Kid Tested Librarian Recommended: Chapter books & beyond
If your elementary-age child is looking for a new chapter book series, I have some fun suggestions. If your kid is a bit more reluctant reader, we also have the perfect things to read just for them. If my suggestions aren't what your kids are looking for, bring them into the kids library so they can talk to us about what they like and we'll find more reads. Or if you don't have time to stop in, fill out a quick Browsing Just for You form and we'll gather as many books as you like, bundle them and have them ready for pick up or delivery.
Jada Jones, Rock Star written by Kelly Starling Lyons & illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton
If your beginning chapter book readers have already read and love the ups and downs of school and friendship in Junie B Jones, let me introduce another girl who will keep them entertained, Jada Jones.
Jada Jones, Rock Star is about a fourth who has just suffered the loss of her best friend who moved. While missing her friend Jada is also looking forward to a new project on her favorite topic in class. It’s possible the newly assigned class project could help Jada make some new friends, but it isn’t easy when some of the teammates don’t want to get along. Explore how Jada handles the changes that come with saying goodbye to an old friend and finding new ones.
The Secret Explorers series by S.J. King
Much like the readers of the Magic Tree House series travel through time to learn about problems in history, the kids in this series are transported around the globe to solve issues in The Secret Explorers series.
When the brilliant kids in the Secret Explorers are summoned, they come together to fix and explore world problems. The adventurers in this series are based all around the world and the kids are transported together to receive missions that take them to face issues that could be anywhere, possibly even outer space.
Princess Pulverizer series by Nancy E. Krulik
Is your reader more of a standout in the crowd and be your own person like the readers of Princess in Black, who isn’t your traditional pink princess? If so, give Princess Pulverizer a chance.
In Grilled Cheese and Dragons our princess would rather be a knight. Her father doesn’t believe she can do it. He sets her tasks to prove she is a capable knight. Our brave princess has a dragon sidekick and a scared knight in training who supports her in her adventures.
Press Start series by Thomas Flintham
Maybe your kid isn’t interested in reading at all. Of course, I’m not recommending that they don’t read. Maybe we just need to find the right book for them. Do they just want to play video games? Consider trying Game Over, Super Rabbit Boy!
Press Start is a great beginning reader series about video games. With lots of pictures to enjoy this series is a fun way to include the gaming they want to do with the reading you want them to do, Join the fun, fast and brave Super Rabbit Boy in his gaming adventures.
More Ideas
If none of these feel right for your reader that’s alright too. We’ve just hit the tip ice the reading iceberg.
Reading includes listening to audiobooks, which could be a CD, a Playaway, a read-along or digital. Hearing the story is what is important here.
If books have too many words for your child and they feel overwhelmed just opening the cover, I suggest a graphic novel. In the format of comic books, graphic novels are a great way to get kids reading and exposed to new vocabulary.
If your child doesn’t enjoy sitting for stories we have a nice selection of nonfiction in our collection. Learn a skill. Reading the recipe of a new dish while you are cooking is reading. Following the step-by-step instructions on a new game or project is also reading. Maybe you wonder about some of the crazy world records people have set. Explore something new that interests your child and they'll be exposed to the wonderful world of books.
