Book Recommendations for Kids: Books to Read with Your Kids

Introduction to Book Recommendations for Kids: Books to Read with Your Kids

Growing up in Jamaica, I did not have access to many of the books that are popular in the western world. Close to five years ago, I started reading many of the classic children's books, and most of them I enjoyed. I no longer felt left out because I had not read them. However, I noticed that many of the list of must read children's books are not culturally diverse. I was in one of the Indigo bookstores, and asked the sales representative to help me find diverse books for kids. She responded that were few, and that she had done a paper at school on the topic.

Reading is important to me, so I would prefer you to read the classic children’s books to your kids than not to read any book. Studies show that reading to your children, even for only 15 minutes a day is very beneficial. And in fact, if you do this consistently, children will learn to read faster. There are two projects that I am involved in Jamaica. The first one, a library in Jamaica burned down and my niece asked me to work on this with her to send some books there. I have some books I will be sending by early next year. The second project is that I want to start a community library in the area where my mother lived.

Have you read?

Reading Magic by Mem Fox, a Book Review

The second book project is very dear to me, so I want to make sure that when the little community library opens, there are diverse books for the kids to read. I want this for them because I did not have this opportunity. I want them to become global citizens, even if is only through the books they read. I was thinking that we could possibly start a reading circle, so the kids could read together.

Also, since I am hosting the Strategic Reading Challenge, where part of the requirements is to read the world, I thought that I would look at diverse children's books. Would it not be amazing that while an adult is taking part in the Strategic Reading Challenge to read the world, their kids could also be reading the world. I must say that the Strategic Reading Challenge is not only about reading the world, a big part is for professionals to read books to teach them the skills they need to succeed in the future. Reading literature from around the world will teach them the cultural awareness they need to succeed in an increasingly more global workplace.

It is good to read the children’s classic and read diverse books, but I also wanted to discover more contemporary books for kids. It is important to see the world through different lens, and reading new books can help with that. I sent at email to Lisa Lyons Johnston, President, Kids Can Press. I chose Lisa because I know her personally, and knew that she would be responsive. She connected me with the right person to get the information that I needed for this post.

Have you read?

Razia’s Ray of Hope by Elizabeth Suneby, Book Review

I may write a series of posts just to make others aware of the new books that are available for kids. When I made the request, I wanted to know what the top selling children’s books are, and I also wanted the names of diverse children’s books. The interpretation of diverse in this instance, are books about global issues, and books written by international authors.

Kids Can Press 2017 Top Selling Children’s Books

1. The Most Magnificent Thing
2. Squiggly Story
3. The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do
4. Canada Year By Year
5. The Branch
6. Shelter
7. The Way Home in the Night
8. A Horse Named Steve
9. GoodNight Hockey Fans
10. Mr. Postmouse Takes a Trip

Kids Can Press Books About Global Issues/Books by International Authors

1. Birthdays Around the World
2. Families Around the World
3. Children Around the World
4. The Elephant Keeper
5. Child Soldier
6. Razia's Ray of Hope: One Girl's Dream of an Education

Final Thoughts: Book Recommendations for Kids: Books to Read with Your Kids

Besides Reading Magic by Mem Fox, I have not read any of the books mentioned in this post. But as I mentioned before, one of the list is made up of the top selling children’s books that Kids Can Press sold in 2017. It is important to be aware of new books to open your mind to new possibilities. And the same thing goes for adult books.