Reading Recommendations from the Bluebonnet List

Most of us know how vital it is to read to your child when they are very young and with them as they grow older. There is no more important activity to helping them succeed as a lifelong reader.

I think it is easier to make sure you are picking out enticing stories with picture books and board books for younger children. It becomes harder as they get a little older and are reading on their own. Then you can’t always read the book yourself in 15 minutes or place as much faith in delightful cover art.

Have no fear, librarians in the Texas Library Association have the perfect tool to help you keep your home library thriving! Teaming up with students in grades 3-6 each year, they select a list of current favorite reads. These are some of my top picks from the 2019-20 list: 

Me, Frida, and the Secret of the Peacock Ring by Angela Cervantes
A brother and sister search for the famous ring that once belonged to Frida Kahlo.

The Boo-Boos That Changed the World: A True Story About an Accidental Invention (Really!) by Barry Wittenstein, illustrated by Chris Hsu
The story of the invention of the band-aid is actually engaging and fun. Really!

Two Dogs in a Trench Coat Go to School by Julie Falatko, illustrated by Colin Jack
Good dogs Sassy and Waldo try to attend that scary place – school – with their boy.

The Cardboard Kingdom by Chad Sell
A group of neighborhood children makes their own costumes and transform into fantastical beings having great adventures.

Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson
Six students are selected for a weekly talk together with no adults and discover they can share their hopes and fears with each other.

These are my favorites – to pick your own, view the whole Bluebonnet list here or discover other Texas Library Association lists to support pleasure reading.