Young Readers

“There are many little ways to enlarge your world. Love of books is the best of all.”  Jacqueline Kennedy

At Seaport Books nothing makes us happier than introducing young readers to the joy of books. To see their eyes light up at a new release. To smile along with them at clever titles. And to hear their excitement as they share a review of their latest read. Putting books in the hands of eager young dreamers … can anything be more worthwhile?

CHILDREN

A mother and two children came into the store. The boy, about 6, ran over to the newly expanded Children’s area and said, “Wow! Wow! Mom, look at this!” Music to our ears.

Always remember that there is no App like a lap!

Hello, Universe, Erin Entrada Kelly. Middle grade kids will be instantly engrossed in this neighborhood adventure where everyone has a place. They will especially like the memorable ending of this Newbery awarded story.

The Science and Superpowers of Seaweed, Amanda Swinimer. This colorful activity packed book explores the science of seaweed and also shows how it can be used. It is sure to inspire curious beachcombers of all ages.

Lyla’s Wings, Lily Jackling, Gabriella Issa Chacon. An inspiring and instructive story of a young girl in a wheelchair and her friends who are also unique in every way.

A SOOTHING, GENTLE CHILDREN’S BOOK

My Bed: Enchanting Ways to Fall Asleep Around the World, Rebecca Bond, Salley Mavor. Poetry and fabric relief illustrations as comforting as a homemade quilt. A perfect bedtime story and gentle introduction to other cultures. The illustrator recently visited our Quilt and Textile Museum.

MYSTERIES FOR KIDS

Children 8 to 12 will enjoy both of these intriguing series. Alan Bradley’s detective is an 11-year-old who studies poisons in her own chemistry lab. Nancy Springer’s detective in Victorian London is the much younger sister of Sherlock who solves crimes and eludes her over-bearing brother.

BEST SELLERS

Curious Kids Nature Guide, Fiona Cohen, excellent illustrations and curious questions.
Explore the Salish Sea: A Nature Guide for Kids, Joseph Gaydos, Audrey Benedict
Common Backyard Birds, Doris Dumrauf, good pictures with how and where to look.
Inky’s Amazing Escape, Sy Montgomery, the acknowledged octopus behavior expert.

We have three levels of picture books in Spanish. There is a vocabulary builder The Three Billy Goats Buenos, and bilingual editions of P.S. Boats Around Puget Sound, and El Pequeno Pez Blanco (The Little White Fish). All are ideal introductions to Spanish.

KIDS LIKE FOLLOWING A CHARACTER

Magic Tree House, many adventures await with Dinosaurs.
Before Dark, a beginning chapter book series. Age 6-9.
Choose Your Own Adventure, Shannon Gilligan, begins with The Lake Monster Mystery, age 6-9.
Amulet, The Stonekeeper, Kazu Kibuishi, graphic novels entice reluctant readers to explore, age 8-12.

YOUNG ADULTS

Young adults can find lots of titles to keep them hanging on every word. From mystery and mayhem to science and fantasy, we love the talent and imagination that fills the pages of the myriad of books in our Young Adult section.

Fire Keeper’s Daughter and Warrior Girl Unearthed, Angeline Boulley. Both are Native American mysteries. The Fire Keeper’s Daughter struggles to care for her mother and solve a long-held family mystery. The saga continues with a contemporary view of the Anishinaabe descendants to make things right for their family and community. Both are award-winning bestsellers to adults as well as a wide young adult audience.

The Island of Missing Trees, Elif Shafak. The story of two teenagers, one Greek, the other Turkish, and a very special fig tree. It is a moving, beautifully written story of love, division, transcendence, and history. A good read for adults as well as a younger audience.

Treasury of Greek Mythology: Classic Stories of Gods, Heroes and Monsters, National Geographic and Donna Napoli. The inspiring artwork makes clear all the blessings, power, and curses and even includes a family tree. A wonderful gift.

Dav Pilkey suffered from dyslexia and ADHD as a kid, so he’s the perfect author to reach reluctant readers. His Dog Man series (ten books so far) are in a graphic novel format and they are hilarious and engaging. Know someone who doesn’t care about reading? Dog Man may change their mind!

CLASSICS FOR YOUNG ADULTS

Little Women, Louisa May Alcott
Lord of the Flies, William Golding
My Brilliant Career, Miles Franklin
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Robert Louis Stevenson
The Foundation Trilogy, Isaac Azimov
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Jules Verne
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain
1984, George Orwell
Animal Farm, George Orwell
Frankenstein, Mary Shelley, original 1818 text

We love hearing suggestions from young readers on new titles and encouraging their exploration of topics. At the core of a good bookstore is helping minds of all ages to expand. We believe in Jacqueline Kennedy’s quote at the top of this page. And here’s another qood one from a very different source, Lemony Snicket: “All the secrets in the world are contained in books.”

Be sure to click on our sidebar ‘Northwest Book Lovers’ to access their latest newsletter and the current Bestseller List. You’ll find titles for young readers on Pages 4 through 8. If not currently on our shelves, we’re happy to order any books from this list … or beyond!