Beginner Chapter Books

Kids that are beginning to more confidently read longer books on their own are more likely to read a book if they choose the book themselves. This list of books has a wide variety of topics to engage any reader. Fiction or non-fiction, graphic novels or traditional books are all great ways for kids to read, so let them choose their own their own this summer whether from this list or from the shelf.

Updated May 20, 2026
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Lambton County Library Summer Reading Challenge 2026
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Ellie, engineer
Pearce, Jackson.
Paper Book
"Look out, Junie B. Jones! Ellie the engineer is thinking, making, creating, and showing enthusiasm and brilliance with her creations!" -School Library Connection A charming, hilarious illustrated middle grade about a girl who is an engineer--no, not the kind on a...
The first misadventure
Cronin, Doreen.
Paper Book
Now an animated series on Disney Junior! They're darling. They're daring. They know their shapes! They're chicks on a mission--and on this, their first (mis)adventure, the Chicken Squad launches a galactic backyard expedition. Meet the Chicken Squad: Dirt,...
Karen's sleepover A graphic novel
Martin, Ann M.
Ebook
Salma makes a home
Ramadan, Ahmad Danny.
Paper Book
A 2023 NYPL Best Book for Kids! Charming, creative Salma takes on big feelings with even bigger ideas as she navigates life in a new country, Syrian identity, family changes and new friendships in this engaging and heartfelt early chapter book series. After a year, eleven...
Rain forest relay
Earhart, Kristin.
Ebook
On a once-in-a-lifetime race through the animal kingdom, it takes smarts, strength, and skill to win!When Russell entered the race, he knew it was going to be a wild ride. Especially the first race course! He'd been studying up on the Amazon's animals and culture forever. But nothing could prepare...
Anne arrives : inspired by Anne of Green Gables
George, K.
Paper Book
Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert need help on their farm, so they've adopted what they hope will be a sturdy, helpful boy. Instead, Matthew finds Anne awaiting him at the train station - imaginative, brash, redheaded Anne-with-an-e. With her place at the Cuthberts' at risk - particularly if nosy...
Cars : engines that move you
Zettwoch, Dan.
Ebook
My father's dragon
Gannett, Ruth Stiles.
Ebook
Bad Kitty gets a phone
Bruel, Nick.
Paper Book
Bad Kitty gets her very own phone in this full color graphic novel in Nick Bruel's New York Times bestselling series. Kitty has everything any cat could want--a warm bed, plenty of fresh litter, and a machine that dispenses food whenever she wants! But Kitty isn't satisfied....
Hydrant-Hydra: a Branches Book (the Binder of Doom #4)
Cummings, Troy.
Ebook
The Super Secret Monster Patrol battles the Hydrant-Hydra, a clean-freak water monster!Pick a book. Grow a Reader!This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and...
Art lab for kids : 52 creative adventures in drawing, painting, printmaking, paper, and mixed media
Schwake, Susan.
Paper Book
A refreshing source of ideas for creating fine art with children, Art Lab for Kids encourages the artist's own voice, marks, and style.
Eva Saves the Day: a Branches Book (Owl Diaries #22)
Elliott, Rebecca.
Paper Book
In the next installment of this New York Times bestselling early chapter book series, Eva and her friends find and take care of some mysterious eggs! Pick a book. Grow a Reader! This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly...
Noob's Diary of an 8-Bit Warrior : The Epic Feast
Cube Kid, Cube.
Audiobook
Ricky Ricotta's mighty robot
Pilkey, Dav
Paper Book
An exciting new chapter-book series from the bestselling creator of Captain Underpants! This is the story of Ricky Ricotta, a lonely little mouse that befriends a giant robot, takes on the school bullies, and saves the city from an evil rat scientist - Dr. Stinky McNasty!
SCRAM : Society of Creatures Real and Magical
Lucey, Rory.
Paper Book
Rockhurst is your average suburban town. It has everything you'd expect: happy families, fun shops...and magical creatures! In the hopes of learning more about the local cryptids, three friends, Jenny, Emiko, and Brian, start the Society of Creatures Real and Magical--S.C.R.A.M.!...
The princess in Black
Hale, Shannon.
Paper Book
A New York Times bestseller! Who says princesses don't wear black? When trouble raises its blue monster head, Princess Magnolia ditches her flouncy dresses and becomes the Princess in Black! Princess Magnolia is having hot chocolate and scones with Duchess...
Mercy Watson is missing!
DiCamillo, Kate.
Paper Book
Every favorite character from Kate DiCamillo's New York Times best-selling Mercy Watson books makes an appearance in this extended, riotously funny series crescendo. When Mercy Watson the pig goes missing, all of Deckawoo Drive is in an uproar. The Watsons are inconsolable...
Doggo and Pupper search for cozy
Adler, Charlie.
Paper Book
Fans of Frog and Toad will enjoy this conclusion to the Doggo and Pupper early reader trilogy by #1 New York Times-bestselling author Katherine Applegate. When Cat announces that the Humans have given her a surprise present, Doggo and Pupper...
Children's Quick and Easy Cookbook : Over 60 Simple Recipes
Wilkes, Angela.
Paper Book
A perfect first cookbook to start your kitchen adventure, with more than 60 recipes for young chefs to try. Feel right at home in the kitchen with this first cookbook for budding chefs! With over 60 recipes, there's something for every occasion: super-fast snacks, speedy main...
Just Grace
Harper, Charise Mericle.
Ebook
The third-grader Grace Stewart gets stuck with the name "Just Grace" when she tries to distinguish herself from the three other Graces in her class. Grace is plenty different, though. She has a "teeny-tiny superpower," for instance--she can tell if someone is unhappy and often tries to fix it....
Battle of the boss-monster
Cummings, Troy.
Ebook
The Super Secret Monster Patrol FINALLY comes face-to-face with the boss-monster! Pick a book. Grow a Reader! This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and...
Curse of the shadow dragon
West, Tracey.
Ebook
Ghost of the Woods (Thea Stilton #37)
Stilton, Thea.
Ebook
The case of the weird blue chicken : the next misadventure
Cronin, Doreen.
Audiobook
The Chicken Squad is back for their second (mis)adventure, and this time they're solving the mystery of a kidnapped...HOUSE? A hilarious chapter book from the best-selling author of Click, Clack, Moo and The Trouble with Chickens. Dirt, Sugar, Sweetie, and Poppy are the four members of The Chicken...
A big day for baseball
Osborne, Mary Pope
Paper Book
Meet Jackie Robinson and solve a mystery in the #1 bestselling Magic Tree House chapter book series!   PLAY BALL! Jack and Annie aren't great baseball players . . . yet! Then Morgan the librarian gives them magical baseball caps that will make them experts. They just need to...

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