RIF's 60th Anniversary Collection

Celebrate Reading Is Fundamental’s 60th Anniversary with a collection of some of the most beloved children’s books through the decades.

To honor each year since our founding in 1966, RIF staff have selected a favorite book that captures the spirit of its time. Explore this special anniversary collection, with new read-aloud guides and vocabulary resources added throughout the year.

Check back often and learn more about RIF’s 60th anniversary at RIF.org/60.

Listen below to RIF's 60th Anniversary Collection playlist on Spotify.

Cast your vote and join the Countdown to 60 Sweepstakes! Celebrate RIF’s 60th by voting for the book that best represents 2026 for a chance to win a 60 book collection and a special anniversary T-shirt. Cast your vote here.

FILTER

1-60 of 60 results for All Resources
15780

Curious George Goes to the Hospital

Written by H.A. Rey and Margret Rey and Illustrated by Margret Ray
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 1966. Curious George gets a tummy ache after swallowing a puzzle piece, and suddenly he's off on a brand new adventure, right inside a real hospital! Will the doctors and nurses be able to help him feel better, and what surprises will he find along the way?
Pre-K - 2nd
16030

The Outsiders

Written by S.E. Hinton
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 1967. Ponyboy thinks he knows exactly where he stands in life: a greaser, loyal to his brothers and his crew, always one run-in away from trouble with the wealthy Socs. But when one violent night changes everything, he's forced to question who he really is and what he's willing to fight for. Can he figure out who he is before the world decides for him?
7th - 9th

Corduroy

Written and Illustrated by Don Freeman
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 1968. Corduroy is a little teddy bear sitting on a store shelf, waiting and hoping for someone to take him home. When a girl named Lisa spots him, she knows right away that he is the perfect bear for her.
Infant and Toddler - K
15268

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Written and Illustrated by Eric Carle
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 1969. A tiny caterpillar hatches from an egg one sunny morning, and he is very, very hungry! He munches his way through all kinds of yummy foods, getting bigger with every bite. What will happen when he wraps himself in a cozy cocoon, and what will he become when he comes out?
Infant and Toddler - K
15304

Frog and Toad Are Friends

Written and Illustrated by Arnold Lobel
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 1970. Frog and Toad are best friends who are always there for each other, whether one of them needs cheering up, loses something important, or just needs a good story. Together they show that true friendship means showing up, no matter what. Can you think of a friend who makes every day better, just like Frog and Toad do for each other?
Pre-K - 3rd

The Caboose Who Got Loose

Written and Illustrated by Bill Peet
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 1971. Katy Caboose is always last, dragged along at the end of a smoky, noisy train, and she's had just about enough! Will Katy finally get the freedom she has always dreamed of?
Pre-K - 2nd
16501

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Written by Judith Viorst and Illustrated by Ray Cruz
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 1972. From the moment Alexander wakes up with gum in his hair, he knows it is going to be the worst day ever, and things keep getting more and more terrible from there!
Pre-K - 2nd
17234

How to Eat Fried Worms

Written by Thomas Rockwell
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 1973. Billy has just made the grossest bet of his life: eat fifteen worms in fifteen days and win fifty dollars. With ketchup, mustard, and a whole lot of determination, he might just pull it off, but his friends will do anything to make sure he fails. Can Billy stomach every last worm, or will he chicken out before the final day?
4th - 5th
15296

Where the Sidewalk Ends

Written and Illustrated by Shel Silverstein
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 1974. A whimsical collection of poems and drawings written to spark the imagination of readers of all ages.
1st - 3rd

Strega Nona

Written and Illustrated by Tomie dePaola
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 1975. Strega Nona, or Grandmother Witch, is a witch doctor who helps the people in her village with her remedies. Her new apprentice, Big Anthony, doesn’t know how to stop the production of her magic pasta.
Pre-K - 3rd
15436

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

Written by Mildred D. Taylor
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 1976. The story is about the Logan family, who live in Mississippi during the Depression. The family experiences racism and injustice.
5th - 8th

Bridge to Terabithia

Written by Katherine Paterson
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 1977. The story of two children, Jesse Aarons and Leslie Burke, who become friends. Jesse was lonely and angry until he meets Leslie.
4th - 7th

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

Written by Judi Barrett and Illustrated by Roland Barrett
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 1978. The tiny town of Chewandswallow was very much like any other tiny town, except for its weather, which came three times a day—at breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
Pre-K - 3rd

Days with Frog and Toad

Written and Illustrated by Arnold Lobel
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 1979. Five funny stories about the everyday adventures of two best friends. "Lobel's style is friendly, subtle and entertaining."—Booklist
1st - 3rd

Where's Spot

Written and Illustrated by Eric Hill
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 1980. Spot the puppy hasn't eaten his dinner, and his mom Sally is on the hunt! Lift the flaps to peek inside the piano, behind the door, and under the stairs to see who is hiding, but will you find Spot before dinnertime?
Infant and Toddler - Pre-K

Amelia Bedelia and the Baby

Written by Peggy Parish and Illustrated by Lynn Sweat
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 1981. Amelia Bedelia babysits Missy’s baby, leading to her usual series of misunderstandings and literal interpretations that bring laughter and heart.
K - 3rd
15328

Moo, Baa, La La La

Written and Illustrated by Sandra Boynton
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 1982. A fun book for young children that introduces them to animals and the sounds they make. Cows, sheep, pigs, dogs, and cats are included in the story.
Infant and Toddler - Pre-K
17292

The Witches

Written by Roald Dahl and Illustrated by Quentin Blake
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 1983. Grandmama loves to tell her grandson about witches. They especially hate children, and love to cast terrifying spells over them.
3rd - 7th

Scary Stories: More Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

Written by Alvin Schwartz
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 1984. A collection of spooky stories, creepy songs, and eerie legends filled with ghosts, skeletons, haunted houses, and mysterious happenings. Paired with haunting illustrations, these classic tales are perfect for readers who enjoy a good scare.
3rd - 7th

If You Give A Mouse A Cookie

Written by Laura Numeroff and Illustrated by Felicia Bond
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 1985. If a hungry little mouse shows up on your doorstep, you might want to give him a cookie. And if you give him a cookie, he'll ask for a glass of milk.
Pre-K - 3rd
15270

Love You Forever

Written by Robert Munsch and Illustrated by Sheila McGraw
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 1986. A mama sings the same little song to her baby every night. As the years go by, that song travels farther than she ever expected. Find out where it goes.
Pre-K - 2nd

Where's Waldo?

Written and Illustrated by Martin Handford
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 1987. Readers search crowded, detailed scenes to find Waldo and his friends in this interactive picture book phenomenon.
K - 4th
15329

Matilda

Written by Roald Dahl and Illustrated by Quentin Blake
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 1988. Matilda is a highly intelligent child whose parents mistreat her and don't appreciate her talents. Her life changes for the better when she befriends her teacher, Miss Honey.
3rd - 7th
15447

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!

Written by Jon Scieszka and Illustrated by Lane Smith
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 1989. This version of the three little pigs is told by Alexander T. Wolf. He goes over to the pigs' houses to borrow sugar for his grandmother’s birthday cake.
Pre-K - 3rd
16397

Oh, the Places You'll Go!

Written by Dr. Seuss
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 1990. You're about to go places! Some days you'll soar way up high, and some days you'll get stuck. This book is all about the ups, the downs, and finding your own way through.
Pre-K - 3rd
19192

Chrysanthemum

Written by Kevin Henkes
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 1991. Chrysanthemum loves her long, beautiful name until kids at school laugh at it. Will she ever feel good about being different? Find out what makes her name special after all.
Pre-K - 3rd

The Rainbow Fish

Written by Marcus Pfister and Illustrated by Alison James
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 1992. Known for its bright colors and beauty, the rainbow fish stands out in the sea. But he is lonely until he learns how to share. Then he finds friendship and happiness.
Pre-K - 3rd
15315

The Giver

Written by Lois Lowry
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 1993. The story of a dystopian community ruled by the Committee of Elders, which tightly controls every aspect of society. When 12-year-old Jonas is granted the highest job in the society, Receiver of Memory, he learns from the Giver all that has been sacrificed in the name of order and sameness.
7th - 11th

Guess How Much I Love You

Written by Sam McBratney and Illustrated by Anita Jeram
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 1994. Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare explore the endless ways they love each other in a tender, rhythmic story.
Infant and Toddler - K
15477

Walk Two Moons

Written by Sharon Creech
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 1995. On a road trip from Ohio to Idaho, 13-year-old Salamanca Tree Hiddle, who is part Indian, entertains her grandparents with stories about Phoebe Winterbottom. Phoebe has many adventures.
3rd - 7th
15417

Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse

Written and Illustrated by Kevin Henkes
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 1996. Lilly loves school and her teacher, Mr. Singer. But when she brings her favorite possession, her purple purse with all her treasures inside, to school, Mr. Singer takes it away. Lilly learns some hard lessons about revenge and remorse.
Pre-K - 3rd
15383

The Adventures of Captain Underpants

Written and Illustrated by Dav Pilkey
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 1997. An adventure series featuring George Beard and Harold Hutchins, two fourth-graders from Piqua, Ohio. They start a comic book series called Treehouse Comix Inc. Accidentally, their superhero, Captain Underpants, becomes real. Many adventures follow and many involve the cranky principal of their school, Mr. Krupp.
2nd - 5th
15412

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Written by J.K. Rowling and Illustrated by Mary Grandpre
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 1998. Harry Potter is miserable living with his aunt and uncle, the Dursleys, and his cousin, Dudley. But then a mysterious letter arrives, and Harry is whisked away to Hogwarts School, where his days are filled with magic, new friends, and the game of Quidditch.
4th - 8th
15361

Holes

Written by Louis Sachar
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 1999. Stanley Yelnats has terrible luck because of a curse traced back to his no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather. After being unjustly convicted of stealing a pair of athletic shoes, he is sent to a detention center, Camp Green Lake.
4th - 8th
18966

Click Clack Moo: Cows That Type

Written by Doreen Cronin and Illustrated by Betsy Lewin
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 2000. Farmer Brown has a problem. His cows like to type. All day long he hears Click, clack, MOO. Click, clack, MOO. Click, clack, MOO. Clickety, clack, MOO.
Pre-K - 3rd

The Tiger Rising

Written by Kate DiCamillo
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 2001. Twelve-year-old Rob has been keeping all of his sadness locked up tight inside himself, like a suitcase he refuses to open, ever since his mother died. Then one day he discovers a caged tiger hidden in the woods, and meets a bold new girl named Sistine who is not afraid to say exactly what she feels.
4th - 6th
15355

Esperanza Rising

Written by Pam Muñoz Ryan
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 2002. Esperanza thought she'd always live with her family on their ranch in Mexico - she'd always have fancy dresses, a beautiful home, and servants. But a sudden tragedy forces Esperanza and Mama to flee to California during the Great Depression, and to settle in a camp for Mexican farm workers.
6th - 8th
15969

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Written by J.K. Rowling and Illustrated by Mary Grandpre
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 2003. Lord Voldemort is back at Hogwarts, but few want to believe Harry Potter and his friends, Ron and Hermione. So they join the Order of the Phoenix, a secret organization led by Albus Domedore, the headmaster of Hogwarts. They practice defensive spells so they will be ready for the final showdown.
4th - 7th
15318

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

Written and Illustrated by Mo Willems
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 2004. The bus driver has to leave for a little while, and he needs YOUR help. His one rule? Don't let the Pigeon drive the bus! But that Pigeon really, really wants a turn. Can you say no?
Pre-K - 2nd
21006

Fancy Nancy

Written by Jane O'Connor and Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 2005. Meet Nancy, who believes that more is ALWAYS better when it comes to being fancy. She loves to wear fancy clothes, play with fancy toys, and most of all, use fancy words!
Pre-K - 3rd

Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?

Written by Bill Martin Jr. and Illustrated by Eric Carle
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 2006. A panda bear, a bald eagle, a spider monkey, and a whole parade of amazing endangered animals take turns asking each other what they see in this beautiful, rhythmic book.
Infant and Toddler - K
15326

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Written and Illustrated by Jeff Kinney
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 2007. Greg Heffley is starting middle school with one goal: to become the most popular kid around. Armed with his trusty journal and a best friend who always seems to make things worse, Greg navigates the daily disasters of cafeteria lunches, school projects, and family chaos. Will Greg's big plans for fame and glory survive contact with real life?
3rd - 8th
15337

The Hunger Games

Written by Suzanne Collins
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 2008. In a dark future where the government forces one boy and one girl from each district to fight to the death on live television, sixteen-year-old Katniss volunteers to take her little sister's place in the games. Armed with her bow and a fierce will to survive, she enters an arena where the rules can change at any moment. But what happens when the thing that might save her life could also start a revolution?
5th - 11th

Catching Fire

Written by Suzanne Collins
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 2009. Katniss Everdeen survived the Hunger Games and came home a victor, but the Capitol is furious and the districts are quietly beginning to rebel. When a shocking announcement forces Katniss back into the arena, she realizes that the stakes are no longer just about her own survival. Can Katniss find a way to fight back before everything she loves is destroyed?
7th - 12th

Interrupting Chicken

Written and Illustrated by David Ezra Stein
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 2010. Every night at bedtime, the little red chicken promises Papa she will not interrupt his stories, and every single night she just cannot help herself! Whether Papa is reading Hansel and Gretel or Little Red Riding Hood, Chicken jumps right in to save the day, bringing every story to a very early end. But what happens when it is Chicken's turn to tell the story?
Pre-K - 3rd
15438

A Sick Day for Amos McGee

Written by Philip Stead and Illustrated by Erin E. Stead
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 2011. Every day Amos McGee visits his five animal friends at the zoo, sharing a race with the tortoise, keeping the shy penguin company, and reading bedtime stories to the owl. But when Amos comes down with a cold and cannot make it to the zoo, his friends decide it is time to return the favor. What does it look like when the animals take care of Amos for a change?
Pre-K - 1st
15478

Wonder

Written by R.J. Palacio
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 2012. Auggie Pullman was born with a facial difference that has kept him home-schooled his whole life, but now he is about to start fifth grade at a real school for the very first time. All he wants is to be treated like an ordinary kid, but that is harder than it sounds when everyone keeps staring. Will Auggie find the courage to face the world, and will the world find the courage to see him for who he really is?
3rd - 7th
TheDayCrayonsQuit.jpg

The Day the Crayons Quit

Written by Drew Daywalt and Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 2013. Duncan has a serious problem—his crayons have quit! Read each of the letters from the individual crayons to find out why all Duncan’s colors have run away. Do you think they will come home?
Pre-K - 2nd
15987

El Deafo

Written by Cece Bell and Illustrated by David Lasky
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 2014. The poignant memoir of a young girl who lost her hearing due to spinal meningitis and must now wear a Phonic Ear, or large hearing aid. Poor Cece stands out in the crowd when all she wants is to fit in and make friends.
3rd - 7th
16439

The Crossover

Written by Kwame Alexander
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 2015. "With a bolt of lightning on my kicks . . .The court is SIZZLING. My sweat is DRIZZLING. Stop all that quivering. Cuz tonight I’m delivering," announces dread-locked, 12-year old Josh Bell.
5th - 7th
16438

Last Stop on Market Street

Written by Matt de la Peña and Illustrated by Christian Robinson
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 2016. Every Sunday after church, CJ rides the bus across town with his Nana, and today he has a lot of questions. Why do they have to wait in the rain? Why don't they have a car like his friends? But with every question, Nana helps CJ see the beauty, music, and magic all around him that he almost missed. Where is their bus headed, and what will CJ discover when they finally arrive?
Pre-K - K

The Bad Seed

Written by Jory John and Illustrated by Pete Oswald
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 2017. There is a bad seed in town, and everyone knows it. He cuts in line, he never listens, and his attitude is the worst. But this seed has not always been bad, and deep down he is wondering if things could ever be different. Can one very bad seed decide to change?
Infant and Toddler - 1st

Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters: The Questioneers

Written by Andrea Beaty and Illustrated by David Roberts
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 2018. Rosie Revere is no stranger to flops and fails, but when her beloved Aunt Rose and the Raucous Riveters, a group of women who built airplanes during World War II, need her help to invent something important, the pressure feels bigger than ever. With her friends Ada Twist and Iggy Peck by her side, Rosie keeps trying through every catastrophe. Can one determined engineer prove that the best inventors are the ones who never give up?
3rd - 5th
20921

The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family

Written by Ibtihaj Muhammad & S.K. Ali and Illustrated by Hatem Aly
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 2019. A powerful, vibrantly illustrated story about the first day of school--and two sisters on one's first day of hijab--by Olympic medalist and social justice activist Ibtihaj Muhammad.
Pre-K - 3rd
21101

We Are Water Protectors

Written by Carole Lindstrom and Illustrated by Michaela Goade
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 2020. Water gives life to people, animals, and the land. In this story, a young Indigenous girl learns that water must be protected. When a danger called the "black snake" threatens the water, she takes a stand. She speaks up for her people and for the Earth. She calls on everyone to help keep the water clean and safe.
K - 3rd

Eyes that Kiss in the Corners

Written by Joanna Ho and Illustrated by Dung Ho
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 2021. A young girl notices that her eyes look different from the other kids at school, but when she sees that her eyes are just like her mother's, her grandmother's, and her little sister's, she begins to see the beauty and stories they carry. Drawn from the strength of the women in her family, she discovers a path to loving herself just as she is. What do your eyes tell the world about who you are?
Pre-K - 3rd
24385

Watercress

Written by Andrea Wang and Illustrated by Jason Chin
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 2022. Driving through Ohio in an old Pontiac, a young girl's parents stop suddenly when they spot watercress growing wild in a ditch by the side of the road.
Pre-K - 3rd

Hot Dog

Written and Illustrated by Doug Salati
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 2023. This hot dog has had enough of summer in the city! Enough of sizzling sidewalks, enough of wailing sirens, enough of people's feet right in his face. When he finally plops down in the middle of a crosswalk, his owner sets out to find him the fresh air he needs. Will a trip to the beach give this exhausted pup exactly what he needs?
Pre-K - 3rd

The Wild Robot

Written by Peter Brown
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 2024. When robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she discovers that she is all alone on a wild, remote island, with no idea how she got there or what her purpose is. As she slowly learns to survive among the island's animals, she takes on the most unexpected role of all. Can a robot learn to survive, and maybe even truly belong, in the wilderness?
3rd - 7th

To See an Owl

Written and Illustrated by Matthew Cordell
RIF's 60th Anniversary Highlighted Book for 2025. When will I find you? Where could you be? What will it take? To see an owl.
Pre-K - 3rd