The 90s are a time of nostalgia for many parents. We can still remember exactly how certain books affected us during that decade and how they contributed to shaping exactly who we are right now. More: The Best Kids’ Books Turned Movies by Age Group There is something very special about sharing books that had an impact on your own life with your children. The following 25 kid’s books that were popular in the 90s will be a perfect way to take a trip down memory lane, introduce your child to stories from your past that are important to you, and discuss books with your little ones in a memorable way.
Our Top Picks:
The Best 90s Book for Little Ones: The Rainbow Fish by Marcus PfisterThe Best 90s Book for Young Readers: Stellaluna by Janell CannonThe Best 90s Books for Ages 7 to 10: Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel SilversteinThe Best 90s Books for Middle School Students: The Harry Potter Series by J.K. RowlingThe Best 90s Book for Deep Thinkers: The Giver by Lois Lowry
How We Chose Our Favorites
We chose our favorites by looking back on books that were popular in the 1990s and by consulting with real parents and kids of varying ages to find out their favorites. We also considered important themes and representation to make sure all children can find books that they love and can learn from on this list.
The Best 90s Books for Little Ones
We love this beautiful story for its sparkling, and eye-catching illustrations. Parents will especially love the touching message about making friends and generosity that will be life lessons for all regardless of age. This is a go-to book for parents whose little ones are dealing with separation anxiety as they start daycare, preschool, or kindergarten. It will leave both you and your little one feeling much better about being apart, and it may start a beautiful new kissing hand tradition for you as well. This is the ultimate children’s book for little ones who develop fears of monsters and being in the dark. Parents love how it helps children conquer their fears. It’s also a fun book to read at Halloween time! This is a classic that will captivate babies and toddlers with its bright colors and adorable story. Your little one will be grabbing for this book as a favorite for sure.
The Best 90s Books for Young Readers
This is a beautiful story to read and reread with your children from the time they are very young and for as long as they will let you keep reading to them. The themes of generosity and the value of nature are unforgettable. Parents love how this book is all about love. The charming animal illustrations stand the test of time, and this is a classic book that belongs in every child’s home library.
The Best 90s Books for Ages 7 to 10
This book is known for its gorgeous illustrations, fantastical story details, and touching theme. Parents and children will appreciate the theme of being true to yourself no matter what. This series is a perfect one to pass the time and involve kids of all ages. There are many different theme choices, and it’s an activity book that never grows old. This book of hilarious poems and illustrations is one to count on for a sure fire way to help kids learn to love poetry and reading in general. It’s both silly and thoughtful, and it’s fun for kids to read on their own or with a family member. This book series is amazing for getting kids into reading an actual series of books. Parents also love how they introduce children to important events from history as well as historical figures in a magical and age appropriate way. This is an excellent series to introduce kids to reading and loving mysteries. Children will be in suspense without any scare factor, and the family bond amongst the siblings provides nice messaging as well. This series is perfect to get kids hooked on non-fiction. They include eye-catching photographs and interesting facts about all kinds of topics ranging from dinosaurs to weather to ancient Egypt.
The Best 90s Books for Middle School Students
This series makes history come alive for young girls. Elementary readers will see themselves in girls with very different backgrounds, and American Girl offers plenty of extensions including the actual dolls to make the characters accessible. This book makes being a Black family in the 1960s come alive as a relatable experience for modern day kids. It’s funny and real and kids will genuinely enjoy this wonderful family. Harry Potter has taken the world by storm for good reason. There’s something to enchant all kids here: magic, amazing characters, adventure, mystery, deep emotions, and so much more. This book’s main character is relatable despite the different times and historical background. She will inspire kids and also help them understand slavery on a deeper level. This book has it all: family bonds, embracing individuality, finding courage, magic, and science fiction. This is the kind of classic story that can be read again and again. No one is ever too old to appreciate A Wrinkle in Time. This is the book series to choose for kids who are not easily impressed or who get bored easily. You can’t be bored when reading a Goosebumps scary story! These books will captivate kids who are reluctant readers.
The Best 90s Books for Teens
This book is an important story for kids as it confronts racism in a way that is not about slavery. The unforgettable main character and messaging will stay with kids for the long term. Hatchet is a great choice for tweens and young teens who are interested in adventure and the outdoors - or for teens who could use a bit more of that in their own lives to break out of a different kind of life. This page turner will have kids completely invested in the main character’s ability to survive. This book will shake teens out of thinking there is any one way to view the world. It will have them questioning and thinking about life on deeper levels, and it will hopefully be one that they reread again in college and later as adults to really pull the messaging together. This book addresses challenging themes, but it is also an important one for teens to consider. This story is for mature teens, as well as for teenagers who could use some encouragement to find their own voice in the face of very difficult times. This book will speak to kids who know what it’s like to feel pressure and to be torn between two different worlds. It also addresses the stereotypes and racism experienced by Asian Americans in a very real and relatable way.
