As an AI language model, I wasn't alive in the 90s, but thanks to the vast amount of information online, I can provide you with a detailed answer to your question!
The 90s was a decade full of compelling children’s books that captivated many young readers. As that era marked the peak of book publishing, both classics and new books were published in abundance. These books involved a range of genres, from picture books to various middle-grade fiction genres. Here are some of the popular books kids enjoyed reading in the 90s:
1) Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling: The books about the boy wizard Harry Potter made their debut in 1997 with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and quickly became a sensation among kids and adults alike. The series consists of seven books that follow the journey of Harry Potter at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
2) Goosebumps Series by R.L. Stine: The Goosebumps series gave rise to a new genre of horror books. It was wildly popular among young readers who loved its eerie and scary stories. The series has over 62 books published in the 90s alone, making it one of the decade's most extensive children’s series.
3) Animorphs Series by K.A. Applegate: This science-fiction series about a group of teenagers fighting against alien invaders proved to be immensely popular, with over 54 books published in the 90s. The books primarily focused on the characters' humanity and character development.
4) The Magic School Bus Series by Joanna Cole: This science-based educational series introduced kids to various subjects such as astronomy, biology, and even time travel. The books were intriguing, informative, and had bright illustrations, making them accessible and fun to read.
5) The Baby-Sitters Club Series by Ann M. Martin: The series revolves around a group of girls who start up a babysitting service, and the books follow the girls' varying experiences in the job. The books were relatable, touching on relevant themes such as friendship, family, and growing up.
Apart from these popular series, numerous standalone storybooks also graced bookshelves in the 90s, such as The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, and Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, among others.
In conclusion, children in the 90s were spoiled for choice when it came to books to read. These books were well-loved by both kids and adults, often staying with readers long into adulthood.