Chapter Books for Confident Readers (Grade 5 - 8)

Kids that choose the books they read are much more likely to finish reading their book, so kids that are confidently reading on their own should select books on topics that interest them. Fiction, non-fiction, and graphic novels are all great choices that can help support literacy.

Updated May 29, 2025
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House of robots
Paper Book
In this new illustrated middle-grade series from James Patterson, an extraordinary robot signs up for an ordinary fifth grade class... and elementary school will never be the same! It was never easy for Sammy Hayes-Rodriguez to fit in, so he's dreading the day when his genius mom...
The last kids on Earth
Brallier, Max.
Paper Book
The first book in the New York Times bestselling series with over ten million copies in print! 'Terrifyingly fun! Max Brallier's The Last Kids on Earth delivers big thrills and even bigger laughs.' Jeff Kinney, author of Diary of a Wimpy Kid Now an award-winning Netflix show! ...
The wild robot
Brown, Peter
Paper Book
A gloriously illustrated story of a robot's adventures in the wild
The wild robot escapes
Brown, Peter
Paper Book
One robot, one extraordinary adventure
The Marvellers
Clayton, Dhonielle.
Paper Book
Ferris
DiCamillo, Kate.
Paper Book
The last cuentista
Higuera, Donna Barba.
Paper Book
The Swifts : a gallery of rogues
Lincoln, Beth.
Paper Book
Shenanigan Swift hates burglars . . . So when the famous criminal gang Ouvolpo target Swift House and swap a valuable painting for an exploding inflatable bird, Shenanigan sets off in pursuit, determined to make them pay. The trail leads to Paris, home of her eccentric...
The Swifts a dictionary of scoundrels
Lincoln, Beth.
Paper Book
On the day they are born, each Swift is brought before the sacred Family Dictionary. They are given a name and a definition, and it is assumed they will grow up to match. Unfortunately, Shenanigan Swift has other ideas. So what if her relatives all think she's destined to turn out as a...
Allergic
Lloyd, Megan Wagner.
Paper Book
A coming-of-age middle-grade graphic novel featuring a girl with severe allergies who just wants to find the perfect pet! At home, Maggie is the odd one out. Her parents are preoccupied with getting ready for a new baby, and her younger brothers are twins and always in their own world....
At the bottom of the world
Nye, Bill
Paper Book
New York Times bestselling authors Bill Nye the Science Guy and Gregory Mone take middle-grade readers on a scientific adventure in the launch of an exciting new chapter book series, Jack and the Geniuses. The perfect combination to engage and entertain readers, the series features real-world...
Wonder
Palacio, R. J.
Paper Book
Bridge to Terabithia
Paterson, Katherine.
Ebook
The 40th anniversary edition of the classic Newbery Medal-winning title by beloved author Katherine Paterson, with brand-new bonus materials including an author's note by Katherine herself and a foreword by New York Times bestselling author Kate DiCamillo.  Jess Aarons has been...
Impossible creatures
Rundell, Katherine.
Paper Book
''There was Tolkien, there is Pullman and now there is Katherine Rundell. Wondrous invention, marvellous writing.'' - Michael Morpurgo ''Rundell''s first foray into fantasy is both a deft, rich homage to the greats of children''s literature and an...
The bad beginning
Snicket, Lemony.
Paper Book
There is nothing to be found in the pages of A Series of Unfortunate Events but misery and despair. You still have time to choose another international best-seller to read. But if you must know what unpleasantries befall the charming and clever Baudelaire children read on... In The Bad...
When you reach me
Stead, Rebecca.
Audiobook
"Like A Wrinkle in Time (Miranda's favorite book), When You Reach Me far surpasses the usual whodunit or sci-fi adventure to become an incandescent exploration of 'life, death, and the beauty of it all.'" --The Washington Post This Newbery Medal winner...
The trials of Morrigan Crow
Townsend, Jessica
Paper Book
WINNER OF THE WATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK PRIZE YOUNGER FICTION CATEGORY WINNER OF RED MAGAZINE'S BIG BOOK 'BEST CHILDREN'S BOOK (7-12)' AWARD International bestselling series. Enter the fantastically Wundrous world of Morrigan Crow and Nevermoor...

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