For the start of 2025, I wanted to take a look at some of the best children’s books and Y.A. novels written in the last twenty-five years. Some children’s books are classics read by past, present, and future generations. Which books written between 2000 and the start of 2025 seem destined to become classics?
How have subjects changed? Which books and authors from this period helped influence the young lives of our upcoming crop of Millennials and Generation Z? We selected several books and authors your kids/grandkids will enjoy. Were any of these part of your reading lists, your children’s, or grandchildren’s?
Pete the Cat by Eric Litwin (first four books in the series) then by James Dean. His wife, Kimberly Dean began helping with the series. Currently there are 63 books in the popular children’s series with books spanning in age ranges from 2-8.
Judy Moody Books by Megan McDonald – McDonald is a children’s author from Pittsburgh. This series about the adventures of eight-year-old Judy Moody. There is also a spin-off series about her brother whose nickname is Stink. The first Judy Moody book was written in 2000. The series is geared toward ages 6-10.
McDonald is also the author of other series. Her most recent is the Julie Albright series of books for American Girl. For ages 8-12
The Penderwicks Books Series by Jeanne Birdsall- Birdsall is a photographer and author of children’s books. She’s best known for her five-book series about the Penderwick family. The four sisters, their two pet rabbits, and a mysterious boy from their neighborhood have fun adventures. For ages 7-12
The Penderwicks (2005)
The Penderwicks on Gardam Street (2008)
The Penderwicks at Point Mouette (2011)
The Penderwicks in Spring (2015)
The Penderwicks at Last (2018)
The Young Wizards Series by Diane Duane – Duane was a psychiatric nurse before changing careers and writing children’s books. This series follows the adventures of two wizards in training, Nita, and Kit. So far there are eleven books in the series. For ages 10-12 years
First Book: So You Want to be a Wizard (written in 1983, but the series is still being written and seven of the eleven books were written between 200O-2025)
Most recent: Games Wizards Play (2016)
The Unteachables by Gordon Korman (2019) – What happens when the worst class in middle school is paired with the worst teacher? Mr. Kermit is one year from retirement, and he’s been “phoning it in” for the last few years. Can a bunch of misfits make him excited about teaching again? Can a teacher who sets the bar low inspire them to reach higher? For ages 10-12
Greyson Gray: Camp Legend (Book one of the four book series) by B.C. Tweedt – Gray always dares to do right no matter what. He’s determined to make the most of summer camp and keep his mind off his father’s mysterious disappearance. First crush, weird friends and an intense sports competition seem to be doing the trick until he stumbles onto a terrorist plot in the camp observatory. For ages 10-12
The Traitor’s Son (Path of the Ranger Book1) by Pedro Urvi (2020 -Book one of 20) In a kingdom of danger, fifteen-year-old Lasgol fights to prove his father’s innocence. His only path is to become a Ranger like his father, but his father is now reviled. What will happen when Lasgol joins the School of Rangers and claims his rights to train there as the son of a Ranger? Fors ages 10 and up
Just Listen by Sarah Dessen (2008) – Dessen is the best-selling author of several Y.A. novels. Dessen is the winner of the Margaret A. Edwards Award for her contributions to Y.A. literature. This book is about a young model who seems perfect in front of the camera, but is a mess when she’s not. Annabel has one thing besides her beauty going for her; Owen her music and truth obsessed boyfriend who believes being happy is more important than all the magazine covers and runways in the world. For young adults (12-17 and up)
ttyl by Mauren Myracle (2004) This book is told entirely in messages and texts. There are several sequels in the series. Subjects covered address the highs and lows of high school. This book has been on the frequently challenged and banned books list for its candid discussion of teacher crushes, drinking and drug use, sexual references, and crude language. For young adults
The Final Four by Paul Voponi (2013) – Four basketball teams make The Final Four. Which team will win and how will such intense competition change the lives of the young men giving their all for the win?
For ages 12-17
Sources for this article:
https://slayground.livejournal.com/92073.html