The Top 40 Children's Books That Belong in Every Family Library

Meet August Pullman, a young boy with a facial deformity who pushes a community to test its values. For all those facing bullying, or afraid of differences, this book by R.J. Palacio is a game-changer.

It's hard to be a kid (and a grown-up for that matter). Everyone in the family will find something to commiserate with in Judith Viorst's story about a seriously daunting day.

In this cautionary tale, Marigold aims to impress her classmates by bringing an alligator to show and tell. Full of tips on what to do when a 12-foot wild animal with 74 teeth runs amok, kids will giggle at Marigold’s attempts to keep her alligator’s antics in line.

There’s magic, broom flying, death-defying falls, and in a surprise twist, dragons. What’s not to like about this fantastic story that shows how friendship and a little clever maneuvering can keep monsters at bay?

Feelings can be particularly explosive in toddler years, especially when kids don’t have the words to express them. When Sophie’s sister takes her favorite stuffed gorilla, she understandably loses it. Kids will relate to her tantrum, but more importantly, will learn from the ways she identifies her feelings and figures out how to cool down.

Despite their difference in size (and, well, extinction), preschoolers have a special kind of kinship with dinosaurs. This story chronicles what it’s like to have a pet raptor from the time it’s a teeny fluffball to a full-grown dino.

In a deeply felt work of historical fiction, Markus Zusak tells the story of Liesel, a young German girl who finds her own way of fighting the horrors of the Nazi regime. Read it alongside your middle schooler.

A tongue-twisting tale for the ages, Dr. Seuss's repetitive rhymes actually lay groundwork that helps kids learn to read. It's plenty of fun, which helps explain why it's one of the top-selling children's books of all time.

An astute take on contemporary Native American life, this provocative young adult novel by Sherman Alexie questions what it really means to be part of a tribe.

Adolescence can be awful, and this is a particularly powerful take on the struggles of being a teenage introvert. Stephen Chbosky's book is a must for those going through it, and for those who remember it well.

A boarding school novel for the 21st century, John Green's gripping work touches on what it's like to tumble through life as a thoughtful, risk-taking teenager today.

The cutest case of cause and effect in literary history, this mouse with a sweet tooth still wins over beginner readers.

For everyone who has ever had an imaginary friend (or been afraid of ghosts), Leo is the story of a not-so-scary spirit who really likes snacks, drawing, and his little friend Jane.

A brother and sister run away to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in E.L. Konigsburg's classic. It offers a healthy dose of tween rebellion mixed with mystery and a passion for art and antiquities — perfect for the budding history buff.

Katherine Paterson's poignant and unforgettable novel won the Newbery Medal thanks to well-wrought protagonists Jessie and Leslie, who create a beautiful imaginary world as an escape from the trials of everyday life.

Toddlers and school kids alike obsess over the intricate, encyclopedic illustrations by Richard Scarry, the master of detail. There's something soothing about entering his fully-realized world, even for adults.

The Tuck family have found the secret to eternal life, but while its promises are alluring, the reality is far more complicated. It's a grown-up novel for those grappling with growing up.

Who doesn't love dragons? And tacos?! In Adam Rubin's cheeky tale, beastly, fire-breathing creatures are really just misunderstood party monsters, allowing children to conquer their wildest fears.

Arnold Lobel's easy-to-read, illustrated classics make even amphibians seem endearing as the two friends navigate charming troubles like losing buttons and baking cookies.

Who wouldn't want to live like Eloise, the diva-in-residence at New York's storied Plaza Hotel? She's a cosmopolitan kid, with opinions to match. Sometimes "bratty" is really just "spirited."