Best Books to Read For Ages 1 – 19
At each age of life, you’ve probably come across that one book that stuck with you. That one book that had a profound effect on you. That one book, that to this day when you see it, it stirs up a memory. That’s why we’ve put together this five-series post on the best book for the ages. There was no rhyme or reason as to how we came up with this list. You may find that some books associated with an age doesn’t seem right. But that’s the beauty of books! No matter how old you are, you can enjoy them at any point in life.
Here are the books we felt that are age-appropriate for babies up to freshman in college.
Age 1
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
For newborns and babies, there is nothing more fun than to see colorful images on pages! The Hungry Caterpillar is perfect for parents and babies to bond as they enter this new stage in life.
Age 2
Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd
The perfect book to read when your little one has a hard time keeping their eyes open!
Age 3
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond
“If you give a mouse a cookie, he’s going to ask for a glass of milk. When you give him the milk, he’ll probably ask you for a straw…” If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is one of 14 books in the series If You Give series and is always a fun read to your cookie monsters!
Age 4
Corduroy by Don Freeman
A tale of a teddy bear sitting on the shelf waiting for that special kid to pick him up! Corduroy is fun series of books for kids who are entering preschool and learning more about friendships.
Age 5
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
No matter what age you read The Giving Tree, it will warm your heart. Shel Silverstein does a phenomenal job talking to kids about the power of sharing.
Age 6
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Getting a ticket to go visit a candy factory for a day!? Yes, please!
Age 7
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Children have amazing imaginations, and Max is a great example to show how you can use those ideas. Maurice Sendak’s popular children’s book is also a movie and even an opera.
Age 8
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
What would it be like to enter a wardrobe and come out the other end to a whole new world? A tale of good versus evil, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is the second book in the Narnia series by C.S. Lewis how wrote them for his daughter.
Age 9
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume
Kids can all relate to Judy Blume’s Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. Peter always feels like his little brother, Fudge, gets all of his parent’s attention. But that’s not always the case, is it?
Age 10
The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne
Deep in the Hundred Acre Wood, where Christopher Robin plays… A.A. Milne wrote the first Winnie-the-Pooh in 1920 and to this day kids of all ages enjoy the tales of those living in the imaginative mind of Christopher Robin.
Age 11
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
The book that some have said turned an entire generation on to reading. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is the first book in the seven series of adventure, magic, and heroism. The books can appeal to any age, but by ten-years-old, you’ll be ready to dive in!
Age 12
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is a commonly banned book that shouldn’t be. The story teaches about discrimination in society and the dangers of being too quick to judge someone.
Age 13
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
There’s no other book that brings the hardships Jews endured in WWII like Anne Frank. As middle school students learn more about that period in history, it makes you more aware of the impact hate has on others.
Age 14
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Starting high school is scary! Stephen Chbosky sheds light on the new beginnings and his message that being “wallflower” doesn’t always mean the end of the world.
Age 15
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Nothing’s better than seeing a group of like-minded teens fighting back at evil adults!
Age 16
Catcher and the Rye by J.D. Salinger
What’s more fitting to read as a teenager than Catcher and the Rye? 16-year-old Holden Caulfield makes the leap from a prep school in Pennsylvania to a school in New York City. A culture shock that anyone in high school can relate to.
Age 17
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Animal Farm is a good way of explaining totalitarianism by using satire. At age 17, this book works for both English and History courses.
Age 18
Oh, the Places You’ll Go! By Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss is fun at any stage in life. Oh, the Places You Will Go! Is by far one of the most upbeat books you can give to any high school grad.
Age 19
The Freshman Survival Guide by Nora Bradbury-Haehl and Bill McGarvey
The first year of college isn’t always what you see on TV or films. The Freshman Survival Guide will help anyone navigate through the cultural change that comes with going to a university. The guide offers advice on issues like mental health and sexual assault. It also discusses how to balance school and social life.
What do you think? What books did you enjoy at these ages? Let us know in the comments!
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