Captivating Art Books for Your Budding Artist: A 2nd to 9th Grade Reading List

Hello dear parents! We all know how magical books can be, opening doors to new worlds and sparking our imaginations. If your kiddo has an artistic streak, this blog post is perfect for you! Today, I’m sharing an ultimate book list for students from 2nd to 9th grade. This isn’t just any list, it’s a carefully curated selection of the best art-related books published after 2015.

Not only are these books highly rated and popular, but they’re also super interesting for children. Each title is clickable, leading you straight to Amazon to make your shopping experience a breeze. So let’s dive in, shall we?

2nd Grade

“Colorama: From Fuchsia to Midnight Blue” by Cruschiform
This is a book filled with whimsical illustrations and engaging information about colors. It’ll help your little one improve their vocabulary while fostering their love for art.

“The Day The Crayons Quit” by Drew Daywalt
This bestseller tells a hilarious story of crayons going on strike. It’ll boost your child’s reading skills, while making them laugh and think about art in a new way.

“The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds
This book tells a tale of a little girl who discovers her artistic talent. It’s a great way to encourage self-expression and confidence in your child’s artistic journey.

3rd Grade

“Art Lab for Kids: Express Yourself!” by Susan Schwake
This interactive book is packed with fun and inspiring art projects. It helps children explore different art techniques while enhancing their reading comprehension skills.

“Drawn Together” by Minh Lê
This touching story of a grandfather and grandson communicates through art. It’ll improve your child’s emotional intelligence and broaden their cultural understanding.

“Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat” by Javaka Steptoe
This inspiring biography encourages creativity and resilience. It’ll boost your child’s reading skills and introduce them to the world of contemporary art.

4th Grade

“Art Parts: A Child’s Introduction to the Elements of Art” by Kim Bogren Owen
This engaging guide introduces kids to the fundamental elements of art. It promotes reading and critical thinking skills while stoking their creative flames.

“The Magical Garden of Claude Monet” by Laurence Anholt
Through this beautifully illustrated tale, kids can learn about the famous artist, Claude Monet. It not only improves their reading abilities but also enriches their knowledge about Impressionism.

“What If…: A Story About Creativity” by Samantha Berger
This tale about creativity encourages kids to think outside the box. It helps to boost their imaginative thinking and enhances their reading fluency.

5th Grade

“The Masterpiece” by Shelley Kinder
This book is a delightful story about friendship and creativity. It helps improve your child’s comprehension skills while teaching them about the value of teamwork in art.

“In Mary’s Garden” by Tina and Carson Kügler
This is a captivating story about a creative woman who makes art from objects she finds. It’ll expand your child’s vocabulary and inspire them to see potential art materials in everyday items.

“Art Fraud Detective: Spot the Difference, Solve the Crime!” by Anna Nilsen
This interactive detective story aids in enhancing your child’s attention to detail. It combines reading and analytical skills in an exciting and educative way.

6th Grade

“Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers” by Deborah Heiligman
This biographical book improves your child’s reading stamina while providing insight into the life of a famous artist and his supportive brother.

“The Art Detective: Spot the Difference and Find Your Art Style” by Doris Kutschbach
This detective story sharpens your child’s observation skills while introducing them to various art styles. It encourages critical thinking and deep reading.

“Getting to Know the World’s Greatest Artists: Pablo Picasso” by Mike Venezia
This fun biography enhances your child’s reading skills while providing a kid-friendly introduction to Picasso’s life and works.

7th Grade

“I Am Alfonso Jones” by Tony Medina
This thought-provoking graphic novel combines powerful artwork with an engaging narrative. It helps to develop your child’s empathy and social understanding.

“Art Up Close: From Ancient to Modern” by Claire d’Harcourt
This unique book challenges your child’s attention to detail and analytical skills, as they navigate through art history from ancient to modern times.

“Awkward” by Svetlana Chmakova
This entertaining graphic novel promotes positive social interactions and boosts your child’s reading comprehension.

8th Grade

“Understanding Art: Western Civilization” by Lois Fichner-Rathus
This book deepens your child’s knowledge of art history and Western civilization, promoting not just reading comprehension but also critical thinking and analysis.

“Inkling” by Kenneth Oppel
This engaging narrative about an ink blot with a life of its own fosters creativity and imagination, all while promoting reading fluency and comprehension.

“Art Matters” by Neil Gaiman
This inspirational book combines Gaiman’s words with Chris Riddell’s illustrations. It inspires creativity, self-expression, and improves your child’s reading skills.

9th Grade

“A History of Pictures for Children” by David Hockney and Martin Gayford
This book covers art history from caveman drawings to computer art. It enriches your child’s understanding of art’s evolution while enhancing their reading and analytical skills.

“The Diary of Frida Kahlo: An Intimate Self-Portrait” by Frida Kahlo
This deeply personal diary of the famed artist improves your child’s reading comprehension and gives them a unique insight into the mind of an artistic genius.

“Art: A Visual History” by Robert Cumming
This book offers a comprehensive visual guide to Western art. It improves your child’s reading stamina and deepens their knowledge about art history.

Isn’t it wonderful to think that your child’s next favorite book could be on this list? Every one of these art books holds the power to inspire, educate, and entertain. They are more than just a tool to improve your child’s reading skills; they also instill a greater appreciation for art. After all, art and literature are two sides of the same coin, aren’t they?

So why wait? Let’s fuel your child’s creativity and love for reading with these incredible art-related books. As Pablo Picasso said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” Let’s ensure our children continue to see the world with the wonder of an artist. Happy reading!

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