Beginning Chapter Books for Early Readers

Once your child has learned to read and is ready to move from the Step books into more advanced books it can be a bit of a challenge finding chapter books for early readers.  Your search for early chapter books just became a lot easier with this list that I have compiled.

Little Sister has surprised me lately by picking out some really big books to read (Dewey the Library Cat – from the adult non-fiction side of the library).  I want to encourage her reading with chapter books that are at her level so that she is an accomplished reader and reads all the words in the story from front to back.  It’s so nice when chapter books are part of a series because you and your child can fall in love (or like) with the characters.  The literary relationship you develop makes reading books even more fun and interesting.

Reading during the summer months is so important.  You can join summer reading programs to earn prizes…which are always a great incentive. These beginning chapter book series are some of my kids’ favorites…and some of my friends’ kids’ favorites too and are perfect to read this summer.  Be sure to see what your local library has available to you and don’t forget these thrift store shopping tricks to see what bargains you can find there!

Beginning Chapter Books for Early Readers

A to Z Mysteries – by Ron Roy – Grade Range 3 to 4

There are 26 books in this original series – one for each letter of the alphabet.  The books follow the adventures of three child detectives who are all nine years old.

Amelia Bedelia – by Herman Parish – Grade Range K-2

The old Amelia Bedelia that we knew as kids has gotten a facelift in recent years.  The original stories were written by Peggy Parish.  After her death in 1988 her nephew Herman Parish began writing the books.  The new stories feature a child-aged Amelia who still get into mischief.

Andrew Lost by J. C. Greenburg

This series of books features a boy inventor whose inventions rarely work the way he expects them to.

Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel –  Grade Range 2-3

A house cat named Kitty often wreaks havoc on his owner’s home.

Bailey School Kids by Debbie Dadey- Grade Range 2-3

In these stories the Bailey School kids encounter characters who may or may not be a mythical being.  It is up to the reader to decide which reality is true.

Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner – Grade Range 2-4

The Boxcar Children tells the story of four orphaned children.  They encounter many adventures and mysteries throughout the series.

Calendar Mysteries by Ron Roy – Grade Range 2-3

Calendar Mysteries is a spin off to A to Z Mysteries.  The stories titles are each a different month of the year.

Cam Jansen by David A. Adler – Grade Range 2-3

Cam Jansen is a series of mysteries.  Cam Jansen has a photographic memories, which she uses to solve crimes.  Every crime fighter has a sidekick and Cam Jansen is no different in that regard.

Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey – Grade Range 2-4

This series revolves around 2 fourth graders whose homemade comic books accidentally become real when they hypnotize their principal.

Clementine by Sara Pennypacker – Grade Range 2-4

As Clementine says, “Spectacularful ideas are always sproinging up in my brain.” All the better for readers who like to laugh. Reminiscent of both Ramona and Junie B. Jones, Clementine is an ingenuous third-grader with a talent for trouble and a good heart.

Critter Club by Callie Barkley- Grade Range 1-3

In the small California town of Santa Vista, four 8-year-old best friends help found and maintain The Critter Club, a rescue shelter set on saving “lost and lonely” animals in their town.

Dragon Masters by Tracey West

A fully-illustrated early chapter book series filled with dragons, wizards, magic, and more!

Encyclopedia Brown by Donald J. Sobol – Grade Range 3-5

As Idaville’s ten-year-old star detective, Encyclopedia Brown has an uncanny knack for trivia. With his unconventional knowledge, he solves mysteries for the neighborhood kids through his own detective agency.

Galaxy Zack by Ray O’Ryan – Grade Range 3-5

Planet hop with Zack Nelson on his galactic adventures as he moves from Earth to Nebulon in the year 2120, explores a newly discovered planet, helps a dinosaur get back to its prehistoric home, and befriends a space monster!

Franny K. Stein Mad Scientist by Jim Benton

Franny K Steins is a young girl ostracized from her classmates due to her strange behaviors.  She often has to battle various creatures throughout this series.

Geronimo Stilton – Grade Range 2-4

Geronimo Stilton is a talking mouse who lives in New Mouse City on Mouse Island and works as a journalist.

Heidi Heckelbeck by Wanda Coven – Grade Range 1-3

Heidi seems like any other eight-year old, but she’s really a witch in disguise

The list keeps going!  Scroll down and click Page 2 to see more.