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Best Children’s Books From The 90s

Relive the wonder of the 90s with this nostalgic list of children's books that shaped a generation. See which titles made the biggest impact, according to top book sources.

Recommendations from 28 articles, Elon Musk, Emma Watson, Richard Branson and 52 others.
82 books on the list
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The Rainbow Fish book cover
The Rainbow Fish
Marcus Pfister - 1992-01-01
Goodreads Rating
This modern classic is a heartwarming tale about a beautiful fish who learns the true value of friendship. Glittering foilstamping on every page adds instant child-appeal, but it's the universal message that makes this a lasting read. Join the rainbow fish on its journey of sharing and caring.
Guess How Much I Love You BOARD book cover
Guess How Much I Love You BOARD
Sam McBratney - 1996-03-06 (first published in 1988)
Goodreads Rating
A heartwarming story about the unconditional love shared between a little hare and his father figures. Shortlisted for prestigious awards, it beautifully shows that love cannot easily be measured. Perfect for children and adults alike.
The Giver book cover
The Giver
25th Anniversary Edition (Giver Quartet)
Lois Lowry - 2006-01-24 (first published in 1993)
Goodreads Rating
Exploring a seemingly perfect society, this novel follows twelve-year-old Jonas as he uncovers the disturbing truths that lie beneath the surface. Only with his new position as the Receiver is he able to grasp the complex and dark realities of his utopian world.
Stellaluna book cover
Stellaluna
Janell Cannon - 1993-04-28
Goodreads Rating
Embark on a heartwarming adventure with a young, lost bat who finds her way home to her family and friends in this award-winning tale. With over 500,000 copies sold and more than two years on the bestseller list, immerse yourself in the beloved pages of this captivating story by Janell Cannon.
Matilda book cover
Matilda
Roald Dahl - 1998-06-01 (first published in 1988)
Goodreads Rating
A gifted and tender young girl is ignored and mistreated by her parents, but Matilda is not to be underestimated. Bullied by her headmistress, Matilda discovers her extraordinary power to take revenge in this timeless classic from a beloved author.
Where the Sidewalk Ends book cover
Where the Sidewalk Ends
Poems and Drawings
Shel Silverstein - 2002-11-01 (first published in 1974)
Goodreads Rating
Experience the imaginative world of Shel Silverstein's classic poetry collection, Where the Sidewalk Ends. Meet a boy who turns into a TV set, a whale-eating girl, and other fascinating characters. The poems are both outrageously funny and profound, making it a beloved book for generations. With its excellent sense of rhymes and alliteration, this masterful collection is a pleasure to read aloud, making it one of Parent & Child magazine's 100 Greatest Books for Kids. Join the delightful adventure of Where the Sidewalk Ends and discover why Silverstein's unique creativity has captivated readers for decades.
Recommended by
Amy Cuddy
Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone book cover
Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone
J. K. Rowling - 2015-12-08 (first published in 1997)
Goodreads Rating
The story of a young boy named Harry, who has endured a miserable life with his cruel relatives. All he knows is poverty, bullying, and the feeling of not belonging. But a letter arrives, inviting him to a magical place filled with friends, sports, and endless wonder. With destiny calling, Harry must navigate a dangerous path if he hopes to survive.
Recommended by
Arvind Subramanian
The Kissing Hand book cover
The Kissing Hand
Audrey Penn - 2006-06-01 (first published in 1993)
Goodreads Rating
Experience a heartwarming tale about Chester Raccoon's fears of starting school in the forest. Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called "The Kissing Hand" to comfort him and give reassurance of her love. This children's classic has touched the lives of millions, especially during times of separation. Widely used by kindergarten teachers on the first day of school, the book also includes stickers to keep the Kissing Hand alive.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar book cover
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Eric Carle - 1994-01-01 (first published in 1969)
Goodreads Rating
Follow the transformation of a hungry caterpillar as he munches his way through apples, plums, and more in this beloved classic children's book. From his tiny egg to his stunning transformation into a butterfly, experience the wonder of nature with stunning illustrations and a delightful story that has been passed down from generation to generation. Perfect for sharing with the little ones in your life, this audiobook will both delight and educate even the youngest listener.
The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963 book cover
The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963
Christopher Paul Curtis - 2000-12-12 (first published in 1995)
Goodreads Rating
Experience the journey of the Weird Watsons, a middle-class black family from Flint, Michigan, as narrated by 9-year-old Kenny. Follow their trip South to Birmingham where they hope Grandma can straighten out troublemaker Byron. But, they never could have anticipated being in Birmingham during the church bombing. This middle-grade novel is a must-read for those looking for an engaging coming-of-age story that tackles important social issues.
Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales by Jon Scieszka
Meet Addy by Connie Porter
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
Oh, the Places You'll Go!   by Dr. Seuss
Goosebumps Classic- 10 Books Set Collection R.L. Stine by R. L. Stine
Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
The Adventures of Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
Go Away, Big Green Monster! by Ed Emberley
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Book by Laura Numeroff
Holes by Louis Sachar
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
Charlotte's Web by E. B White
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Owl Babies by Martin Waddell
His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr.
The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch
Claudia and the Bad Joke by Ann M. Martin, Arley Nopra
The Boxcar Children Books 1-4 by Gertrude Chandler Warner
The BFG by Roald Dahl
Scary Stories Treasury by Alvin Schwartz, Stephen Gammell
I Love You, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt
The Magic School Bus Lost In The Solar System by Joanna Cole
Where's Spot? by Eric Hill
Five Minutes' Peace by Jill Murphy
I Spy Treasure Hunt by Jean Marzollo
Miss Nelson Is Missing! by Harry G. Allard Jr.
Farmer Duck by Martin Waddell
Junie B. Jones's First Boxed Set Ever! by Barbara Park
Frog and Toad are Friends by Arnold Lobel
A Picture of Freedom by Patricia C. McKissack
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
Forever . . . by Judy Blume
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett
The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle
Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary
Anastasia Krupnik by Lois Lowry
Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes
Finding My Voice by Marie Myung-Ok Lee
Polar Express 30th anniversary edition by Chris van Allsburg
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz
Franklin's Bad Day by Paulette Bourgeois, Brenda Clark
The Invasion by K. A. Applegate
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate Dicamillo
Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman
A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
Goosebumps Retro Scream Collection by R. L. Stine
Tuesday by David Wiesner
The Message by K. A. Applegate, Michael Grant, Chris Grine
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
Frindle by Andrew Clements
The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper
Wayside School Boxed Set by Louis Sachar
Kristy's Great Idea by Ann M. Martin
Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish
DK Eyewitness Books by David Lambert
Meet Josefina by Valerie Tripp
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
Jamberry by Bruce Degen
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
The Jolly Postman by Allan Ahlberg
Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak