After practically three weeks of being held hostage in our homes, there are only so many activities to plan, lessons to try to teach, and movies to watch. By now you are likely wondering if there is an end in sight and what in the world you are supposed to do until then. I can’t tell you when we will be able to run to Target again, but I can offer a suggestion to get your family reading. Maybe you have already been doing this and need some more books to add to the list, or maybe you want some motivation to get started. Either way, I’ve included a list which includes books dealing with our current world but also the best books to distract you.
Books Dealing with Pandemic/Hygiene
Top Pick:
A Kids Book About Covid-19 by Malia Jones
This book is written by a scientist who breaks down Covid-19 in terms suitable for children. It talks about the basics such as what a virus is, what is unique about this virus, the range of effects, and ways to prevent it. I definitely recommend reading it and then deciding if your kiddos would benefit from it.
Other Books About Hygiene:
- Germs Are Not for Sharing by Elizabeth Verdick
- Listening to My Body by Gabi Garcia
- Cutie Sue Fights the Germs by Kate Melton
- Noses Are Not for Picking by Elizabeth Verdick
- Wash, Wash, Wash! by Pamela Chanko
- Ick! Yuck! Eew!: Our Gross American History by Lois Miner Huey
- The Day the Limes Changed: An Inspiring Story about a Lime, a Pandemic, and How Change Shapes us All by Kelly Donner
Books for Babies and Toddlers
Top Pick:
Pajama Time by Sandra Boynton
If you are in the mood for a little fun while reading with your baby or toddler, this is the book for you. Enjoy singing and dancing along with some laughs.
Other Books for Babies and Toddlers:
- Shake a Leg by Constance Allen
- Where is Baby’s Belly Button? by Karen Katz
- The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
- Sometimes I Like to Curl Up in a Ball by Charles Fudge and Vicki Churchill
- Dinosnores by Sandra Boynton
- The Pout Pout Fish by Debra Diesen
- Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? By Bill Martin Jr.
- Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell
Books for Elementary Aged Kids
Top Pick:
Charlotte’s Webb by E.B. White
Kids of all ages will love this book whether they are being read to or able to read it independently. This classic has a gentle feel with many good lessons.
Other Books for Elementary Aged Kids:
- Stuart Little by E.B. White
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
- Mercy Watson to the Rescue: Mercy Watson, Book 1 by Kate DiCamillo
- Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
- Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing by Judy Blume
- Matilda by Roald Dahl
- Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
- Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
Books for Older Kids/Teens
Top Pick:
I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World by Malala Yousafzai and Patricia McCormick
This inspiring story will show you are never too young to stand up for what is right.
Other Books for Older Kids/Teens:
- Wonder by R.J. Palacio
- The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
- To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee
- Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
- The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
- The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
- Ann Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
Books for Mom
Top Pick:
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
Now is the time to escape into a juicy novel, Mama, and this is that book. The drama will be an entertaining distraction and the characters will feel like your new BFFs.
Other Books for Mom:
- You by Caroline Kepnes
- My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult
- Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin
- The Kommandant’s Girl by Pam Jenoff
- Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
- The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
- Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
- Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Now that you’ve got your list, you build a fort, grab some blankets, snuggle in with a good book and your family. If you are able to get some time to yourself, sneak away to the porch and soak in some Vitamin D with your new read. Now, more than ever, we need to detach from our surroundings and enjoy a mini escape!
Finished with a good read? Check out Activities for Your Kids While Stuck at Home.
