Do you have an ambitious young reader in your life who is looking for chapter books that are not too short, not too long, but just right? If so, this list might come in handy!
Including titles that are the most demanding of our easy read section and the most relaxed of our regular chapter book section, these stories are worth checking out, as they could provide just enough of a challenge without allowing your emerging reader to get frustrated by overwhelming content. We hope these suggestions prove helpful and fun!
Dragons and Marshmallows (Zoey and Sassafras series) by Asia Citro (1st-4th grade)
FICTION CITRO
Just when her mother is preparing to leave for a business trip, Zoey makes an amazing discovery– her scientist mother has been treating sick magical animals who come to her for help, and Zoey has that same rare ability to see these creatures! Determined to help while her mother is unavailable, Zoey is faced with a challenge right away; a sick baby dragon! With a charming blend of fantasy elements, a determined scientifically minded main character, and a little bit of mystery and adventure, this is an unmissable series.
Yasmin the Soccer Star (series) by Saadia Faruqi (Kindergarten-3rd grade)
EASY READ FARUQI
With every book in the extensive Yasmin series, the charming and relatable second grader faces new experiences and activities with an inquisitive mind and a sunny spirit. Yasmin is always ready to take on the world. Three cheers for Yasmin!
Game Over, Super Rabbit Boy! (Press Start series) by Thomas Flintham (1st-3rd grade)
FICTION FLINTHAM
Fans of gaming and adventure alike will devour this fun series about the main character in an action packed video game that faces exciting challenges and levels up his life with each volume of the series. These books are part of Scholastic publishers Branches line of early chapter books that include other fantastic series like the Owl Diaries, Diary of a Pug, Layla and the Bots, The Party Diaries, and slightly more challenging series such as Dragon Masters, Eerie Elementary, Hilde Cracks the Case, and others.
Gigi and Ojiji (series) by Melissa Iwai (1st-3rd grade)
EASY READ IWAI
This series by Iwai might be relatively new, and only has two books so far, but both books have gotten outstandingly positive responses from readers and reviewers- and the first book won a 2023 Geisel Honor Award this past January. Here’s hoping that there are many more adventures on the horizon for Gigi and her grandfather.
Pedro For President (series) by Fran Manushkin (1st-3rd grade)
EASY READ MANUSHKIN
Pedro is an ordinary kid who deals with everyday obstacles and triumphs in a way with which any reader can connect. Whether he is playing soccer, attending school, or dealing with his pesky younger brother at home, his regular days always end in an easy to absorb and entertaining life lesson. Want more? There are other titles in the Pedro series, and the companion series about his friend Katie Woo is a lot of fun as well.
The New Kid (The Alien Next Door series) by A. I. Newton (1st-4th grade)
FICTION NEWTON
Greetings, readers of Earth! I am Zeke, an ordinary new second grader just trying to fit in. I am absolutely not an alien from another planet who just moved to this world with my scientist parents so they could study these strange creatures called humans. Nope. Not me! This heavily illustrated chapter book might look a bit hefty, but it’s perfect for beginning chapter book readers who want a real sense of accomplishment as they work their way through this funny story.
The Used-to-Be Best Friend (Jo Jo Makoons series) by Dawn Quigley (1st-4th grade)
FICTION QUIGLEY
In this first book in a new series, a delightfully vibrant young Ojibwe girl thinks that she might need to expand her friendship circle to include more than just her bestie Mimi (who happens to be a cat). Funny and sweet, this spunky first grader will steal your heart!
Baby Monkey, Private Eye by Brian Selznick and David Serlin (1st-3rd grade)
EASY READ SELZNICK
This book is about a crime-solving baby monkey. Do I even need to say any more? (Well, I will, just in case…) With adorable, amusing illustrations by award winning artist Brian Selznick and a simple but fast paced and fun storyline, the only downside of this book is that it is a stand alone and not a series. Irresistible!
Nate the Great and the Earth Day Robot (series) by Andrew Sharmat (1st-3rd grade)
EASY READ SHARMAT
It’s been 50 years since Marjorie Weinman Sharmat wrote her first book about intrepid young private investigator Nate the Great and his ever faithful dog Sludge. Now, her son Arthur has taken up the mantle, but preserved all the charm and delight of the original Nate stories. The current generation of readers are in for a treat.
EllRay Jakes is Not a Chicken (series) by Sally Warner (1st-4th grade)
FICTION WARNER
Small in stature, but big-hearted, EllRay Jakes manages to make every day an adventure! EllRay Jakes is Not a Chicken is the first book about our ordinary hero, but we have six other titles in the series- more than enough to keep your reader entertained!