Coding for Kids: Scratch: Learn Coding Skills, Create 10 Fun Games, and Master Scratch

"Coding for Kids: Scratch" teaches readers how to use the drag-n-drop coding language called Scratch. You sign up (for free) to use the Scratch website and need to use one of the following web browsers: Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. Kids 6 years old and older can use the language, but the author suggested that kids 6-8 years old may need an adult's help while they learn (and I'd agree). I'd suggest the adult work through the book first rather than learn it at the same time as the child, but either would work. Basically, you need to have your internet-connected computer and you follow his instructions to learn how to use the Scratch coding interface. Then you put together his codes for the 10 games to learn how to make functioning games. In the game coding section, he simply showed the finished code and explained why the different pieces were needed. You must look for the code blocks and put it together.

Overall, it's an informative book written at a level that kids can understand. You can put together the suggested, basic games pretty quickly. But there were a couple times in the instructions about using the Scratch coding interface where he'd say to do something and just assume you'd see how to do it. For example, I initially thought you were supposed to type "timer" into a slot when you were supposed to drag-n-drop that piece from the code selection area. Or he didn't say exactly where to find the code, so I had to scroll through the options to find it. It wasn't until coding the actual games that I got frustrated, though. I followed his code exactly, but the code for the first game sometimes worked perfectly and other times wouldn't completely reset. I figured out what piece of code was missing to make it always work, but I was disappointed that the very first game code that he gave us wasn't complete. Overall, though, this is a great way to teach your kids the basics of coding games.

I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

My granddaughter loves this book, 8 yrs.old.

This book is easy to follow without dumbing things down for kids. My daughter loves it and it is easy to set goals for her learning. We do a chapter every day and that is manageable for both of us (she can code all day on scratch if you let her). I am glad the author wrote this book. After my daughter finishes this one I hope to buy her the python one.

Coding for Kids: Scratch: Learn Coding Skills, Create 10 Fun Games, and Master Scratch
By Matthew Highland

Coding for Kids is aimed at kids 6 years and older. The basics of coding and Scratch are laid out in easy to understand language that assumes you are starting this book with no previous knowledge from which to draw upon. Younger kids will need a parent (or another adult) to help them out when they first start using Scratch - but with this book, even the coding novice parent will be able to help their child navigate this new world,

I really think this is easiest to understand book on coding I have ever picked up and examined. If you can only get one book this is the one to go with. The text is straightforward and not confusing and the numerous illustrations allow you to verify that you are indeed on the right track with what you are doing. I like that there is a glossary of terms in the back of the book - mark it with a tab - trust me you will make frequent trips to this page until the terms become familiar. The knowledge that you gain from this book is well worth the price.

*You will need access to a computer or tablet with an internet connection so if you don't have this at home check with your local library as many offer public access computers that you may be able to use and as your work in Scratch is saved in your account you will be able to use it anywhere.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book through Amazon's Vine Program with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

The grandchildren were so excited to see their programming actually work. Purchased as many as I could and programming cards also.

My son enjoys coding and really seems to enjoy this book, easy enough to follow instructions, he hasn't asked for help yet.

Great book for kids wanting to learn coding

Its a great starter book for young kids

Very good quality, easy to read.

Great lessons for my computer science students.