CFH LITERACY OUTREACH · READING PICKS
Books That Open Worlds
More pages. More imagination. More possibilities.
Help a young person discover a story they want to keep reading. These 16 starting points are selected for parents, caregivers, educators, and mentors looking for read-alouds, early readers, graphic novels, adventures, and nonfiction.
Make room for a phone-free reading moment: choose a book together, put devices aside, read for a little while, and let the conversation follow. Begin with ten minutes if that feels manageable.
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Shopping buttons open Amazon search results for the named book. Check the author, edition, format, seller, and current price before ordering. These are CFH editorial reading picks, not a sales ranking or a guarantee that every book will suit every reader.
Read Together · Ages 0–5
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Eric Carle
A colorful read-aloud that invites counting, noticing patterns, and talking about change.
Talk together: What do you think the caterpillar will become?
Board-book editions suit shared reading with younger children.
The Snowy Day
Ezra Jack Keats
A small outdoor adventure turns an ordinary day into a world of discovery.
Talk together: What would you explore first on a snowy day?
Picture book; invite children to describe the illustrations.
Last Stop on Market Street
Matt de la Peña; illustrated by Christian Robinson
A bus ride with a grandmother opens a conversation about community, noticing beauty, and helping others.
Talk together: What is something wonderful you noticed in our neighborhood?
Picture book; especially useful for preschool and early elementary read-alouds.
Llama Llama Red Pajama
Anna Dewdney
Rhythm and a familiar bedtime worry make this an engaging story to read aloud together.
Talk together: What helps you feel safe and settled at bedtime?
Picture book with rhyming text.
Building Confidence · Ages 6–8
Waiting Is Not Easy!
Mo Willems
Expressive characters and short dialogue invite new readers to take a part and read with a partner.
Talk together: Was Gerald’s surprise worth the wait? Why?
Elephant & Piggie early reader; try alternating voices.
Frog and Toad Are Friends
Arnold Lobel
Short stories about two friends offer manageable reading sessions and plenty to discuss.
Talk together: What did one friend do to help the other?
Early reader; read one story at a time.
Eva’s Treetop Festival
Rebecca Elliott
The first Owl Diaries book uses colorful illustrations and a diary format to welcome emerging chapter-book readers.
Talk together: When is it a good idea to ask someone for help?
Owl Diaries #1; illustrated early chapter book.
Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea!
Ben Clanton
Short comic adventures combine friendship, imagination, and a playful introduction to graphic storytelling.
Talk together: What makes Narwhal and Jelly a good team?
Narwhal and Jelly #1; graphic novel.
Keep Turning Pages · Ages 9–12
The Wild Robot
Peter Brown
A robot adapting to island life connects nature, technology, belonging, and survival in an illustrated adventure.
Talk together: What can Roz learn from the animals that she cannot learn on her own?
Illustrated novel; includes danger, separation, and survival themes.
New Kid
Jerry Craft
A graphic novel about fitting in while staying yourself, with visual storytelling that invites close attention.
Talk together: When did Jordan feel understood—and when did he feel overlooked?
Graphic novel; explores racism, stereotypes, and school belonging.
Front Desk
Kelly Yang
Mia’s work at her family’s motel brings resourcefulness, friendship, and the power of writing into focus.
Talk together: How does Mia use her words to help someone?
Novel; includes racism, financial hardship, and unfair treatment.
Brown Girl Dreaming
Jacqueline Woodson
A memoir told in poems offers a different path into family history, identity, and finding a voice.
Talk together: Which memory would you turn into a short poem?
Memoir in verse; discusses racism, family change, and loss.
Growing Perspectives · Teens
The Crossover
Kwame Alexander
Basketball and rhythmic verse draw readers into a story about brothers, choices, and family.
Talk together: What changes when the brothers start wanting different things?
Novel in verse; includes serious illness and the death of a parent. Adults should consider readiness.
The Hobbit
J. R. R. Tolkien
A long-form fantasy adventure rewards readers who enjoy imagined worlds, riddles, and unexpected courage.
Talk together: When does Bilbo show courage without being the strongest person?
Fantasy novel; includes battles and character deaths. Vocabulary may call for shared reading.
I Am Malala · Young Readers Edition
Malala Yousafzai with Patricia McCormick
A memoir opens discussion about education, courage, and speaking up for what matters.
Talk together: Why does access to education matter to a whole community?
Choose the Young Readers Edition; includes a shooting and extremist violence. Also approachable for some younger readers.
Hidden Figures · Young Readers’ Edition
Margot Lee Shetterly
The story of Black women mathematicians connects determination, civil rights, and space exploration.
Talk together: Which obstacles required mathematical skill, and which required social change?
Accessible nonfiction for younger teens and confident younger readers; discusses segregation and discrimination.
Every reader deserves a way in.
Age groups are browsing guides, not reading-level tests. Follow the reader’s interests and readiness. Graphic novels and rereading count. Try large-print editions, accessible formats, or listening alongside print when helpful. Ask a librarian or teacher for language, format, and reading-level options.
A library card is a great place to start. Borrow these titles or ask your local library for similar books. A purchase is never required to join a reading moment.
Some selections discuss racism, illness, violence, or loss. Adults should review the notes and the book before sharing, especially when a young person has experienced bereavement or trauma.
Literacy Outreach: More Books in More Hands
Children of Fallen Heroes connects literacy with mentorship and community. Through Badges & Books, CFH supports books for officer-led reading visits, elementary school libraries, and community outreach.
Want to help provide books? Contact CFH to coordinate current book needs, quantities, and delivery before purchasing or sending a donation. Shopping links above are for your own reading collection; they do not send books to CFH.
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Selection research: publisher and author information from Penguin Random House, Scholastic, HarperCollins, Hachette, Disney Books, and Kwame Alexander; American Library Association award information. Reviewed October 14, 2026. Book covers and titles belong to their respective owners. Inclusion does not imply publisher sponsorship.