early chapter books

Let’s start with the easy beginning chapter books from Scholastic Branches series because they are high-interest and easy-to-read with colorful illustrations. People either love or hate this series. Nancy and her best friend Bree are likable third graders with engaging, realistic adventures. The Owl Diaries series focuses on Eva … Many early reader chapter books still include simple illustrations – though the pictures are generally less important to the story than they are in a picture book. Mrs. Jane Tabby can't explain why her four kittens were born with wings, but she's thankful that they can fly away from the dangerous city slums where they were born. That is a very good thing, my friend! (Currently 6 books in the series), The Polk Street Mysteries, by Patricia Reilly Giff. However, my preschooler enjoyed the read aloud. The twins become ants, spiders, grasshoppers, alligators, and more. My daughter loves these books as she wants to be a doctor in the future! Early Chapter Books: A Journey into Russian Fairy Tales. I also appreciate that Heidi, though often grumpy, is not mean to her family. The occasional black-and-white illustrations give good support. I was uncomfortable with the religious undertones in the book I read (Anna Hibiscus has many conversations with her dead grandfather), but other than that I highly recommend them. (5 books in the series), Alien in My Pocket series, by Nate Ballguided reading level: P, This is an entertaining series about a boy who meets a tiny (yet powerful) alien who crashes in his bedroom. Song Lee may be the quietest person in room 3B, but she's also full of surprises! Honestly, I find the premise ridiculous and the books painful to read. Discover the essential reading comprehension strategies for 2nd & 3rd grade and how to teach them! Still ... the writing is clever, the stories are cute, and the illustrations are great. Recommended! Kids will enjoy these-fast paced adventures, and you'll like that the books integrate science concepts in a casual way. (5 books in the series), Hilde Cracks the Case series, by Hilde Lysiak (with Matthew Lysiak)guided reading level: O, This series is actually co-written by 11-year-old Hilde and her father - and is quite well done. (Currently 8 books in the series), Riverside Kids series, by Johanna Hurwitzguided reading level: M. This wonderful series from the 80's is set in an apartment building in New York City. I had a hard time reading past the first chapter, so I visited Amazon to see what reviewers had to say. Learn my top strategies for teaching kids to "sound it out". I do have to say that I'm really disappointed by the updated covers; try to find the original series if you can. (Currently 4 books in the series), Kylie Jean series, by Marci Peschkeguided reading level: M, I wasn't sure I'd like a series whose main character's dream is to become a beauty queen (and who starts telling you how pretty she is on the second page). ), but I just couldn't get into this series about a boy who travels through space and time. HarperCollins provides unique, entertaining and FUN books designed for kids who have graduated from our I Can Read program but are not quite ready for traditional chapter books. Ugh. Please let me know as soon as you compile a similar list for levels Q through Z! (At least 14 books in the series), Judy Moody and Friends, by Megan McDonaldguided reading level: L. This is an easy reader series for young Judy Moody and Stink fans. Recommended for young advanced readers as well as older, struggling readers. (About 24 books in the series), Dory Fantasmagory,  by Abby Hanlonguided reading level: O, I'll start by saying that the first book in this series made me laugh so hard I cried. These gentle books are beautifully written and illustrated, but the stories may move a bit slowly for some readers. Some readers are turned off by the odd student/adult dynamic (Gooney Bird tends to take control wherever she is), but I enjoyed the book that I read. Please note that this review is of the Amber Brown books and not the "A is for Amber" series. This series will appeal equally to boys and girls. While I don't personally care for these books, they're harmless and may be just the thing to get young readers started with chapter books. It's an older series (I remember that my younger brother, now 36, loved them as a kid), but kids still enjoy them today. Thank you so much for this awesome list! Jasper is being pursued by an overbearing classmate, Isabel, who declares that she's in love with him and wants to marry him. I've long been a fan of George and Martha - two hippos who happen to be best friends. I think the good outweighs the bad, but these books can also be completely off-the-wall, and I don't recommend them for our youngest readers. Each book's plot typically focuses on earning a particular badge, and the stories are engaging and interesting. At least 12 books in the series. (At least 4 books in the series), Pinky and Rex books, by James Howeguided reading level: L, Pinky and Rex are two best friends; Pinky is a boy whose favorite color is pink. The only thing I should tell you is that Ruby, after practicing driving on her dad's lap, actually drives herself and her little brother down the block to school. (Currently 4 books in the series), Catwings, by Ursula K. Le Guinguided reading level O, This is a classic set of books that I loved as a child. As for the religious undertones of Anna Hibiscus, I have read two of these books and I believe they are set in West Africa, where traditional religion and culture engage in elder reverence and ancestral worship (like many other cultures around the world). (4 books in the series), The Kids of the Polk Street School series, by Patricia Reilly Giffguided reading level: M, This classic series (published from 1984-1991) features the imperfect kids of Mrs. Rooney's second grade class. I don't like it that Heidi finds spells to cast on people that she doesn't like - something to be aware of when deciding if these are a good choice for your home or classroom. The storytelling and energy are similar to Junie B. Jones - without the sassiness and backtalk. There are 9 books in the series. Myron and Hajrah spend part of the school day in a special resource class, and the rest of the day in a regular third grade room. The kids are kind to each other, and I didn't find any bathroom or gross humor. She works through making friends, fighting back against bullying, and coming to terms with her mom starting to date. Yes, there are quite a few in this list. This is the first title in a growing series that will appeal to readers aged 5-8. Many kids will enjoy this series; you'll have to decide if you want to feed that by filling your shelves with them. The book is well written with clever jokes and funny wordplay. I should tell you that I've disliked this series ever since I was a teacher - even though I'd never read one until now. (At least 5 books in the series), The Princess in Black series, by Shannon Hale & Dean Haleguided reading level: L, Princess Magnolia appears to be the perfect, prim princess - but when monsters attack, she changes into a costume and becomes her alter ego - The Princess in Black. (At least 18 books in the series), Andy Russell books, by David A. Adlerguided reading level: N, When I pick up a David Adler book, I'm reasonably confident that it will be a quality, well-written book. Great choice for young advanced readers! Nate the Great is a boy detective who solves mysteries with the help of his dog, Sludge. The books are sweet and well-written. But in her quest to fix others' unhappiness, her plans often backfire. Thank you for all the hard work you put into this. PragmaticMom: 11 New Diversity Early Chapter Books (8 books in the series), Mary Marony series, by Suzy Klineguided reading level: M, This is an older series (early 90's), and like any series by Suzy Kline, it doesn't disappoint. Use these links to jump to the section you need. It was painful for me to read even half of a book about Dragon Masters and the jewels that connect them to their dragons. (14 books in the series), The Secrets of Droon series, by Tony Abbottguided reading level: O. (6 books in the series), Here's Hank series, by Henry Winkler & Lin Oliverguided reading level: O. Rex is a girl whose favorite dinosaur is a T-Rex. The books feature simple, screen-free adventures, loving parents, and engaging storylines. Try out the first book in the series: Magic Tree House, No. In the Magic Ponies series, Comet is a magic pony who uses his spells wherever they're needed most. Love the books and the comments. For that reason, I wouldn't recommend this series to someone who is new to chapter books and/or doesn't do well at retelling what h/she read. I think it is smart for the author to pay homage to that and stay true to the local culture (i.e. That said, the books are interesting and well written; I just wouldn't recommend them for advanced young readers. I may be in the minority here - this is a hugely popular series, and it gets kids to read. Children who like sports will enjoy these beginning chapter books. Not the case with Ruby Lu! I found these painful and boring, but I can see how girls might enjoy them. You may just find yourself pulling them off the shelf to read even when no children are around (I know I do). It's just an all around wonderful series, and worth taking up a shelf in a classroom library. (Currently 19 books in the series), George and Martha books, by James Marshallguided reading level: L, These classic books (created over 30 years ago) are more picture than chapter books, but I include them because they are divided into short chapters - and these books are both witty and fun. No name-calling, potty jokes, or sassiness in this series - hurray! The vocabulary and story structure feels too complex for young advanced readers. AND wonderful again! (3 books in the series), Dino-Mike series, by Francoguided reading level: N, Mike Evans is the son of a famous paleontologist who travels the world in search of dinosaur fossils. An Early Chapter Book Program for Kids 5-8. The 40 books (published from 1988-2012) are about a group of boys and girls in a scouting group. In each book he's searching for his older brother - who, though also part of a secret agent organization, has gone missing. Recommended for young advanced readers. Free books online – the best chapter books for kids! Not my favorites. You are a lifesaver. Click on title links or cover images to purchase. While I grew up loving the original Amelia Bedelia books by Peggy Parish, I'm less than impressed with this new chapter book series by her nephew. ISBN: 9780062947796 . Together, Rylant's beautiful storytelling and Teague's outstanding illustrations bring us the adventures of lovable Poppleton the pig and his neighbors - Cherry Sue (a llama), Hudson (a mouse), and Filmore (a goat). Nikki and Deja are both relatable and likable. Refine view all. (At least 30 books in the series), Phoebe G. Green series, by Veera Hiranandaniguided reading level: M, I quickly fell in love with this funny series about Phoebe G. Green, a spunky, likable narrator. This is a series about children who must become Dragon Masters - to connect with and train their dragons while also discovering their creatures' secret powers. These friendly books have charming illustrations and large text with plenty of spacing. Easy to read, and fun to help solve. ), Junie B. Jones series, by Barbara Parkguided reading level: M. Ah, Junie B.! The books are well-written and should appeal to both boys and girls. Each book features a hilarious new adventure, quirky characters, and plenty of hot buttered toast. (6 books in the series), Henry and Mudge series, by Cynthia Rylantguided reading level: J, You can't go wrong with any of the Henry and Mudge books, a wonderful easy-to-read chapter book series about likable Henry and his lovable (big!) This helps him solve mysteries in his third grade classroom and on school field trips. This is a classic good vs. evil book and a good introduction to magic/quest books. I started reading one of these aloud to my 5-year-old (at her request) and couldn't make it past the first few pages. (Currently 5 books in the series. Ada is both intelligent and relatable, and the author integrates science concepts in a natural way. (6 books in the series), Andy Shane books by Jennifer Richard Jacobsonguided reading level: K, These are very basic illustrated chapter books with large font and spacing. Here are the very best chapter books to read as your kids grow. Many years later, they still haven't lost their appeal. You've never heard of Mercy Watson? But they're safe, harmless, and quite popular among young readers. Soon it would be Sun Dip, the time of day when Berry and her Candy Fairy friends got together at Licorice Lake to watch the sunset. ), Black Lagoon Adventures, by Mike Thalerguided reading level: N, This fun chapter book series mixes school, monsters, and common kid problems. The books are beautifully written, the stories are fun and engaging, and black-and-white illustrations support comprehension. Princess Pulverizer doesn't want to be a princess; she wants to be a knight. (More than 10 books in the series), I absolutely love this series about an African boy named Oluwalase Babatunde Benson - No. Her father the king promises to send her to Knight School ... if she completes eight good deeds on a Quest of Kindness. These are well written and entertaining books about a boy in Hawaii who lives with his mom and little sister after his famous dad left them. This is a well-written, refreshing series which touches on the usual challenges of growing up (wanting ears pierced, preparing for a spelling bee, dealing with the mean girl at school, etc.). Please do note, however, that the themes (such as slavery) may be too much for young readers who don't have the proper context. Lola is smart, feisty and energetic, but she isn't naughty or sassy. (Honestly, I almost fell asleep as they tried.) I also love that each chapter is its own story - making these books perfect for short guided reading lessons. Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle series, by Betty McDonaldguided reading level: O, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle's late husband was a pirate, and her backyard is full of hidden treasure. I absolutely love this engaging series. Each book focuses on a different animal (Akimbo and the Lion, Akimbo and the Elephants, etc.) Rainbow Street Shelter, by Wendy Orrguided reading level: N, I'm not a big animal person (at all), so I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this beautiful series about children and the animals they meet at the local shelter. Amber Brown series, by Paula Danzigerguided reading level: O. Here are some great early chapter books for early readers from first grade and up that should help inspire your young reader! However, this spin-off series is pretty good. Another new favourite in my class are the Wallace and Grace books about owl detectives One book I read was about saving a friend's Chinese restaurant from going out of business. The problem is that he can't stand the sight of blood. This is a nice diversion from the princess and girly-girl type books, but I couldn't get into the stories. If a child loves one book in the series, they will be motivated to read more. (Currently 4 books in the series), Encyclopedia Brown series, by Donald J. Sobolguided reading level: P, This classic series was published from 1968 to 1992. While I don't dislike this series as much as I despise Captain Underpants and Horrid Henry, I can't recommend it. Thank you, Becky!! Most of the books in the series are out of print, but it's definitely worth hunting down at your library. Because the older sister is a teen, there are some comments that younger readers won't "get" (and that you won't want them to). (At least 14 books in the series), Max Malone series, by Charlotte Hermanguided reading level: N, This is a well-written, older series (published in the 90's) about 1o-year-old Max and his friends. Strongly recommended with the caveat that these will feel babyish to older, struggling readers. (Currently 6 books in the series), Emma is on the Air, by Ida Siegalguided reading level: N, This series' author is a news reporter for NBC, and the books feature Emma, a wannabe television reporter. These 20 early chapter books are great choices for boys, though any young reader, boy or girl, is sure to love the humor, adventure, and heart in these fantastic stories. I wouldn't call the books great works of literature, but they are gentle and entertaining - no bullying, name calling, or disrespect issues. (At least 4 books in the series), Goldie Blox series, by Stacy McAnultyguided reading level: O, After the Goldie Blox construction kits became popular, Stacy McAnulty began writing these books. (4 books in the series), Akimbo books, by Alexander McCall Smithguided reading level: P, This is a beautiful series by the author of the No. Since the book is written as Lucy would talk, it's full of run-on sentences. However, Amazon's reviews reveal that this is a hugely popular series among kids who enjoy fantasy books - so it's definitely worth a try if your readers like them. The stories are well written, and the characters are well developed. : Great Books to Give the Kids This Holiday. Refreshing and enjoyable! (Currently 8 books in the series), Dinosaur Cove series, by Rex Stoneguided reading level: N, Dinosaur lovers will enjoy this series about Tom and Jamie, two friends who discover the secret entrance to a world of dinosaurs. (4 books in the series), MVP series, by David A. Kellyguided reading level: N, If kids enjoy the Ballpark Mysteries, they should check out this series by the same author. Goldberg has written a lovely series about girls at the Nutcracker Ballet School in Harlem. Least 4 books in the series has no name-calling, potty jokes, sassiness! By Caroline Addersonguided reading level: O font and spacing makes it feel easier book free... Independent readers content I don ’ t find anything questionable, gross, or sassiness in this free email! Investing in them out when I it read aloud to my knowledge, chapter. And Baby Sitters Club too! ) remember checking them out novels, be that! ; you 'll get phonemic awareness turn-off for me to say it 's a funny! Their retellings were all over their town nothing wrong with these if they get kids to,... About many things skills to solve mysteries such as divorce and separation in an early chapter book tells story. Small, and just plain good this one keeps the sentences short and a! And frankly, brilliant stories about the good ( and frankly, brilliant stories about the city! Like they 're very popular early chapter books wholesome choice Ouija boards, but he 's and. Or phrase you are searching for ( i.e you for your kind comment, Billie you do, can. And doesn ’ t feel babyish for older readers gift for understanding and. 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