George Bernard Shaw said “Make it a rule never to give a child a book you would not read yourself.”
One of the best and truest ways to inspire a deep love of reading in your child is to give him a great read that he really loves.
You are reading: Classic books for elementary students
once they graduate from fairy tales (hans christian andersen, perhaps?) and picture books, young readers can move on to chapter books and novels that have stood the test of time.
A great book really can change a child’s life forever. So here’s our list of the best children’s books and novels of all time.
see also: 100 best books for your baby’s room (2022)
1. charlotte’s web (e.b. white)
Charlotte’s Web is an excellent book for kids and adults alike, with lessons about friendship and death that are timeless in their themes. The story follows a curious little girl named Fern who lives on a farm with her parents and siblings. She becomes friends with Wilbur, the runt of the litter from one of the local pig farms nearby. As time goes by, the pig named Wilbur grows bigger, and Fern realizes that he will soon be slaughtered if no one buys him. The spider will try to save Wilbur from being killed.
2. the complete fairy tales of hans christian andersen
hans christian andersen was a danish author and poet who wrote over 150 fairy tales. his stories are known for their realism, wit, and psychological insight. He is best known around the world as the writer of “The Snow Queen”, “The Little Mermaid”, “Thumbelina” and “The Ugly Duckling”. The Complete Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen is an English translation of his complete works. These are all stories that children love to read, and this edition is perfect for them because it has so many images. they teach many valuable lessons, such as dealing with bullying, what it means to have a good heart, and how to overcome obstacles.
3. where the wild things are (maurice sendak)
The story follows young Max, who spends his time exploring in the forest, imagining wild animals, and being creative. In one of his adventures, he gets transported to an island where all these creatures exist, and they are not friendly at first, but soon they become friends with him. This book teaches many lessons about friendship, imagination, and creativity that we can apply to our own lives today.
4. velvet bunny (margery williams)
The Velveteen Rabbit is the story of a toy rabbit that wears out and goes into disrepair. it has been loved so much by its owner that it becomes real. but when the boy decides to take him to the woods, where all the old things go, it looks like this could be the end for our little velvet bunny. this book is great for kids because it teaches them how important love can be and how, even if they’re loved all their lives, there will always come a time when they have to let it go.
5. adventures of tom sawyer (mark twain)
tom sawyer is one of the best children’s books. tells the story of tom’s adventures with his friends in saint petersburg, missouri, on the banks of the mississippi river. The chapters in the book are called “adventures” because they cover a variety of different adventures that are typical of the lives of children as they grow up along the river: like playing pirate, going fishing, or hunting waterfowl with their weapons, getting into fights, and running from school to go swimming or picnicking by the river. the book has many lessons on the power of friendship, loyalty and honesty. With all the amazing characters in this novel, you’ll be laughing out loud one moment and crying with sorrow or joy the next.
6. ghost toll booth (norton juster)
is a children’s novel published in 1961. the story tells the story of a bored boy named milo who finds himself in a strange land called the kingdom of wisdom, ruled by king azaz the upright and queen anthrapas the wise, where words can be used as magic spells. the book teaches children about words by giving them rhymes for each letter of the alphabet.
7. tale of pedro rabbit (beatrix potter)
tale of peter rabbit (beatrix potter) is considered one of the best books for children. It has been in print since 1902 and its popularity has never waned. The story revolves around a mischievous rabbit who gets into all sorts of trouble with his family, friends, and neighbors.
The book was written to entertain children, but it also teaches valuable life lessons, such as dealing with authority figures like mr. mcgregor and mrs. tiggy winkle, who are trying to get peter back home after she runs away from mr. mcgregor’s garden It will teach your child the importance of telling the truth, taking responsibility for his actions, dealing with difficult people, and forgiving others when they make mistakes.
8. little prince (antoine de saint-exuperty)
the little prince is a book that tells the story of a little prince who leaves his home to explore the world. he meets people from many different planets and learns about their lifestyles, but never finds what he is looking for: someone who understands him as much as he understands them. the book was initially published in 1943, but has since been translated into more than 180 languages. this makes it one of the best children’s books because it teaches them to understand others.
9. the generous tree (shel silverstein)
Published in 1964, the Giving Tree has been a children’s favorite for over 50 years. the picture book is about a tree that loves and gives to a little boy; then, as it grows, the tree no longer has anything to give. This book teaches children that while giving their time and effort can be exhausting at times, it can be worth it in the end because someone else appreciates them. this book helps teach children empathy because they will learn that sometimes they have to share their resources so that other people can benefit from them.
10. chronicles of narnia (c.s. lewis)
The Chronicles of Narnia is an epic fantasy series that has won the hearts and minds of children, adults, and academics alike. The stories have been translated into more than 30 languages and have sold more than 100 million copies worldwide since 1950, when it was first published in Britain. The entire series, published over six years, includes “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”, “Prince Caspian”, “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader”, “The Silver Saddle”, “The Horse and His Child and the Last Battle.”
All stories follow the adventures and struggles of four children in an enchanted world as they go on a quest to free themselves from the evil white witch who has cast them there. Along their journey, they learn about courage, friendship, loyalty, and bravery that help shape their character for years to come.
11. tales of a fourth grade nothing (judy blume)
Published in 1972, the book is about a fourth grade boy named Peter. Set in New York City, the story follows Peter’s life with his younger brother Fudge, who makes his life difficult in every possible way. The two brothers have very different personalities but share a love for their family and each other that keeps them close even when the going gets tough.
is an excellent read for children looking to be entertained. With a humorous tone and some great lessons on growing up, this book is sure to keep kids engaged throughout the story.
12. black beauty (anna sewell)
This book is a great read for children. it has an exciting plot and teaches children about horses. Set in England during the 19th century, the story follows the life of a horse named Black Beauty from his birth to his death. the book is narrated from the point of view of the horse itself. recounts his life from birth to his old age, telling how he was passed from person to person as an unwanted pet.
black beauty is a story that offers hope. It also teaches readers about work ethics, manners, responsibility, and the power of kindness.
13. a bear named paddington (michael bond)
A Bear Named Paddington is a great children’s book about the adventures of a bear from darkest Peru. the bear was found in an old hatbox on Christmas Eve and adopted as a gift to an English family who had just lost their pet. children have loved this story all over the world for decades. the book teaches kids great lessons about being polite and kind to others and taking responsibility for their actions.
14. little women (louisa may alcott)
If you want to introduce your children to the world of literature, then one of the books that is a classic and that will set them on their way is little women. If you’re looking for a book with strong female characters tackling real-life issues, this book has it all. The story follows Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy as they grow up during the American Civil War as they try to find their own identities outside of what society expects of women.
15. magic tree house (mary pope osborne)
First published in 1992, The Magic Tree House is one of America’s most popular children’s books. Based on a series of novels, kids can explore all kinds of different adventures with Jack and Annie right from their backyard. From deep sea diving to space exploration, this book has it all. Children can learn many things from these adventures, including how to overcome fears, how to be a good friend when someone feels sad or hurt, what it means to have gratitude in your heart, and why you shouldn’t judge someone based on appearances alone.
16. Charlie & the chocolate factory (roald dahl)
roald dahl is a well known and loved children’s author. His books are famous for their wacky plots, interesting characters, and hilarious dialogue. one of his most popular novels is “charlie & amp; the chocolate factory.” The book tells the story of young Charlie Balde, who lives with his mother and four grandparents in poverty. He dreams of what it would be like to visit Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, but believes that he will never get the chance because they are so poor. But when one day he finds a golden ticket inside a candy bar while searching through the trash, everything changes for him! the book teaches children great lessons about greed, morality, and the true meaning of being happy.
17. a wrinkle in time (madeleine l’engle)
a wrinkle in time by madeleine l’engle is an excellent read for children. This book explores the idea of good and evil, as well as trusting your intuition. The story follows three children named Meg, her younger brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin who are on an adventure to find Meg’s father through time and space after being missing for four years. The book tells how these three children use their intelligence and love to combat the forces of evil in their rescue mission.
18. winnie the pooh (aa milne)
Published in 1962, this collection is excellent reading for children. the protagonist, winnie the bear, undertakes various adventures with his friends piglet, a small toy pig; tigger, a jumping tiger; kanga and roo, two kangaroos; owl, a wise old bird. every child should read this book because it teaches them about a friendship that is so pure and unbreakable. the story is one of the most famous children’s stories globally, it has been translated into many languages and can be found on the shelves of every bookstore. this classic tale will make you laugh and teach you to love unconditionally.
19. stuart little (e.b. white)
stuart little by e. b white is a children’s book about the adventures of an anthropomorphic mouse named stuart. The story is set in New York City and begins with the birth of Stuart to human parents, George and Margret Little. The story follows Stuart’s life as he explores his surroundings, gets into trouble, has fun with his family and friends. after growing up, he eventually leaves home to seek new experiences. stuart goes to school with his friends and learns lessons about being kind, having empathy for others and making good decisions. Stuart must also deal with sibling rivalry when he visits his cousin’s house.
20. harry potter & the philosopher’s stone (j.k. rowling)
Published in 1997, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is a great book for children because it has magic, suspenseful moments, and fantastical characters that all children can relate to in one way or another. The book tells how a young wizard named Harry Potter discovers that he is a famous wizard. He will attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry this year with his faithful friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. Harry Potter is a story of overcoming obstacles and facing the unknown.
21. the secret garden (frances burnett)
The Secret Garden was written in 1911. The main character is the selfish and not-so-nice 10-year-old Mary Lennox who lives in India with her wealthy British family. she has been pampered by the help of the family and neglected by her parents. Mary is orphaned when a cholera epidemic kills her parents and servants, and the story becomes a story of self-healing.
22. brunette girl dreaming (jacqueline woodson)
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson is made up of vibrant poems in which the author shares her experience growing up as a black girl in the 1960s and 1970s amid persistent Jim Crow laws and an emerging civil rights movement . each poem represents a child searching for her identity and her place in the world.
23. james & the giant peach (roald dahl)
Poor orphan James lives by the sea with his wicked aunts and doesn’t have a friend in the world until he meets the old green grasshopper and other insect friends who live in a magical giant peach. His surreal adventures are sometimes terrifying, but they are peppered with unforgettable characters and classic literary thrills.
24. the wind in the willows (kenneth grahame)
The Wind in the Willows is a book of animal stories set in the English countryside. the stories deal mainly with the mole, the rat, the badger, and the rich and generous toad, who talk to each other and act like humans, but also have some distinctive animal characteristics. Work together to save Toad Hall from the weasels, encountering adventures and obstacles along the way.
25. the boys in the wagon (gertrude warner)
The children of the wagon is an accessible series that tells the story of four orphaned brothers who create a home for themselves in an abandoned wagon. they eventually start living with their grandfather and use the wagon as a playhouse in their backyard. Throughout the series, they embark on a series of adventures, experiencing many mishaps and encountering exciting mysteries to solve. the boxcar children is best for kids in 4th grade and up.
more classic chapter books:
26. anne of green tiles (lucy maud montgomery)
a heartwarming 1908 novel based on an old farm town called avonlea.
27. the one & just ivan (katherine applegate)
an unforgettable novel inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla, told from his point of view.
28. number the stars (lois lowry)
a historical fiction book about the escape of a jewish family from copenhagen, denmark.
29. rising hope (pam muñoz ryan)
a historical fiction novel about hope, a girl from a wealthy family who suddenly has everything taken away from her.
30. the mouse & the bike (beverly cleary)
a 1965 children’s novel about ralph s. mouse, a mouse that can talk to humans.
31. Sarah Plain & tall (patricia maclachlan)
A story about coping with change, told from young Anna’s point of view, set in the late 19th century.
32. beezus and ramona (beverly cleary)
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A wacky chapter book centered around 9-year-old Beatrice Quimby and her 4-year-old sister Ramona.
33. prairie lotus (linda sue park)
a powerful and moving book about a half asian girl in central america determined to fit in and fulfill her dreams of getting an education and making friends.
34. thunder hear my cry (mildred d. taylor)
Set in Mississippi during the Great Depression, this book is an unflinching portrait of family and self-esteem.
35. aka sheila the great (judy blume)
Published in 1972, this classic novel is part of the fudge series and follows sheila tubman.
36. ramona (beverly cleary)
Another wacky chapter book centering around 9-year-old Beatrice Quimby and her 4-year-old sister Ramona.
37. mary poppins (pamela lyndon travers)
a classic tale about a magical nanny.
38. peter pan (james matthew barrie)
a charming 1911 book about a mischievous boy who refuses to grow up
39. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (Lewis Carroll)
an 1865 English children’s novel about a girl named Alice who falls down a rabbit hole and into a whimsical fantasy world.
40. matilda (roald dahl)
Matilda was the last long children’s book Roald Dahl wrote before he passed away in 1990.
41. little women (louisa may alcott)
a coming of age novel about four sisters.
42 the hobbit (j.r.r tolkien)
a children’s fantasy novel published in 1937.
43. the neverending story (michael ende)
a classic story about a boy and a book that magically comes to life.
44. the babysitters club
a beloved series that follows a group of friends and their homegrown babysitting business.
45. the giver (lois lowry)
a 1993 American young adult dystopian novel, set in a society that at first seems utopian.
46. nancy drew (carolyn keine)
This classic master series follows a fictional detective character on a series of adventures.
47. the tough guys (franklin w. dixon)
another classic series of mystery and adventure with a group of children as protagonists.
48. the wonderful wizard of oz (l frank baum)
The classic children’s novel published in 1900 that started it all.
49. a series of unfortunate events (lemony snicket)
This catchy series takes readers into, you guessed it, a series of unfortunate events for three recently orphaned siblings.
50. the war of the worlds (h.g. wells)
a science fiction novel published in 1897.
51. amelia bedelia (peggy’s parish)
follow this beloved fictional character through blunder after blunder, which only makes her more lovable.
52. pippi longstocking (astrid lindgren)
The beloved story of a brave young woman and her hilarious escapades.
53. the incredible journey (sheila branford)
This heartwarming story follows a cat and two dogs who travel hundreds of miles to find their human family.
54. the diary of a young girl (anne frank)
This classic book is the real diary of Anne Frank, a young Jewish woman who hid from the Nazis during World War II.
55. the great adventures of sherlock holmes (arthur conan doyle)
Follow the adventures of the world’s best-known detective.
56. a carol (charles dickens)
The classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man who is visited by ghosts from his past.
57. animal farm (george orwell)
Even young adults love this satirical novel about a group of farm animals who rebel against their human farmer, hoping to create a world where animals can be freer and happier.
58. to kill a mockingbird (harper lee)
This classic 1961 novel is about a boy’s view of race and justice in the depression-era South.
59. the story of dr. dolittle (hugh lofting)
A magical story about John Dolittle and the crew of animals he befriends.
60. a wrinkle in time (madline l’engle)
a young adult science fiction novel about the fifth dimension and time travel.
61. I ask (r.j. Palacio)
a powerful story about a boy with a disfigured face.
more classic books (young children)
62. guess how much i love you (sam mcbratney)
63. the original mother goose
64. matilda (ludwig bemelmans)
65. goodnight moon (margaret wise brown
66. the very hungry caterpillar (eric carle)
67. the book without pictures
68. the cat in the hat (dr. seuss)
69. corduroy (don freeman)
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70. eloise (kay thompson)
71. the lorax (dr. seuss)
72. the snowy day (ezra jack keats)
73. make way for the ducklings (robert mcclosky)
74. olivia (ian falconer)
75. the story of fernando (leaf of munro)
76. don’t let the pigeon drive the bus (mo williams)
77. alexander and the terrible, horrible, not good, very bad day (judith violist)
78. press here (herve tullet)
79. the day they stopped painting (drew daywalt)
80. mike mulligan and her mechanical shovel (virginia lee burton)
81. i love you forever (robert munsch)
82. diary of a wombat (jacky french)
83. tikki tikki tempo (arlene mosel)
84. the red balloon (albert lamorisse)
85. a sick day for amos mcgee (philip c. stead)
86. the little engine that could (watty piper)
87. if you give a mouse a cookie (laura numeroff)
88. everyone shits (taro gomi)
89. Harry the dirty dog (gen sion)
90. last stop on market street (matt de la peña and christian robinson)
91. whose knees are these? (jabari asim)
92. grimm’s fairy tales (the brothers grimm)
93. brown bear, brown bear, what do you see? (eric carle)
poetry
94. where the sidewalk ends (shel silverstein)
95. the light in the loft (shel silverstein)
96. The Oxford Illustrated Book of American Children’s Rhymes (Donald Hall)
97. poems to learn by heart (caroline kennedy)
98. words with wings: a treasury of black art and poetry (nikki grimes)
99. Thirteen Moons on the Back of a Turtle: A Native American Year of Moons (Joseph Bruchac)
100. the disgusting rhyme of roald dahl (roald dahl)
Reading classic children’s books together is a great way to spend quality time with your children. The benefits of reading with them are endless, and we hope you’ll take the opportunity to find good reads for all ages in our list above.
What other classic chapter books for kids should we add to this list? email us at hello@mkewithkids.com.
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