Many people believe that coding is too complex a subject to teach to kids, but the reality is, learning how to code is like learning any other language: it’s easier when you start at a young age!
Some of the best coding resources for kids are books. There are books on the market designed to teach children of all ages how to code, from baby-friendly coding books to books aimed at older kids aged 8 and over.
A Beginner’s Guide to Coding is pretty much exactly what it sounds like: a coding book for complete beginners. Not only is this book beginner-friendly, but it’s designed to be understandable for children aged 8 to 12.
Bear in mind that while this book is not written for children younger than 8, meaning that it’s not a good choice for very young children, it’s the perfect introduction to coding for children in grades 4 to 6.
This book covers the coding languages of Python and Scratch, so it gives kids options and variety as they are learning to code for the first time.
The basic concepts are covered, complete with great illustrations, without going into too much confusing detail.
We love that projects are included in the book on a step-by-step basis because it gives readers a chance to apply the knowledge they have picked up and provides practice for real-world coding.
These projects are the stepping stones kids need to start coding in the form of computer games or chatbots.
Pros
Explains the basics of coding
Covers both Scratch and Python
Includes projects for the application of knowledge
One of the best teaching styles for kids of all ages is to present new information through play. This is why we love JavaScript for Kids: A Playful Introduction to Programming. It’s aimed at kids aged 9 and over.
This book focuses on the programming language of JavaScript, which is one of the most widely-used, and the most relevant to the Internet.
However, while a lot of content about JavaScript can be somewhat dry, this book uses humor and games to keep kids engaged and show how coding can be fun!
The authors of this book are also clearly aware that written content doesn’t always help all kids to learn effectively. So, they have included a lot of fun illustrations and helpful visuals to make the learning process easier and more enjoyable.
One of the best parts of this book is that it teaches kids how to program and write games, demonstrating how fun and useful learning JavaScript can be!
Pros
Uses humor to engage kids in the material
Teaches kids to write and program games
Lots of visuals, which is perfect for visual learners
Python for Kids: A Playful Introduction to Programming is like a sibling book to JavaScript for Kids. It’s aimed at roughly the same age group (10 and above) and aims to teach kids how to use Python for programming.
This second edition of the book is up-to-date and relevant to Python 3, so you can be sure your kids won’t be learning outdated information.
The book is packed with illustrations and frames the Python learning journey as a fun adventure, so kids will be immersed in their learning and more likely to develop a passion for coding after reading this book.
Additionally, the book teaches readers how to code not one, but two different games, which is the perfect way to test new skills while keeping the experience lighthearted and fun.
In our opinion, this book is the perfect introduction to coding because it makes the subject fun and engaging by using a storytelling format.
The book features the character of Ruby, who has a passion for problem-solving and goes on adventures with her friends, encountering solvable problems along the way.
Although this book does not teach programming language, it explains the basic concepts of coding really well for the appropriate age group. No complicated language is used, although the fundamental concepts are explained in detail.
There are assignments throughout the book that allow kids to test their newly-learned problem-solving skills as they progress through the story.
Pros
Story format is engaging for kids
Explains concepts in detail without using complicated language
Computer Coding for Kids is written by the one and only Carol Vorderman! It’s part of the ‘Computer Coding for Kids’ series, but while there are several other books in the series, this is the one kids should read first to get a basic understanding of coding.
This book teaches kids how to use both Python and Scratch programming languages through easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions, complete with colorful illustrations that help to simplify the concepts.
As the book continues, the exercises and projects get more advanced, so it allows for gradual improvement and encourages kids to take on more complex coding challenges once they have enough knowledge to do so.
Bear in mind that this book is not up-to-date with Scratch 3 and only covers Scratch 2.
Pros
Teaches Scratch and Python
Step-by-step instructions with illustrations
Gets gradually more advanced to provide a challenge
Women are currently underrepresented in STEM, and one way to correct that is to teach young girls how to code at the earliest opportunity. That’s the purpose of Girls Who Code: Learn to Code and Change the World.
This book is aimed at kids aged 10 to 15 and encourages girls to learn more about programming. The content is very much aimed at empowering young girls to take an interest and succeed in what has typically been a male-dominated field.
As well as clear, concise, and well-illustrated content outlining the basics of coding and programming, the book features essays about women who have been successful in the field of programming. This shows girls reading the book that it’s possible to achieve success with determination and perseverance.
The only downside to this book is that because it is so focused on empowering and selling the programming field to its readers, it doesn’t do as much instructional work as some of the other books we’ve discussed today.
Pros
Good introduction to coding
Includes essays about successful women in the field
Empowering and encouraging tone
Cons
Not as instructive as some other coding books for kids
We mean it when we say it’s never too early to start teaching your kids about coding! Baby Loves Coding is aimed at infants and toddlers aged from 1 to 3 years. This, in our opinion, is the best book if you want to get your kids started on their coding journey as early as possible.
Obviously, children in the target age range for this book are mostly too young to learn through longer sentences, but the book does a good job of using basic words and illustrations to introduce concepts like problem-solving, sequencing, and cause and effect. All of these skills are essential in coding.
The book is filled with colorful illustrations that not only help to convey the concepts within, but also make the book fun and engaging for very young children.
In addition to introducing basic principles related to coding and programming, the book is also helpful for starting to teach kids how to read, write, and use mathematical skills before they start learning these things in school.
However, because of the young age range the book is written for, it won’t be suitable for older children since it doesn’t go into detail or explain concepts in any kind of depth.
Pros
Introduces core concepts of programming in an age-appropriate way
Prepares very young children for reading and math in school
Beautiful illustrations make the book engaging
Cons
Not stimulating enough for children over the age of 3
Final Thoughts
If you would like to get your kids interested in coding, these books are a great place to start. Whether your child is just a year old or in their teens, there is suitable reading material on this list to start teaching them how to program and use the skills involved in coding.
We recommend purchasing a few of these books so that your child can continue their coding journey as they get older and fine-tune their skills.
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