Keep a Child Reading: The Post-Harry Potter Book List

The Harry Potter book series has been criticized for its lack of literary qualities. Critics are appalled that our children like to read these books. Personally, I'd rather see kids reading these books than watching TV, playing games online.

Turning pages of a book, any book is better than pressing buttons on a game controller.

If the Harry Potter series kept the game controller out of your kids' hands, and you are worried about them returning to their old habits now that the last Harry Potter book has been released, why not catch them while they're open to reading.

While they are still into reading, buy or borrow these children's books. Most are classic literature, one is a new classic for children.

Keep A Child Reading: The Post Harry Potter and The Order of The Phoenix Book List

1. Coraline

Coraline by Neil Gaiman may not appear on many lists of reading books for kids, but it should. Anyone who reads Coraline by Neil Gaiman becomes an instant fan.

Neil Gaiman, best known for The Sandman and Neverwhere, is not your typical children's book author. That is what makes Coraline by Neil Gaiman such a great read for kids.

Full of mystery and stripped of saccharin sentiments. Coraline by Neil Gaiman is a new children's classic. Read it aloud to kids, or give to middle readers. Pre-teens will also enjoy Coraline by Neil Gaiman.

2. Just So Stories

Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling is a children's classic. Political correctness aside, you will be astonished at how much you and your child enjoy Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling.

As with other Kipling classics, there is one word which epitomizes the writing in this book: smart. Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling is best read aloud, so you can truly appreciate Kipling's use of language.

3. Phantom Tollbooth

Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster is another book that is so smart it's almost scary. At every turn kids will find plays on words. This book excites the mind and the imagination. Phantom Tollbooth is a true children's book classic.

4. The Little Prince

Admittedly, The Little Princeby Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is one of my all-time favorite books. The writing and the drawings marry perfectly. The story is sometimes sad, and very profound. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry manages to convey a treasure chest of emotion with his words.

5. The Hobbit: or There and Back Again

The Hobbit: or There and Back Again by J.R.R. Tolkien is a fun and fast read for kids. Fantasy, adventure, magical creatures, this book has it all. Introducing kids to The Hobbit: or There and Back Again is a great stepping stone to the longer and more difficult works by Tolkien.

While kids are still into reading, ride the Post-Harry Potter wave with some great children's books.