Coding Books for Kids, from Scratch to Python

When my son first started getting curious about how games were made, I honestly had no idea where to begin. There were so many apps and courses being recommended that I ended up buying a couple of coding books for kids instead, just to see what would actually stick.

Some were opened once and never touched again. Others stayed on his desk for months because he kept going back to them to try another project or figure out why something didn’t work the first time.

Over time we ended up with a mix that worked at different stages, a few screen-free books when he was younger, then Scratch, and later the ones that introduced real programming languages without making it feel overwhelming.

Best coding books for kids including Python, Scratch, and JavaScript titles.

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Books for Kids Who Want to Learn Coding

These are the coding books we ended up using most often, the ones that helped introduce Scratch first and then gradually moved into Python, JavaScript, and the basics of how websites work.

Several worked well alongside free coding sites because he could read a short section, try the idea straight away, and then come back if something didn’t behave the way he expected.

I’ve grouped everything by age, starting with simple logic and activity books and working up to guides that assume kids are ready to type real code. Some were quick introductions, others stuck around for months while he worked through projects at his own pace.

I Can Code: If/Then

This sweet board book introduces coding through simple if/then statements that toddlers can understand, like “If I’m tired, then I sleep.” It doesn’t dive into programming, but it plants the seed by teaching basic logic through everyday situations. It’s a gentle, age-appropriate way to get your little one thinking like a coder.

First Coding Book For Kids

We used this book when my son first showed an interest in how computers work. It’s full of colorful activities that walk through Scratch basics in a super approachable way. The puzzles and games feel more like play than learning, which is perfect for younger kids who aren't quite ready for screens.

My First Coding Book

This one is interactive, with flaps to lift and puzzles to solve, sort of like a hands-on intro to logic. It covers loops, conditionals, and basic sequencing, all without a computer. If your child likes solving problems and figuring out patterns, this book will keep them engaged while laying the groundwork for real coding later on.

Coding Activity Book

A fun mix of screen-free activities, word searches, mazes, challenges, that all tie into coding and logical thinking. It's a great quiet-time option or something to throw in a bag for on-the-go learning. It introduces key concepts in a really low-pressure way.

Coding Can Change the World

This one didn’t really teach him how to code step-by-step, but it helped him understand why people learn it in the first place. We read it more as a conversation starter about how technology gets used to solve real problems. It was a good early reminder that coding isn’t just about games, it can actually be useful.

Star Wars Coding Projects

This immediately got picked up purely because of the Star Wars connection. The projects use Scratch to animate characters and build simple scenes, which made it feel more like play than a lesson. He was much more willing to try things when it involved something familiar like BB-8 instead of a generic example.

Check out even more educational Star Wars activities.

JavaScript For Kids For Dummies

We reached for this once he’d outgrown block coding and wanted to see what “real” code looked like. It explains the basics without assuming too much background, so he could work through small sections without getting frustrated. It felt more like a transition book than something overly technical.

The QuestKids Do Coding

The comic-style layout made this one easier to stick with than some of the more traditional guides. Following a storyline while learning HTML and CSS helped break things up, and it worked well when he was curious about how websites actually get put together.

Coding with Scratch

This was one he kept going back to because it’s very project-focused. Instead of just reading, he’d try building the games and then start changing things to see what happened. It ended up being less about finishing the book and more about experimenting with the ideas.

Code Your Own Games!

This is a favorite for kids who are ready to start building full projects. It includes 20 different game tutorials using Scratch, and while some are a bit more advanced, the step-by-step visuals make it feel doable. It’s great for kids who are starting to feel confident and want to make their own games from scratch (pun intended).

Coding for Minecrafters

Anything with a Minecraft connection already had a head start here. He was far more willing to work through the Scratch projects when they tied back to something he already enjoyed playing. It ended up being a nice way to move from just playing the game to understanding how parts of it could actually be built or changed.

Coding Projects in Scratch

We used this one when he wanted something more structured to follow. The layout is straightforward, and each project builds on the last, so it felt manageable without a lot of frustration. It worked well for days when he wanted to create something specific instead of just experimenting.

Coding Games in Scratch

This one leaned more into game-building, which kept his interest longer. Being able to choose the type of game first made it feel less like a lesson and more like a challenge he’d picked himself. He usually ended up replaying whatever he’d made to see what he could tweak.

Coding for Kids: Python

When he was ready to try typing actual code instead of dragging blocks, this was a gentler introduction than I expected. The smaller activities meant he could test things quickly and see results without getting stuck in a long project.

Coding for Kids: Scratch

What helped here was the explanation behind each step. Instead of just following instructions, he started to understand what each block was doing, which made it easier for him to change projects later without starting from scratch.

Coding Concepts for Kids

This one got used most when we needed a break from screens but still wanted to keep the momentum going. The puzzles and logic games gave him something to think through without needing a computer, which worked well on quieter afternoons or long drives.

Coding for Kids

This guide covers a bunch of different coding languages, so it’s good for kids who are exploring what they like. It’s a bit more technical than some others on the list but still accessible. If your child wants to try building games, apps, and websites, this gives them a little taste of everything to see what sticks.

Everything You Need to Ace Computer Science and Coding

We love this one as a reference book, it’s like having a friendly tutor in a notebook. It covers both coding and computer science basics (things like hardware, software, binary, and more) and is perfect for middle schoolers who want to understand the bigger picture, not just the code.

Code This!

This is a puzzle book more than a guide, it’s filled with brainteasers and challenges that teach kids how to think like a programmer. If your child enjoys logic games or riddles, they’ll have fun with this. It also helps build problem-solving skills that apply directly to coding later on.

Coding Projects in Python

This one’s ideal for kids ready to move on from block-based coding and start using a real programming language. The projects are fun, like building quizzes or simple games, and they walk through each step clearly. If your child is curious about how to write actual code but still needs guidance, this book hits a sweet spot.

Help Your Kids with Computer Coding

This is more of a visual reference book, and we found it really helpful as a companion to hands-on guides. It explains concepts like variables, loops, and algorithms with colorful diagrams and examples. It doesn’t have a lot of projects, but it’s great for making tricky ideas easier to understand.

Coding Games in Python

If your child loves gaming and wants to create their own, this book is a solid choice. It teaches Python by guiding them through actual game builds, complete with graphics and player interactions. It’s a bit more advanced, but for kids who are motivated, it’s a fun way to learn real programming skills.

Coding for Kids in Scratch 3

This is a deep dive into everything Scratch can do, from creating art and animations to designing more complex projects. It’s perfect for kids who have already dabbled in Scratch and want to go further. There’s enough challenge here to keep older kids interested while still being easy to follow.

Coding and Logic Workbook!

This puzzle-packed workbook teaches the thinking behind coding without using a screen. With mazes, patterns, and logic games, it’s ideal for younger kids who are curious but not quite ready for a programming language. We liked using it during quiet time or as a fun, educational break from the computer.

Get Coding!

This one’s a full project guide that teaches HTML, CSS, and JavaScript while helping kids build a website, app, and game. It’s practical and hands-on, each project builds on the last. If your child wants to create things they can actually share or show off, this book delivers that experience.

Related: Coding kits for kids

Python Coding for Kids

What I liked about this book is how clearly it explains Python syntax and structure. It includes fun mini-projects and little challenges that build confidence. It’s a good fit for kids around 10+ who are ready to move beyond visual coding and want to type real code.

Coding for Kids in C++

This one’s definitely for kids who already have some coding under their belt. It introduces C++ through fun, small projects and puzzle-style exercises. C++ isn’t the easiest starting point, but this book makes it more approachable and turns it into a bit of a challenge, which might be just right for the right kind of learner.

Coding For Kids For Dummies

This is a big-picture guide that covers several languages and walks through how to create apps, games, and websites. It’s written in a friendly, casual style and breaks down complicated ideas into manageable chunks. If your child isn’t sure where to start or what language to try, this book gives a helpful overview.

JavaScript Coding for Teens

A great pick for older kids or teens who are ready to build websites or browser-based games. It focuses specifically on JavaScript and walks through building interactive web features. The tone is teen-friendly and straightforward, and it’s a solid next step after Scratch or Python.

Last Updated on 10 February 2026 by Clare Brown

Coding Books for Kids, from Scratch to Python

Books for Kids Who Want to Learn Coding

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