Calling all ’90s kids!
Do you remember picking out a favorite book at the library? Ordering a new one from the Scholastic book flyer? Or pulling a well-loved Little Golden Book off the shelf for the hundredth time?
So many of our favorite books from the ‘90s are still around today, and honestly? We’re not surprised given the general awesomeness, comic gold, and heartfelt messages so many of them had. And now, many ’90s kids are the parents and caregivers hearing “just one more book!” from our own children before we turn off the light. That means we get to pull all our old favorites off the shelf again and introduce them to a whole new generation of readers. What could be better?!
Join us as we revisit some of the books that made our childhoods soooo ‘90s. And as you read, see what comes back to you! A character you loved, an illustration that always made you laugh, or the voice of your mom, dad, grandparent, teacher, or another special person reading a particular book aloud. Be sure to share some of those memories with the little readers in your life! Tell them what you loved when you were their age and find out what they love now.
First up? We’ll give you a hint. He’s furry, blue, and lovable…
The Monster at the End of This Book
By Jon Stone, illustrated by Michael Smollin
Do not turn the page! Published as a Little Golden Book in 1971, The Monster at the End of This Book was still a favorite for plenty of ’90s kids. Grover spends the entire book begging the reader not to turn the page because, as the title warns, there is a monster waiting at the end.
When we were kids, we naturally turned the page. We wanted to turn the page. Let’s face it, we needed to turn the page.
And the next one.
And the next one…
This one is pure fun to read aloud, especially once your child figures out that they’re the one making Grover increasingly frantic.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
By Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, illustrated by Lois Ehlert
Be honest, how many of you still have this one memorized? If you were in preschool or kindergarten in the ’90s, then chances are good you know this one well. Published in 1989, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom follows the alphabet up a coconut tree and, eventually, right back down again.
That’s the whole plot.
Throw in a catchy rhythm, repetition, and Lois Ehlert’s bright collage illustrations, and this could easily become a new, old favorite for your littlest reader.
Amazing Grace
By Mary Hoffman, illustrated by Caroline Binch
Grace loves stories. She acts them out and imagines herself as all kinds of characters. So, when her class decides to perform Peter Pan, Grace wants to play Peter. Her classmates tell her she can’t because she is a girl and because she is Black. But Grace has other plans.
Published in 1991, Amazing Grace is a book with messages just as important today as they were when the book first came out. Grace’s family is loving and supportive and knows just what she needs to hear. Even better, Grace gets the chance to show everyone else what she already knows about herself.
Do you remember Grace?
Tar Beach
By Faith Ringgold
Eight-year-old Cassie Louise Lightfoot imagines flying above the rooftop of her Harlem apartment building and over the city beyond it.
Published in 1991, Tar Beach grew from Ringgold’s story quilt of the same name. The book went on to receive a Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King recognition for its illustrations. And for an extra dose of ‘90s nostalgia, you may remember first hearing Tar Beach on Reading Rainbow, starring the one and only LeVar Burton. In fact, you can still watch the episode here!
This book incorporates so many rich layers adults are sure to appreciate. And for readers of all ages, the simple idea of looking up at the sky and imagining you could fly anywhere you want is pure magic.
Strega Nona
By Tomie dePaola
A magic pasta pot + one simple rule + Big Anthony? Uh-oh. Do you remember what happens next?
First published in 1975, Strega Nona was already a children’s classic by the time ’90s kids found it in classrooms and libraries. Tomie dePaola went on to write several more stories about Strega Nona, Big Anthony, and their little town in Calabria.
And for many of us, the Strega Nona books also found their way into classroom reading sets. These books gave many early readers a chance to read the stories themselves as their reading skills grew. The hijinks, humor, and Tomie dePaola’s unmistakable illustrations made the series a classroom favorite.
Do you have a favorite dePaola illustration? The image of the entire town being overtaken by pasta is one we remember to this day!
Abuela
By Arthur Dorros, illustrated by Elisa Kleven
Rosalba is riding the bus through New York City with her grandmother when she imagines the two of them flying over the city instead.
Like the characters in Tar Beach, Rosalba and Abuela travel above the city. Along the way, Abuela shares pieces of her own story, and Spanish words and phrases are woven naturally throughout their conversation.
Published in 1991, Abuela gives us family history, culture, language, imagination, and Elisa Kleven’s wonderfully busy, colorful illustrations.
This might also be a lovely one to read with a child and then tell them a story about their own family. Where did their grandparents grow up? What did they love doing when they were little? What stories have been passed down to you?
Tag, You’re It, ’90s Kids!
Six books feels like we’ve only just touched the surface. Maybe your childhood favorite was Corduroy, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, Stellaluna, The Rainbow Fish, or a book we haven’t mentioned at all. So, what did we miss?
Tag, you’re it! Find Way to Grow on the socials and tell us which childhood favorite belongs on this blast-from-the-past list. 🧡📚
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