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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LEGO Minecraft Visual Dictionary Scholastic
DK.
Explore the adventurous world of LEGO Minecraft with DK's latest Visual Dictionary! Journey through 13 years of LEGO Minecraft and discover everything you need to know about iconic locations, items, and mobs. See every brick-built detail of the hostile warden, investigate the...
Karen's sleepover A graphic novel
Martin, Ann M.
Ebook
Canada National Soccer Teams : Ultimate Fan Guide
Stabler, David.
Soccer is on the rise in Canada. Its men's national team has had its ups and downs while the women's team has grown into a global powerhouse. Learn about Canada's biggest victories on the pitch and about the stars that have made them happen.
Salma Makes a Home
Ramadan, 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.
Paper Book
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...
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...
My father's dragon
Gannett, Ruth Stiles
Paper Book
When Elmer Elevator hears about the plight of an overworked and underappreciated baby flying dragon, he stows away on a ship and travels to Wild Island to rescue the dragon. This book has been selected as a Common Core State Standards Text Exemplar (Grades 2-3, Stories) in Appendix B
Legend of Chocolate Hills (Geronimo Stilton #85)
Stilton, Geronimo.
When you're with Geronimo Stilton, it's always a fabumouse adventure!I was so excited for the relaxing, stress-free day I had planned. But nothing ever goes my way. I got a mysterimouse letter from an old friend asking for my help solving a case. There were giant footprints in Chocolate Hills, and...
Hydrant-Hydra: a Branches Book (the Binder of Doom #4)
Cummings, Troy.
Paper Book
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...
Space and Beyond
Montgomery, R. A.
Paper Book
Hurtle through space in this interactive book where YOU decide what happens next! Packed with 44 possible endings! Choose Your Own Adventure books-the 4th bestselling children's series of all time-are back and as much fun as you remember. Kids and adults agree, these are the...
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
Elliott, Rebecca
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...
A noob's diary of an 8-bit warrior : welcome to the end
Sourcil, Pirate
Ebook
The fourth volume in the Minecraft warrior adventure series follows Runt, Blurp, and friends on their quest to the End to face the Enderdragon. Cube Kid's bestselling characters come to life for young readers along with fun illustrations. "A Minecraft Movie...
Ricky Ricotta's mighty robot
Pilkey, Dav
Paper Book
From Dav Pilkey, the worldwide bestselling author-illustrator of Dog Man, and award-winning illustrator Dan Santat comes an out-of-this-world friendship adventure in full color! Meet Ricky Ricotta, a little mouse with a big problem! Ricky Ricotta lives in Squeakyville with his mom...
Box Tales: Grow, Strawberries, Grow!
Burks, James.
Paper Book
"Fun, expressive, informative, and imaginative! I want a box full of these books!" --Ben Clanton, New York Times bestselling author of the Narwhal and Jelly A trilogy of fun, charming, and how-to stories following the curious and spunky Beatrix and Box-With a Bonus...
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...
Cornbread & Poppy for the win
Cordell, Matthew
Paper Book
PRAISE FOR CORNBREAD & POPPY (Book 1): An IndieBound Bestseller * An Amazon Best Book of the Year * A 2022 Kirkus Best Children's Book ★ "A rewarding choice for young readers."--Booklist,...
Coco : my delicious life
May, Kyla.
Paper Book
Lotus Lane . . . where friendships bloom!This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading...
Children's quick & easy cookbook
Wilkes, Angela
Paper Book
More than 100 simple recipes for everything from scrambled eggs to delicious pastries are presented with color, step-by-step illustrations introducing children to the joys of cooking and eating good food.
Boris on the move
Joyner, Andrew (Illustrator)
Paper Book
A new early chapter book series where adventure is always just around the corner.This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page,...
Battle of the boss-monster
Cummings, Troy.
Paper Book
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 illustrations on...
Curse of the shadow dragon
West, Tracey.
Ebook
Ghost of the Woods (Thea Stilton #37)
Stilton, Thea.
Paper Book
Join Thea Stilton and the Thea Sisters on an adventure packed with mystery and friendship!The Thea Sisters head to Ireland!
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 wear...
Wildfire rescue
Rajan, Rekha S.
Paper Book
The Disaster Squad is ready to save the day in this action-packed early chapter book series perfect for fans of the Magic Tree House series, or for kids who aren't quite ready to read I Survived! Pick a book. Grow a Reader! This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line...

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