All year long I look at books, read books, buy books, and receive books. And though if I could I'd recommend a list of the top 100 books of 2014, I've narrowed it down to ten.
The first five books are geared more toward younger readers, but they would be appreciated by readers of all ages.
The last half of the list is more for late elementary school or early middle school readers.
Here they are. My Top 10 Children's Books of 2014 picks:
Locomotive by Brian Floca
Winner of the 2014 Caldecott Honor, this book is a multiple award winner and NY Times best-seller. The book chronicles the advent of America's trans-continental railroad in the most beautiful and glorious way possible.
Blizzard by John Rocco
Based on his own experience surviving the Blizzard of 1978, Rocco shares his own memories woven in a story that teaches the important lessons of helping others and celebrating the little things.
Journey by Aaron Becker
A Caldecott Honor book, this wordless picture book tells the story of a young girl who goes on an exciting and magical journey that begins by walking through a door that she drew on her bedroom wall.
Mix It Up by Herve Tullet
A companion book to Press Here, Mix It Up takes readers on an interactive journey of color mixing and creating—except this time, there's no mess to clean up! A really unique book for read-alouds and gift-giving.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul by Jeff Kinney (grades 3-7)
Greg Heffley and his family suffer through a road trip in the ninth book in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. This long-awaited book does not disappoint!
Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by K. G. Campbell (grades 3-6)
This unique book is a mash-up of a comic book and novel; full-page illustrations and comic sequences interrupt the traditional novel, which is interesting and intriguing for readers. Ulysses is a squirrel whose life is forever changed when Flora saves him from the vacuum cleaner. It's an absolute riot.
Sisters by Raina Telgemeier (grades 3-7)
The companion book to Telgemeier's first book, Smile, Sisters tells the story of Raina and Amara—sisters who share a love of drawing but are opposites from that point on. (Bonus: Use these discussion questions to chat about the book with your kids!)
The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm (grades 3-7)
The craziest concept ever is introduced in this book, and kids will love it. Could Ellie's grandfather really have found the secret to eternal youth? Topics of friendship, family, love, and possibility are covered in this cool new book readers can't put down.
Nest by Esther Ehrich (grades 5 and up)
Eleven-year-old Chirp finds ways of dealing with life in Cape Cod after her mom develops symptoms of a serious disease. Funny, serious, and heartfelt, this book is one that sticks with readers.
Paperboy by Vince Vawter (grades 5 and up)
A Newbery Honor winner, this book is the recipient of numerous awards and should be read by everyone. Little Man has a serious stuttering problem, so the summer he takes over his pal's paper route presents for him some incredible challenges—and rewards.
Bonus: The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak
No way is this book with no pictures boring and dry. No way. This book plays with language in a way that is engaging, exciting, and new. A super unique book for kids this year, it is great for read-alouds and language discussions.
What books released in 2014 would you add to the list? We'd love to know!
Please share your thoughts on the Scholastic Parents Facebook page, or find Amy on Twitter, @teachmama, and let's continue the conversation!
Read all posts by Amy Mascott.
