E-Books for Kids to Learn Coding at Home

By Carrie Mcbride, Blog Editor
April 10, 2020
boy working on laptop

Many parents can relate to the constant pleas of children asking for screen time. And whatever time you grant never seems to satisfy them. How about compromising by encouraging your kids to learn a new skill while using screens? A computer, internet service, and an NYPL library card are all they need to get started. The books below can be found on our free e-reader app, SimplyE. Young kids can get started with learning Scratch, graduate to Python, and even begin reading about game design. We've also included general, beginner coding books, and titles about learning how to create mods in Minecraft.

Scratch

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The Everything Kids' Scratch Coding Book: Learn to Code and Create Your Own Cool Games! by Jason Rukman

The Everything Kids' Scratch Coding Book helps children get a head start on this new essential skill, with Scratch coding—a language designed by MIT specifically to help a younger audience learn to code. In no time, children will learn basic coding concepts, build fun games, and get a competitive edge on their classmates. This book encourages children to think analytically and problem-solve, while helping them develop an essential skill that will last them a lifetime.

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Scratch for Kids for Dummies by Derek Breen

Packed with full-color photos and easy-to-follow instructions, Scratch For Kids For Dummies makes it easy to get started—even if you've never attempted computer programming or coding. Inside, you'll find out how to design and develop your own games, create amazing animations, interact with the online Scratch community, and much more!

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Super Scratch Programming Adventure! Learn to Program by Making Cool Games by The LEAD Project

By dragging ­together colorful blocks of code, kids can learn computer programming concepts and make cool games and animations. In Super Scratch Programming Adventure!, kids learn programming fundamentals as they make their very own playable video games. They'll create projects inspired by classic arcade games that can be programmed (and played!) in an afternoon. 

 

Python

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Python for Kids: A Playful Approach to Programming by Jason R. Briggs

Python is a powerful, expressive programming language that's easy to learn and fun to use! Python for Kids brings Python to life and brings you (and your parents) into the world of programming. The ever-patient Jason R. Briggs will guide you through the basics as you experiment with unique (and often hilarious) example programs that feature ravenous monsters, secret agents, thieving ravens, and more. 

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Adventures in Python by Craig Richardson

Adventures in Python is designed for 11-to 15-year olds who want to teach themselves Python programming, but don't know where to start. Even if you have no programming experience at all, this easy to follow format and clear, simple instruction will get you up and running quickly. The book walks you through nine projects that teach you the fundamentals of programming, gradually building your skills until you have the confidence and ability to tackle your own projects.

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Coding Projects in Python 

Perfect for kids ages 10 and over who are ready to take a second step after Scratch, Coding Projects in Python teaches kids how to build amazing graphics, fun games, and useful apps. All they need is a desktop or laptop, and an Internet connection to download Python 3.

 

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Python for Kids for Dummies by Brendan Scott

Calling all wanna-be coders! Experts point to Python as one of the best languages to start with when you're learning coding. Packed with approachable, bite-sized projects that won't make you lose your cool, this fun and friendly guide teaches the basics of coding with Python in a language you can understand. In no time, you'll be installing Python tools, creating guessing games, building a geek speak translator, making a trivia game, constructing a Minecraft chat client, and so much more.

 

General

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Help Your Kids With Computer Coding : A Unique Step-by-Step Visual Guide, From Binary Code to Building Games by Carol Vorderman

Kids can take their first steps toward becoming expert computer programmers with this fully updated guide to coding for beginners.
Scratch and Python programming soon become child's play, thanks to vibrant visuals, simple steps, and easy explanations. Whether you're an absolute beginner wanting to try your hand at basic programming or already a computer whizz looking to develop further, this one is for you.

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Coding for Kids for Dummies by Camille McCue

Coding is quickly becoming an essential academic skill, right up there with reading, writing, and arithmetic. This book is an ideal way for young learners ages 8-13 who want more coding knowledge than you can learn in an hour, a day, or a week. This book teaches the steps and logic needed to write code, solve problems, and create fun games and animations using projects based in Scratch and JavaScript.

 

Minecraft Modding

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Adventures in Minecraft by Martin O'Hanlon

Learn how to extend Minecraft and create a new gaming experience, by exploring the magical world of Minecraft programming. Adventures in Minecraft, like other books in the highly successful Adventures series, is written especially for 11- to 15-year-olds. With this book you will learn new programming skills while having fun with Minecraft!

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Minecraft Modding for Kids by Sarah Guthals

If your resident Minecraft fanatic is ready to take their experience to a new level of play, introduce them to modding! Modding allows Minecraft players to modify the game through code—giving them the ability to add a variety of gameplay changes, ranging from new blocks and items to new mechanisms to craft. Your child will be introduced to three fun and easy-to-complete projects that teach them the coding skills to make the most of their love of Minecraft.

 

Game Design

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Level Up!: The Guide to Great Video Game Design by Scott Rogers

If you want to design and build cutting-edge video games but aren’t sure where to start, then the second edition of the acclaimed Level Up! is for you! Written by leading video game expert Scott Rogers, who has designed the hits Pac Man WorldMaximo and SpongeBob Squarepants, this updated edition provides clear and well-thought out examples that forgo theoretical gobbledygook with charmingly illustrated concepts and solutions based on years of professional experience.

 

Summaries provided via NYPL’s catalog, which draws from multiple sources. Click through to each book’s title for more.

Don't forget to "return" your e-books when you're done—the sooner you return them, the sooner someone else can use them