Reading Lists

Professionally curated reading lists developed by topic and/or age level. Some Reading Lists include titles from multiple age groups and will appear under more than one category

zombiethematic

Thematic Reading List: Zombie Fiction for Middle Grade Readers

Whether you are protecting your school, family, or community, getting rid of zombies takes a lot of bravery. Enjoy these 8 middle grade reads about courageous zombie hunters, and a few courageous zombies themselves.                     Project Z: A Zombie Ate My Homework By: Tommy Greenwald Arnold Z. […]

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Sharing

Thematic Reading List: Sharing

Some children are naturals at sharing, but many are not. These 8 books can help teach small children the value of sharing with others.               Share with Brother By: Steven L. Layne Illustrated by: Ard Hoyt A young boy grows angry at being told, over and over, “Share with brother and […]

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thematic1

Thematic Reading List: The World Around Me

The outside world is filled with beauty and wonderful things. The books in this list begin to introduce readers ages 0-3 to the world around them, including different seasons, landscapes, and interesting features. The format and structure of these books are ideally suited to serve as captivating guides to very young children. Contributed by: Mary […]

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tematiclist2

Thematic Reading List: Contrast and Opposites

This book list includes a collection of titles for children ages 0-3. Some of the books feature high contrast images, which are especially interesting to infants who don’t quite have their full eyesight. Others contrast objects, particularly with regard to opposites, a concept that is important for the older end of this age group to […]

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thematic

Thematic Reading List: Touch and Feel!

Young children learn about their environment by using their senses: especially their sense of touch. The books in this list all incorporate segments that are meant to be explored by young hands. Textures abound on these pages, including soft things, rough things, smooth things, and more. Children ages 0-3 will love reading these books and […]

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NationalAviationWeek

Thematic Reading List: National Aviation Week

Planes, planes, planes! Aviation has changed the course of human communication and motion, led by brave pioneers who made air travel what it is today. From these important people to the aircraft they piloted, these books are selected to inspire and educate readers as they investigate each one. This list includes primarily non-fiction titles written […]

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beesthematic

Thematic Reading List: Bees, bees, bees!

World Honey Bee Day is a time to celebrate the work that honey bees do to pollinate foods and flowers so that plants and animals can continue to thrive. Though sometimes scary, it is important to learn as much about these creatures as possible to protect them and support their survival. This book list is […]

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allfamily

Thematic Reading List: All in the Family

Families come in all shapes and sizes, and all of them should be celebrated! This assortment of books examines families of all kinds, including fiction and non-fiction titles. No matter what a family looks like on the outside, it is filled with love on the inside. These books are selected for children ages 5-8 and […]

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thematiclist1

Thematic Reading List: Audiobooks for the Family Road Trip

June is National Audiobook Month and what better time to listen to an audiobook than during a road trip. Whether you are listening together as a family, or everyone has individual tastes along with their own listening device, these ten audiobooks are sure to make the road fly by.             […]

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thematic

Thematic Reading List: Pride Month

LGBTQ Pride Month is celebrated in the United States every year in June, with a series of events, parades, concerts, and festivals taking place across the nation. CLCD has information about many books featuring LGBTQ characters within its large database of titles. Here are just a few for ages 12 and up. Contributed by: Elizabeth […]

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thematic

Thematic Reading List: Celebrating Dad

Sometimes it seems easier to find books about a child’s relationship with mom than it does to find books about relationships with dad. Luckily, CLCD has plenty of titles to help us find those hidden gems. We’ve chosen ten titles perfect for dads to share with their youngest children, so they will know dad is […]

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absolutley

Thematic Reading List: Absolutely Me: A celebration of the unique in all of us

This book list for ages 4 to 8 celebrates qualities that we share and those that make us different. Contributor: Elizabeth Bridges             Stand Tall Molly Lou Mellon By: Patty Lovell Illustrated by: David Catrow First-grader Molly Lou Melon, short, buck-toothed, and clumsy, is nevertheless in possession of unshakable self-confidence […]

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thematic

Thematic Reading List: Vive la France!

This book list includes a blend of fiction and non-fiction books for middle grade readers interested in learning more about France from different points of view. From classic stories like the Hunchback of Notre Dame to famous artists like Picasso and Matisse, a wide variety of information is included. Readers of all ages are sure […]

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readandshinethematic

Thematic Reading List: Living in Foster Care: A Teen’s Journey

Foster care can be a place of safety for some and a place of tragedy for others. This booklist includes stories that look at both sides from a teen’s perspective. Titles are recommended for ages 13 to 18. Contributed by: Elizabeth Bridges             Flight By: Sherman Alexie A powerful, fast […]

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thematic1

Thematic Reading List:Mysteries in the Mansion

Spooky mansions are the perfect setting for an unsolved mystery. These 13 titles take readers into spooky, secretive halls for hours of engaging storytelling. A list geared towards 8 to 12-year-old readers.                       Angel of the Battlefield (The Treasure Chest series #1) By: Ann Hood When their parents […]

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15yogabooks

Thematic Reading List: 15 Yoga books for the Mind & Body

Looking for a way to get your children or students up and moving? Yoga is a great mind-body practice that children and adults alike can enjoy. Let the imaginations run wild when pretending to be animals in various yoga poses. Greet the sun with a series of poses to jump-start the morning. Calm the mind […]

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go

Thematic Reading List: Go! Go! Go!

A thematic booklist for toddlers that like to move. Perfect for ages 0-4. Contributed by: Elizabeth Bridges               Little Blue Truck By: Alice Schertle Illustrated by: Jill McElmurry A small blue truck finds his way out of a jam, with a little help from his friends. The Pigeon Loves […]

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Foster-System

Thematic Reading List: A Different Kind of Home: Life in the Foster System

This book list is designed for children ages 8-12 who find themselves in the foster system. The books range in difficulty and include a variety of voices and experiences. Whether these are read independently or together, families involved in the foster system are sure to bond over these stories and begin conversations with one another […]

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thematic

Thematic Reading List: Moving Day

Whether a family is moving down the street or across the ocean, moving can be a challenging experience. This collection of books is for children ages 8-12 who are going to be moving soon or are adjusting to a new city and new life. Contributed by: Mary Lanni               […]

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Tapmereadinglist

Thematic Reading List: Tap me a Rhythm, Sing me a Song

Great books for kids ages 0-3 who love rhythm and music. These selections include a blend of traditional favorites and new hits that inspire movement and participation. Readers of all ages will enjoy sharing these books with their youngest family members, especially reading them aloud. Don’t be surprised if these books are requested over and […]

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