Inasmuch as we may like to reminisce about some of the books we read ourselves as children, this guide to the 50 Best Children’s Literature Blogs is more about modern books which young adults and teachers may want to incorporate into young lives in an educational way. Sure, there is plenty of fiction amongst our selection, but educational fiction, rather than complete make-believe (actually, we just made up that bit!).
To guide you towards which blogs may be most suitable for your children, or your particular area of study, we have divided our categories into school ages and included a general section for blogs which cover the whole spectrum of children’s literature. Our final section has some very interesting contributions about the world of children’s literature from a publisher’s perspective.
Pre-school Children’s Literature
Zero-to-Eight – Zero to Eight is a blog where books and babies meet. The books reviewed on this blog are the stuff that dreams are made of – great bedtime stories to read to young children.
The Well Read Child – Actually, it is mum doing all the reading on a 365 day resolution to read to her young children each night. Her reviews are very informative and well presented.
Readertotz – Reviews the best of the board books for those just beginning to recognize words
Readerkidz – Contributions from teachers and authors on this grades K – 5 reading resource
The Book Chook – Handpicked story books, ideas and resources for assisting children´s learning
Elementary School Children’s Literature
Jen Robinson´s Book Page – Encouraging parents to read children´s literature in a different light to ensure the messages contained in the books are transmitted to their kids
Young Books – With over twenty years of experience in children´s literature, Rebecca Young reviews the latest releases for the young reader
Teach With Picture Books – Educational picture books for children in grades 3 – 8
Reading Rockets – Dedicated to helping young children with learning difficulties to read
Playing by the Book – Book reviews of activity books where participation is encouraged
Planet Esme – Reviews the best books to get your child hooked on reading
Great Kids Books – A mom reviews books that her own children (6, 9 & 12) have enjoyed reading
Getting Kids Reading – Suggestions to get your kids interested in reading and writing
Booklights – A guide for parents to encourage children to become readers and writers
Book Aunt – Giving these books as gifts will encourage your children to read
Bottom Shelf Books – Picture and activity books for animal loving children everywhere
Middle SchoolChildren’s Literature
Wizard´s Wireless – A blog that focuses on books of a similar genre to Harry Potter. Offers tips for composing your own short stories and lists award winning children´s literature
Welcome To My Tweendom – A Junior School librarian reviews and comments on the books her pre-teen scholars are reading
Persnickety Snark – Australian book reviewer includes discussion posts on her blog for others to include their points of view on her reviewed titles
Boys Read – A site specifically dedicated to promoting books which encourage boys to read
Shelf Elf – Middle school teacher reads and raves about appropriate books for her students
Black Threads in Kids Lit – A look at African American picture books for the younger reader
Fuse 8 Productions – Focuses on middle age fiction with reviews from a school librarian
Mixed Up Files – Great guide to books which can be read aloud to Middle Grade students
High School Children’s Literature
Pretentious Reader – Well written blog about books for the older reader which contains a ranking system site visitors are invited to contribute to
Mitali´s Fire Escape – Reviews of multi-cultural publications aimed at the young adult
Interactive Reader – Books for a teenage audience reviewed by a teen librarian.
Excelsior File – Personal interpretations on the messages within young adult books
Collecting Children´s Books – Discussions on the collectability of older children´s books
Chick Loves It – A much needed review site for books containing a female heroine
Summer Edwards – Blog centered around recommended YA books for Caribbean interest
Tea Cozy – An unusual name for the School Library Journal guide to teen fiction
Children’s Literature for All Ages
Newbery Project – The John Newbery Medal has been awarded for most distinguished contribution to American children’s literature since 1922. This blog is in the process of reviewing all the Newbery Medal winners.
Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast – Extensive modern children´s literature resource which includes interviews with leading writers, publishers and illustrators
American Indians in Children’s Literature – A critical perspective of indigenous peoples in children’s books, with reviews and comments on the best
Papertiger´s Blog – Highlights multi-cultural events in the world of children´s literature
Maw Books – Reviews, resources and fantastic giveaways in this blogs for all ages
MangaBlog – Blog dedicated to news amount Manga publications (Japanese comics)
Kids Lit – Detailed and informative reviews of books for children of all age groups
Kiddosphere – News about new book releases and the youth services librarianship
I.N.K. – Multi-contributor blog promoting interesting non-fiction for kids. Very interesting site.
Forwordsbooks – Geared towards the young Jewish community, but fascinating for all cultures
Good Comics for Kids – A blog which advocates that comics can be good for children
Asia in the Heart – Books by Asian authors for children of all backgrounds and ages
100 Scope Notes – News about children´s literature awards and reviews of the best candidates
The Brown Bookshelf – Spotlights books for all age groups written by African American authors
Children´s Literature Industry Blogs
Tockla´s World – Laura Atkins is a lecturer at the (U.K.) National Centre for Research in Children’s Literature who blogs about what is required to become a children´s book specialist
Oz and Ends – prolific blog about the industry of children´s literature and publishing
NCBLA – The National Children´s Book Literary Alliance covers issues relating to child literacy
Chasing Ray – Hard to categorize but interesting. Balance of industry comment and book reviews
