Staff Picks for Kids
Discover the best books for kids of all ages–from new readers to tweens–selected by our staff. Find new featured book lists every month, or explore our picks by reading level or genre.
Featured Booklists
Latinx Poetry
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15), librarians at The Seattle Public Library selected this list of poetry by Latinx poets. Annotations from Publishers Weekly unless otherwise noted. (September 2021).
Deaf Awareness Month
Check out these titles for all ages selected by our library staff for Deaf Awareness Month. (Created September 2021)
Adventure Books For Kids
Handpicked adventure stories ranging from picture books to chapter books. (Created Aug, 2021)
Recent Pura Belpré Award Winners for Kids
This list spotlights recent recipients of the Pura Belpré Children's Book Award & Honors, and was created in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15-October 15, 2021 (Created Sep. 2021).
Share Your Story: Kids Picture Books
Share your story during The Library's Summer of Learning with this selection of picture books for kids. (Created July 2021)
Summer of Learning 2021 Books for All Ages
Explore your story during the Summer of Learning with this selection of fiction and nonfiction books for all ages. (Created July 2021.)
Recent Poetry Books for Kids
In celebration of National Poetry Month 2021, here are some wonderful recent books of poetry for kids. (Created March 2021)
Women's History Month Recent Books for Kids
In celebration of Women's History Month, read about women scientists, athletes, activists, artists, and more! (Created March 2021)
Black Joy in Picture Books
In honor of Black History Month, here are some recent picture books celebrating Black joy!
Staff Faves 2020: Kids
Every year we poll our staff across the system for their favorite books published in a given year. (Created Nov. 2020)
Spooky Chapter Books for Kids
Some silly scary stories, and some REALLY scary (beware!) stories for grades K - 5th. (Updated Sept. 2020)
Spotlight on Las Musas
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we're spotlighting Las Musas, "a collective of women and non-binary (identifying on the female spectrum) Latinx Picture Book, Middle Grade, and Young Adult debut authors." (Created Sept. 2020)
Talking with Kids About Race and Racism
This list was created by staff of the Seattle Public Library. (Created June 2020)
Nature Books for School Age Kids
Every Day is Earth Day! Summer of Learning 2020: Books & eBooks for School-Age Kids (Created June 2020)
Early Childhood
For New Readers
New Readers - Off to a Good Start
A staff selection of books for new readers who are off to a good start.
New Readers - Reading Independently
A staff selection of books for new readers who are reading independently.
Elementary Grades
Books for Kindergarteners & First Graders
A staff selection of books for kindergarteners and first graders.
Genres & Topics
Advanced Reading Level for Younger Readers
A staff selection of advanced reading level books for young readers.
Asian Pacific American Heritage Books for Kids
A staff selection of Asian Pacific American titles for kids.
Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos)
El Día de los Muertos is celebrated November 1-2 throughout Mexico and Latin America. Learn more about this holiday that remembers and honors deceased loved ones with these recommended works for youth and adults, available at SPL.
The Immigrant and Refugee Experience in Childrens Books
A staff selection of titles that explore the immigrant and refugee experience for kids.
Race and Social Justice Books for Kids K-5
A staff selection of race and social justice titles for kids.
Resources for Kids and Families Impacted by Incarceration
A staff selection of resources for kids and familes impacted by incarceration.
Local Interest
Washington Picture Book Authors
A staff selection of picture books by authors from Washington State for kids.
Washington Picture Book Illustrators
A staff selection of picture books by illustrators from Washington State for kids.