Okay, so my 12-year-old was showing zero interest in coding until this chunky purple book landed on our kitchen table. Now? I can’t get the kid off the computer—but in a good way!
Everything You Need to Ace Computer Science and Coding is exactly what it claims to be: a complete middle school study guide that somehow makes binary code and algorithms seem… fun? The illustrations are quirky and engaging, breaking down complex concepts into bite-sized pieces that don’t overwhelm young brains.
What I love most is how it builds confidence step by step. My daughter started with absolutely no background in programming and within weeks was explaining to ME how loops work. The book uses relatable examples and a conversational tone that speaks directly to middle schoolers without talking down to them.
It covers everything from the basics of hardware and software to more advanced concepts like programming in Python and JavaScript. The doodle-style notes and highlighted key concepts make it perfect for visual learners, and the practice problems actually get kids excited to test their knowledge.
This isn’t just for “computer kids” either. If your child is into art, music, or games (and what middle schooler isn’t?), this book shows them how coding connects to their interests. My daughter’s favorite section was about designing simple games—suddenly math concepts she struggled with made sense when applied to game physics.
Fair warning though: you might find yourself flipping through it after the kids go to bed. I’ve caught myself reading sections just to understand what my daughter is talking about at dinner. It’s that accessible!
If your middle schooler shows even a flicker of interest in how technology works, or if you’re looking for a way to give them a head start in what’s becoming an essential skill, grab this book. At 576 pages it looks intimidating, but trust me—it’s the least intimidating intro to computer science I’ve ever seen.
And for parents worried about screen time? This actually gives context to that time spent on devices, transforming passive consumption into active creation. Remarkable value proposition for giving kids the confidence to say, “I can code that!”
