Reading together as a family not only improves children’s literacy skills but it also inspires family bonding. These family books are great for just that!
Everyone, children and parents alike, will love these fun, inspiring, and memorable stories. There’s something for everyone – magic, fairy tales, humor, friendship, fantasy, science, mystery, etc. But also, encourage your family members to branch out and try something new!
Our post 10 Best Family Books to Read Together has turned out to be a popular resource. Families who want to spend time together reading are using our favorite books, so we decided to make a Part 2!
Here’s a list of 10 more of the best family books to read together.
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Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George
First, get excited because this is a series! And it’s one of my favorite series of all time.
Okay, second, this book is amazing. Princess Celie lives at Castle Glower, and Castle Glower is special. On Tuesdays, the castle moves, changes, and is generally unpredictable. When the fate of the king and queen, as well as the kingdom, are in danger, it’s up to Celie and Castle Glower to save them all.
Guys, this book is seriously the greatest. The concept is brilliant and unlike anything you’ve read before. The whole family will love in love with this family and this magical castle.
Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess by Shari Green
In this realistic fiction book, Macy is going through a lot of life changes, including her mom’s remarriage and a new house. Plus, Macy has been told to help her elderly neighbor, Iris, who is also getting ready to move. Macy feels discouraged – how can Macy and Iris communicate when Iris doesn’t know sign language? But, maybe Iris is just the kind of friend Macy needs right now.
It’s a sweet book for families to fall in love with. Macy is relatable, and the problems she faces are problems many children experience and/or see in their everyday lives and in the lives of their friends.
Me, Frida, and the Secret of the Peacock Ring by Angela Cervantes
A mystery! This mystery is perfect for families because it’s not too scary and it’s not too intense, but it is interesting, intriguing, and fun! Also, the art history (Frida Kahlo!) aspect is present in the perfect amount! If you wanted, you could do a some read-alongs with nonfiction Frida books or even a Frida art project.
Great for mystery lovers!
The Doughnut Fix by Jessie Janowitz
Guys, this book! I love it. Tristan and his family move from New York City to a tiny, rural town. Tristan, a true food lover, is not happy with the move – until he comes across the town’s life-changing chocolate cream donuts. As Tristan starts a business, he finds more than just a tasty treat.
Okay, so this book is FANTASTIC for little entrepreneurs. It breaks down how to start a business in the most creative ways. Even if your family isn’t interested in starting a business, the story is great and the characters are relatable.
Bob by Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead
This story falls in the magical realism genre. It’s such a sweet story about the magic of a friendship that Livy has forgotten and that Bob has remembered for years. Can Livy and Bob figure out where Bob can from?
This story is so fun, so sweet, and it’s not super long. It’s the perfect book to read when getting a family reading time started!
Giants Beware! by Jorge Aguirre
A graphic novel! (Yes, graphic novels are books and do count as reading!) The whole family will love this quest Claudette, Marie, and Gaston go on to slay a giant. It’s a funny story full of adventure and friendship.
Snuggle up together so everyone can see the illustrations, and get ready for a fun adventure!
So B. It by Sarah Weeks
When I read this book for the first time in elementary school, I immediately told my mom to read it too. It’s a story that sticks with you because it’s so beautiful and touching.
Heidi sets out on a journey to find out about her past. She knows very little about her story, as her dad isn’t in the picture and her mom is mentally disabled. Heidi learns about herself, her family, and the power of words in this life-changing journey.
All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook by Leslie Connor
This story is one of those that will stick with you. It’s beautiful and inspirational. Perry T. Cook’s mother is in a correctional facility, and Perry has spent all eleven years of his life living there with her. But, when he is forced to live outside of the correctional facility, everything changes.
Take your family and go on this amazing journey with Perry as he finds the true meaning of home.
A Long Way From Chicago by Richard Peck
Such a funny historical fiction book! (And “funny” and “historical fiction” aren’t often used to describe the same book!) It’s about two siblings who go visit their eccentric grandmother for a week each summer and have the most interesting experiences.
I highly recommend this book for families. You’ll be laughing at the absurdities together!
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
Ivan is a gorilla who lives in a glass cage at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade. He’s pretty content with his life and doesn’t really think about when he used to live in the jungle. He spends time with his friends – an older elephant Stella and a stray dog Bob. But, when a young elephant – Ruby – arrives, everything changes — for the better.
This book is great for animal lovers, and families will fall in love with Ivan!
If you haven’t yet, check out our 10 Best Family Books to Read Together for even more suggestions!
Also, check out our 10 Best Family Picture Books to Read Together!
