Read-Aloud Books for Everyone!

We let down our guard when someone we love is reading us a story. We exist together in a little patch of warmth and light.
— Author, Kate DiCamillo

Parents of young children often talk about how much screen time they let their kids have. They understand that it is important for kids to unplug. They make a habit of turning off the TV and putting away their devices to read to their wee ones because they know that kids who have this experience will have improved cognitive skills and better concentration. The cozy ritual also brings parents and kids closer together and helps everyone calm down after busy days. But all too often the practice is abandoned as children get older and are able to read on their own.

The truth is everyone benefits from reading aloud. Even adults reading to each other report that the act makes them calmer, more focused, and more bonded. If reading aloud is an activity that has fallen by the wayside in your house, think about bringing it back. It's not just for kids! Here are some of the best read-aloud books—for all ages.

Approved For All Ages

If you're reading as a growing family, the key is to find books that will keep everyone engaged, from little ones to adults. Luckily this is not a problem! There are so many great options out there. There are the obvious favorites—like Little House on the Prairie and Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle—but we're highlighting a handful of gems that are lesser known with the hope that readers will find something new.

• The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo—A moving story about a beloved lost toy on an extraordinary adventure.
• The Sisters Grimm by Michael Buckley—This series builds on the classic fairy tales with the stories of Sabrina and Daphne, descendants of the famous brothers, as they solve mysteries and defend their family legacy.
• Ronia The Robber's Daughter by Astrid Lindgren—The daughter of a robber chieftain causes trouble when she befriends the son of a rival band.
• The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett—A nine-year-old witch must save the world with the help of a herd of drunken, belligerent Scottish fairies.
• Ruby Holler by Sharon Creech—Orphaned brother and sister (dubbed "the trouble twins") bounce around in foster care as they struggle to find a forever home.
• The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken—Cousins Bonnie and Sylvia must reclaim their family home from a cruel governess and a pack of wicked wolves.
• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart—Four brilliant children are deployed on a top-secret mission.

All the Cool Kids Are Doing It

It can be tricky to keep older kids excited about sitting down to read together. Employing bribery consistency and flattery positive reinforcement will get them in the door and then these addictive reads will seal the deal. Bonus: Several of these books deal with complex and serious topics that will get kids thinking.

• Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper—The moving story from the mind of 11-year-old Melody who lives with cerebral palsy. She's brilliant, but powerless to express herself.
• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin—Mystery and humor abounds when 16 people gather to read the will of an eccentric millionaire.
• Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson—A poetic memoir of the author's experiences growing up African-American during the civil rights movement.
• The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown—The thrilling true story of American Olympic triumph in Nazi Germany.
• What Not To Do If You Turn Invisible by Ross Welford—A humorous, and surprisingly beautiful, story about a 12-year-old girl who, trying to cure her acne, accidentally turns herself invisible.
• Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk—a gorgeously crafted and tensely paced tale that explores questions of identity, belonging, and the true meaning of family.
• The Giver by Lois Lowry—A hauntingly beautiful dystopian novel about a boy who begins to question the seemingly ideal world he lives in.

No Kids Required!

Who said reading aloud was just for kids! This can be a great bonding activity for couples. It's also a wonderful way to connect with friends, adult children, and elderly relatives.

• The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle—It may not sound like a book for grownups, but believe us, it most certainly is.
• Naked by David Sedaris—Mining the depths of his eccentric family and his sharp-eyed observations, Sedaris has written many great collections of laugh-out-loud vignettes. This one may be the best.
• The Magicians by Lev Grossman—Part of a bestselling series, this is the story of a young man learning to practice magic in the real world.
• Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates—Written in the form of a letter to his adolescent son, the author offers a profound and powerful exploration of the history of race in America.
• The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka—A breathtaking historic novel tracing the stories of a group of women brought from Japan to San Francisco as "picture wives" a century ago.
• Pastoralia by George Saunders—A collection of five short stories and a novella from a writer of arresting brilliance and originality.

Turn Off the TV

Hopefully we've convinced you! If you aren't already reading aloud with your people, find the time and give it a whirl. It will enrich your life and improve your relationships. These suggestions are some of our faves, but of course any book can be read aloud. It just depends on what you like. What are your recommendations? Let us know in the comments. And follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for daily book suggestions, book news, and more.

Read more by Ashly Moore Sheldon