35 Of The Best Children’s Books From The 80’s and 90’s

Reading Education
by Matthew Lynch -

Introduction:

The 80’s and 90’s were a golden age for children’s literature, with imaginative new authors emerging and creating stories that continue to delight and captivate young readers. Here are 35 of the best children’s books from the 80’s and 90’s that will bring back nostalgic memories for parents who grew up with these tales, and provide children with a world of enchanting adventure.

  1. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg (1985)
  2. Matilda by Roald Dahl (1988)
  3. The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka (1989)
  4. Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss (1990)
  5. Tuesday by David Wiesner (1991)
  6. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown (1991 edition)
  7. Goosebumps series by R.L. Stine (1992-1997)
  8. Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney (1994)
  9. The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales by Jon Scieszka (1992)
  10. Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary (1983)
  11. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak (1988 edition)
  12. The Baby-Sitters Club series by Ann M. Martin (1986-2000)
  13. Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell (1988 edition)
  14. Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister (1992)
  15. Little Critter series by Mercer Mayer (1980s-1990s)
  16. Holes by Louis Sachar (1998)
  17. Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh (1988 edition)
  18. Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg (1981)
  19. The BFG by Roald Dahl (1982)
  20. The Wreck of the Zephyr by Chris Van Allsburg (1983)
  21. Corduroy by Don Freeman (1988 edition)
  22. The Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warner (1980s-1990s editions)
  23. The Magic School Bus series by Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen (1986-1997)
  24. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss (1988 edition)
  25. Amelia Bedelia series by Peggy Parish and later Herman Parish (1980s-1990s editions)
  26. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White (1988 edition)
  27. The Giver by Lois Lowry (1993)
  28. Dinotopia by James Gurney (1992)
  29. Clifford the Big Red Dog series by Norman Bridwell (1980s-1990s editions)
  30. Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan (1985)
  31. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt (1985 edition)
  32. Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder (1980s editions)
  33. The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter (1987 edition)
  34. Animorphs series by K.A. Applegate (1996-2001)
  35. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson (1977, widely read in the 80’s and 90’s)

Conclusion:

These 35 titles represent just a small portion of the incredible children’s literature from the 80’s and 90’s era, but they provide a solid foundation for any young reader’s library.

Choose your Reaction!
Related Articles