Best Coding Workbook for Kids (2026): 5 Compared

A kid who wants to code needs a book that meets them where they are, so the best coding workbook for kids is the one matched to the child’s age: games for the youngest, Python for the ready, logic for the curious. This list is for parents and teachers buying a first coding book. We compared five books by fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or grade level.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Coding for Kids Python	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
2	CodeQuest for Kids	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Big Fat Notebook: CS	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
4	DK Coding Workbook	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
5	My First Logic Workbook by Allbaugh	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Coding for Kids Python

Adrienne B. Tacke·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Learn Python with 50 awesome games and activities, 232 pages, for ages 9 to 12.

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Pros

• 232 pages, the largest book here
• Reading age 9 to 12 years and grade level 5 to 9
• 50 awesome games and activities

Cons

• Reading age marked from customers only
• 2019 publication
• Python only, no Scratch

2

CodeQuest for Kids

Kathy Freeland·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A beginner's guide to coding for ages 8 to 12, 165 pages, 2026.

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Pros

• 2026 publication, the newest here
• Reading age 8 to 11 years
• 165 pages for beginners

Cons

• Reading age marked from customers only
• Independently published
• No grade level stated

3

Big Fat Notebook: CS

Workman Publishing·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 576-page computer science and coding study guide for grades 6-9.

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Pros

• 576 pages of computer science content
• Standards-vetted by award-winning teachers
• Mnemonic devices, diagrams, doodles
• Grade level 6-9 stated

Cons

• Grade level 6-9 skews younger
• Covers computer science, not lab science
• 576 pages is heavy for a backpack

4

DK Coding Workbook

DK·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A visual Scratch 3.0 workbook for ages 6 to 9, 40 pages, beginner level.

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Pros

• Workbook format with visual learning
• Reading age 7 to 10 years and grade level 2 to 5
• Beginner difficulty, STEM learning

Cons

• 40 pages, the shortest main pick
• 2019 publication
• Title says Scratch 3.0 but the platform field states Python 3.0

5

My First Logic Workbook by Allbaugh

Dan Allbaugh·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Fits a 4 year old ready for logic, spatial reasoning and math puzzles, with the listing giving ages 4 to 6.

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Pros

• Over 100 activities organized by subject, including spatial reasoning and math puzzles
• The listing states answers are in the back and a certificate of achievement is included
• Puzzles grow in difficulty, and the description says each section starts gently

Cons

• The listing's book type says Picture book while the title says workbook, so check the format
• Some activities need assisted reading, so a 4 year old may need help with instructions
• Reading age is marked as from customers only, and no grade level is stated

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More picks to compare

• Coding Skills for KidsLogic activity book, 72 pages, ages 7 to 10Check on Amazon
• Coding and Logic Workbook101 coding challenges, 121 pages, ages 7 to 10Check on Amazon
• Coding Games in ScratchScratch games, 224 pages, ages 8 to 12Check on Amazon
• STEM Starters CodingCoding activity book, 32 pages, ages 6 to 10Check on Amazon
• Python Projects WorkbookPython projects, 187 pages, ages 13 to 18Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 22 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level where one is given. Three of the five picks state a reading age and grade level; two state none. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best coding workbook for kids

Pick the language

Coding for Kids: Python teaches Python through 50 games and activities across 232 pages. CodeQuest is a beginner’s guide for ages 8 to 12 with 165 pages. The DK workbook is a visual 40-page workbook for ages 6 to 9. Big Fat Notebook covers computer science and coding in notebook form, and My First Logic Workbook builds the logic behind the code. See our best science workbook list for more STEM picks.

Match the age

Coding for Kids: Python lists 9 to 12 years with grade level 5 to 9. CodeQuest lists 8 to 11 years. The DK workbook lists 7 to 10 years with grade level 2 to 5 and ages 6 to 9. Big Fat Notebook and My First Logic Workbook state no reading age, so match them to the reader instead.

Before you buy

• Check the reading age: 9 to 12 for Python, 8 to 11 for CodeQuest, 7 to 10 for the DK workbook.
• Check the page count: from 40 pages in the DK workbook to 232 in Coding for Kids: Python.
• Check the format: the DK book is a true workbook; the others are guides and notebooks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age should kids start coding?

The books here list 6 to 12 years: the DK workbook for 6 to 9, CodeQuest for 8 to 11, and Coding for Kids: Python for 9 to 12.

Python or Scratch?

Coding for Kids: Python teaches Python. The DK workbook is titled Scratch 3.0 but its platform field states Python 3.0, so read the listing before buying.

Are these workbooks or textbooks?

The DK book is a workbook; the others are guides and notebooks. All five are print books.

Still deciding? Our top pickCoding for Kids Python

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