Father’s day is around the corner, which means we’ve got a list of books highlighting all the things we love about our dads—both the dads related to us and the ones that aren’t.
Made for Me by Zack Bush
Made for Me is a picture book “written by a dad for dads.” It chronicles the moments every dad experiences as he watches his kids grow up and the way those relationships grow into something to be treasured. The illustrations in this picture book are beautiful, and it makes a perfect Father’s Day gift.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Harper Lee’s classic young adult novel To Kill a Mockingbird features Atticus Finch, who doubles both as a strong father figure and a moral compass for his children in a segregated society where the line between what is right and what is wrong is blurred. By no means perfect, but very much good, Atticus is the father figure that follows you beyond the page and a character that we can all look up to.
Papasaurus by Stephan Lomp
Papasaurus is a cute and easy-read picture book about a baby dinosaur and his dad. Illustrated in bright colors and with a reassuring story, Papasaurus serves as a reminder that Dad is always around to help.
Ramona and Her Father by Beverly Cleary
When the opportunity arises, I will never not recommend a Beverly Cleary book to you. She’s classic, and her characters are of the kind that grow up with you. Ramona and Her Father was the obvious choice for Father’s Day—for any kid who loves their dad as much as I do, this easy-read chapter book is the way to go. This precious installment in the Ramona Quimby series puts Ramona’s heart of gold on display as she tries to earn money for her family after her father is let go from his job.
The Daddy Book by Todd Parr
Todd Parr seems to have a picture book for every occasion, so it makes sense that he’d have a book written with dads in mind. Parr uses bright colors, simple illustrations, and easily digestible words to make his stories accessible to early readers. The Daddy Book highlights all of those things we love and find so special about dads.
Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea
Sometimes, the father figures in our lives aren’t related to us at all; that’s why Because of Mr. Terupt made the list. Buyea’s Young Reader novel follows seven students who have never gotten along but end up in the same fifth-grade class. As they grow together under Mr. Terupt’s wisdom and guidance, they learn to find strength within themselves and each other—but when Mr. Terupt suddenly takes a leave of absence, they have to learn to use what they’ve learned without him. This heartwarming tale is the beginning of a four-book series that will have you wishing you were a part of Mr. Terupt’s class.
Kate Higginbotham is a writer, reader, and editor from North Alabama. After self-publishing several YA novels, spending time abroad, and graduating from the University of Alabama in Birmingham, Kate moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where she spends her time elbow-deep in literature of all kinds. She currently writes the “Book List” column alongside freelance editing and other publishing ventures.