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Staff PicksStaff Picks<div class="ExternalClass488633DC1C80418F83F8B87CB53548F5"><p>​Discover a world of recommendations and more with Staff Picks! Arranged by subject and audience, these lists are carefully selected by Phoenix Public Library staff and offer the best in suggested reading, listening and watching. Explore these lists and see what you discover!<br></p></div>

 

 

 

 

 

 

1st Grade1st Gradehttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/kids/1st-grade​Every child progresses at his or her own rate when learning to read.<div class="ExternalClassCF11A8BA21194B26AB1984B9D6DF952C">​Every child progresses at his or her own rate when learning to read. This list includes picture books meant for grown ups to read aloud, as well as a few "beginning readers." When picking books for your child to read, keep in mind the "five finger" test – have your child read a page aloud, if he misses more than five words on a page, the book may be too challenging. Keep it fun, don't let your child get frustrated.<br><br>​<br></div>1st-grade
2nd Grade2nd Gradehttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/kids/2nd-grade<div class="ExternalClass12D3C91BF9074C7388076DCB30F86A4E">​These are suggested books for a 2nd grader, but each child develops at a different rate. Don't be alarmed if your child struggles with a book on this list. What's important is to make reading a daily habit.<br></div>2nd-grade
3rd Grade3rd Gradehttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/kids/3rd-grade<div class="ExternalClassD66CB9CBDFEC45018F50CAC1CEB6234A">​By 3rd grade, children are reading independently. Take your child to the library regularly to select new titles of interest to them.<br></div>3rd-grade
4th Grade4th Gradehttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/kids/4th-grade<div class="ExternalClassC4C017E1E88445D0B11DA0F966140F3B">​By 4th grade, children are reading to learn about the world. They can handle longer, more complex chapter books.<br></div>4th-grade
5th Grade5th Gradehttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/kids/5th-grade<div class="ExternalClass753C1B3FD9E04F9192B90E8A667CCAE3">​Reading levels, whether measured by Lexile Level, Accelerated Reading, or another measure, will vary widely. In general, children this age are reading complex books over 100 pages. At this age, kids have many other activities that distract from reading, so it's very important for families to set aside time for independent reading every day.<br></div>5th-grade
6th Grade6th Gradehttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/kids/6th-grade<div class="ExternalClass7D876FF38A9F446FA5EA9DC3F35BC64B">​You are still the most important influence in your child's life, so model good reading habits. Here are suggested books for 6th graders.<br></div>6th-grade
7th and 8th Grade7th and 8th Gradehttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/kids/7th-and-8th-grade​You are still the most important influence in your child's life, so model good reading habits. Here are suggested books for 7th and 8th graders.<div class="ExternalClass0A9F314155744CA5B4D0272CFA432978"><p>​You are still the most important influence in your child's life, so model good reading habits. Here are suggested books for 7th and 8th graders.​​<br></p></div>7th-and-8th-grade
9th Through 12th Grade9th Through 12th Gradehttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/kids/9th-through-12th-grade​You are still the most important influence in your child's life, so model good reading habits. Here are suggested books for high schoolers. <div class="ExternalClass0681DFF2BAD24FDCBF8C9AFE9E5497ED"><p>​You are still the most important influence in your child's life, so model good reading habits. Here are suggested books for high schoolers. ​<br></p></div>9th-through-12th-grade
Anna's PicksAnna's Picks<i class="fas fa-book-reader"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/kids/annas-picksMeet Anna. These are the children's and teen titles she is most excited about this month! <div class="ExternalClassFF461BE3F48D47A99F52F703F4665287"><h2>​Meet Anna. These are the children's and teen titles she is most excited about this month!​</h2><p>Anna is the Children and Teen Collection Specialist Librarian in Collection Development for Phoenix Public Library. She’s obsessed with children’s and teen lit and so excited to share her favorite new and upcoming titles with you! When she’s not on the hunt for her new favorite picture book she enjoys spending time with her husband, toddler, and dog. She loves reading (obviously), nail polish, and her mid-century modern house.​</p>​<br></div>annas-picks
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage for KidsAsian American and Pacific Islander Heritage for Kids<i class="fa-solid fa-books"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/kids/asian-american-and-pacific-islander-heritage-for-kidsCelebrate the culture, traditions, and history of Asian American and Pacific Islanders with your children through colorful stories and insightful words. <div class="ExternalClass9182469806174514994237C4121AC484"><p>​Celebrate the culture, traditions, and history of Asian American and Pacific Islanders with your children through colorful stories and insightful words. ​<br></p></div>asian-american-and-pacific-islander-heritage-for-kids
Batter Up!Batter Up!https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/kids/batter-upFact and fiction baseball books for little sluggers.<div class="ExternalClassEEB02DE55E8D4BA5AF5FC4A834715388"><p>​Fact and fiction baseball books for little sluggers.<br></p></div>batter-up
Black History for KidsBlack History for Kidshttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/kids/black-history-for-kidsRead with your children or watch a DVD about these important figures and events in Black history.<div class="ExternalClassB975E8215FB947E9AA8066D5E884B3A3"><p>​Read with your children or watch a DVD about these important figures and events in Black history.<br></p></div>black-history-for-kids
Children's Book WeekChildren's Book Week<i class="fas fa-book-open"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/kids/childrens-book-weekPhoenix Public Library staff shares their favorite children's books of all time!<div class="ExternalClass1983E68B32384E2297B8E1D8CFC19C7D"><h2>Children's Book Week is May 3-9, 2021.​<br><br></h2><h2>In honor of Children's Book Week, check out our picks for favorite children's books of all time!<br></h2></div>childrens-book-week
Dad & MeDad & Mehttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/kids/dad-meFathers come in all shapes and sizes. Each is uniquely silly, fun and smart in his own way. Explore dad stories with the books below.<div class="ExternalClass8C09F17836444942889052D8E60AABDD"><p>​Fathers come in all shapes and sizes. Each is uniquely silly, fun and smart in his own way. Explore dad stories with the books below.<br></p></div>dad-me
Dealing with GriefDealing with Grief<i class="fa-solid fa-heart-crack"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/kids/dealing-with-griefShare these books with youngsters grieving from the loss of a loved one. <div class="ExternalClass4999B96786604E9FB58F9284C3A660B0"><p>​Share these books with youngsters grieving from the loss of a loved one.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><br></p></div>dealing-with-grief
El Día de los NiñosEl Día de los Niñoshttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/kids/dia<div class="ExternalClassAEBB0031F60E4953A097CC7B8799B11F">​April 30 is El día de los niños/El día de los libros or Children’s Day/Book Day, known as “Día.” It is a day to celebrate children and books! Día reflects a library’s commitment to include and celebrate a variety of cultures year-round. On April 30, around the country, an annual, special celebration of linking children to books, home languages and cultures is held at schools, libraries, museums, churches, parks, and bookstores. But Día also provides a wonderful opportunity for parents to promote the power of books and reading to their own children. Every day of the year can be “Día,” a day for linking all children and books!<br></div>dia
Fair FunFair Funhttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/kids/fair-funGo to the Fair! Ride the rides, see the sights and have some fair fun!<div class="ExternalClass8C668470BA5F44978E2AB97A66364847"><p>Go to the Fair! Ride the rides, see the sights and have some fair fun!​</p></div>fair-fun
Grandparents Rock!Grandparents Rock!https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/kids/grandparents-rockGrandma, grandpa, papa, nana, abuela, lito, nonna, poppop, bubbe, nani. Whatever you call them, however many you have, they really do rock. Share these books with them!<div class="ExternalClass7F4913589AE34584B2921F0ABEC92475"><p>Grandma, grandpa, papa, nana, abuela, lito, nonna, poppop, bubbe, nani. Whatever you call them, however many you have, they really do rock. Share these books with them!​</p></div>grandparents-rock
International Children's Book DayInternational Children's Book Day<i class="fa-solid fa-earth-americas"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/kids/international-childrens-book-dayInternational Children's Book Day is April 2. Here are some of our favorite children's books.<div class="ExternalClass67ABFA5A3C934881917D114CFB0600D0"><p class="h3">​Since 1967, on or around Hans Christian Andersen's birthday, April 2, International Children's Book Day is celebrated worldwide to inspire a love of reading and to call attention to children's books.</p><p class="h3">Here are some of our favorite children's books.​</p>​<br></div>international-childrens-book-day
It Takes a VillageIt Takes a Village<i class="fa-solid fa-heart"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/kids/it-takes-a-villageSpend time with the grandparents! Discover a new world of wonder with all the wonderful things they have to offer. It does take a village and more! <div class="ExternalClassF71C8D29480A4CAAA0B5979B3A9EAB8D"><p>​Spend time with the grandparents! Discover a new world of wonder with all the wonderful things they have to offer. It does take a village and more!</p><p> </p><p><strong> ​</strong></p><p><br></p></div>it-takes-a-village
Jewish American Heritage for KidsJewish American Heritage for Kids<i class="fa-solid fa-books"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/kids/jewish-american-heritage-for-kidsCelebrate Jewish American heritage with the whole family with these specially-selected titles.<div class="ExternalClass23DF6913A543431F8BA3CB9CF265E5C4"><p>​Celebrate Jewish American heritage with the whole family with these specially-selected titles.​<br></p></div>jewish-american-heritage-for-kids
KindergartenKindergartenhttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/kids/kindergarten<div class="ExternalClassE768806404AA4C08819B0625BCA7A5C3">​By kindergarten, children should understand that print has meaning, be familiar with the alphabet and the sounds that letters make. The more you read to them, the more motivated they will be to learn to read. Keep it fun; reading should never be a chore!<br></div>kindergarten
Lovey DoveyLovey Doveyhttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/kids/lovey-doveyCuddles and kisses, hugs and well wishes. These books focus on the concept of love for our little readers. Check one out and snuggle up for a cozy storytime at home.<div class="ExternalClass4CB14659B6404D0D8FD297D7369F3E34"><p>Cuddles and kisses, hugs and well wishes. These books focus on the concept of love for our little readers. Check one out and snuggle up for a cozy storytime at home.​</p></div>lovey-dovey
Mom & MeMom & Mehttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/kids/mom-meCelebrate the beautiful bond between mom and child with this list of books perfect for Mother's Day and beyond.<div class="ExternalClassBED9CD7604974091BBDE0C42678ACCF1"><p>Celebrate the beautiful bond between mom and child with this list of books perfect for Mother's Day and beyond.​</p></div>mom-me
Picture Books to Celebrate Black History MonthPicture Books to Celebrate Black History Month<i class="fas fa-books"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/kids/picture-books-to-celebrate-bhmGreat picture books for Black History Month and every month.<div class="ExternalClass2AB38A2E8B7D428984DE509F359A51EB"><p>​Great picture books for Black History Month and every month. Grab a few and share with the whole family.<br></p></div>picture-books-to-celebrate-bhm
Poetry for KidsPoetry for Kids<i class="fa-solid fa-feather-pointed"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/kids/poetry-for-kidsPoetry in all flavors for the littlest of readers. Start here then explore more poetry on your own.<div class="ExternalClassFFCF788C8C654DDD8E781CA825A443FA"><p>​Poetry in all flavors for the littlest of readers. Start here then <a href="https://catalog.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/search/searchresults.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.35&type=Advanced&term=Poetry&relation=ALL&by=SU&bool4=AND&limit=&sort=RELEVANCE&page=0&searchid=4" target="_blank">explore more poetry on your own​</a>.<br></p></div>poetry-for-kids
PreschoolPreschoolhttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/kids/preschool​Share books with your child everyday.<div class="ExternalClassBBC3F318CB2A41FA9F24F5BD908F18C0">​Share books with your child everyday. Repetition is important, so find some books that you both enjoy. Here are some great titles for preschoolers.</div>preschool
Read Across AmericaRead Across Americahttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/kids/read-across-americaThe National Education Association is building a nation of readers through its signature program, NEA’s Read Across America. This year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources<div class="ExternalClass9F444B6ADF08422288CC9DD7501A4C60"><p>The National Education Association is building a nation of readers through its signature program, NEA’s Read Across America. This year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources​</p></div>read-across-america
Summer Reading Book ListsSummer Reading Book Lists<i class="fa-solid fa-books"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/kids/summer-reading-listsThe Association of Library Service to Children's Summer Reading Lists for 2023<div class="ExternalClassE3199DFC9218441BBC03E769A7D175E5"><p></p><h2>The Association of Library Service to Children's Summer Reading Lists for 2023​</h2><div><br></div><p>These lists include book titles to keep children engaged in reading throughout the summer and school year. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to explore these titles to find resources that may match or spark their child's interest.<br></p><p><em>Titles on the 2023 Summer Reading Lists were compiled and annotated by members of ALSC’s Quicklists Consulting Committee. Learn more about <a href="https://www.ala.org/alsc/" target="_blank">ALSC</a>. </em>​<br></p><p><br></p></div>summer-reading-lists
The Great Outdoors for FamiliesThe Great Outdoors for Families<i class="fa-solid fa-tree"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/kids/the-great-outdoors-for-familiesFind inspiration in these books for kids and parents. See you outside!<div class="ExternalClass7D0F640EE50440349C6D573BCF337030"><h2>​Enjoy the great outdoors in Arizona! Find inspiration in these books for kids and parents. See you outside!<br></h2></div>the-great-outdoors-for-families
Wondrous WomenWondrous Womenhttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/kids/wondrous-womenMarch is Women's History Month. Celebrate with these awe-inspiring ladies. We dare you not to be inspired.<div class="ExternalClass87FFA55644194D5D8518DFFF71793D63"><p>March is Women's History Month. Celebrate with these awe-inspiring ladies. We dare you not to be inspired.​</p></div>wondrous-women