The 2024 Back to School Reading by 9 guide was created with support of the Ballmer Group. For parents and educators of children ages 0-5, this year’s guidebook features articles, activities, reading recommendations and more to encourage early education and literacy.
Dear parents, teachers and educators,
All of us have a favorite story. Whether it be a dragon-slaying fantasy, an adventurous journey to the center of the earth or a classic tale of a frog prince and princess, these childhood stories have enchanted past generations for years.
If you ask, a majority of us can recall being read these fairy tales within the first five years of our childhood. This period for any developing mind is most crucial. Whether we were cognizant of it or not, we began building and enhancing our early learning abilities. Through these fairy tales, young minds are pushed to think creatively about sequences of events, vernacular, interpersonal dynamics, emotions and actions. As we continue to pass these stories down, we continue to promote early childhood literacy while advancing academic preparation for children.
The Los Angeles Times Reading by 9 team aims to continue fostering this mission. This annual guidebook offers parents tools and resources to support at-home actions to aid early education and literacy. “The First 5 Years,” supported by the Ballmer Group, is structured to support English and Spanish bilingual development. Resources such as expert advice, at-home learning activities, book recommendations and, in an ever-evolving digital world, app recommendations are included to equip parents who do not know where to begin this journey.
Together, we hope these resources begin the fairy tale of your child’s educational journey and introduce them to the enchanting world of literacy.
Navigating the transition to the classroom
Set your little ones up for success. Learn how your child can be school-ready this fall in transitional kindergarten.
Introduce early literacy through reading and play
Practice phonics and “sound out” letters with your child.
Children’s desk
Book Recommendations
by Gabi Garcia, Natalia Jimenez Osorio
With vibrant and modern images, this book is a celebration of differences. It teaches children that what they do can have a positive impact on those around them and the earth at large.
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By Erin Winters, Kaitin Bucher
This book is an affirmation for children who are quick to anger. It shows young children that they aren’t alone in their reactions and that all parents love their children, no matter what emotions they show.
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By Beth Ferry, Tom Lichtenheld
This sweet story about sticking up for your friends features only a few words per page, making it perfect for early readers. The simplistic artwork is charming. The text rhymes in English, making it easy to emphasize initial sounds.
Buy here
By Lissette Norman, Sara Palacios
Food is love. Food is comfort. Food is a celebration. Food is everything and plátanos fit all occasions. Feel a sense of belonging from plátanos and a family from the Dominican Republic.
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By Angela Dominguez
What could the baby dinosaur want to eat? An English-speaking bird suggests everything he can think of until the Spanish-speaking dinosaur suggests a bird … a blue bird. What should our narrator suggest then?
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By Laura Lacámara, Yuyi Morales
When Mama sings, the world floats. Her song lifts the people and animals around her not only emotionally but physically.
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by Karen Beaumont, David Catrow
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 Mary Lyn Ray, Rebecca Malone
The good dog isn’t sleepy. He remembers playing in the sun. But he does like his bed. He likes the quiet night sounds. If he just closed his eyes, what might come next?
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By Linda Ashman, Christian Robinson
Perspective is everything. When an older man who hates the rain runs into a young girl dressed as a frog, her happiness rubs off on him.
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By Juan Moreno, Hazel Quintanilla
Duckie loves his shoes! Each pair has a different use. Learn to read color words with this cute book filled with animals.
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by José-Luis Orozco, Sara Palacios
Classic preschool songs fill this bilingual book. Sing the ABCs, “Wheels on the Bus,” “Old MacDonald” and more. Notice the differences and similarities in the Spanish and English versions together.
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By Angela Dominguez
Two giraffes meet a baby ostrich in this bilingual book about feelings. See the funny illustrations of the giraffes as they act out the emotions to try to figure out how the ostrich feels.
Buy here
Literacy Programs
Access Books
Children's Institute
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.