Books That Will Get Your Kids Into Reading
Easy Chapter Book Readers
Many of these were also suggested by Everyday Reading.
Narwhal Unicorn of the Sea!
This early graphic novel series is funny and fun and perfect for those who are transitioning into chapter books!
Bink and Golly
Kate DiCamillo is a masterful story teller and she does a great job with this early chapter book series. So much fun!
My kids loves these books when they were younger. We collected A-Z and read them all!
Frog and Toad
This classic set of books is always a winner. We’ve loved them forever and the stories are still relevant today!
Cam Jansen Mystery Series
We also love these mysteries. We had a lot of fun with Cam and her photographic memory.
Henry and Mudge
These were some of my boys’ very favorites! The stories were easy enough to read but interesting enough to keep them engaged and excited!
Pete the Cat: Rocking Field Day
Pete the Cat is an awesome series for those just entering chapter books. Always something exciting to get into!
Early Chapter Book Readers
Some of these were also suggested by Everyday Reading.
Mercy Watson to the Rescue
These were some of my boys’ favorite early chapter books. Mercy Watson is just so lovable. So silly and so much fun!
The Princess In Black
This is a more recent early chapter book series and boys and girls of all ages will love it. So much adventure!
King and Kayla
If you have a child that enjoys a little bit of a mystery in a story, this will keep them reading!
Nate the Great
Another great option for a child who loves a good mystery. It’s fun to see if you can figure things out first!
Kung Pow Chicken
So fun for your superhero lover! Great illustrations and a fast pace to keep those early readers, reading!
Graphic Novels
The New York Times bestselling Wings of Fire series takes flight in this first graphic novel edition, adapted by the author with art by Mike Holmes.
Squish
A graphic novel series about a comic book-loving, twinkie-eating grade school AMOEBA trying to find his place in the world (or at least trying to make it through a school day).
Dogman
These are books my boys read over and over again. If your child just needs something fun and funny, this is a great series option.
Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute
Another hilarious option for graphic novel lovers. Funny, quirky, and fun for just about anyone.
Stickdog
For some reason, my boys loved these graphic novels. There was lots of giggling and wanting to show me all the funny parts of the story.
Where Stars are Scattered
Personally, this was my favorite graphic novel and my boys all loved it too. Great for any age reader and just a beautiful story of love and hope. This is an absolute winner for all kinds of reasons!
The Bad Guys
It’s always fun to read books that have movies attached. This series of graphic novels is a fun twist on bad guys. Well loved for sure.
Real Friends
This is a graphic novel for a little older crowd with great writing and illustrations and awesome lessons about how to be a real friend!
Measuring Up by Lily LaMotte is a heartfelt middle-grade graphic novel that explores themes of immigration, cultural identity, and family bonds. The narrative is complemented by vibrant, expressive illustrations that capture the story’s emotional depth.
Older Elementary Readers
Such a great series. Perfect for older elementary kids.
Swindle
This series is so fun! Even your reluctant readers will enjoy it!
This one is great for kids 10 and up all about a family mystery and the courage it takes to find the truth. This one reads quickly with great characters and an awesome story.
Marcus Makes a Movie
If you kiddo is looking for a book that makes them laugh and smile, this is such a good one. It’s great to be able to read something just for fun that also has a sweet message.
Restart
This book is one of the best! It teaches such incredible lessons about kindness, inclusion, and what really matters through an absolutely wonderful story that is hard to put down. Gordon Korman is a masterful storyteller!
Crossover
This book is brilliant and written in free verse. I read and loved it as did all of my boys. A great story about family, loss, disappointment, and love. An absolute winner.
Ways to Make Sunshine
If you are looking for a joyful book all about finding the good, this book is excellent. Fun to read, easy to get into, and you walk away from it wanting to be better. A great book!
Mustaches for Maddie
This book is so beautiful in every way and becomes an instant favorite of everyone who reads it. The story is about a girl with a brain tumor, but it is also funny, quirky, and endearing. Great lessons learned about empathy and support too. A great read!
A Night Divided
This historical fiction book is so good and keeps readers on the edge of their seat waiting to see if the family separated by the Berlin Wall will ever be reunited. Such a phenomenal story!
Making Bombs for Hitler
Another favorite book of almost anyone who reads it about kids who sabotage Hitler’s plans. It’s a great historical fiction novel that helps kids realize they, too, can be heroes.
Scar Dakota by Jason F. Wright is a poignant middle-grade novel that delves into themes of grief, identity, and resilience. Scar Dakota offers a heartfelt exploration of personal growth, making it a valuable read for young readers.
Everything on a Waffle by Polly Horvath is a whimsical yet poignant middle-grade novel that combines quirky humor with heartfelt themes. Each chapter concludes with a recipe, adding a unique touch to the narrative.
One for the Murphys is a compelling and empathetic exploration of a young girl’s journey toward healing and acceptance, making it a valuable read for both children and adults.
Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan is a middle-grade novel that delves into themes of grief, resilience, and the search for belonging. The story follows 12-year-old Willow Chance, a gifted girl who, after losing her adoptive parents in a tragic accident, embarks on a journey to find a new sense of family and purpose.
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly is a charming and introspective historical novel set in 1899 Texas. It follows 11-year-old Calpurnia “Callie Vee” Virginia Tate, who, rather than conforming to traditional expectations for girls, develops a keen interest in science and the natural world. Her burgeoning curiosity leads her to a deep bond with her grandfather, a reclusive naturalist, as they explore the wonders of nature together.
Willa and the Whale by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown is a heartfelt middle-grade novel that blends magical realism with themes of grief, resilience, and the healing power of nature. The story follows 12-year-old Willa, who, after the sudden death of her marine biologist mother, returns to her childhood home on Tupkuk Island. There, she discovers she can communicate with Meg, a humpback whale, who offers guidance and comfort as Willa navigates her complex emotions and adjusts to her new life with her father and stepfamily.
Firegirl is a touching and thought-provoking story that encourages readers to look beyond appearances and embrace kindness.
Roll with It is a touching and empowering story that encourages readers to embrace their unique abilities and pursue their dreams.
Middle School Readers
All Thirteen is not only a testament to human resilience and teamwork but also an educational resource that offers insights into the complexities of international rescue operations and the importance of cultural understanding. It is suitable for readers aged 8–12 and is an excellent addition to both school and public library collections.
Resistance offers a powerful and accessible introduction to the stories of Jewish resistance during the Holocaust, making it a valuable addition to middle-grade and young adult historical fiction collections.
The Boy at the Back of the Class is a touching and timely story that educates young readers about the refugee experience while emphasizing the importance of compassion and standing up for what is right.
Thunder Dog is a testament to courage, trust, and the unbreakable bond between a man and his dog, offering readers a profound perspective on overcoming adversity.
Game Changer is a thought-provoking read that offers insight into the pressures and challenges faced by young athletes, making it a valuable resource for discussions on sports culture and safety.
Solo is a compelling exploration of identity, family, and the healing power of music, making it a valuable read for young adults and fans of poetic storytelling.
Overall, Becoming Muhammad Ali is a compelling and educational read that offers young readers an insightful glimpse into the early life of a sports legend, making it a valuable addition to middle-grade literature.
Starfish is a heartfelt and empowering story that offers young readers a compassionate exploration of body image, resilience, and the importance of kindness.
Forget Me Not
Forget Me Not is a touching and insightful read that provides valuable perspectives on living with a neurological condition and the importance of empathy and understanding. This is great for anyone interested in stories that promote kindness and self-acceptance.
Fish In A Tree
Fish in a Tree is a compelling read that encourages readers to appreciate diverse learning styles and the importance of empathy and support in overcoming personal challenges.
What Happened to Rachel Riley?
What Happened to Rachel Riley? is a thought-provoking and empowering read that encourages young readers to consider the impact of their actions and the importance of standing up for what is right. It is a valuable resource for discussions on consent, peer pressure, and the power of speaking out against wrongdoing.
Front Desk Series
“A heartfelt and fun-filled story full o faction, adventure and mischief.” It is one of our family’s very favorite audiobooks!
This book is so good!! Full of adventure and heart, you and your kids will love this one. It’s an awesome audiobook!
Ghost
This is a great book for 5th grade and up including adults. A compelling story about a young track star with a tragic past who learns the importance of relationships, trust, and heart.
Fablehaven
If your teen loves fantasy, this is a book that cannot be missed. Mull is a talented writer that keeps readers fully engaged as he whisks us through magical lands and ancient laws. If your child loved Harry Potter this is a great next step!
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus
This book will make you smile! It’s all about understanding differences and loving people for who they are. So many laugh out loud parts and parts and moments that really make you think. Every kid and adult LOVES this book.
The Wendals
Such a fun, clean book about a strong group of friends that is willing to do just about anything to help each other. Just enough adventure to keep things interesting with a great theme! This book is easy to love.
Hello Universe
This book has received all the awards for good reason. Such an interesting story that weaves diverse characters and storylines together in a really magical way.
Girl From Nowhere
This is a fast paced spy thrilled that had all of us on the edge of our seats. So fun and so good!
Have You Seen Luis Velez?
We all adored this book. It is full of heart and love and has a cool mystery we couldn’t wait to resolve. Such a beautiful message too.
High School Readers
The Canyon’s Edge
The Canyon’s Edge is a powerful and evocative tale that offers young readers a poignant exploration of resilience and self-discovery in the face of trauma.
All the Broken Pieces
All the Broken Pieces is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant story that offers readers a window into the experiences of a young boy navigating the complexities of identity, loss, and healing.
Magical Imperfect
The Magical Imperfect offers a poignant exploration of the power of friendship and the importance of embracing one’s imperfections. Its rich narrative and relatable characters make it a compelling read.
Everywhere Blue
Everywhere Blue is a heartfelt and thought-provoking novel that offers a compassionate portrayal of a young girl’s journey through grief, mental health challenges, and the quest for connection.
My teen who loves fantasy could not put this down and is tearing through the series. If you love magic and a more fast paced feel, this series is excellent. Ideal for high schoolers.
The Selection Series
If there is one book series you’ll love to read over and over again, it’s this one. If you have a reader, this would make a great gift for those long winter months.
The Orphan Keeper
This is an absolutely unbelievable true story. We couldn’t put it down and were amazed by the ending.
The False Prince
This is such a creative book that everyone I know (including me and my boys) has loved. It’s an enjoyable, fast paced read with just the right amount of magic woven in. I promise, your kids will love it.
Shadow and Bone
If you have a child that loves fantasy, this book is one they won’t be able to put down! A true winner for all fans of that genre!
Out of my Mind
I couldn’t love this book more. It’s about a brilliant girl with cerebral palsy and how she influences and changes those around her for the better. A great book for any age!
Hunger Games
Sometimes we forget the books from our past that made us love reading. If you have a teen who hasn’t read these books yet, they will be obsessed with finishing one and moving on to the next. A great series especially for reluctant readers.
Making Faces
This book is so great. Kindness, romance, mystery and everything in between. High schoolers (and adults) will absolutely love it!
Carnegie’s Maid
This story swept me up in a fictional story during Carnegie’s time. So many fun characters and “what if” scenarios with just the right amount of grit and romance. This book is clean and easy to love.
Divine Rivals Series
A novel filled with hope and heartbreak, and the unparalleled power of love. A perfect mix of fantasy and realism.
When Breath Becomes Air
This is the most beautiful and inspiring story and every human should read. It makes you appreciate your health, your life, and your loved ones in a really intense way. It’s heavy but high schoolers can handle it.
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike
This is such an incredibly inspiring story all about the creation of Nike. The backstory kept us both interested through every page. Makes a great book gift for any man or woman (language warning…if you need it more tame, there is a young adult version).
