months for Alexa to be open to reading it- the “self-improvement” aisles are always my fave but definitely new territory for a third grader. Once we cracked the first page, Lex became riveted with all the insight onto self-esteem and confidence. She learned a ton from this quick read and we will surely go back to it often.
The Book With No Pictures: Bought THIS “Make Your Own” version as a gift for the holidays (it is genius, check it out)- this is a book both Alexa and Goldie love, and we read it at least once a week if not more. Also my go-to for “mystery reader” gigs.
“Who Was” Book Series/Who Was Walt Disney?: Perfectly digestible biographies of all sorts of notable people- Alexa recites facts from the Walt Disney one daily (so random, but she got super into his life story!). There is also an amazing Netflix series based on these books that I highly recommend!
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: Another example of easy-to-digest history lessons for little ones- this book is not only beautiful to look at, but the beautiful and very diverse stories inside leave lasting impressions on all ages.
Smile by Raina Telgemeier: I can’t help it- had to throw one more Raina Telgemeier on the list because it just felt WRONG not to include this one. A poignant and funny true tale of when Raina fell and knocked out her teeth in the 6th grade, and all the feelings that happened thereafter. So relatable and a great way to talk about judgement and inclusiveness with young girls who don’t love broaching the subject otherwise.