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SALT LAKE CITY — At the start of the summer, my 6-year-old daughter needed something new to read. Between first and second grade, easy readers were too easy but middle-grade novels too hard. So what would she read all summer?
While on an outing to Gardner Village in West Jordan, Utah, we stepped into a small bookshop, Storybook Nook. She soon brought me a short book that came with a bracelet and charm. “Can I get this one?” she asked, excited. “What is it?” I said, thinking it was one of those craft activity books. Then I realized it was a chapter book, absolutely perfect for her level of reading. So began my journey into the often-overlooked world of early chapter books.
If you have a reader ages 6-9, this is the category for them. These books are very short novels with fun illustrations and age-appropriate subject matter that help kids transition from easy readers and picture books to the world of novels. Most books in this category cost $4-$6.
Here’s a book list of some favorites for girls and boys.
Early chapter books for girls
1 — “Lucky Stars" series by Phoebe Bright
These books are very short novels with fun illustrations and age-appropriate subject matter that help kids transition from easy readers and picture books to the world of novels.
Each book in this cute series comes with a charm for a bracelet. The first book includes the bracelet and first charm. The charms correspond to the fun, magical story of each book.
2 — “Lulu and the Brontosaurus” by Judith Viorst and Lane Smith
As a fan of Lane Smith’s picture books and Judith Viorst's famous book, “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day,” I was very excited to discover these fun books. My daughter devoured this one.
3 — “Ivy + Bean” series by Annie Barrows
One of the most popular early chapter book series, girls love the crazy antics of friends Ivy and Bean.
4 — “The Never Girls" series by Kiki Thorpe and Jana Christy
If your daughter is a Disney or fantasy fan, then this sweet series is perfect for her.
5 — “Junie B. Jones" series by Barbara Park and Denise Brunkus
Classic humor and the adventures of growing up burst to life in this popular series.
6 — “Pippi Longstocking” by Astrid Lindgren
A must-read classic for every girl. Pippi is one of those characters that stay with you forever.
7 — “The Adventures of the Bailey School Kids Series” by Debby Dadey and Marcia Thornton Jones
Related:
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Early chapter books for boys
1 — “Galaxy Zack" series by Ray O
For some crazy adventures in space, grab these books about Zak, a boy from Earth, who moves to an alien planet.
2 — “Nate the Great Detective" series by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
Getting all the facts, asking the right questions and solving mysteries. Sleuthing fans will love this series.
3 — “The Astonishing Secret of Awesome Man” by Michel Chabon and Jake Parker
From Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Michael Chabon comes an exciting book that captures the childhood thrill of superheroes.
4 — “Frankie Pickle" series by Eric Wright
Filled with hilarious adventures and comic-book-like illustrations, this series will keep boys reading and laughing.
5 — “Horrid Henry" series by Francessa Simon and Tony Ross
Trouble and hilarity abound in this series, tailor-made for boys.
6 — “The Chocolate Touch” by Patrick Skene Catling
A fun spin on the classic King Midas story, this book is a quick, entertaining read.
7 — “The Houdini Box” by Brian Selznick
Before Brian Selznick wrote and illustrated his Caldecott winning “The Invention of Hugo Cabret,” he created this thrilling, mysterious tale of a boy who longs to discover the secrets of famous magician Houdini.
Please feel free to share your's and your kids' favorites early chapter books on my Facebook page. Teri Harman, author and book enthusiast, writes a biweekly column for ksl.com and contributes book-related segments to "Studio 5." Her debut novel, "Blood Moon," is now available in stores and online. Join in the magic and chaos at teriharman.com.
