15 Early Chapter Book Series to Turn Kids into Voracious Readers This Summer

Summer is a great time to introduce kids to new chapter book series. If a kid discovers a series they enjoy, they will often read the entire series. Here are fifteen fantastic early chapter book series for newly independent readers.

15 early chapter book series

With summer reading, my main goal for my kids is to get them hooked on reading. I measure success not in terms of how many Newberry Award winners my kids have read but instead in terms of whether my kids are asking me to head to the library to check out new books. The fifteen early chapter book series below are best bets for turning newly independent readers into voracious readers this summer.

What early chapter book series have helped get your children excited about reading?

Dolphins at DaybreakMagic Tree House books by Mary Pope Osborne. The Magic Tree House books have a solid track record of hooking kids. In this series, a brother and sister team, Jack and Annie, travel through time and space in their magic tree house to go on a variety of missions. The structure of these books is simple and very similar from one book to the next. Start with any one of the first 28 books in the series that looks interesting to your child. With every fourth book, Jack and Annie are sent on a new set of related missions. Thus, it makes sense to begin with Dinosaurs Before Dark (#1), Night of the Ninjas (#5), Dolphins at Daybreak (#9), Vacation Under the Volcano (#13), Tonight on the Titanic (#17), Civil War on Sunday (#21) or Stage Fright on a Summer Night (#25). Ages 5+

Anna HibiscusAnna Hibiscus by Atinuke. A truly unique early chapter book series about a girl named Anna Hibiscus who lives in “Africa, Amazing Africa.” Anna Hibiscus is a delightfully curious character who lives with her Canadian mother, African father, twin baby brothers Double and Trouble and close-knit extended family. Author Atinuke spent part of her childhood in Nigeria, and the Anna Hibiscus books are set in the Nigeria of Atinuke’s childhood. Atinuke’s lovely illustrations help bring this unfamiliar setting to life for young readers. Ages 5+

Binky the Space CatBinky the Space Cat by Ashley Spires. A humorous series of short graphic novels about an imaginative cat named Binky. In the first book in the series, Binky plans a mission to outer space. Ages 6+

 

Judy Moody Was in a MoodJudy Moody Was in a Mood and Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid by Megan McDonald and Peter Reynolds. The Judy Moody series stars a third grader who, as her name implies, experiences moods. The Judy Moody books generate mixed reactions among adults; while some think Judy Moody’s moody behavior is a bad influence on their kids, others think this series accurately captures the emotional roller coaster that many third graders experience. Megan McDonald has also written a spin-off series starring Stink, Judy Moody’s younger brother. My son really enjoys The Adventure of Stink cartoons at the end of each chapter in the Stink books. Ages 7+

Alvin HoAlvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things by Lenore Look. Alvin Ho is a scared of everything: the dark, camping, punctuation… In the first book in this series, Alvin Ho faces his fear of school. The Alvin Ho books are not graphic novels, but LeUyen Pham’s fantastic graphic novel-esque illustrations may entice young graphic novel fans to try reading this series. See also Lenore Look’s books starring Ruby Lu, an enthusiastic Chinese-American girl with a personality that is in many ways the exact opposite of Alvin Ho’s. Ages 6+

Happy Birthday Bad KittyHappy Birthday, Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel. An excellent graphic novel series. Kids will enjoy laughing at Bad Kitty’s antics. The Bad Kitty books will appeal to kids who want to try reading graphic novels for the first time as well as to die hard Captain Underpants fans. For more graphic novel fun, see Binky the Space Cat and other Binky adventures. Ages 6+

Jake DrakeJake Drake, Bully Buster by Andrew Clements (and other books by Andrew Clements). Andrew Clements is the king of school stories. (See e.g. Frindle and No Talking.) I like the Jake Drake books largely because they introduce young readers to Andrew Clements. Readers who enjoy the Jake Drake books will hopefully go on to enjoy Clements’ lengthier titles. The other books in the Jake Drake series are Jake Drake, Know-It-All, Jake Drake, Teacher’s Pet and Jake Drake, Class Clown. Ages 7+

Gooney Bird GreeneGooney Bird Greene by Lois Lowry. This early chapter book series by Lois Lowry stars Gooney Bird Greene, a second grader who enjoys standing out from the crowd. In the first book in this series, Gooney Bird Greene entertains her new classmates with her fantastic and “absolutely true” stories. Ages 6+

 

Encyclopedia BrownEncyclopedia Brown: Boy Detective by Donald J. Sobol. In the first book of the Encyclopedia Brown series, 10-year-old Leroy (aka “Encyclopedia”) Brown realizes that he has a knack for helping his father, the town’s police chief, solve cases. Encyclopedia Brown solves ten cases in this book. Readers are invited to look for clues and try to solve the cases themselves. Answers to each case are provided in the back of the book. If your child enjoys mysteries, they may also enjoy the Nate the Great books, A to Z Mysteries, Cam Jansen books, and Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys series. Ages 5+

The Secrets of DroonThe Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet by Tony Abbott (and other Secret of Droon books). In this series, three kids — Eric, Julie, and Neal — discover an enchanted stairway in Eric’s basement, which turns out to be a portal to the magical world of Droon. In the world of Droon, the kids meet mythical creatures including wizards, sorcerers and dragons. The Secrets of Droon books will appeal to kids who enjoy suspense and fighting evil villains. The action in these books is tame enough share with young readers ages seven and up. Ages 7+

Calvin and HobbesCalvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson. Calvin and Hobbes cartoons are a wonderful choice for reluctant readers. Readers receive immediate gratification in three panels. Calvin and Hobbes cartoons are also fun to read aloud with kids. Watterson’s writing is smart and entertaining to adults as well as kids. Kids will laugh at Calvin’s over-the-top misbehavior, while adults will laugh at Watterson’s cleverly delivered bits of wisdom. Ages 7+

Ivy + BeanIvy & Bean by Annie Barrows and Sophie Blackall. A series about the creative adventures of two friends, Ivy and Bean. Ivy is a well-behavied, independent thinker, while Bean is a bit of a trouble maker. Ivy and Bean are decidedly not girly. Their adventures, which include digging up dinosaur bones and trying to set world records, will entertain boys as well as girls. Ages 7+

Tales of a Fourth Grade NothingTales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume. Judy Blume’s stories of fourth grader Peter Hatcher and his two-year-old brother Fudge are just as funny today as they were when they were first written in 1972. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, in which Fudge throws a temper tantrum, smears mashed potatoes on the walls and scribbles on Peter’s homework, may hold special appeal for readers with younger brothers and sisters. Fast paced, with great dialog, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing is a fun book to read aloud. See also Fudge-a-ManiaSuperfudge and Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great. Ages 7+

Meet AddyMeet Addy by Connie Rose Porter (and other books starring Addy). In this first book of a six-book series, Addy’s family escapes from slavery. This fictional story set in 1864 is one of many in the American Girl series. I long avoided these books because I was wary of books associated with expensive dolls. However, my daughter finally convinced me to read these aloud to her, and I am glad I did. If I had had the opportunity to read these books as a child, I would have loved them. The American Girl books are set at various times in American history ranging from Colonial times to World War II. Each story includes informational back matter about the time period during which the story is set. Begin with the series about Addy, Rebecca or Josephina. Ages 7+

The World According to HumphreyThe World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney. A series of entertaining school stories told from the perspective of an observant and thoughtful hamster. Full of wisdom and humor, this series will appeal to a wide range of kids. Adventure According to Humphrey and Summer According to Humphrey are great picks for summer reading. Ages 6+

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About Amy Broadmoore

Amy is a life-long runner and newbie cross country skier and gravel biker. She lives in Duluth, Minnesota, with her husband and three kids.
This entry was posted in Ages 5+, Ages 6+, Ages 7+, Ages 8+ and tagged , . Bookmark the permalink.

14 Responses to 15 Early Chapter Book Series to Turn Kids into Voracious Readers This Summer

  1. Little reader and I have read most of these. As a children’s author I tend to read what I write. I still love The Boxcar Children to this day…

    Check out the trailer of the adorable book loving Pixie.

    Happy Reading!

  2. enlace says:

    ﻿Tampoco he conseguido rsistirme acer unn comentario.

    Muy bien posteado

  3. jenniferpullen says:

    Cynthia Rylant also has a great series called the Lighthouse Family. The Storm, The Turtle, The Octopus, etc. Really cute little chapter books.

  4. Natalie says:

    I have a 6 year old super reader who is going through the books like a wildfire. Last summer it was Secrets of Droon. This summer it’s Rick Riordan and his Greek/Roman series about demigods. Of course, she doesn’t get “teenage romance” story line, but she is loving all the action in the main plot :)

  5. sarah says:

    My kids love the Nate the Great series!!

  6. Becky says:

    Awesome list! Some old favorites, but also some new ones that we haven’t read yet:).

  7. Great list and it’s the toughest genre to find good books in I think! Early chapter books are so important too to get kids to want to read on their own. We also loved The Cobble Street Cousins series by Cynthia Rylant and the Clementine series. My son is enjoying Hiro Quest and The Dragon Slayers Academy.

    • Amy says:

      Thanks for these suggestions! I really wanted to include Clementine (and Ramona) books on this list. In the end, I decided not too because they are slightly more challenging than the books on this list. For kids who are ready to read Clementine and Ramona, these are fantastic! My son ramped right up to books at that reading level, while my daughter needs a slower transition. The Lighthouse Books by Cynthia Rylant are also good ones to look for. Hiro Quest and The Dragon Slayers Academy sound like books my son would enjoy now too!

  8. samacwns says:

    I like that you included some graphic novels. I’ve never been a fan of the genre myself, but I can tell that they’re well loved by all ages. Babymouse by Jennifer Holm might be another good addition!

    • Amy says:

      Yes! I am not naturally a fan of graphic novels or fantasy/science fiction. I am making a point of getting to know these genres. I think Babymouse is great for kids in maybe grades 4 to 5??? What do you think? I have not read all of the Babymouse books, but at least some touch on subjects (e.g. attracting boys) that are of interest to older kids.

  9. Pinned this for when my sons get older. I loved Encyclopedia Brown and anything Judy Blume when I was a kid. Wouldn’t have thought to include Calvin and Hobbes – what a great idea! Am looking forward to exploring all of these with the boys in the future.

    • Amy says:

      Looking at this list, I realize that there weren’t many early chapter book series written when we were kids. It’s great that these are available now for readers who are not ready to dive into the chapter books I first read: Ramona and Little House.

  10. Great list, thanks!

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