Even if the 1990s don’t seem that far behind us, many kids who grew up in that decade now have children of their own! Fortunately for that younger generation, their parents and teachers can hand down some enduring reads that every kid of the ’90s remembers. Take a look at children’s books that were popular in the 1990s (even if they were published earlier), and find out why today’s teachers still reach for them.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Chosen by: Amany Elgendy (@misselgendy)
This classic picture book was first published in 1969 and became a kindergarten classroom staple by the 1990s. “This is just the cutest caterpillar!” raves Amany. “The storyline is easy to follow, and counting the food along with recalling the days of the week keeps it interesting.”
What keeps teachers reaching for this beloved book year after year? “As a teacher, the best aspect of this book is sequencing!” Amany notes. “There are also so many activities to do after reading this story to solidify the concepts taught from the book.”
Buy it: The Very Hungry Caterpillar on Amazon
More Picture Books Beloved by ’90s Kids
Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish
Chosen by: Josie McClain (@mrs.mcclainsbrains)
The first entry in this chapter book series was published in 1963, and it was still going strong by the time ’90s kids came along. “Amelia Bedelia is the original quirky girl, and that’s stuck with me ever since my mom first read the books with me,” Josie shares. “Amelia Bedelia reminds all of us that it’s okay to make mistakes, and directions can certainly be confusing. She might be your new favorite book character: Her heart is in the right place, and she makes a really good pie!”
Today, Josie finds this book especially relevant for ELL students. “Many English language learners may not understand the phrases we use in English, and this book series is a silly, goofy way to teach them,” says Josie. “They can see someone taking things literally to know they’re not alone in being confused. English can be difficult!”
Buy it: Amelia Bedelia on Amazon
More Easy Reader and Chapter Books That ’90s Children Loved
Kristy’s Great Idea by Ann M. Martin
Chosen by: Megan Cooke (@mctheatreela)
The first few books in the Baby-Sitters’ Club series were published in the late 1980s, but they continued on throughout the ’90s (there are more than 200 altogether, plus a newer graphic novel series by Raina Telgemeier). “The Baby-Sitters Club kept me reading over and over again,” Megan recalls. “I had to know what happened next, and I loved that the main character shifted from book to book. I got to know these very different characters, and I saw the world from multiple perspectives.”
As an adult, Megan realizes the book offered a vital message to young girls: “It was an early introduction to feminism,” she believes. “This book showed very different girls come together to create a business on their own that gave back to their community. They did not let the fear of their business failing stop them. To see young girls create a successful business from scratch was inspirational. The books never said it would be easy or perfect, but by doing your best and sticking together, you could achieve anything.”
Buy it: Kristy’s Great Idea on Amazon
More Books That ’90s Elementary Kids Will Remember
Holes by Louis Sachar
Chosen by: Nikki McMaster-Martorano (@coachmacboston)
In 1999, this hilarious and insightful middle grade book won the Newbery Medal, and kids fell in love with Stanley Yelnats. “I loved the mystery, the humor, and the characters, and I still remember how much I wanted to know what was going to happen next,” Nikki recalls. “It was fun and exciting, but it also made me think. Stanley and Zero especially stayed with me because their friendship shows how powerful it can be when someone believes in you and sees you for who you really are.”
Nikki believes this book can be a hit with today’s young readers too: “Give it a chance because it’s so much more than a story about digging holes. It’s funny, mysterious, a little weird, and it keeps you guessing. And by the end, all the pieces come together in a really satisfying way.”
Buy it: Holes on Amazon
More Middle Grade Books That ’90s Kids Couldn’t Get Enough Of
More Young Adult Books for ’90s Kids
Remember to grab your free colorable reading poster kit!
Print this huge poster for a fun collaborative classroom brain break, plus get lots of free reading activities to try with students. Just follow the link below and click the button to get them.
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