Here is a roundup of books for ages 8 through 14 (see age above each title).
“Mommy, there’s nothing to read!” yelled by a child staring at a bookcase containing 500 books is the equivalent of the “I have nothing to wear” every woman thinks while looking at a closet full of clothing.
Sometimes, you just need something new. I know. And I am not complaining.
I am lucky that my children love to read, it’s a true blessing. We own every single book mentioned in this post. Most evenings the house is quiet and every couch is taken. They even re-read favorites like the entire Harry Potter series and The Mysterious Benedict Society (See this post for more series you should own.)
But, sometimes, I feel like their appetite for the written word is insatiable. I cannot buy books fast enough.
No, I have no issue buying books. I think it’s the best investment. My problem? Knowing which books are appropriate. I’m sure you have the same issue. Teen books are taking a weird turn these days, focusing on topics we prefer our children not read about. So, when I met a friend who has the same issue and an insane amount of books, I begged her to compile a list so that we can share ideas.
And she did! It’s mostly classics, and some, even thought-provoking books.
DISCLAIMER: * These are not Jewish books. Please read the books to make sure they are to your family’s standard. Between Carpools takes no responsibility whatsoever; there are different levels of sensitivity in every family.
* This is just a list of books we felt were ok, but, you should do your own research (aka reading).
* On that note, the women behind kosherbooks.org have shared more book recommendations on Between Carpools in posts like this and this.
* Another great website to check if books are appropriate, and if not, why, is commonsensemedia.org. Just type in a title and (most of the time) it’s there. A great resource! Saves you hours of reading and they do a very thorough job. The first 3 reviews are free and after that they charge $3 a month. Worth it!
What’s wrong with the Jewish books? There are thousands of them.
Why?? if you have a properly censored book i see nothing wrong!
don’t we know “chachma bagoyim taamin???”
there are many knowledges and values one can gain from non-jewish books!!
*number the stars is a FANTASTIC book!! its about the holocaust and its such an important message we need to pass on to our children!!
Does anyone disagree?
Full disclosure: I actually own many of the books listed here for years. However, I believe we should respect those who’d like to limit their exposure to secular literature and lead a more sheltered life.
i agree
everyone is entitled to their own opinions and that irrational comment is unnecessary
I don’t think it’s irrational at all to suggest that a Jewish woman’s website might want to suggest Jewish books for kids.
Two incredible books to add to this amazing collection are “the war that saved my life”- a newbury award winner and its sequel, “ the war I finally won”. And “the one and only ivan”. To “confused”- i hear your question. There Are many wonderful Jewish books and i spend a lot of money buying as many as I could. In fact many of my teens bh on their own decided to read only Jewish books. But as voracious readers there often isn’t enough in the Jewish literary world for advanced but young readers. And many “Jewish “ books are very inappropriate in content dealing with marital issues and the like. I read through every book before allowing kids to read it. I appreciate tremendously getting a list like this!
Wonder by R.J Palacio is a favorite!
Wonder!!!!!!!!!!
Wonder, so B. It, jelly belly, the war with grandpa, it’s a dogs life, the city of ember are all FANTASTIC!
Jelly belly is written by Robert Kimmel smith. All his books are great!!
This is amazing thanks for this list! My daughter inhales book and we need more! I’m buying the ones that have series to keep it going! Thank you again!!!
I would also love to see Leah Gebbers books back in print- they are incredible historical fictions for the higher teen age reader and above
Yes these are so good! Also bina gold mysteries – kind of like a Jewish version of Nancy drew
i agree wonder is a fantastic book!!!
Any adult recommendations?!
Yes, please!!
Yes!! I’m also looking for adult recommendations.
Loved this! I read many if these as a kid and it shaped my imagination. I would add Little House on the Prarie books, American girl original books, the phantom tollbooth, Gordon Kormans books especially Bruno and Boots, the whole Narnia Series… wow I could go on! But I definitely think we can give our children more of an appreciation and understanding of the world through books.
Great list! I would just caution, you may want to check with the school to see if they are planning on using these books in class. Pre-reading a book can interfere with the lesson – hard to teach the concept of foreshadowing if they already know the ending!
Please don’t advertise Roald Dahl books. He was an open Antisemite, and some of his worst characters are meant to be Jews.
He was an incredible writer, but not a good person. If he knew my kids, he would hate them, so why read his books?
I would add to that the little house on the big woods series, anne of green gables, the a to z mysteries series, kensuke’s kingdom, The adventures of tom sawyer, little women, the borrowers… there’s loads. This is a great idea. Kosher and educational entertainment!