Top Five Books for 'Gen Y' Parents

First off, those born between 1980-1990 ARE NOT 'Millenials'--we are 'Gen Y.'  The term 'Millenial' sounds like we grew up with a cell phone and always had a choice of 8000 TV channels.  Members of 'Gen Y' know what it's like to live in a world where computers were used sparingly and, even then, only used to play Oregon Trail on an Apple IIe with huge floppy discs.

oh sweet, elementary school memories...

Now that that is out of the way, here is a list of books for 'Gen Y' parents looking for something different to read to their children.  These books provide topics you can relate to or are on a topic that has only become more relevant in recent years.  Don't have a kid?  Buy one of these for your friend's kids, because how many copies of Goodnight Moon do you really need?  (Answer: one)


5. Nutley, the Nut-Free Squirrel 
by Stephanie Sorkin, Mascot Books, $14.95, ISBN: 978-1620861585, Hardcover

In a time when every kid seems to be allergic to something, this book fits right in.

4. HTML for Babies 
by John C. Vanden-Heuvel, Sr., Code Babies, $8.99, ISBN: 978-0615487663, Board book

Computer-literacy is more important than ever, so prepare you baby with this clever book about HTML coding.  You may not fully understand what you are reading, but it's a neat way to introduce computer language to your baby.  The companion book is entitled CSS for Babies and other publishers have coding titles for older kids, as well.

3. And Tango Makes Three
by Justin Richardson, Simon & Schuster, $9.99, ISBN: 978-1481449946, Paperback with CD

Two male penguins wish to start a family, but what can they do?  With the help of a zookeeper, these two gents welcome a baby penguin into their family.  Plus, the CD is narrated by Neil Patrick Harris--a 'Gen Y' hero if I've ever heard one.

2. Tell Me a Tattoo Story
by Alison McGhee, Chronicle Books, $16.99, ISBN: 978-1452119373, Hardcover

A story where the father tells his son the stories behind each of his tattoos and how they are a part of their family history.  This is not a book you would have found on bookshelves 10+ years ago--it is the product of the times and relays a story that many 'Gen Y' parents can related to.

1. Tadpole's Promise
by Jeanne Willis, Andersen Press (UK), $12.99, ISBN: 978-1842704264, Paperback

This book is so dark and funny and I seriously love it.  It teaches kids that sometimes love doesn't always conquer all, people change, and disappointment is a part of life.  Sound too heavy for kids?  They will be too busy looking at the pictures and probably won't catch the ultimate meaning, anyway.  In the end, what is more 'Gen Y' than expecting the worst and being cynical about the future?  Did I mention that I love this book?  Because I absolutely, totally do.

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For more info on 'Gen Y' check out these links:

• For 'Gen Y' readers out there, check out this list from Bustle.
• A handy article with a neat graphic on the spending habits of the Baby Boomers and 'Gen Y.'

"There’s nothing aimless about the choices the Gen-Y non-winner makes. Everything they do is for a single purpose: to avoid engaging with the world around them.”

--Jaye, Wonderfalls

hear me roar...when I feel like exerting myself