The 22 Books From the '90s That You Need to Read With Your Kids

Year published: 1997

Why your child needs to read it: Although the Franklin series began with Franklin in the Dark in 1986, the series picked up steam once a TV show was created and began airing in 1997. Every book in the series is wonderful, but Franklin’s Bad Day stands out as one all kids should read because of the way it helps kids understand their sadness and frustration when it comes to a best friend moving away.

Shop: Franklin’s Bad Day by Paulette Bourgeois and Brenda Clark ($6)

Year published: 1990

Why your child needs to read it: Although the Arthur series started in 1976 with Arthur’s Nose, the popular books continued to be published well through the '90s, which is when the TV series began. Arthur’s Pet Business is a great read for kids who constantly ask Mom and Dad for a pet.

Shop: Arthur’s Pet Business by Marc Brown ($7)

Year published: 1995

Why your child needs to read it: You weren’t a '90s kid if you didn’t incessantly read
Amelia's Notebook over and over again, laughing and commiserating with Amelia’s sibling troubles and candid feelings about everything from friends to school. It would be a crime not to pass this clever and creative “authentic” notebook onto your littles.

Shop: Amelia's Notebook by Marissa Moss ($6, originally $13)

Year published: 1996

Why your child needs to read it: One of the first chapter books I can remember tackling as a kid, Frindle is an imaginative story about a young boy whose creative use of language spreads across the country. With kids now watching slang go viral in real time, this book goes back to the basics of the power of words and creative thought.

Shop: Frindle by Andrew Clements ($3, originally $8)

Year published: 1992

Why your child needs to read it: One of the most memorable books of my childhood with its unconventional mix of varying text sizes and illustrations, this hilarious book full of short stories like “Little Red Running Shorts” will have your kids cracking up before every bedtime and beyond.

Shop: The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith ($9, originally $18)

Year published: 1997

Why your child needs to read it: This hilarious and creatively illustrated novel series revolves around two troublemaker fourth graders who hypnotize their principal into Captain Underpants, the greatest superhero of all time. The ratio of pictures to text will help your budding reader to work through (read: devour) each of the silly books one by one. (Plus, the first book is being made into a movie coming out late in 2017!)

Shop: The Adventures of Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey ($4, originally $6)

Year published: 1996

Why your child needs to read it: This charming collection of Shel Silverstein’s poems features quirky characters, unforgettable drawings, and silly stories that kids will want to read over and over. The book is a wonderful way to introduce your little one to the art of poetry.

Shop: Falling Up by Shel Silverstein ($13, originally $20)

Year published: 1998

Why your child needs to read it: This quirky and colorful tale about making friends and worrying about what others think of you has so many important lessons for little ones and is depicted through a silly, easy-to-read story with bright illustrations.

Shop: A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon ($6, originally $7)

Year published: 1996

Why your child needs to read it: Lilly is a funny and endearing character that your kids will love, but this tale about her learning to follow directions, share, and work through her frustrations and feelings is one most young children will be able to identify with and learn from.

Shop: Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes ($12, originally $18)

Year published: 1990

Why your child needs to read it: The inspiring Dr. Seuss read has become a staple for everything from postnap readings to a graduation day gift serving as a reminder to your child that they have brains in their heads, feet in their shoes, and “can steer yourself in any direction you choose."

Shop: Oh, The Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss ($12, originally $19)

Year published: 1992

Why your child needs to read it: The Magic Tree House series are fiction books (with nonfiction partner books) that teach kids about science and history subjects, covering topics like the moon, mummies, wild animals, and Vikings. This first installment, all about dinosaurs, is sure to spark an obsession in your child with Jack and Annie’s sibling adventures.

Shop: Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne ($4, originally $6)

Year published: 1992

Why your child needs to read it: If this book isn’t already in your kid’s library, I’d be shocked. It’s the ultimate instant classic, a tale about a unique fish who teaches children to value themselves individually, but that there is joy in sharing with others and being happy as a group. Although there’s been backlash on this one in the past (some argue that it teaches young children that to have friends, they must give away their “shiny scales”) the beautiful book can open up an important dialogue about sharing, self-love, and body image with older children.

Shop: The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister ($12, originally $19)

Year published: 1997

Why your child needs to read it: Like most other Robert Munsch books, Alligator Baby is a silly, colorful tale that will captivate your child’s attention and turn into a bedtime favorite.

Shop: Alligator Baby by Robert Munsch ($2)

First published: 1993

Why your child needs to read it: The first dystopian book I ever remember reading, children who are fans of the more current series of its kind, such as The Hunger Games and Divergent, will love this one about 12-year-old Jonas, who realizes he has a very special gift that doesn’t exactly align with his seemingly utopian society’s way of life.

Shop: The Giver by Lois Lowry ($6, originally $10)