The 2024 Reading by 9 guide was created through the generous support of the Ballmer Group. This year’s guide spotlights articles, activities, book recommendations and more for parents and educators of children ages 0-5.
Dear parents, teachers and educators,
Whether your child is just a few months old or preparing to start kindergarten, you can read to them and build a foundation for future growth and learning. Reading to your young child can teach them about emotions and empathy; it can help enrich their vocabulary, foster learning across languages and prepare them for their school journey.
For 26 years, Reading by 9 has put together an assortment of resources and book recommendations to help parents build their child’s literacy skills. Available in English and Spanish, this year’s literacy guide is filled with research-based advice from local organizations and experts on topics ranging from social-emotional development to bilingual learning.
We hope these resources will help direct you as you embark on a journey through literacy with the child in your life and introduce them to the wonderful world of reading.
Setting a foundation for reading
Learn about the benefits of reading and how you can encourage your child to enjoy it.
How literacy can support your baby’s growth
Literacy is integral to development. Learn how reading can help your child.
Children’s desk
Read aloud with your baby
The Coquíes Still Sing
Los Coquíes Aún Cantan
Book Recommendations
By Suzanne Lang, Max Lang
Jim is in a horrible mood and just can’t shake it. His friends make suggestions but Jim can’t handle their kindness and throws a fit. Sometimes everyone just needs a day to feel grumpy.
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By Margery Facklam, Sylvia Long
Who eats bugs for lunch? Humans, animals and plants all do in this informative book of poems. Satiate your little reader’s quest for all things creepy and crawly with this fun book.
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By José-Luis Orozco, Elisa Kleven
Folk songs from many different Spanish-speaking countries grace the pages of this book of action songs. Follow diagrams and music included to delight young readers.
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By Donald Crews
This Caldecott Honor book helps young readers learn their numbers and colors in both English and Spanish. Help young readers with positional language and basic vocabulary using this classic book about trains.
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By Carmen Lomas Garza
Carmen Lomas Garza’s paintings are described individually in both English and Spanish in this beautiful picture book. Illustrations about community and family are paired with memories about growing up in Kingsville, Texas.
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By Pat Mora, Maribel Suarez
Written by the founder of the family literacy initiative, Children’s Day, this book depicts a typical day with young children. Build bilingual vocabulary around everyday family activities.
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By Alma Flor Ada, Felipe Dávalos
After the sun disappears, people and animals are afraid. But a brave lizard refuses to give up until she brings back the light.
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By Katie Davis
Some animals don’t hop, others can’t crawl. Help your young reader discover how different creatures get around in this silly picture book, available in both English and Spanish.
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By Aaron Blabey
A short and silly book about a porcupine in need of a hug (and a snake that just wants a kiss). Each page is translated in both English and Spanish within clear speech bubbles for the reader.
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By Lucky Diaz, Micah Player, Carmen Tafolla
A young girl in Los Angeles follows her dreams to become a rockstar, using a broken guitar that she found in the trash. With the help of her community, she repairs and repaints the guitar to look brand new. Fully bilingual edition available May 7, 2024.
Buy here
By Alexandra Alessandri, Courtney Dawson
Isabel speaks Spanish. When she goes to school, she has a hard time feeling comfortable because her classmates all speak English. With the help of her colores, she finds that friendship is a universal language.
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By Ben Gundersheimer, Marcos Almada Rivero
Señorita Mariposa makes her flight from the U.S. and Canada down to Mexico. Written in rhymes, some in English, others in Spanish, this book details the trip of the Monarch Butterfly. Read about how she delights the animals and people along her way.
Buy here
Literacy Programs
Children's Institute
News Literacy Project
Support Services
Libraries
Los Angeles Public Library
Los Angeles County Library
Orange County Public Libraries
This supplement did not involve the editorial or reporting staff of the Los Angeles Times except where noted.
The guide is free to parents, educators and organizations working with children and families. To contact us with comments and questions or to receive more information, email public.affairs@latimes.com.
Los Angeles Times Public Affairs manages philanthropy, community engagement and corporate social responsibility at the nation’s largest metropolitan daily news organization. We broaden perspectives, empower storytellers and inspire our community to question and transform the world around them. For more information, visit latimes.com/readingby9.