10 Books Every Family Should Read Together in 2025
In 2025, reading together as a family is more important than ever. With screens dominating our lives and the fast pace of modern living, family reading time can provide a much-needed opportunity to connect, learn, and unwind. Sharing stories not only sparks imagination but also helps cultivate values such as empathy, cooperation, and understanding.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, life lessons, or just a good laugh, here are 10 books every family should read together in 2025. These books span a variety of genres and themes that will engage children, teens, and adults alike, making family reading time something to look forward to every day.
1. The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
Why It’s a Must-Read:
This beautifully illustrated book is a blend of adventure, technology, and nature. It follows the journey of Roz, a robot who wakes up alone on a deserted island and must learn how to survive in the wild. The story explores themes of self-discovery, belonging, and the relationship between humans and nature—perfect for sparking deep discussions with your kids.
Why It’s Great for Families:
- Teaches the importance of adaptability and connection to nature.
- Engages readers of all ages with beautiful illustrations and an emotionally resonant story.
- A great choice for kids 8+ but enjoyable for adults too.
2. The Pigeon Needs a Bath! by Mo Willems
Why It’s a Must-Read:
If your family loves a good laugh, this one is a must. Mo Willems’ books are adored for their humor and relatability. This story features the hilarious Pigeon who, predictably, doesn’t want to take a bath, even though he clearly needs one. The book is full of silly moments and interactive dialogue, making it a fun, read-aloud experience.
Why It’s Great for Families:
- Simple text and engaging illustrations make it perfect for young kids (ages 3-6).
- Encourages children to embrace hygiene routines in a playful way.
- Lots of opportunities for interactive reading, where kids can join in on the pigeon’s protests.
3. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Why It’s a Must-Read:
Wonder tells the story of Auggie Pullman, a young boy born with a facial difference who enters a mainstream school for the first time. This novel is an inspiring journey about kindness, acceptance, and overcoming adversity. It’s perfect for older children and pre-teens, offering rich discussion points for parents to share with their kids.
Why It’s Great for Families:
- Sparks discussions about acceptance, kindness, and empathy.
- Suitable for kids 10+ and can be enjoyed by adults.
- Helps foster family conversations about bullying and diversity.
4. The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
Why It’s a Must-Read:
Based on the true story of a gorilla named Ivan, who lived in a cage for 27 years before being freed, this book is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. It’s a story of friendship, loyalty, and the fight for freedom. The simple yet powerful prose makes it accessible for a wide range of ages, and it’s a great way to introduce children to the concepts of animal rights and compassion.
Why It’s Great for Families:
- Themes of freedom and the bond between animals and humans resonate with children and adults alike.
- Encourages important conversations about ethical treatment of animals.
- Great for families with kids 8+.
5. The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
Why It’s a Must-Read:
This New York Times bestseller is a unique mix of words and pictures, telling the story of a young orphan named Hugo who lives in a train station and dreams of fixing a broken automaton. This book is both magical and mysterious, blending historical fiction with elements of adventure. The visual storytelling keeps younger readers engaged, while the deeper themes of loneliness and creativity will resonate with older readers.
Why It’s Great for Families:
- A visual treat for younger readers (ages 9+).
- Inspires a love of storytelling and invention.
- Themes of friendship, determination, and the magic of cinema make for a rich family discussion.
6. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
Why It’s a Must-Read:
This timeless classic tells the story of a pig named Wilbur and his unlikely friendship with Charlotte, a wise and selfless spider. Charlotte’s Web is a beautifully crafted tale of friendship, sacrifice, and the circle of life that will resonate deeply with both children and adults. It’s a perfect choice for families to read aloud together.
Why It’s Great for Families:
- Teaches compassion, friendship, and loss in a gentle way.
- Ideal for children aged 6-10 but can be appreciated by readers of all ages.
- Offers great opportunities to discuss life, death, and the impact of kindness.
7. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
Why It’s a Must-Read:
It’s no surprise that Harry Potter makes the list. The first book in the series introduces Harry, a young wizard, to a world filled with magic, mystery, and friendship. While there are a few darker themes as the series progresses, the first book is a delightful adventure suitable for children and adults alike. Plus, the series encourages values like bravery, loyalty, and justice.
Why It’s Great for Families:
- Ideal for kids aged 8 and up but can be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
- Themes of friendship, courage, and fighting against injustice.
- An exciting and immersive world that makes reading together fun and engaging.
8. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Why It’s a Must-Read:
A magical portal, a lion, a witch, and a snowy kingdom—what more could you ask for? The first book in The Chronicles of Narnia series invites readers into a world of wonder, adventure, and deeper moral lessons. The story encourages discussions about good vs. evil, sacrifice, and loyalty.
Why It’s Great for Families:
- Excellent for children aged 8 and older.
- Engages kids with its vivid fantasy world while introducing them to important moral lessons.
- Suitable for multi-generational families, as parents can connect with the Christian allegory and older themes.
9. The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
Why It’s a Must-Read:
This quirky, imaginative tale follows a young boy named Milo as he embarks on an adventure in a magical land filled with puns, riddles, and wordplay. The Phantom Tollbooth is an intellectually stimulating and hilarious book that will captivate readers of all ages while subtly teaching lessons about the importance of learning, creativity, and curiosity.
Why It’s Great for Families:
- Great for tweens and older kids, though parents will enjoy the clever wordplay and humor too.
- Encourages a love of learning and problem-solving.
- Sparks family discussions about knowledge, adventure, and personal growth.
10. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
Why It’s a Must-Read:
A modern fantasy novel that’s perfect for families seeking something unique. The story follows a young girl named Luna, who is raised by a kind witch after being abandoned in the woods. Luna is accidentally fed moonlight, which gives her magical powers. As she learns about her powers, she must face dark forces threatening her world. It’s an enchanting story filled with themes of family, sacrifice, and the power of love.
Why It’s Great for Families:
- Perfect for family reading time for kids 8+.
- Explores the importance of love, sacrifice, and family.
- A captivating and magical tale that will engage both kids and adults.
Conclusion: Bringing Families Together Through Books
Reading together as a family is more than just a way to pass the time—it’s an opportunity to bond, grow, and learn together. The 10 books listed here offer something for every age and taste, and they provide the perfect foundation for meaningful discussions that can help your family grow closer.
So, grab a book, curl up on the couch, and enjoy the magic of reading as a family. Whether it’s laughing together at Mo Willems’ humor, exploring magical lands in Narnia, or diving deep into powerful themes of friendship and kindness, these books are sure to become treasured memories for your family.
Happy reading!
