Great Kids' Novels that Adults Should Read (or Re-read)

Just because you're a grownup doesn't mean you have to stop reading children's books. Here's a list of books that are just as entertaining and thought-provoking for adults as they are for kids. And if you read one of these when you were younger, give it another chance. It'll hit differently through adult eyes.

*This list is limited to children's novels and doesn't include Young Adult or picture books.

Updated October 31, 2023
M
McCracken County Public Library
Drag items up and down to your preferred order then select the "Save Order" button.
Coraline
Gaiman, Neil
Paper Book
In Coraline's family's new flat there's a locked door. On the other side is a brick wall--until Coraline unlocks the door . . . and finds a passage to another flat in another house just like her own. Only different. The food is better there. Books have pictures that writhe and crawl...
Skellig
Almond, David
Ebook
Howl's moving castle
Jones, Diana Wynne.
Audiobook
'One of the greatest ever writers for children' - Garth Nix 'A true original' - Katherine Rundell 'Truly magical ... Guaranteed to leave you gasping' The Bookseller 'She is the best writer of magical fantasy for children' Evening Standard In the land of Ingary, where...
Holes
Sachar, Louis
Paper Book
Danny the Champion of the World
Dahl, Roald
Paper Book
The secret garden
Burnett, Frances Hodgson
Ebook
Five children and it
Nesbit, E.
Audiobook
A wrinkle in time
L'Engle, Madeleine.
Audiobook
As seen on Stranger Things, discover the ground-breaking, bestselling science fiction and fantasy classic that has delighted readers for over 60 years! NEWBERY MEDAL WINNER * TIME MAGAZINE'S 100 BEST FANTASY BOOKS OF ALL TIME * NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE FROM DISNEY...
The tale of Despereaux : being the story of a mouse, a princess, some soup, and a spool of thread
DiCamillo, Kate.
Audiobook
Bridge to Terabithia
Paterson, Katherine.
Paper Book
The classic Newbery Medal-winning title by beloved author Katherine Paterson, with brand-new bonus materials including an author's note by Katherine herself and a foreword by New York Times bestselling author Kate DiCamillo.  Jess Aarons has been practicing all summer so he can...

Library staff! You can create and contribute to lists. Contact your catalog administrator or log in here.