Booklists for Kids: Longer Chapter Books
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I focus a little more on the chapter books/book series, because I’ve found it’s helpful to have recommendations for books that your kid is going to read independently. When my kids were very young and we’d go to the library to pick books, I could flip through picture books quickly to see if I liked them. However, once you get into chapter books, they are obviously longer and that’s not an option. I often read a couple pages to get the feel for it, but once your kid’s reading starts to take off, you probably won’t get the chance to pre-read any of the books.
So, I’ve listed some series that I have either read with the kids, or the kids have enjoyed solo. Or, a lot of times, I’ve started reading a book in the series to the kids, and then they finish the book or start the next book on their own. Which is actually a great way to get your kid into a book they may not think they’d like.
And I’ll add that while this tip may be obvious, the best way I’ve found great new books for my kids is by asking children’s librarians.
This page focuses on Longer Chapter Books, but take a look at my Picture Books, Early Reader, Short Chapter Books, and Magazine pages.
Below the list, I included a link to the same book list in my Bookshop.org shop. Every purchase at Bookshop.org directly supports independent bookstores, which I think is pretty cool!
Longer Chapter Books
The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner: We read so many of these books, first together, then my kids read them on their own. These are sort of between early chapter books and longer ones.
The Wild Robot books by Peter Brown
The Unintentional Adventures of the Bland Sisters by Kara LaReau: These books are hilarious. Wish they made more!
Encyclopedia Brown books by Donald J. Sobol
The Math Kids books by David Cole: these are perfect books for my math-loving kid. Entertaining mysteries, and some pretty cool math. For instance, my kid (in third grade) was into the Fibonacci sequence and factorials thanks to these books.
Unicorn Rescue Society series by Adam Gidwitz and others: these are fantastic books. So funny, and teach kids about other places to broaden their world.
Wayside School is Falling Down and other books by Louis Sachar: I read these as a kid and they still make me laugh.
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing and other Fudge books by Judy Blume
Ramona books, Henry Huggins books, Ralph Mouse books, all by Beverly Cleary
Tank & Fizz books by Liam O’Donnell
Harry Potter books: can’t tell you how many times my kids have read and reread these books. Also, the illustrated books are beautiful and lovely to read together.
A Series of Unfortunate Events books by Leminey Snickett
The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis
Mac B., Kid Spy series and Terrible Two series, both by Mac Barnett
I Funny: A Middle School Story books by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein
Mr. Lemoncello’s Library books and Welcome to Wonderland books by Chris Grabenstein
Charlie Thorne books by Stuart Gibbs
The Academy books by T.Z. Layton: especially good for soccer lovers.
Roald Dahl books
Judy Moody books and related Stink books by Megan McDonald
You can also view this Longer Chapter Books booklist on my Bookshop.org page here.