Coding for Kids: Step-by-Step Learning for Ages 6-12

As children advance, they’re ready for more structured learning. This article covers books that guide young learners from ages 6 to 12 through coding fundamentals. These books use fun exercises, problem-solving, and interactive activities to teach programming concepts in an easy-to-understand way.

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Secret Coders (Secret Coders, 1)
CREDIT: Gene Luen Yang, Mike Holmes, First Second
Secret Coders (Secret Coders, 1)
Age: 6-10
Secret Coders by Gene Luen Yang invites young readers to Stately Academy, a school full of mysteries waiting to be unraveled. With coding skills and sharp minds, Hopper and her friend Eni are determined to solve the puzzles left by the school's founder. This engaging series masterfully blends logic puzzles, basic programming lessons, and a thrilling mystery, making it an exciting read for aspiring coders.
Secret Coders: Paths & Portals (Secret Coders, 2) Paperback
CREDIT: Gene Luen Yang, Mike Holmes, First Second
Secret Coders: Paths & Portals (Secret Coders, 2) Paperback
Age: 8-12
"Secret Coders: Paths & Portals" by Gene Luen Yang is the second volume in an exciting graphic novel series that blends logic puzzles and basic programming with an engaging mystery. Hopper, Eni, and Josh uncover a secret coding school beneath their academy and dive into a thrilling adventure to master coding skills. Perfect for young readers, this book combines entertainment with education, making coding fun and accessible.
Secret Coders: Secrets & Sequences (Secret Coders, 3) Paperback
CREDIT: Gene Luen Yang), Mike Holmes, First Second
Secret Coders: Secrets & Sequences (Secret Coders, 3) Paperback
Age: 8-12
The third installment in the Secret Coders series by Gene Luen Yang and Mike Holmes continues the thrilling adventure at Stately Academy, where coding is the key to uncovering hidden secrets. Hopper, Eni, and Josh delve deeper into the school's mysterious past, but face new challenges as Principal Dean and the enigmatic Professor One-Zero pursue them, intent on taking control of their powerful robot. This graphic novel blends coding concepts with an exciting storyline, perfect for young readers.
Secret Coders: Robots & Repeats (Secret Coders, 4) Paperback
CREDIT: Gene Luen Yang, Mike Holmes, First Second
Secret Coders: Robots & Repeats (Secret Coders, 4) Paperback
Age: 8-12
In the fourth volume of the Secret Coders series, Robots & Repeats, Dr. One-Zero introduces a suspicious new class at Stately Academy focused on making Green Pop, a dangerous soda. Meanwhile, Hopper and her friends discover a clue that could lead them to her missing father. As they get closer to the truth, they may need to use the legendary Turtle of Light. This engaging graphic novel by Gene Luen Yang blends coding lessons with a gripping mystery.
Gutsy Girls Go For Science: Programmers: With Stem Projects for Kids Paperback
CREDIT: Karen Bush Gibson, Hui Li, Nomad Press
Gutsy Girls Go For Science: Programmers: With Stem Projects for Kids Paperback
Age: 8-11
Gutsy Girls Go for Science: Programmers introduces young readers to five trailblazing female computer scientists, including Ada Lovelace and Grace Hopper. Through engaging biographies and hands-on STEM projects like designing a web page, kids ages 8 to 11 can develop their coding skills and creative thinking. This vibrant book combines real-world technology with inspiring stories, encouraging girls to explore careers in science and technology.

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How to Be a Coder: Learn to Think like a Coder with Fun Activities, then Code in Scratch 3.0 Online (Careers for Kids)
CREDIT: Kiki Prottsman, DK Children
How to Be a Coder: Learn to Think like a Coder with Fun Activities, then Code in Scratch 3.0 Online (Careers for Kids)
Age: 7-9
Unlock the world of coding with How to be a Coder! This fun and educational book introduces kids aged 7-9 to key computer programming concepts through engaging, offline craft activities. From learning loops with friendship bracelets to discovering functions with paper fortune tellers, children will grasp coding basics while having a blast. With step-by-step guides to Scratch 3.0 and fascinating insights into coding pioneers, this book is the perfect start for young, aspiring coders.
Coding Concepts for Kids: Learn to Code Without a Computer Paperback
CREDIT: Randy Lynn, Callisto Kids
Coding Concepts for Kids: Learn to Code Without a Computer Paperback
Age: 6-10
Introduce young minds to coding with Coding for Kids without a Computer, a playful guide designed for ages 5 to 7. This book uses colorful games and activities to teach core coding concepts like algorithms, loops, and debugging—all without a screen. Kids will develop problem-solving skills and think like programmers while completing challenges both on and off the page. With fun characters and creative exercises, this book makes coding accessible and engaging, using just a pencil, paper, and imagination.
Code This!: Puzzles, Games, Challenges, and Computer Coding Concepts for the Problem Solver in You
CREDIT: Jennifer Szymanski, National Geographic Kids
Code This!: Puzzles, Games, Challenges, and Computer Coding Concepts for the Problem Solver in You
Age: 8-12
Discover the exciting world of coding with the Coder Crew! This interactive adventure introduces kids to computer science through fun puzzles, games, and challenges. They'll write algorithms, decode ciphers, and help Cody the Robot navigate tricky missions, all while learning essential programming skills. Perfect for young minds eager to explore the fundamentals of coding in a playful and engaging way.
The Friendship Code #1 (Girls Who Code)
CREDIT: Stacia Deutsch, Reshma Saujani, Penguin Workshop
The Friendship Code #1 (Girls Who Code)
Age: 7-11
Join Lucy as she navigates the world of coding and friendship in this New York Times bestseller! In partnership with Girls Who Code, this series is perfect for fans of The Babysitters Club. Follow Lucy's journey as she learns to code, makes new friends, and uncovers cryptic messages—all while creating an app that means the world to her. A heartwarming story about the power of teamwork and perseverance!
Team BFF: Race to the Finish! #2 (Girls Who Code)
CREDIT: Penguin Workshop
Team BFF: Race to the Finish! #2 (Girls Who Code)
Age: 8-12
Girls Who Code: The Friendship Code by Stacia Deutsch is a fun, empowering read for young fans of coding and friendship. Follow Sophia and her friends as they navigate their first hackathon, balancing coding challenges with everyday struggles like crushes and friendships. Perfect for readers who enjoy teamwork, problem-solving, and plenty of laughs along the way!
Lights, Music, Code! #3 (Girls Who Code)
CREDIT: Jo Whittemore, Reshma Saujani, Penguin Workshop
Lights, Music, Code! #3 (Girls Who Code)
Age: 8-12
Perfect for fans of The Babysitters Club and budding computer scientists, this engaging series is published in partnership with Girls Who Code! In this installment, Maya and her coding club friends are tasked with coding lights and music for the winter dance. However, when Maya's old friend Nicole moves back to town, Maya finds herself torn between her new coding friends and the familiarity of Nicole. As tensions rise, Maya must decide where her true loyalties lie—both in friendship and in coding.

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Gabi's If/Then Garden (Code Play)
CREDIT: Caroline Karanja, Ben Whitehouse, Picture Window Books
Gabi's If/Then Garden (Code Play)
Age: 6-8
Gabi's garden needs some help. Where to begin? In this charming story, Gabi and her best friend Adi use if/then statements to make decisions about what to plant, water, and pick in their garden. By applying computer coding concepts in their everyday activities, these young scientific thinkers show how coding can make both work and play more enjoyable. This engaging tale introduces children to the basics of coding in a fun, relatable way, encouraging them to think logically and creatively.
Kids Can Code!: Fun Ways to Learn Computer Programming
CREDIT: Ian Garland, Sky Pony
Kids Can Code!: Fun Ways to Learn Computer Programming
Age: 8-12
Coding Activities and Adventures for Kids offers an exciting, hands-on approach to learning coding, making young learners feel like real programmers right from the start. This guide is packed with fun coding adventures that encourage children to explore the vast potential of coding, from simple projects to imaginative creations. With clear steps, vibrant illustrations, and easy-to-follow screenshots, kids will gain the confidence they need to master coding. They'll discover how coding is used in music, design, animation, and gaming, while also grasping essential concepts like plot coordinates and binary code. This guide makes learning fun and keeps kids engaged in technology, boosting their computational thinking and problem-solving skills along the way.
100 Things to Know About Numbers, Computers & Coding
CREDIT: Usborne
100 Things to Know About Numbers, Computers & Coding
Brand: Usborne
Age: 8-11
Discover 100 mind-blowing facts with this captivating book! Dive into topics like the brain's number-recognizing spot, real computer bugs, and the underwater world of the internet. Packed with vibrant infographics, a glossary, and curated website links, it's a fun and educational read for curious minds.
Lift-the-Flap Computers and Coding Board book
CREDIT: Usborne
Lift-the-Flap Computers and Coding Board book
Brand: Usborne
Age: 7-10
Explore the inner workings of computers with this interactive book, featuring lift-the-flap pages and friendly robots! Learn coding basics through fun puzzles and a treasure hunt game, using real examples in Scratch™. Perfect for young learners, it aligns with the UK National Curriculum, helping kids understand coding at Key Stage 1. Includes links to additional coding tips and games online.
Getting Started with Coding: Get Creative with Code! (Dummies Junior)
CREDIT: Camille McCue
Getting Started with Coding: Get Creative with Code! (Dummies Junior)
Age: 8-11
An Introduction to Coding for Kids is the perfect gateway for young creators eager to explore the world of programming! With fun, step-by-step projects, children will learn to create games, animations, and digital toys using Scratch and JavaScript. Each project is designed to boost confidence and creativity while providing the essential coding skills needed to bring ideas to life. Ideal for kids ready to unleash their imagination and get coding!

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