2022 Staff Picks for Kids

Explore our staff's favorite Children's titles read this year for an array of books to share with your little one! The Kids page on our website is another great resource and includes reading lists by age and grade, a link to our My Next Read service, information about our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge, and more. Of course, should ever need assistance or recommendations, you can always call or visit!

Be sure to check out our Staff Picks lists for Adults and Teens as well to find new reads for the whole family!

PICTURE BOOKS:

• A Ride to Remember: A Civil Rights Story by Sharon Langley — recommended by Ame B. at Library Administration
  • This is the story of the Gwynn Oak Amusement Park in Maryland becoming desegregated and how Sharon Langley became the first African-American child to ride the carousel!

• Bats in The Band by Brian Lies — recommended by Kelli Y. at Tuckahoe

• Beautifully Me by Nabela Noor — recommended by Beth H. at Fairfield

• Being a Dog: A Tail of Mindfulness by Maria Gianferrari — recommended by Fritz D. at Varina

• Big Truck, Little Island by Chris Van Dusen — recommended by Rick S. at Library Administration

• Cornbread and Poppy by Matthew Cordell — recommended by Logan F. at Gayton

• Everywhere With You written by Carlie Sorosiak and illustrated by Devon Holzwarth — recommended by Gina F. at Gayton

• Forgettery by Rachel Ip — recommended by Marie R. at Gayton

• Fred Gets Dressed by Peter Brown — recommended by Aimee H. at Glen Allen

• The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein — recommended by Bridget O. at Gayton

• I’m a Baked Potato! by Elise Primavera — recommended by Ashby C. at Gayton

• Kapaemahu by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu — recommended by Kareemah H. at Varina

• Knight Owl by Christopher Denise — recommended by Rachel S. at Fairfield

• Lunch from Home by Joshua David Stein, Jing Li, Niki Russ Federman — recommended by Alicia A. at Library Administration

• Me and the Boss: A Story About Mending and Love by Michelle Edwards and April Harrison — recommended by Barbie B. at Tuckahoe

• Noodles, Please! by Cheryl Yau Chepusova — recommended by Cammy K. at Varina
  • This is a super cute board book that includes the ABC's of different noodle dishes from around the world. Bound to leave you hungry!

• School is Wherever I Am by Ellie Peterson — recommended by Nideria B. at Sandston

• Téo's Tutu by Maryann Jacob Macias — recommended by Elizabeth P. at Libbie Mill

• This is a Gift for You by Emily Winfield Martin — recommended by Drew C. at Gayton
  • This picture book captures and celebrates small, warm moments.

• We All Play by Julie Flett — recommended by Barbra S. at North Park
  • This book is a fun, beautifully illustrated romp that teaches so much in an understated way. Children love trying to say the Cree names for animals in the back of the book. 

• What Is Love?  by Mac Barnett — recommended by Courtney M. at North Park

• The World Belonged to Us by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Leo Espinosa — recommended by Kelsey C. at Varina & Kathryn K. at Tuckahoe
  • This book reminds me of the ways I had to create fun for myself when I was a kid. – Kathryn K.

EARLY READER + MIDDLE GRADE:

• A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll — recommended by Barbra S. at North Park
  • If you're looking for a sweet and thoughtful story from the point of view of a neurodivergent child, this is a wonderful choice. It's enjoyable for adults and children alike. 

• Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston — recommended by Kelsey C. at Varina

• Anne of West Philly by Ivy Noelle Weir — recommended by Cammy K. at Varina
  • I loved the modernization of Anne of Green Gables. The artwork was lovely and the story was interesting. 

• An Occasionally Happy Family by Cliff Burke — recommended by Kathryn K. at Tuckahoe

• Crab & Snail: The Invisible Whale by Beth Ferry — recommended by Bridget O. at Gayton

• Crash from Outer Space: Unraveling the Mystery of Flying Saucers, Alien Beings, and Roswell by Candace Fleming — recommended by Rick S. at Library Administration

• The Dark Lord Clementine by Sarah Jean Horwitz — recommended by Gina F. at Gayton

• InvestiGators by John Patrick Green — recommended by Lisa K. at Glen Allen
  • This pun-filled, action-packed detective story stars Brash and Mango, two alligators who are detectives for an agency called S.U.I.T.

• Manu!! by Kelly Fernandez — recommended by Barbie B. at Tuckahoe

• Me and Marvin Gardens by A.S. King — recommended by Tracey at Tuckahoe
  • This is the sweet story of a boy who finds a creature that has the ability to help clean up the earth. The boy must protect his new friend and the habitat that supports them both.

• My Own Lightning by Lauren Wolk — recommended by Rachel S. at Fairfield

• Nina: A Story of Nina Simone by Traci N. Todd — recommended by Courtney M. at North Park

• Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend — recommended by Elizabeth P. at Libbie Mill

• Séance Tea Party by Reimena Yee — recommended by Drew C. at Gayton
  • This is a beautiful graphic novel (both in art and message) that tells a moving story about friendship and growing up with colorful, whimsical illustrations and a fun, ghostly vibe.

• Space Case (Moon Base Alpha #1) by Stuart Gibbs — recommended by Kareemah H. at Varina

• Starfish by Lisa Fipps — recommended by Beth H. at Fairfield

• Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas — recommended by Nideria B. at Sandston

• Twins by Varian Johnson — recommended by Marie R. at Gayton

• The Vanderbeekers Make a Wish by Karina Yan Glaser — recommended by Kristyn S. at Libbie Mill

• Wingbearer by Marjorie M. Liu — recommended by Naila P. at Tuckahoe and Ashby C. at Gayton

• Winterbourne Home for Vengeance and Valor by Ally Carter — recommended by Sophia G. at Varina
  • April is an orphan, left with only a necklace with a strange seal on it that was her mother's. After a big accident, she is sent to the Winterbourne Home where there is a group of unique kids, and they quickly uncover a mystery about the heir to the home. With a found family and fun hijinks, April finds a home at Winterbourne that she wasn't anticipating.