When it comes to computer-themed books for kids, consider your child’s interests, age, and a book that will be read more than once. We carefully considered reading levels, age recommendations, material, and value when reviewing products. Here are the best books for your computer-loving kid.
Our Picks
“The Magic School Bus Gets Programmed” “Why Doesn’t My Floppy Disk Flop?” “Personal Computers” “Edward Roberts and the Story of the Personal Computer” “A Kid’s Guide to Creating Web Pages” “Game Programming for Teens” “Career Ideas for Kids Who Like Computers” For children who’ve seen only today’s computers, learning that the first computers were big enough to fill an entire room is fascinating! The book is best suited for kids in grades 2 to 4. But what about pre-Bill Gates? How did we go from the large room-size computers to the desktops we have now? Before Bill Gates and the PC, there was Edward Roberts and the Altair! This book is about him and his achievements with the personal computer. It’s best suited for computer-loving kids 9 and up. This book provides step-by-step instructions for turning that programming code into some basic Web pages. It goes from the very basics all the way to creating links and using javascript and is best suited for kids ages 9 to 12. Using a programming code called BlitzPlus and following the directions in the book, a teen (or adult) can make their own 2-D computer game. BlitzPlus is easy to learn and although games made with it won’t be on the level of Halo, they will still be fun. Suggestions for people to interview, more reading to do, and websites to visit are also included. It’s perfect for kids in fifth to ninth grade.
Fits Your Child’s Interests
Kids who are into computers can have varying interests. Some like to code, some like to design websites, and some want to create their own video games. Others are interested in the history behind computer technology. When selecting a book for your budding computer nerd, keep in mind what they are most interested in. There’s something for everyone!
Bang for Your Buck
If you are going to purchase a book to keep on your child’s bookshelf, you want to pick one that will be read more than once, and maybe even one that can be passed from one child to another. It can be helpful to sample a book online or through your library to see if your child likes it. Computer books that are instructional will often be used more than once, as your child consults them throughout whatever project they are working on. Picking a book by a favorite author, or that features characters your child likes, will also often mean that they will want to read the book more than once.
