If your child loves video games and mathematics, they might be interested in learning how to code their own programs and create their own games. Coding has become very popular and is something that kids as young as five and six years old can pick up and start to learn.
There are hundreds of books that’ll teach your child the basics and get them started, so it’s hard to know which one to choose. I’ve created this list of the 7 best coding books for kids to help you narrow down your options.
Why it’s great: This book teaches children as young as four years old basic coding concepts. They’ll learn sequences, algorithms, and debugging. It’ll also teach them critical thinking, logic, and other skills. It does this all through puzzles, mazes, and games that your child will enjoy working through and playing. This book is a great way for your children to start to learn to code without ever having to be on a computer. It’ll help them master the skills they need before moving on to more difficult and fun types of coding.
Keep in mind: This is meant for kids under 7 years old, so older kids won’t be very excited about it.
Good for: Kids ages 4-7 years old who love mazes, puzzles, and games.
Why it’s great: This activity book teaches your child coding concepts in a fun and entertaining way. If your child loves Minecraft, this book is the perfect choice for them. It uses themes and characters from Minecraft to engage and teach your child how to code. It has step-by-step screenshots and guides your little one through the process. Your child will learn how to design and create games, mods, and more. They’ll learn computational thinking and problem-solving skills as they work through this book.
Keep in mind: This book uses Minecraft themes to teach coding skills, but it’s not coding in the Minecraft game.
Good for: Kids ages 8-12 years old who love Minecraft and want to learn to code.
Why it’s great: Scratch is one of the easiest things for kids to learn and helps them develop the necessary skills for harder code. This book teaches kids how to master scratch coding through a series of activities that get progressively harder as your child works through them. By the time they finish this book, your little one will learn how to create 10 games of their own, using the code and skills your child has mastered as they go. The directions are simple and easy to follow, and there are screenshots, so your child will be able to see exactly what they need to be doing.
Keep in mind: The beginning spends time introducing Scratch and coding, which may be a little boring for kids.
Good for: Kids ages 6 and up who want to learn and master Scratch.
Why it’s great: This book covers a variety of coding types and will teach your child the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It does this using a story-based adventure that’s fun for kids to read and follow along. Your child will be helping two scientists with their problems throughout the book. While working through it, your child will learn how to build a website, an app, and a game. As they go along, each activity gets a little harder, and they’ll learn how to work through the different types of code.
Keep in mind: Your child does need some basic computer skills and knowledge to work through this book, so it’s not the best for complete beginners.
Good for: Kids ages 9 and up who have some experience with coding and computers but want to learn more.
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Why it’s great: This book is geared towards younger children and explains and teaches in a way that they’ll easily understand. It uses a fun cast of characters, puzzles, games, and activities to teach your child the basic coding concepts without actually having to get on a computer. Your little one will be practicing all the same skills that a coder uses in a fun and entertaining way. They’ll learn the basics of coding, which will help them immensely when they actually get on a computer. They can even learn to create their own code by the end of the book.
Keep in mind: This won’t be as much fun for older kids, as it doesn’t have you actually coding and programming on a computer.
Good for: Kids ages 5-7 years old who want to learn the basics of coding.
Why it’s great: This coding book was written by a classroom instructor with years of experience teaching young kids technology skills. It’s a step-by-step guide that’s easy for kids to follow. Your child will learn the logic behind computer coding, coding skills, and how to create apps and games. They’ll master Scratch and learn JavaScript as they go through the fun activities in this book. Each project advances in difficulty, challenging and pushing your child to master these skills in a fun way.
Keep in mind: You’ll need a computer or tablet and access to the internet to use this guide.
Good for: Kids ages 8-13 years old who are beginners and want to learn to code.
Why it’s great: This is an interactive game that introduces the concepts and terms used in coding. It’ll teach your child the basics using games, puzzles, and more. It’s completely interactive, with actual coding blocks that your child will use to code and program in conjunction with an iPad. The games have beginner to advanced options, so it’s great for kids just learning or those with some experience. Your child will learn logic, critical thinking, problem-solving, coding fundamentals, basic programming, and more. This kit comes with the Osmo base and reflector for the iPad, 31 tangible coding blocks, 3 game apps, and a stackable storage box for all the pieces.
Keep in mind: You need an iPad to be able to use this game.
Good for:
The My First Coding Book is our overall top recommendation. It's the highest quality product we have found with the most affordable price making it the best value on our list..
Kids coding is usually educational and entertaining because kids learn better when they’re having fun. Coding allows kids to write computer programs and create their own games. There are many different types of computer languages that your child can learn. Scratch coding is usually a good choice for beginners, but there are also things like Python and Java.
This depends on your child and their skill levels in math, picking out patterns, and more. However, you’ll be able to find books and resources to teach your child how to code at around age four.
Coding allows your child to be creative and also teaches them organizational skills. Your little one will learn how to think logically and more efficiently. They’ll learn how to problem solve and come up with solutions to problems. It also promotes computational thinking and how to break problems down into smaller, more manageable parts. Coding is also a valuable skill to have and could help them get a job as a computer programmer when they get older.
Books and online classes are a great way to help your child learn to code. Scratch coding is one of the easiest and most popular things to learn for beginners. Make sure that whatever you choose is on their level, so they don’t feel overwhelmed. Try to make it as fun as possible for them to learn this skill and encourage them to take their time and develop their skills.
Between ages 7-10 years old is the best age to get your child started. They can learn as early as four or five, but kids in the 7-10-year-old range can better understand programming concepts and can really start to excel in coding.
There are many benefits to kids who learn to code young, so it’s a great hobby for them to start as early as they show interest. Finding a book that’s age-appropriate for your child doesn’t have to be difficult. This list provides a range of coding challenges for kids of varying ages and skill levels. You should be able to easily pick one that suits your child’s needs.
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