Our Kids' World librarians have created many book lists for young readers. A sample of our lists is shown below. Our Youth Book Lists page will help you find just the right book for your child to read next.
Reading Resources
Book Lists for Kids of All Ages and Tastes
Books nominated for the 2025 Monarch Award, Illinois' K-3 Readers' Choice Award, voted on by students in grades K-3 in Illinois. Many of these titles may also be available as an ebook or eaudio. Check the catalog for more details.
Read and learn about how we can take care of our planet during Earth Month in April. For kids in Kindergarten-3rd grade.
Books to share with children about bodies, boundaries, consent and safety during Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April. For kids in Kindergarten-3rd grade.
Learn To Read
To support children learning to read for the first time, our "I Can Read" books use a color-coded system to organize early reader books from most basic (pink) to most complex (orange).
Many publishers use leveled reading to match books to a child's reading abilities. These include systems like Accelerated Reader, Guided Reading (F&P), and Lexile. Read more about different Leveled Reading Systems.
Year-round reading programs!
Reading programs are not just for the summer when you read with the Arlington Heights Memorial Library! Participate anytime, anywhere using Beanstack.
Log on to ahml.beanstack.org, or download the app from the App Store or Google Play. Your age will determine what program you participate in. No library card required!
What Do Those Letters Mean?
Spine labels can help you figure out which items are right for your child.
- E - infants–grade 2
- J - grades 3–5
- Y - grades 6–8
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
Shared reading is the best way to help babies, toddlers and preschoolers develop the important early literacy skills they need to learn how to read independently later on. The more books children ages 0-5 hear, the more prepared they will be to learn how to read.
Our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is for children from birth up to the start of kindergarten. It’s never too early to join!
Get started today by registering ahml.beanstack.org or at the Kids' World Desk.
Read 500
Read 500 is our year-round reading program for grades K-3.
From September to May, we challenge you to read 500 minutes a month. As you track your reading, you'll receive stickers, be entered for monthly giveaways, and earn free books!
For more details, log in or register online at ahml.beanstack.org.