Ask Slashdot: Best Book Or Game To Introduce Kids To Programming?

New submitter connorblack writes "My very gifted nephew is about to turn nine this month and I would love to get him some sort of fun, engaging book or game to introduce him to the basic concepts of programming. I have a feeling if approached correctly he would absolutely devour the subject (he is already working through mathematics at an 8th grade level). What I first was looking at were the Lego Mindstorm programmable robots- which would have been perfect, if only they weren't around 300 dollars... So if there's anything similar (or completely new!) you've either heard praise about or used yourself with your kids, it would be great to get a recommendation. Also if possible I would want to stick to an under 100 dollar budget." Would a nine year old be able to follow The Little Schemer?

Comments

$300 is a bargain

[Anonymous Coward]

Isn't your nephew's future worth the price of a couple days at Disneyland?

Adventure games!!

[ryanw]

I seriously attribute my love for adventure games to help me refine my troubleshooting skills and drive to "find the answer".

I believe that it's troubleshooting and the drive to find the answer that makes someone stand out in the work place, whether it's programming or anything else.

I played a lot of Kings Quest, The Secret of Monkey Island, Space Quest, Myst, etc.