Coping during COVID-19: A Message for Parents
Parents of young kids, this time is hard. For you, for your kids, for everyone. Our staff is here to help us all figure it out, together.
Keep readingStaff Profile
Skokie Staff Youth Services
Youth Services
Blog Posts
Hot and Cool Summer Reads 2020
Drum roll, please! Announcing this year’s Hot and Cool Summer Reads lists!
Keep readingLists
Science Fun!
Some science fact, some science fiction, all science fun. Books for preschoolers through grade 5.
View list
Picture Books for Tough Times
Books to share with little ones that can provide some inspiration, perspective, and comfort when the world feels like a scary place.
View list
Jewish American Heritage Month: Books for Kids
Enjoy these books focusing on Jewish Americans for babies through grade 8.
View list
Family Audiobooks
These audiobooks for families with kids in grades 4-8 are perfect for listening on a road trip, or a cold winter night, or bedtime, or whenever. These titles are available as CDs, downloadable audiobooks, or preloaded audiobooks.
View list
Free to Read: Chapter Books for Kids
We celebrate the freedom to read by highlighting books that have been banned, censored, or challenged in schools and libraries across the country.
View list
2018 Staff Picks: Books For Early Readers
Our favorite books for Kindergarten through Third Graders.
View list
2018 Staff Picks: Teens
Our experts select the best books of 2018 for teens.
View list
2018 Staff Picks: Books for Middle Grade Readers
Our favorite books for 4th-6th graders.
View list
Kindness Matters
These picture books emphasize the importance of being kind to everyone.
View list
Free to Read: Books for Kids in Middle School
We celebrate the freedom to read by highlighting books that have been banned, censored, or challenged in schools and libraries across the country.
View list
2018 Staff Picks: Picture Books to Share with Our Youngest Readers
Our favorite books for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
View list
2019 Staff Picks: Books for Middle Grade Readers
Here are our favorite 2019 books for 4th-6th graders. Happy reading, everyone!
View list
2019 Staff Picks: Books for Early Readers
Our favorite 2019 books for kids in kindergarten through 3rd grade. Happy reading, everyone!
View list
2019 Staff Picks: Picture Books for Our Youngest Readers
Here are our favorite 2019 books to share with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. We hope that you enjoy these books as much as we do!
View list
Adventures for a Rainy Day (for Kids)
Turn a rainy day into an indoor adventure with these books.
View list
Adventures for Your Senses (for Kids)
Sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing--these books are designed to take you on a sensory adventure.
View list
Adventures for Your Imagination (for Kids)
Books to help you dare to dream.
View list
Anti-Racism Bookshelf for Young Kids
Books can help families approach issues like diversity, racism, empathy, and our differences and commonalities. This is a collection of books for grown-ups to share with young kids (preschool-2nd grade and up) to spark discussion and help address these tough issues. There are many additional guides to help parents broach these topics. [This is one of our favorites](https://booksforlittles.com/racial-diversity/).
View list
Outdoor Adventures for Kids
Whether you want to read about the great outdoors or go outside and get your hands dirty, these books will get you started.
View list
Help Stop Littering
For our friends of the earth who are ages 3-8, this collection of books introduces the problem of littering and offers some practical suggestion for things we can all do.
View list
Get Out of the House
This handy guide to imagining and creating activities and adventures in your backyard and beyond includes books for all ages.
View list
Books about Making Friends for Ages 3–5 and Caregivers
As young children move beyond family, they have the opportunity to make friends. While exciting, making friends requires social and emotional skills and resilience. Here are some of our favorite picture books to foster these skills in a fun way, as well as parent guides. Note: Originally developed for D69 TOPS Preschool Parent Group.
View list
Books about Bedtime for Ages 3–5 and Caregivers
Bedtime is an important routine, and it's not always an easy one. These picture books--some laugh-out-loud funny, some quiet, some interactive--offer lots of ways to entice your little one to bed and chase away their fears. Parenting guides offer helpful solutions. Note: Originally developed for D69 TOPS Preschool Parent Group.
View list
Books about Early Math for Ages 3–5 and Caregivers
Math opportunities are everywhere, from sorting laundry to cooking to looking for patterns in nature. Early math achievement is highly predictive of later math and reading success, so check out these engaging picture books and caregiver guides that will foster the idea that math learning is for everyone and can be a fun part of kids' everyday lives. Note: Originally developed for D69 TOPS Preschool Parent Group.
View list
Books about Adjusting to Preschool for Ages 3–5 and Caregivers
Enjoy reading these special books together to help your child navigate the excitement and anxiety that can come with the transition to preschool. Note: Originally developed for D69 TOPS Preschool Parent Group.
View list
Books about Technology and Screen Time for Ages 3–5 and Caregivers
Achieving a balanced media diet in this time of pervasive technology is a huge challenge for parents and caregivers, both for themselves and for their children. These engaging picture books and parent guides can help. Note: Originally developed for D69 TOPS Preschool Parent Group
View list
Books about Emotions for Ages 3–5 and Caregivers
Managing emotions can be challenging for adults and can be even more difficult for young children experiencing powerful feelings for the first time. These titles provide guidance and strategies through stories and breathing exercises to empower children to recognize and express their emotions in healthy ways. Note: Originally developed for D69 TOPS Preschool Parent Group.
View list
Rhyme Time for Ages 3–5 and Caregivers
Not only are rhymes lots of fun to hear and say, they also serve as building blocks for reading readiness. Rhymes help children notice the sounds in words and encourage play with those sounds--important steps toward becoming a reader. Filled with clever and creative rhyming stories and poems, this varied list of titles is sure to delight. Note: Originally developed for D69 TOPS Preschool Parent Group.
View list
Books about Challenging Behavior for Ages 3–5 and Caregivers
Books to share with your children that will not only engage them but will also help them develop healthy ways to express their emotions and resolve conflicts. Guides for caregivers offer strategies for discipline guided by compassion and positive reinforcement. Note: Originally developed for D69 TOPS Preschool Parent Group.
View list
Pride Books for Younger Kids
Books featuring LGBTQ+ characters, topics, and themes for babies-grade 2.
View list
2020 Staff Picks: Ages 0-5
Our favorite books of 2020 to share with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
View list
2020 Staff Picks: Grades K-3
Our favorite books of 2020 for kids in kindergarten through 3rd grade.
View list
2020 Staff Picks 2020: Grades 4-5
Our favorite books of 2020 for kids in 4th and 5th grade.
View list
2020 Staff Picks: Grades 6-8
Our favorite books published in 2020 for kids in middle school.
View list
Good Trouble for Grades 6-12
We're celebrating the extraordinary legacy of John Lewis, a lifelong civil rights activist and legislator. Learn about his life and how you can change the world for the better by standing up and speaking out for your beliefs.
View list
Kids 'Guaranteed to Read' Nonfiction
Riveting nonfiction for kids in grades 3-6 who haven't found the right book yet.
View list
Kids 'Guaranteed to Read' Fiction
Engaging, fast-paced fiction for kids in grades 3-6 who haven't found the right book yet.
View list
Riveting Nonfiction for Grades 6-8
Enjoy these page-turners from some of the best writers of nonfiction. Daring rescues, scientific mysteries, horrific crimes, tragic lives--they're all here. And they're all true!
View list
Riveting Nonfiction for Grades 3-5
You'll be amazed by all the excitement packed into these fabulous, fact-filled books! From the mysteries of nature, to the icy terrain of Antarctica, and all the way to the moon--we guarantee there is something here for you.
View list
Women Politicians, Activists, and Peacemakers
These youth titles present fascinating women who made (and are making) our world a better place through their hard work, dedication, and emotional and physical strength.
View list
Women Artists and the Power of Creativity for Kids
Be inspired by the lives and creative passions of extraordinary women artists and creators. Enjoy these picture book biographies and great stories to stir your artistic imagination.
View list
Riveting Nonfiction for Babies through Grade 2
Help your little ones discover the world around them and awaken their curiosity about distant places or creatures that lived long ago.
View list
Poetry for Kids: Preschool-Grade 2
Delightful poetry books for younger kids, featuring animals, nursery rhymes, counting, silliness, and one great big cuddle!
View list
Poetry for Kids: Grades 3+
Poetry for kids who don't think they like poetry! Funny, snarky, and heartwarming poetry books that are quick to read and stay with you for a long time.
View list
Novels in Verse: Grades 1-4
Some novels in verse are a collection of related poem stories, while others tell just one story using a poetic writing style. Either way, here are some of our favorites for kids in grades 1-4. We hope you find them interesting and inspiring.
View list
Novels in Verse: Grades 5-8
Novels in verse are stories told in poetry rather than prose. Here are some of our favorites for middle school students.
View list
Pride Books for Grades 3-8
Books featuring LGBTQ+ characters, topics, and themes for kids in grades 3-8.
View list
Caring for Mother Earth
How can kids and families become better stewards of our planet? What does Earth need more of and, even more important, less of? Find the answers with these books for kids of all ages.
View list
Breezy Summer Reads 2021 (Grades K-2)
Amazing inventions, hilarious mistakes, killer animals (and cute ones), families of all kinds, and so much more! Our team of experts chose their favorite titles--from picture books to early chapter books--for the youngest readers. Vote for your favorites, watch videos and more on our [Summer Reads page](http://www.skokielibrary.info/summer-reads).
View list
Hot Summer Reads 2021 (Grades 6-8)
From dramatic rescues to chilling horror, to political romance, these books will keep you turning the pages! Vote for your favorites, watch videos, and more on our [Summer Reads page](http://www.skokielibrary.info/summer-reads).
View list
Cool Summer Reads 2021 (Grades 3-5)
Secrets, quests, magic, friendship, mysteries, bravery, and everything in between! These books will keep you guessing, make you laugh, and inspire you. Vote for your favorites, watch videos, and more on our [Summer Reads page](http://www.skokielibrary.info/summer-reads).
View list
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Island Heritage (Grades 3-5)
Great stories by and about our Asian American and Pacific Islander community.
View list
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Island Heritage (Kindergarten-Grade 2)
Great stories by and about our Asian American and Pacific Islander community.
View list
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Island Heritage (Grades 6-8)
Great stories by and about our Asian American and Pacific Islander community.
View list
Great Family Read-Alouds: Longer Stories to Share
Even when the kids are older and ready for chapter books, reading aloud together is still a great way to share stories--whether it's at the end of the day, on vacation, on a rainy day, on a snowy day, whenever! These titles are long enough to enjoy for more than a few sittings for families with kids in elementary school and beyond.
View list
Family Audiobooks for Younger Kids
If your child or children are ready to listen to a chapter book, see the titles in this list. These are in a number of formats: CD, downloadable audiobook, or preloaded audiobook--so they are perfect for long road trips! For the preschool crowd, we have a "Books with CDs" picture book section in the library. These books have an accompanying CD that can be played in cars that still have a CD player.
View list
Great Family Read-Alouds: Shorter Stories to Share
Even when the kids are older and ready for chapter books, reading aloud together is still a great way to share stories--whether it's at the end of the day, on vacation, on a rainy day, on a snowy day, whenever! These titles are long enough to enjoy in one sitting or a few sittings for families with kids in early elementary grades.
View list
Free to Read: Picture Books
We celebrate the freedom to read by highlighting books that have been banned, censored, or challenged in schools and libraries across the country.
View list
Books for Hispanic Heritage Month (Grades 1-8)
Books by and about people who identify as Latine, for kids in grades 1-8.
View list
Books for Hispanic Heritage Month (Preschool-Grade 1)
Books by and about people who identify as Latine, for kids up to grade 1.
View list
Books You’ll Fall in Love With
Lovely books for babies through teens about love in many forms.
View list
Breezy Summer Reads 2022 (Grades K-2)
From picture books, to nonfiction, to beginning readers, to chapter books, these terrific books are sure to delight kids in grades K-2 and their grown-ups.
View list
Cool Summer Reads 2022 (Grades 3-5)
Mysteries, friendships, vampires and dragons, a magical train, two goats, two elephants, a life-changing game, and more. This year's books will keep you guessing, make you laugh, and inspire you.
View list
2021 Staff Picks: Grades 6-8
Staff favorites from 2021 for kids in grades 6-8.
View list
Honoring Native and Indigenous Voices: Books for Older Kids
Books by and about Native and Indigenous people and communities for kids ages 8 and up.
View list
Honoring Native and Indigenous Voices: Books for Younger Kids
Books by and about Native and Indigenous people and communities for kids ages 0-8.
View list
2021 Staff Picks: Ages 0-5
Staff favorites from 2021 to share with kids ages 0-5.
View list
2021 Staff Picks: Grades K-3
Staff favorites from 2021 for kids in grades K-3.
View list
2021 Staff Picks: Grades 4-5
Staff favorites from 2021 for kids in grades 4-5.
View list
Hot Summer Reads 2022 (Grades 6-8)
The Hot Summer Reads list for 2022 includes graphic novels, horror, romance, political thrillers, and much more!
View list
Back to School
Get ready to go back to school with these great books!
View list
Your Family, Your Library Podcast: Boundaries (Episode 10)
These books will help you and your child think about personal and family boundaries in varied, important ways.
View list
Chapter Books with Pictures
Chapter books with pictures allow readers to experience books on multiple levels. Great tools for encouraging new readers, pictures can tell their own story. They can also deepen the reader's understanding of the narrative.
View list
The Book Was Better Than the Movie
Movie adaptations of beloved books can be polarizing. Here's a list of children's books that have been adapted into movies--whether we like the movie better or not!
View list
Stories to Read in the Dark
The dark can be filled with wonder, nocturnal creatures, and magic. Here are some books that celebrate the enchantment that can only be experienced when the lights are out.
View list
Big Topics for Little Kids: Worries and Anxiety
Being worried or anxious is not just for grown-ups: kids feel these things too. These books will help kids identify how they're feeling and learn to manage their feelings so they don't overwhelm them. Part of our big topics for little kids booklist series focusing on grades pre-K-2. Find more books on worries and anxiety: bit.ly/BigTopicsWorry2
View list
Great Graphic Novels
Offering both visual and narrative elements, graphic novels offer multiple points of entry into a story, creating a deep and rich reading experience. Here are a few we really love!
View list
Staff Picks 2022: Picture Books for Grades K-3
Most kids in this age group still love to share picture books with their grown-ups, and many are ready for more sophisticated stories and topics, some of which we've included here.
View list
Staff Picks 2022: Fiction for Grades 4-5
From magic to friend stories to humor, mystery, and folklore, this list is packed with great stories and characters.
View list
Staff Picks 2022: Books for Grades 6-8
From fantasy to finding your own voice, from making bad decisions to living with the consequences, from friendships to romance, there are a lot of books here to love.
View list
Staff Picks 2022: Books for Babies through Preschool
It's important for grown-ups to enjoy the books that are meant to be shared with the littlest readers. These are some we think everyone will enjoy!
View list
Staff Picks 2022: Fiction, Graphic Novels, Readers, and Nonfiction for Grades K-3
As kids in grades K-3 become more independent readers, they start to branch out from their still beloved picture books. It's a great time to explore lots of different topics and types of books.
View list
Staff Picks 2022: Graphic Novels and Nonfiction for Grades 4-5
The number of great graphic novels is growing exponentially, and we couldn't be happier to suggest these 2022 selections, as well as some good nonfiction for kids in grades 4-5.
View list
Good Trouble for Young Children
For Black History Month, our youth team is celebrating the extraordinary life of John Lewis, who stood up and spoke out for civil rights for more than 60 years. Here are some wonderful books about activism for our youngest citizens.
View list
Speaking Up against Injustice
What can kids do to be embody the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr. and other activists for change? Here are some great books to help inspire kids of all ages to stand up against injustice.
View list
Books about Doing Good Together for Ages 3–5 and Caregivers
Studies have shown that even very young children will help adults without being asked. These books have been selected to help caregivers nurture this capacity in our children to make the world a better place. Note: Originally developed for D69 TOPS Preschool Parent Group.
View list
Adventures in Storytelling (for Kids)
The greatest adventure is the one you write! These books will get you started.
View list
Hot Summer Reads 2023 (Grades 6-8)
Take a dangerous journey through a violent city, witness a deadly competition for potent magic, watch a socially terrified teen suddenly find herself in the middle of the popular group, and more. You'll want to read all of these awesome books!
View list
Cool Summer Reads 2023 (Grades 3-5)
Cats in space, magic, and special grandparents! Enjoy these and much more in our favorite fiction, graphic novels, and nonfiction for kids in grades 3-5.
View list
Breezy Summer Reads 2023 (Grades K-2)
From picture books to easy readers to graphic novels to chapter books, these are some of our favorite books for kids in kindergarten-grade 2 and their grown-ups. They're easy to find right near the Kids desk.
View list
Muslim Picture Books for Kids (PreK-Grade 2)
These picture books that feature Muslim kids and families are great for sharing with young kids.
View list
Your Family, Your Library Podcast: Big Feelings (Episode 1)
These are the books about feelings, emotions, and mindfulness (plus a few more) shared on episode 1 of *Your Family, Your Library.*
View list
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Island Heritage (Preschoolers)
Great stories by and about our Asian American and Pacific Islander community.
View list
Your Family, Your Library Podcast: Social Anxiety (Episode 2)
These are the books about social anxiety (plus a few more) shared on episode 2 of our "Your Family, Your Library" podcast.
View list
Your Family, Your Library Podcast: Summer Fun! (Episode 3)
This selection of books encourages family engagement and fun both inside and outdoors all summer long.
View list
Your Family, Your Library Podcast: Your Village (Episode 4)
These books address the layered, often overwhelming, nature of parenting. From relationships to work to childcare; it's all complicated and you're not alone!
View list
Big Topics for Little Kids: Absent Family Members
Whether it's incarceration, a job, the military, deportation or another reason for a child to be missing a loved one while they are away, these books help to normalize the situation and help kids feel seen. Part of the Big Topics for Little Kids series, these books are for sharing with kids in grades PreK-2nd.
View list
Big Topics for Little Kids: Picky Eaters
Getting kids to try new foods can be challenging. Here are some books that might help. Part of the Big Topics for Little Kids series, these books are for sharing with kids grades PreK-2nd.
View list
Your Family, Your Library Podcast: Back to School (Episode 5)
These books will help you and your children into a new school year and beyond.
View list
Your Family, Your Library Podcast: How to Be a Friend (Episode 6)
These books tackle all sides of friendship--from how to meet firends to how to keep them close, or knowing when to turn the page.
View list
Books for Indigenous People's Day: Grades K-2
These are some of our favorite books featuring Indigenous and Native American people, stories, and information for sharing with kids in grades K-2. We tried to find books whose authors illustrators wrote from their own Native American perspective.
View list
Books for Indigenous People's Day: Babies-PreK
These are some of our favorite books featuring Indigenous and Native American people and stories to share with babies through kids in preschool. We tried to find books whose authors or illustrators wrote from their own Native American perspective.
View list
Books for Indigenous People's Day: Grades 3-5
These are some of our favorite books featuring Indigenous and Native American people, stories, and information to share with kids in grades 3-5. We tried to find books whose authors or illustrators wrote from their own Native American perspective.
View list
Your Family, Your Library Podcast: Bedtime Challenges (Episode 7, part 1)
These books will help you tackle, or embrace, bedtime and its many challenges.
View list
Your Family, Your Library Podcast: Reading Instruction (Episode 7, part 2)
Some of our favorites for beginning readers, along with good information for caregivers on helping your child become a reader.
View list
Your Family, Your Library Podcast: Climate Change for Kids (Episode 8)
These books will help kids understand climate change and what we can all do to make a difference.
View list
Your Family, Your Library Podcast: Climate Change (Episode 8)
These books will help you understand climate change and what we can all do to make a difference.
View list
2023 Staff Picks for Grades 3-5: Graphic Novels and Nonfiction
We loved this year's graphic novels and nonfiction for kids in grades 3-5. On this list, you'll find funny books, fantasies, realistic fiction about kids trying to fit in, adventure stories, and more.
View list
2023 Staff Picks: Grades K-2 Readers, Chapter Books and Nonfiction
These are some of our favorite 2023 readers, chapter books, and nonfiction for kids in grades K-2. The list includes books for kids just learning to read all the way through independent readers. Also see the staff picks list for Grades K-2 Picture Books.
View list
2023 Staff Picks for Babies-PreK
These are books we think grown-ups will love to share with the littlest readers in their lives. They range from silly to unusual to deeply meaningful and everything in-between.
View list
2023 Staff Picks : Grades 6-8
You'll find books about fitting in, family struggles, romance, friendship, and grief in these books perfect for middle schoolers.
View list
2023 Staff Picks for Grades 3-5: Fiction
From a new Percy Jackson book to mysteries to stories narrated by animals to fantasies to books about families who migrate to America, this list has staff favorites for every kind of reader!
View list
2023 Staff Picks: Grades K-2 Picture Books
Many kids in grades K-2 love to share picture books with their grown-ups, and these books were specially chosen for this age group. Also check out the 2023 list for readers, chapter books, and nonfiction for grades K-2.
View list
Your Family, Your Library Podcast: Failure and Empathy (Episode 9)
These books dive deep into changing our relationship with failure and learning how to build empathy and resilience so we can better accept ourselves and others.
View list
Muslim Stories for Kids (Grades 3-5)
These books for kids in grades 3-5 feature Muslim kids and families.
View list
Your Family, Your Library Podcast: When Things Get Scary (Episode 11)
These books will help and inspire you and your family to find ways to process the hard moments in life and to empathize with the suffering of others in mindful and constructive ways.
View list
Your Family, Your Library Podcast: Parenting Myths (Episode 12)
These books help to dispel (or maybe add to) common myths of parenthood and bring different perspectives on challenges caregivers and birthing people face.
View list
Breezy Reads 2024 (Grades K-2)
Breezy Reads are our picks for the youngest readers in grades K-2, including picture books, early readers, and chapter books.
View list
Cool Reads 2024 (Grades 3-5)
Magic, mysteries, misfits, and mayhem are just a tasty morsel of what you’ll encounter in this year’s list of great fiction, graphic novels, and nonfiction for kids in grades 3-5.
View list