This post is sponsored by The Children’s Book Review. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.
MY REVIEW
Step into 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up and—wham!—the ordinary disappears. You’ve landed in a whole new universe of stories. Bianca Schulze doesn’t just give you a list. She hands you a secret key to 101 different adventures.
You’ll meet wild things that roar, robots that wander, and kids who stumble into the strangest, scariest, funniest situations. One page you’re riding a bus to the last stop on Market Street. The next, you’re battling through The Lightning Thief or peeking into The Secret Garden. These aren’t just titles—they’re traps, mysteries, escapes, and roller coasters waiting to be read.
What’s really cool? Each book comes with fun extras. Did you know Maurice Sendak wanted to draw horses but ended up with wild things instead? Or that Matt de la Peña became the first Hispanic author to win the Newbery Award? The pages are filled with little surprises—like clues tucked in the margins.
And it doesn’t stop at summaries. Kids can scribble their own notes, mark favorite characters, even rate the books. It’s like your own reading diary, only way more fun. The illustrations jump out at you, playful and quirky, like they’re daring you to turn the page.
At the heart of all 101 choices is one clear message: kindness, courage, truth, and living life like an epic adventure. Pretty good advice to carry into every chapter of your own story.
Whether you’re the type who reads under the covers with a flashlight or the kind who leaves stacks of books teetering on your nightstand, this guide is a blast. Parents will cheer. Teachers will nod. Kids will actually want to read.
Warning: once you crack it open, you might not stop. Reading just one of these 101 books could lead to another. And another. And another. Don’t say you weren’t warned!
GIVEAWAY
You could win a signed copy of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) by Bianca Schulze! But wait, it gets even better—one incredibly lucky grand prize winner will score the most wonderful cozy reading bundle ever: a signed copy of the book, a perfect reading light, the snuggliest blanket, and a $25 gift card to Bookshop.org to get this literary adventure started!
101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition): Book GiveawayABOUT THE BOOK
101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition)
Written by Bianca Schulze
Illustrated by Samara Hardy
Ages: 4-12+ | 144 Pages
Publisher: Walter Foster Jr. (2025) | ISBN: 978-0760397763
Publisher’s Book Summary: Discover new books, document your favorites, learn fun facts about books and authors, and develop a lifelong reading habit.
101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) is the ultimate reading guide for kids ages 4 to 12+, packed with 101 kid-friendly book recommendations and interactive features to inspire young readers. This revised edition includes diverse voices and graphic novels and reflects current educational trends, making it a modern and inclusive reading guide for young readers today. From classics like Where the Wild Things Are, Beezus and Ramona, and The Phantom Tollbooth to newer favorites such as Big, New Kid, and Brown Girl Dreaming, this inspiring guide covers every stage of a young reader’s journey.
Designed as an engaging journal, this book allows you to document your reading journey by noting which books you’ve read, why you love them, and how you rate each one.
Each book entry includes:
- Brief description and quote: Provides insight into the book’s story, theme, and style.
- Engaging illustrations: Feature characters or key elements from each book.
- “Did you know?” facts: Fun tidbits about the book or author to spark curiosity.
- “What to read next?”: Recommendations to help you find more books you’ll love.
- Interactive rating and note space: A place for you to rate and write about your experience with each book.
Organized by book format (picture books, early readers, chapter books, and more) and cross-indexed by subjects like fairy tales, fantasy, sports, and nonfiction, 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up promotes family reading time and encourages lifelong reading habits.
PURCHASE LINK
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Award-winning author Bianca Schulze has captivated young readers worldwide with her beloved picture books, including the international bestseller Don’t Wake the Dragon. As the founder and editor-in-chief of The Children’s Book Review, she has established herself as a trusted voice in children’s literature, championing literacy and quality storytelling for over a decade. As host of the popular The Growing Readers Podcast, Bianca connects authors, educators, and families, sharing her passion for books that inspire young minds. Originally from Sydney, Australia, she now creates, writes, and raises her three children with her husband near Boulder, Colorado.
For more information, check out biancaschulze.com.
https://www.instagram.com/biancaschulzewriter
https://bsky.app/profile/tcbrbookreview.bsky.social
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| Tuesday, September 9, 2025The Children’s Book ReviewBook Review of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) |
| Wednesday, September 10, 2025@avainbooklandInstagram Post about 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) |
| Thursday, September 11, 2025Froggy Read TeachInstagram Post about 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) |
| Friday, September 12, 2025The Starlit PathBook Review and Reel of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) |
| Monday, September 15, 2025@loriwaylittlelibraryMeet the Author with Bianca Schulze |
| Tuesday, September 16, 2025icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) |
| Wednesday, September 17, 2025Crafty Moms ShareBook Review of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) |
| Thursday, September 18, 2025The Fairview ReviewBook Review of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) |
| Friday, September 19, 2025Me Two BooksAuthor Interview with Bianca Schulze |
| Monday, September 22, 2025Country Mamas With KidsBook Review of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) |
| Tuesday, September 23, 2025Deliciously SavvyBook Review of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) |
| Wednesday, September 24, 2025Get Outside and ReadBook Review of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) |
| Thursday, September 25, 2025Tinks_books_and_fostersBook Review of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) |
| Friday, September 26, 2025bookish_meaghanBook Review of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) |
| Monday, September 29, 2025Deborah KalbAuthor Interview with Bianca Schulze |
| Tuesday, September 30, 2025@thechildrensbookreviewBook Review of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) |
| Wednesday, October 1, 2025Sybrina’s Book BlogGuest Post about 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) |
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| Monday, October 6, 2025Writer with WanderlustBook Review of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) |
| Tuesday, October 7, 2025A Blue Box Full of BooksBook Review of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (Revised Edition) |
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