Is your child ready to graduate from picture books to chapter books? Browse these fun and engaging book series to help your little bookworm enter the exciting world of independent reading!
The Kingdom of Wrenly
I can’t say enough about the quality of the Kingdom of Wrenly series. This is fantasy for kids, done flawlessly. The writing is simple enough for a young reader but rich and engaging. The plots, while unfolding in a world of fairies and dragons, center around conflicts that any child will find relatable. How do friends navigate conflicts like jealousy, misunderstandings, and hurt feelings? What happens when we’re too quick to jump to conclusions or judge others on appearances? When we make a mistake, how can we repair the harm we’ve done and make things right again? This series is a wonderful introduction to independent reading, but honestly, you’ll probably want read them yourself, if your kid will give you a chance.
Classic Starts Series
These simplified abridgments of classic novels will immerse your young reader in some of Western Lit’s best stories while keeping the language and plot accessible. My oldest got “Swiss Family Robinson” from this series as a birthday present when he turned seven, and little lover of adventure that he is, he curled up on the couch with it immediately. He stayed that way for about three hours until he’d finished it. That’s one captivating tale!
Nancy Drew & The Hardy Boys
The Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys stories of yesteryear have both gotten shiny new updates! Now called “Nancy Drew Diaries” and “The Hardy Boy Adventures,” these series are the same classic sleuthing but with a fresh look that will capture a whole new generation of readers!
I Survived…
This historical fiction series introduces young readers to famous historic disasters through the eyes of young people experiencing them. Told as a first-person narrative, these books can be intense at times, but kids who enjoy thrills and chills will eat them up and learn some things in the process.
The Magic Treehouse
No list for young readers is complete without The Magic Treehouse series. Siblings Jack and Annie will whisk your young reader off on adventures through time, and they won’t be home soon! This prolific series has over 50 published books, and author Mary Pope Osborne shows no signs of slowing down! No matter what topic interests your child, chances are good that a Magic Treehouse book explores it.
Looking for books about economics, civics, and government for your children?
Check out the Tuttle Twins!
