AI vs Readers

Top books: Kids

AI scores each book across five 10-point criteria. Readers vote on the same scale, so the algorithmic and reader rankings can sit side by side.

AIReaders

Genres

Rankings by category

AllFictionLiteratureMystery, Thriller & HorrorRomanceScience Fiction & FantasyBiography & MemoirHistoryTeen & YAKids

AI

Top 100

AI-rated books: 25. Reader-ranked books: 1.

#1

Number the Stars

8.8/10

Author: Lois Lowry

Setting: Copenhagen, Denmark

AI #1

Age fit9/10Delight9/10Warmth9/10Wisdom8/10Characters9/10
#2

Little Women

8.8/10

Author: Louisa May Alcott

Setting: Concord, Massachusetts

AI #2

Age fit9/10Delight9/10Warmth9/10Wisdom8/10Characters9/10
#4

Wonder

8.6/10

Author: R. J. Palacio

Setting: New York City

AI #4

Age fit9/10Delight8/10Warmth9/10Wisdom8/10Characters9/10
#5

We're All Wonders

8.4/10

Author: R. J. Palacio

Setting: New York City

AI #5

Age fit9/10Delight8/10Warmth9/10Wisdom8/10Characters8/10
#6

The Ramona Quimby Audio Collection

8.4/10

Author: Beverly Cleary

Setting: Klickitat Street, Portland, Oregon

AI #6

Age fit9/10Delight8/10Warmth9/10Wisdom8/10Characters8/10
#7

The One and Only Ivan

8.4/10

Author: Katherine Applegate

Setting: Tacoma, Washington

AI #7

Age fit9/10Delight8/10Warmth8/10Wisdom8/10Characters9/10
#8

Where the Red Fern Grows

8.4/10

Author: Wilson Rawls

Setting: Ozark Mountains, northeastern Oklahoma

AI #8

Age fit8/10Delight9/10Warmth9/10Wisdom8/10Characters8/10
#9

Little House in the Big Woods

8.4/10

Author: Laura Ingalls Wilder

Setting: Pepin, Wisconsin

AI #9

Age fit9/10Delight8/10Warmth9/10Wisdom8/10Characters8/10
#10

Anne of Green Gables

8.4/10

Author: L. M. Montgomery

Setting: Green Gables Heritage Place, Cavendish, Prince Edward Island

AI #10

Age fit9/10Delight9/10Warmth8/10Wisdom8/10Characters8/10
#11

Little House on the Prairie

8.4/10

Author: Laura Ingalls Wilder

Setting: Independence, Kansas

AI #11

Age fit9/10Delight8/10Warmth9/10Wisdom8/10Characters8/10
#12

Michael Jackson

8.2/10

Author: Sarah Tieck

Setting: Gary, Indiana

AI #12

Age fit9/10Delight8/10Warmth8/10Wisdom8/10Characters8/10
#15

New Kid

8/10

Author: Jerry Craft

Setting: Riverdale, Bronx, New York City

AI #15

Age fit8/10Delight8/10Warmth8/10Wisdom8/10Characters8/10
#16

My Side of the Mountain

8/10

Author: Jean Craighead George

Setting: Catskill Mountains, New York

AI #16

Age fit8/10Delight8/10Warmth8/10Wisdom8/10Characters8/10
#17

Dork Diaries: I Love Paris!

8/10

Author: Rachel Renée Russell

Setting: Paris, France

AI #17

Age fit8/10Delight8/10Warmth8/10Wisdom8/10Characters8/10
#20

Just Keep Walking

7.8/10

Author: Erin Soderberg Downing

Setting: Superior Hiking Trail, Minnesota

AI #20

Age fit8/10Delight7/10Warmth8/10Wisdom8/10Characters8/10
#21

The Grand Teton Stampede

7.8/10

Author: C. R. Fulton

Setting: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

AI #21

Age fit8/10Delight8/10Warmth8/10Wisdom8/10Characters7/10
#22

Summer of the Monkeys

7.6/10

Author: Wilson Rawls

Setting: Ozark Mountains, Oklahoma

AI #22

Age fit8/10Delight8/10Warmth7/10Wisdom8/10Characters7/10
#23

The Last Bear

7.4/10

Author: Hannah Gold

Setting: Bear Island, Svalbard, Norway

AI #23 · Readers #1 (7.6/10)

Age fit7/10Delight8/10Warmth8/10Wisdom7/10Characters7/10
#24

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

7.4/10

Author: Karina Yan Glaser

Setting: 141st Street, Harlem, New York City

AI #24

Age fit8/10Delight7/10Warmth8/10Wisdom7/10Characters7/10

Criteria

Kids

Age fit

Whether form and content suit the young reader.

Delight

Imagination, humor, and joy of reading.

Warmth

Safe emotions, closeness, and tone.

Wisdom

Value without preaching.

Characters

Figures a child can remember.