Sophia Reed | August 13, 2025
Stories worth sharing—because reading is better when it’s a family thing. Family reading time builds connection, sparks imagination, and creates shared memories—no matter the age. Whether you’re cuddling up with a picture book, diving into an epic adventure, or discussing big themes with your teen, the right book can bring everyone together. Here's a curated list of books for kids, teens, and adults that are not only beloved by readers, but also praised by critics and educators alike.
Stories worth sharing—because reading is better when it’s a family thing. Family reading time builds connection, sparks imagination, and creates shared memories—no matter the age. Whether you’re cuddling up with a picture book, diving into an epic adventure, or discussing big themes with your teen, the right book can bring everyone together. Here's a curated list of books for kids, teens, and adults that are not only beloved by readers, but also praised by critics and educators alike.
This clever rhyming tale of a mouse outwitting predators in the forest has become a modern classic. It’s a favorite among teachers and librarians, and The Guardian hailed it as “one of the best-loved picture books in Britain.”
A hilarious story about dragons, tacos, and what happens when you add spicy salsa. Consistently on The New York Times bestseller list, it’s praised for its absurd humor and engaging illustrations.
Part of the bestselling Questioneers series, this book celebrates curiosity, science, and perseverance. It was named one of the “Best Children’s Books of the Year” by the Bank Street College of Education and has been adapted into a Netflix series.
This Caldecott Honor-winning book lets kids playfully say “no” to a very persuasive pigeon. Publishers Weekly called it “a laugh-out-loud read-aloud” and it remains a preschool staple.
A beautifully illustrated story about music, ambition, and coming home. It received the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and has been praised for its emotional depth and stunning artwork.
A heartwarming story of survival and friendship as a robot learns to live in the wild. Selected for numerous classroom reading lists, it was a New York Times bestseller and a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year.
This fast-paced adventure introduces Greek mythology with a modern twist. With millions of copies sold, it’s a favorite of reluctant readers and praised by Common Sense Media for its humor and accessibility.
Based on the author’s own childhood as a hotel front desk clerk, this book explores themes of immigration and resilience. It won the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature and was called “a gripping middle-grade novel” by School Library Journal.
A powerful, empathy-driven novel about a boy with facial differences entering public school. It spent over 500 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and inspired the #ChooseKind movement.
Told from the perspective of a gorilla in captivity, this novel is both poignant and profound. It won the Newbery Medal and was adapted into a Disney+ film, earning praise from The Horn Book for its emotional impact.
This gripping novel tackles race, identity, and activism through the eyes of a Black teen girl. A #1 New York Times bestseller and Coretta Scott King Honor Book, it was described by Time as “required reading for everyone.”
A fast-paced fantasy heist with morally complex characters and razor-sharp dialogue. Kirkus Reviews and Booklist gave it starred reviews, and it launched Bardugo's global Grishaverse phenomenon.
A speculative fiction story about two teens who meet on the last day of their lives. It became a viral hit on TikTok and was praised by Entertainment Weekly for its emotional resonance and originality.
A heartfelt novel about mental health, fandom, and online identity. Named a Best Book for Teens by The New York Public Library, it’s widely praised for its honesty and relatability.
Set in Nazi Germany, this novel narrated by Death explores the power of books and resistance. A Printz Honor Book and #1 New York Times bestseller, it’s been translated into 40+ languages and remains a classroom favorite.
A philosophical and imaginative novel exploring the roads not taken in life. It was named a Goodreads Choice Award Winner and described by The Washington Post as “a celebration of the power of books.”
Part murder mystery, part coming-of-age tale, this book captured the hearts of millions. It topped the New York Times bestseller list for over 100 weeks and was adapted into a film by Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine.
Based on real-life horseback librarians during the Great Depression, it’s a moving tribute to female friendship and literacy. USA Today called it “inspirational and wildly entertaining.”
A raw, unforgettable memoir about growing up in a survivalist family and finding freedom through education. A New York Times bestseller and National Book Critics Circle Award finalist, praised by The Economist and Oprah’s Book Club.
Part memoir, part creative manifesto, it encourages readers to embrace curiosity and live creatively. The Guardian called it “a celebration of the creative life” and it's beloved by writers and artists alike.