10 Books To Make Your Kids As Geeky As You Are
Ah, kids. The light of our lives and the bane of our existence, if anyone needs a good book to sit down and shut up to, it’s them. But that’s easier said than done. There will always be something more interesting, more important, than a book. At least, there will nearly always be. If you can find one that strikes a child’s fancy just right, then you may just be able to draw them in and have them turn out as much as a book nerd as you. So, here’s a list of ten books and series for you, and your kid’s, enjoyment, and temporary silence.
Before we jump in, just a quick reminder to keep in mind that every kid, and every parent, is different. Some of these books do have worrying content, so before you give them or read them to your child be sure to check and make sure they are right for your family. I find Common Sense Media to be a simple and reliable way to do this, but there are of course other ways, and a read-through will always be the most accurate way to gauge if a book is a good fit for your child. Now, onto the list!
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10. InvestiGators By John Patrick Green
Alligator agents Mango and Brash stop crime, solve mysteries and battle quirky bad guys in this fast-paced graphic novel series. Care-free newbie Mango and hardened-with-a-soft-center veteran Brash make for an odd duo, but they make it work and hold the position of A team in S.U.I.T. In a world with villains such as Crackerdile and Hookline and Slinker, someone needs to step up, and that someone—someones—are Mango and Brash. Full of puns and action, this series pops with bright art and offbeat characters bound to keep kids coming back.
Suggested for ages 7+
9. Wings Of Fire By Tui T. Sutherland
Written by the co-author of the wildly popular Warriors books, Wings of Fire is set in the land of Pyrrhia, a place ruled not by humans but dragons! However, the seven dragon tribes, once at a shaky peace, are now caught in a raging war between the three Sandwing sisters: Blister, Blaze, and Burn, all vying for power after their mother’s death. The tribes’ only hope comes in the form of five dragonets, destined to stop the bloodshed and crown one sister queen. But these dragonets have minds of their own, and while the Talons of Peace would have them stay in their dark cave indefinitely, they have a somewhat different idea. This fantasy series has all the makings of a great one: rich history, passionate characters, magnificent world-building, and, of course, dragons.
Suggested for ages 9+
8. Artemis Fowl By Eoin Colfer
12-year-old boy, and criminal genius, Artemis Fowl II believes in fairies. And unlike other kids, he knows how to find one. Accompanied by his hulking but loyal bodyguard Butler, Artemis seeks out and captures a fairy, one Captain Holly Short of LEPrecon. And as Artemis soon discovers, fairies not only exist, but thousands of them are living in the underground city of Haven. Significantly more technologically advanced than humans, the military of these creatures is willing to go to great lengths to rescue Captain Short, and they have the means to do it. However, while Artemis may have underestimated the fairies, they have also underestimated him…This both fantasy and sci-fi series has rapid twists and turns, distinctly convincing lore, impish wit, and character development that will have kids rooting for Artemis even before he goes good.
Suggested for ages 9+
7. Estranged By Ethan M. Aldridge
Estranged puts a modern twist on the classic ‘changeling’ folk story, sympathizing with both stolen human and fae replacement in a complex and beautiful story of belonging. The Human Childe is treated much like a pet, not even given a proper name and around largely for his adoptive royal parents’ amusement. He wonders what his life could have been like if he’d been left to his real family. Edmund knows he’s different, he can speak to animals, create fire, and remembers far more than he should. He fears his human parents and sister will reject him if he reveals his true identity. When the king and queen are transformed into rats by a jealous and maniacal tyrant, the Childe is left with no one by his golem servant Wick and a suit of ceremonial armor in a usurped and tumultuous kingdom. Desperate and at a loss at what to do, he turns to the only person he can think of that may be able to help him: the fae child who replaced him. Brimming with heartfelt moments and plenty of fairytale magic, this gorgeous watercolor graphic novel will have you spellbound.
Suggested for ages 10+
6. Bird And Squirrel By James Burks
Bird is spirited. Squirrel is not. Bird is excitable. Squirrel is not. Bird is ready to go on any adventure that comes his way! Squirrel…is not. But after Squirrel’s winter stash of nuts is ruined by Cat, he may just have to learn to be. These two opposites-turned-friends go on an unforgettable journey south, flying over canyons, evading snakes, meeting moles, singing theme songs, and eating grubs, all the while dodging Cat at every turn. And that’s just the first book. These fast-paced and vibrant graphic novels are full of boisterous humor and daring escapades, and Burks’ dynamic art will keep kids interested and engaged.
Suggested for ages 6+
5. Dragonbreath By Ursula Vernon
Danny Dragonbreath may not be very good at breathing fire, but if you ever find yourself amid a wacky, magical, perilous encounter, he’s the man—er, dragon—for the job! A blend of written, illustrated, and comic pages, Dragonbreath will have kids at the edge of their seats in one second and laughing till smoke comes out of their noses the next. Accompanied by his friend Wendell, a nerdy and timid iguana, Danny battles a giant squid, gawks at ninjas, vanquishes were-wieners, saves some bats (and gets adopted by others), meets ghosts, and more! Vernon’s wit and imaginative scenarios leave these books enjoyable for both children and adults alike, and the format and reading level makes them a good choice for reading aloud to younger kids.
Suggested for ages 8+
4. How To Train Your Dragon By Cressida Cowell
The inspiration for Pixar’s How to Train Your Dragon movies, these illustrated novels introduce Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, a young, dorky, bookish viking, and his quest to tame a dragon and impress his chieftain father. Along with his friend Fishlegs, Hiccup finds himself caught up in many wild adventures, exploring new lands and discovering new dragons, and realizing that, at the end of it all, he doesn’t have to be like the other rough and tumble vikings to fit in. Children will delight in Toothless’—Hiccup’s very small dragon—quirky antics, revel in the classic story of an unassuming kid turned hero, and wonder if perhaps dragons are real, whilst subtly learning valuable lessons of acceptance and self-love.
Suggested for ages 8+
3. Zita The Spacegirl By Ben Hatke
Hatke’s first and arguably best graphic novel, Zita the Spacegirl features a strong female protagonist, a nervous robot (who’s actually a doomsday device), an angry robot (who’s actually not), a kidnapped best friend, iconic art, wildly imaginative worlds, space ships, and a large rodent. As Zita navigates a new and unfamiliar world, saving some people and befriending others, making mistakes, and righting them, she’ll find the hero everyone is looking for was inside all along. Ideal for any kid who wonders what else is out there, Zita will light that candlewick of wonder and stoke it till it burns brighter than the sun. And that’s only sort of an overstatement.
Suggested for ages 7+
2. Spirit Animals By Various Authors
This popular Scholastic series follows tweens Abeke, Connor, Meilin, and Rollan on a vast fantasy adventure in the land of Erdas. Like every other eleven-year-old, they drink the nectar in the hopes of summoning a spirit animal. Unlike many, they do. However, these four beasts are not just any spirit animals. They are the Four Fallen. The kids and their companions are invited to join the Greencloaks, a society of warriors and their spirit animal partners. They offer help and guidance as they learn to channel their newfound abilities. But trouble is brewing, an ancient evil stalks the shadows, and the quartet’s somewhat peaceful lives won’t stay that way for long…Written by names such as Tui T. Sutherland and Brandon Mull, Spirit Animals will immerse, delight, and very possibly lead to medieval Halloween costume ideas.
Suggested for ages 9+
1. Mega Robo Bros By Neill Cameron
Originally appearing in the weekly comic magazine The Phoenix, Mega Robo Bros is a UK graphic novel series set in London in the not-so-distant future. Amid flying cars and towering skyscrapers, sentient robot brothers Alex and Freddy go to school, bicker, and protect humanity from robotic threats. Older brother Alex struggles with his gender identity and what it means to be alive, whilst younger brother Freddy blows things up and generally wreaks havoc. A diverse and loveable cast of characters compliments detailed settings and well-fleshed-out storylines, with Cameron’s lively art and wry humor tying it all together. There’s also a companion series, The Awesome Robot Chronicles, following Freddy and his friends for the younglings.
Suggested for ages 8+
I hope you enjoyed this list and found some reads that appeal to you and your child’s interest. Many of these were and still are a favourite in my household, so I give my highest praise to each, and every, one. There aren’t any wrong choices here, and if at any point you find yourself looking down a rabbit hole, well, my suggestion is to dive right in!
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