We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again: Kids are never too young (or old!) to learn coding. Of course, age is a big factor when thinking about where each child needs to start. The littlest ones are still grasping basic logic and problem-solving, while older kids are already pretty fluent with computers. With that in mind, we’ve put together this list of must-have coding books for kids of every age group. 

Baby Loves Coding! (ages 0–3)

Using the simplest analogy—retrieving a toy from a toy box—this book charmingly illustrates the logic and sequencing that goes into the basic problem-solving skills kids will eventually apply in reading, math, and, of course, coding.

My First Coding Book (ages 5–7)

No computer needed for this introductory guide. Instead, it uses games, puzzles, and mazes to get kids familiar with basic programming concepts such as loops and sequencing. The guide places particular emphasis on collaborating with other kids in order to find the best solutions.  

Coding Games in Scratch: A Step-by-Step Visual Guide to Building Your Own Computer Games (ages 8–12)

Have a kid who loves playing computer games? Why not teach them to make their own? That’s the basic premise in the latest edition of this Scratch guide. Updated to reflect Scratch 3.0, this book uses pixelated visuals to demonstrate techniques for multiple types of games including single-player, multi-player, memory games, and puzzles. 

Get Coding! (ages 9-12)

Created by Young Rewired State, an international collective of kids who code, this book covers HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Through six chapters, kids will follow along with Professor Bairstone, Dr. Day, and their pup Ernest on missions that teach them how to build a website, an app, and a game. 

Everything You Need to Ace Computer Science and Coding in One Big Fat Notebook: The Complete Middle School Study Guide (ages 11-14)

When it comes to computer programming books for children, this all-in-one workbook really lives up to its title. With this interactive volume, middle schoolers can learn (or re-learn) binary code, CSS, Python, Scratch, web development, and more. Bonus: All of the content has been reviewed and approved by National and State Teacher of the Year Award–winning educators.

Coding for Kids: Python (ages 10-18)

This beginner’s guide takes kids step-by-step through 50 interactive exercises that cover pretty much all the basics of Python. It includes sample code, reference screenshots, and other helpful elements that take them from learning the language’s fundamentals to building their very own game. 

Codeverse (ages 6-13)

When you kid is ready to move from the books to the computer and put their new learnings into action, Codeverse provides the a platform that allows them to learn by doing.  Your first class is always free to try it out