Favorite Books for Kids with Learning and Attention Issues

The great majority of book titles recommended by our survey takers were part of a series. Series books reintroduce beloved characters in new stories, with recognizable plot structures and familiar storylines such as making friends, solving mysteries, or going on amazing adventures. The author’s writing style also begins to feel familiar. These features can be reassuring to readers and make them eager to dive into the next book.

“I find series work well since the kids will usually read the entire series and they feel as if they know the characters.”

Browse the lists below to find lots of recommendations for series that appeal to kids. If you want to dig deeper, use Book Finder to search for more titles.

Humor

Many of the recommended books have humor at their core. One survey respondent said, “The humor captures their interest and they want to read more.”

“All children no matter their challenges love to laugh and have a good time, so any book that can spark that within them will be a big hit and get them going on the great journey to enjoy literacy.”

In the panel discussion, How to Get and Keep Boys Reading, author Jon Scieszka (and founder of the Guys Read(opens in a new window) initiative) makes a plea for more “funny books” … “a kid gets one of those books and he’s just going to give it to his friends.”

Survey recommendations:

• Alvin Ho(opens in a new window) series by Lenore Look (ages 6-9)
• Amelia Bedelia(opens in a new window) series by Peggy Parish (ages 3-6)
• Bad Guys(opens in a new window) series by Aaron Blabey (ages 6-9)
• Bad Kitty(opens in a new window) series by Nick Bruel (ages 6-9)
• Big Nate(opens in a new window) series by Lincoln Peirce (ages 6-9)
• Black Lagoon Adventures(opens in a new window) series by Mike Thaler (ages 6-9)
• Captain Underpants(opens in a new window) series by Dav Pilkey (ages 6-9)
• Chet Gecko(opens in a new window) series by Bruce Hale (ages 6-9)
• Chicken Squad(opens in a new window) series by Doreen Cronin (ages 6-9)
• Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type(opens in a new window) by Doreen Cronin (ages 3-6)
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid(opens in a new window) series by Jeff Kinney (ages 9-12)
• Diary of a Worm(opens in a new window) series by Doreen Cronin (ages 3-6)
• Dog Man(opens in a new window) series by Dav Pilkey (ages 6-9)
• Fancy Nancy(opens in a new window) (ages 3-6) and Nancy Clancy(opens in a new window) (ages 6-9) series by Jane O’Connor
• Fly Guy(opens in a new window) series by Tedd Arnold (ages 6-9)
• Frindle(opens in a new window) by Andrew Clements (ages 9-12)
• Go Dog Go(opens in a new window) by P.D. Eastman (ages 3-6)
• Hank Zipzer(opens in a new window) series by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver (ages 6-9)
• Judy Moody(opens in a new window) series by Megan McDonald (ages 6-9)
• Junie B. Jones(opens in a new window) series by Barbara Park (ages 6-9)
• Lunch Lady(opens in a new window) series by Jarrett Krosoczka (ages 6-9)
• Math Curse(opens in a new window) by Jon Scieszka
• Marvin Redpost(opens in a new window) series by Louis Sachar
• Pete the Cat(opens in a new window) series by James Dean (ages 3-6)
• Pigeon(opens in a new window) series by Mo Willems (ages 3-6)
• Ramona and Beezus(opens in a new window) books by Beverly Cleary (ages 6-9)
• Sideways Stories from Wayside School(opens in a new window) series by Louis Sachar (ages 9-12)
• Stink(opens in a new window) series by Megan McDonald (ages 6-9)

More recommended books from Reading Rockets:

• Frank Einstein(opens in a new window) series by Jon Scieszka (ages 9-12)
• Joey Pigza(opens in a new window) series by Jack Gantos (ages 9-12)

Fantasy and science fiction

There’s a reason that the Harry Potter books are among the most widely read stories ever. And why the Chronicles of Narnia books, the Hobbit series, and A Wrinkle in Time are enduring classics. Fantasy and science fiction ignite a child’s imagination — anything is possible and the genre stretches our thinking and curiosity muscles.

Fantasy and science fiction allow young readers to experiment with different ways of seeing their world. You can explore a “what if …” scenario and make connections between a fantasy world and the real one.

Survey recommendations:

• Amulet(opens in a new window) series by Kazu Kibuishi (ages 9-12)
• Artemis Fowl(opens in a new window) series by Eoin Colfer (ages 9-12)
• Bone(opens in a new window) series by Jeff Smith (ages 9-12)
• Dragon Masters(opens in a new window) series by Tracey West (ages 6-9)
• Dragon Slayers Academy(opens in a new window) series by Kate McMullan (ages 6-9)
• Dragonblood(opens in a new window) series by Michael Dahl (ages 9-12)
• Jedi Academy(opens in a new window) series by various authors (ages 9-12)
• Magic Tree House(opens in a new window) series by Mary Pope Osborne (ages 6-9)
• Percy Jackson(opens in a new window) series by Rick Riordan (ages 9-12)
• Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot(opens in a new window) series by Dav Pilkey and Dan Santat (ages 6-9)

More recommended books from Reading Rockets:

• Frank Einstein(opens in a new window) series by Jon Scieszka (ages 9-12)
• Princess in Black(opens in a new window) series by Shannon Hale (ages 6-9)
• Sardine in Outer Space(opens in a new window) series by Emmanuelle Guibert (ages 6-9)

Mysteries

Mysteries and detective stories have always been popular. The books are fun, and they keep kids using their critical thinking skills — guessing, inferring, predicting, and solving. Our readers recommend the Geronimo Stilton series, featuring a very funny mouse detective. Also popular: Chet Gecko, a wisecracking fourth-grade detective (think Sam Spade) who along with his mockingbird sidekick, solve schoolyard mysteries.

Kid detectives are very popular, from Encyclopedia Brown, where readers solve each mystery alongside the protagonist, to Cam Jansen, who uses her photographic memory to solve neighborhood mysteries. For kids who love sports, the Ballpark Mysteries are a perfect combination of sleuthing, trivia, and baseball. Young readers still love the classics, too: The Boxcar Children and Trixie Belden series.

Survey recommendations:

• 43 Old Cemetery Road(opens in a new window) series by Kate Klise (ages 6-9)
• A to Z Mysteries(opens in a new window) series by Ron Roy (ages 6-9)
• Boxcar Children(opens in a new window) series by Gertrude Chandler Warner (ages 6-9)
• Cam Jansen(opens in a new window) series by David Adler (ages 6-9)
• Chet Gecko(opens in a new window) series by Bruce Hale (ages 6-9)
• Chicken Squad(opens in a new window) series by Doreen Cronin (ages 6-9)
• Encyclopedia Brown(opens in a new window) series by Donald Sobol (ages 9-12)
• Geronimo Stilton(opens in a new window) series by Geronimo Stilton (ages 6-9)
• The Invention of Hugo Cabret(opens in a new window) by Brian Selznick (ages 9-12)
• Nate the Great(opens in a new window) series by Marjorie Sharmat (ages 6-9)
• Trixie Belden(opens in a new window) series by Julie Campbell (ages 9-12)

More recommended books from Reading Rockets:

• Ballpark Mysteries(opens in a new window) series by David A. Kelly (ages 6-9)
• King & Kayla(opens in a new window) series by Dori Hillestad Butler (ages 6-9)
• Precious Ramotswe Mysteries(opens in a new window) series by Alexander McCall Smith (ages 6-9)
• Secret Coders(opens in a new window) series by Gene Yang (ages 9-12)

Historical fiction

Historical fiction breathes life into history, adding depth and color to a young person’s understanding of the times, places, and people. Historical fiction can provide a helpful way into difficult subjects — for example, the Holocaust (Number the Stars) or the civil-rights movement (The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963). Historical fiction invites young readers to put themselves in the story by introducing relatable characters as well as revealing different points of view — essential to understanding history and how it is recorded and shared.

Survey recommendations:

• Al Capone: Tales from Alcatraz(opens in a new window) series by Jennifer Choldenko (ages 9-12)
• Back in Time(opens in a new window) series by Dan Gutman (ages 9-12)
• Four Points(opens in a new window) series by Hope Larson (ages 9-12)
• I Survived(opens in a new window) series by Lauren Tarshis (ages 9-12)
• Little House(opens in a new window) series by Laura Ingalls Wilder (ages 6-9)
• Magic Tree House(opens in a new window) series by Mary Pope Osborne (ages 6-9)
• Tucket’s Travels(opens in a new window) series by Gary Paulsen (ages 9-12)

More recommended books from Reading Rockets:

• Calpurnia Tate(opens in a new window) series by Jacqueline Kelly (ages 9-12)
• Dead End in Norvelt(opens in a new window) by Jack Gantos (ages 9-12)
• Number the Stars(opens in a new window) by Lois Lowry (ages 9-12)
• Ranger in Time(opens in a new window) series by Kate Messner (ages 6-9)
• Time Warp Trio(opens in a new window) series by Jon Scieszka (ages 6-9) 
• The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963(opens in a new window) by Christopher Paul Curtis (ages 9-12)

Biographies

Reading well-crafted books about the lives of remarkable people can be more engaging than fiction! Biographies reveal to kids how real-life people overcame obstacles in their own lives and helped make their community, country, or even the whole world a better place. In that way, biographies can inspire children to see the world in a new way, and imagine their own place in it. Biographies are also a great way to build a child’s background knowledge, and support their lerarning across all subject areas.

Biographies can seem like a tough sell with some children — the key is to match a child’s interests with the right book topic. For example, if you know a child who loves animals, you might introduce him to The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life with the Chimps by Jeannette Winter. Or if you know a child who loves to invent and build things, introduce her to Neo Leo: The Agerless Ideas of Leonardo da Vinci by Gene Baretta. Many of our survey respondents like the biography series listed below.

Survey recommendations:

• Ordinary People Change the World(opens in a new window) series by Brad Meltzer (ages 3-6)
• Picture Book Biographies(opens in a new window) series by David Adler (ages 6-9)
• Who Was? /Who Is?(opens in a new window) series (ages 9-12)

More recommended books from Reading Rockets:

• American Revolution biographies(opens in a new window) by Jean Fritz (ages 6-9)
• Latino / Latina picture book biographies(opens in a new window) by Monica Brown (ages 6-9)
• Lives of (and What the Neighbors Thought)(opens in a new window) series by Kathleen Krull (ages 9-12)
• Women Who Broke the Rules(opens in a new window) series by Kathleen Krull (ages 6-9)

The best way to encourage kids to read more is to provide books that tap into their natural interests! You may already know a child who loves adventure stories, another who devours books filled with fascinating facts about our world, and another who is sports crazy. Other children enjoy books about family life and school because they can connect to the characters and really see themselves in those stories. Luckily, there are many wonderful titles in all of these areas for children to explore.

Learning about American or world history doesn’t need to be dry and just-the-facts. The books listed below offer an exciting look at different historical periods through the lives of real people and the events that swirled around them. The graphic novel format of Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales is rich in detail and thrilling to read. The “scrapbook histories” give young readers an intimate glimpse into the lives of famous people in history.

The Eyewitness Books are also very popular — you can find one on just about any topic — and they are filled with lively illustrations, photographs, timelines, diagrams and other graphical elements.

Action and adventure

Survey recommendations:

• Amulet(opens in a new window) series by Kazu Kibuishi (ages 9-12)
• Back in Time(opens in a new window) series by Dan Gutman (ages 9-12)
• Bad Guys(opens in a new window) series by Aaron Blabey (ages 6-9)
• Bird & Squirrel(opens in a new window) series by James Burks (ages 6-9)
• Bone(opens in a new window) series by Jeff Smith (ages 9-12)
• Dog Man(opens in a new window) series by Dav Pilkey (ages 6-9)
• Dragonblood(opens in a new window) series by Michael Dahl (ages 9-12)
• Flat Stanley(opens in a new window) series by Jeff Brown (ages 6-9)
• Hatchet(opens in a new window) by Gary Paulsen (ages 9-12)
• LEGO Ninjago(opens in a new window) readers and chapter book series by various authors (ages 5-9)
• LEGO Superheroes(opens in a new window) readers and chapter book  series by various authors (ages 5-9)
• Magic Tree House(opens in a new window) series by Mary Pope Osborne (ages 6-9)
• Percy Jackson(opens in a new window) series by Rick Riordan (ages 9-12)
• Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot(opens in a new window) series by Dav Pilkey and Dan Santat (ages 6-9)
• Tucket’s Travels(opens in a new window) series by Gary Paulsen (ages 9-12)
• Zinc Alloy(opens in a new window) series by Donald Lemke (ages 6-9)

Families and growing up

“They love books with humor. They love stories about kids who make mistakes and get in trouble and learn from their mistakes.”

Survey recommendations:

• Alvin Ho(opens in a new window) series by Lenore Look (ages 6-9)
• Clementine(opens in a new window) series by Sara Pennypacker (ages 6-9)
• Ghosts(opens in a new window) by Raina Telgemeier (ages 9-12)
• Henry and Mudge(opens in a new window) series by Cynthia Rylant (ages 3-6)
• Judy Moody(opens in a new window) series by Megan McDonald (ages 6-9)
• Julian (opens in a new window)series by Ann Cameron (ages 6-9)
• Katie Woo(opens in a new window) series by Fran Manushkin (ages 5-7)
• Lemonade Wars(opens in a new window) series by Jacqueline Davies (ages 6-9)
• Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse(opens in a new window) by Kevin Henkes (ages 3-6)
• Ramona and Beezus(opens in a new window) and Henry Huggins(opens in a new window) books by Beverly Cleary (ages 6-9)
• Sisters(opens in a new window) by Raina Telgemeier (ages 9-12)
• Stink(opens in a new window) series by Megan McDonald (ages 6-9)

More recommended books from Reading Rockets:

• Baby-Sitters Club(opens in a new window) series by Ann Martin and illustrated by Raina Telgemeier (ages 6-9)
• Dyamonde Daniel(opens in a new window) series by Nikki Grimes (ages 6-9)
• Freddie Ramos: Zapato Power(opens in a new window) series by Jacqueline Jules (ages 6-9)
• Jasmine Toguchi: Mochi Queen(opens in a new window) series by Debbi Michiko Florence (ages 6-9)
• Ling and Ting(opens in a new window) series by Grace Lin (ages 6-9)
• Lola Levine(opens in a new window) series by Monica Brown (ages 6-9)

School days

“The heroes in these books are kids who are struggling, kids who end up in the principal’s office, kids who are real kids.”

Survey recommendations:

• Black Lagoon Adventures(opens in a new window) series by Mike Thaler (ages 6-9)
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid(opens in a new window) series by Jeff Kinney (ages 9-12)
• Dork Diaries(opens in a new window) series by Rachel Renée Russell (ages 9-12)
• Drama(opens in a new window) by Raina Telgemeier
• El Deafo(opens in a new window) by Cece Bell (ages 9-12)
• Frindle(opens in a new window) by Andrew Clements (ages 9-12)
• Hank Zipzer(opens in a new window) series by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver (ages 6-9)
• Jedi Academy(opens in a new window) series by various authors (ages 9-12)
• Lunch Lady(opens in a new window) series by Jarrett J. Krosoczka (ages 6-9)
• Marvin Redpost(opens in a new window) series by Louis Sachar (ages 6-9)
• Middle School(opens in a new window) series by James Patterson (ages 9-12)
• Origami Yoda(opens in a new window) series by Tom Angleberger (ages 9-12)
• Sideways Stories from Wayside School(opens in a new window) series by Louis Sachar (ages 9-12)
• Smile(opens in a new window) by Raina Telgemeier (ages 9-12)
• Wonder(opens in a new window) by R.J. Palacio (ages 9-12)

More recommended books from Reading Rockets:

• Gooney Bird Greene(opens in a new window) series by Lois Lowry (ages 6-9)
• Real Friends(opens in a new window) by Shannon Hale (ages 9-12)

Sports

Survey recommendations:

• Comeback Kids(opens in a new window) series by Mike Lupica (ages 9-12)
• Matt Christopher Sports Classics(opens in a new window) series (ages 9-12)
• Matt Christopher Legends in Sports(opens in a new window) series (ages 9-12)
• Mike Lupica(opens in a new window) fiction (ages 10 and up)
• Tim Green(opens in a new window) fiction (ages 9-12)
• Who Was? /Who Is?(opens in a new window) series (ages 9-12)

More recommended books from Reading Rockets:

• The Crossover(opens in a new window) by Kwame Alexander (ages 9-12)
• Ghost(opens in a new window) by Jason Reynolds (ages 9-12)
• Sports Story(opens in a new window) series by Fred Bowen (ages 9-12)

Animal facts

“The science books are interesting and engaging — spiders, snakes, tornadoes, hurricanes. My kids love to learn about animals, weather, outer space so they love to choose books on those topics.”

Survey recommendations:

• DK Readers(opens in a new window) leveled books about animals (ages 6-12)
• Gail Gibbons(opens in a new window) books about animals (ages 3-9)
• I Spy Animals(opens in a new window) by Jean Marzollo (ages 3-6)
• National Geographic Kids(opens in a new window) books about animals (ages 3-12)
• Who Would Win?(opens in a new window) series by Jerry Pallotta (ages 6-9)

More recommended books from Reading Rockets:

• Seymour Simon(opens in a new window) books about animals (ages 6-9)
• Steve Jenkins(opens in a new window) books about animals (ages 3-12)
• Susan Stockdale(opens in a new window) books about animals (ages 3-6)

History

Survey recommendations:

• If You Lived(opens in a new window) series by various authors (ages 6-9)
• Magic Tree House Fact Tracker(opens in a new window) series by Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce (ages 9-12)
• Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales(opens in a new window) series by Nathan Hale (ages 9-12)
• On My Own History(opens in a new window) series by various authors (ages 6-9)

More recommended books from Reading Rockets:

• Cobblestone Magazine(opens in a new window) by Cricket Media (ages 9-12)
• Jean Fritz(opens in a new window) books about American history (ages 6-9)
• The Lincolns: A Scrapbook History of Abraham and Mary(opens in a new window) by Candace Fleming (ages 9-12)
• Our Eleanor: A Scrapbook Look at Eleanor Roosevelt’s Remarkable Life(opens in a new window) by Candace Fleming (ages 9-12)

Fascinating facts

Survey recommendations:

• 5,000 Awesome Facts (About Everything)(opens in a new window) by National Geographic Kids (ages 9-12)
• Guinness World Records(opens in a new window) (ages 6-12)
• Guinness World Records: Amazing Animals(opens in a new window) (ages 6-9)
• Guinness World Records: Science and Stuff(opens in a new window) (ages 6-12)
• Little Kids First Big Book(opens in a new window) series by National Geographic (ages 3-6)

More recommended books from Reading Rockets:

• Bet You Didn’t Know: Fascinating, Far-out, Fun-tastic Facts!(opens in a new window) by National Geographic Kids (ages 9-12)
• Big Book of How(opens in a new window) by Time for Kids (ages 9-12)
• Big Book of Why(opens in a new window) by Time for Kids (ages 9-12)
• Pop-Up House of Inventions(opens in a new window) by Robert Crowther (ages 6-9 years)

Eyewitness books

“Evolving readers will read several grade levels over their normal level if they are interested in the topic, so nonfiction is a super option for any struggling reader.”

Graphic novels are very popular, and especially appealing to readers who may not pick up a more traditional book on their own. Readers are drawn to the lively, easy-to-follow storylines, the action found in many graphic novels, and the accessible text. The pictures in graphic novels are expressive, simple, and rich all at the same time. The images provide big clues about character and plot and encourage readers to look closely.

Easy readers and beginning chapter books are a great bridge from picture books to longer, more text-heavy chapter books. Many of the most popular are part of a series, so kids who love Elephant and Piggie or Here’s Hank, for example, will want to jump into the next book. Quick, fun reads build confidence!

Audiobooks allow kids who struggle with decoding to enjoy stories above their reading level, and to connect directly with the story and the storyteller. And listening to stories exposes kids to complex, rich vocabulary and language. Audiobooks also model fluent, expressive reading and strengthen critical listening skills.

Graphic novels

“Graphic novels provide great visual cues. Speech bubbles help with expression. The creative imagination of the authors and illustrators is captivating.”

Survey recommendations:

• Amulet(opens in a new window) series by Kazu Kibuishi (ages 9-12)
• Babymouse(opens in a new window) series by Jennifer Holm and Matt Holm (ages 6-9)
• Bad Guys(opens in a new window) series by Aaron Blabey (ages 6-9)
• Big Nate(opens in a new window) series by Lincoln Peirce (ages 6-9)
• Bird & Squirrel(opens in a new window) series by James Burks (ages 6-9)
• Bone(opens in a new window) series by Jeff Smith (ages 9-12)
• Captain Underpants(opens in a new window) series by Dav Pilkey (ages 6-9)
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid(opens in a new window) series by Jeff Kinney (ages 9-12)
• Dog Man(opens in a new window) series by Dav Pilkey (ages 6-9)
• Drama(opens in a new window) by Raina Telgemeier
• El Deafo(opens in a new window) by Cece Bell (ages 9-12)
• Ghosts(opens in a new window) by Raina Telgemeier (ages 9-12)
• Jedi Academy(opens in a new window) series by various authors (ages 9-12)
• LEGO Superheroes(opens in a new window) readers and chapter book  series by various authors (ages 5-9)
• Lunch Lady(opens in a new window) series by Jarrett J. Krosoczka (ages 6-9)
• Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales(opens in a new window) series by Nathan Hale (ages 9-12)
• Sisters(opens in a new window) by Raina Telgemeier (ages 9-12)
• Smile(opens in a new window) by Raina Telgemeier (ages 9-12)
• Squish(opens in a new window) series by Jennifer Holm and Matt Holm (ages 6-9)
• Zinc Alloy(opens in a new window) series by Donald Lemke (ages 6-9)

More recommended books from Reading Rockets:

• Baby-Sitters Club(opens in a new window) series by Ann Martin and illustrated by Raina Telgemeier (ages 6-9)
• Rapunzel’s Revenge(opens in a new window) series by Shannon Hale (ages 9-12)
• Real Friends(opens in a new window) by Shannon Hale (ages 9-12)
• Sardine in Outer Space(opens in a new window) series by Emmanuelle Guibert (ages 6-9)
• Secret Coders(opens in a new window) series by Gene Yang (ages 9-12)
• TOON(opens in a new window) series by various authors (ages 3-9)

Classic literature as graphic novels

“Some classics have been rewritten in graphic novel form. When I find them, I try to buy them. Even for my good readers, a graphic novel can be less intimidating at times. My hope is that once they have read the graphic novel, there might be some interest in reading the original version.”

​Recommended books from Reading Rockets:​(opens in a new window)

• Classics Illustrated(opens in a new window) by various authors (ages 9 and up)
• The Complete Don Quixote(opens in a new window) by Cervantes (ages 12 and up)
• The Odyssey(opens in a new window) by Gareth Hinds, based on epic poem by Homer (ages 12 and up)
• Romeo and Juliet (opens in a new window)by Gareth Hinds, based on the play by William Shakespeare (ages 12 and up)
• A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel(opens in a new window) by Hope Larson, adapted from the book by Madeleinme L’Engle (ages 9-12)

Picture books: old favorites

Survey recommendations:

• Brown Bear, Brown Bear(opens in a new window) by Bill Martin Jr. (ages 3-6)
• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom(opens in a new window) by Bill Martin Jr. (ages 0-6)
• Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type(opens in a new window) by Doreen Cronin (ages 3-6)
• Clifford(opens in a new window) series by Norman Bridwell (ages 3-6)
• Curious George(opens in a new window) by H.A. Rey (ages 3-6)
• The Giving Tree(opens in a new window) by Shel Silverstein (ages 6-9)
• Green Eggs and Ham(opens in a new window) by Dr. Seuss (ages 3-6)
• If You Give a Mouse a Cookie(opens in a new window) by Laura Numeroff (ages 3-6)
• Inch by Inch(opens in a new window) by Leo Lionni (ages 3-6)
• Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse(opens in a new window) by Kevin Henkes (ages 3-6)
• Make Way for Ducklings(opens in a new window) by Robert McCloskey (ages 3-6)
• Strega Nona(opens in a new window) by Tomie dePaola (ages 3-6)
• Sylvester and the Magic Pebble(opens in a new window) by William Steig (ages 6-9)
• Where the Wild Things Are(opens in a new window) by Maurice Sendak (ages 3-6)

Easy readers

“The Elephant and Piggie books launch many of my beginning readers into reading success. The strugglers are successful because the words mirror the pictures. The books are funny, and the children want to read them over and over again. The children who struggle with reading are surprised that they have read the entire book, then they want to do more reading.”

Survey recommendations:

• Biscuit(opens in a new window) series and Katy Duck series(opens in a new window) by Alyssa Capucilli (ages 3-6)
• BOB Books(opens in a new window) series by Bobby Lynn Maslen (ages 3-6)
• Dr. Seuss(opens in a new window) books (ages 3-6)
• Elephant and Piggie(opens in a new window) series by Mo Willems (ages 3-6)
• Fly Guy(opens in a new window) series by Tedd Arnold (ages 6-9)
• Frog and Toad(opens in a new window) series by Arnold Lobel (ages 3-6)
• Go Dog Go(opens in a new window) by P.D. Eastman (ages 3-6)
• Henry and Mudge(opens in a new window) series by Cynthia Rylant (ages 3-6)
• Mr. Putter and Tabby(opens in a new window) series by Cynthia Rylant (ages 6-9)
• Penny the Mouse(opens in a new window) series by Kevin Henkes (ages 3-6)
• Pete the Cat(opens in a new window) series by James Dean (ages 3-6)
• Splat the Cat(opens in a new window) series by Rob Scotton (ages 3-6)

Recommended books from Reading Rockets:​(opens in a new window)

• King & Kayla(opens in a new window) series by Dori Hillestad Butler (ages 6-9)
• Fox(opens in a new window) series by James Marshall (ages 6-9)
• TOON(opens in a new window) series by various authors (ages 3-9)

Beginning chapter books

Survey recommendations:

• Alvin Ho(opens in a new window) series by Lenore Look (ages 6-9)
• Amelia Bedelia(opens in a new window) series by Peggy Parish (ages 3-6)
• Bad Kitty(opens in a new window) series by Nick Bruel (ages 6-9)
• Black Lagoon Adventures(opens in a new window) series by Mike Thaler (ages 6-9)
• Chicken Squad(opens in a new window) series by Doreen Cronin (ages 6-9)
• Dragon Masters(opens in a new window) series by Tracey West (ages 6-9)
• Dragon Slayers Academy(opens in a new window) series by Kate McMullan (ages 6-9)
• Flat Stanley(opens in a new window) series by Jeff Brown (ages 6-9)
• Fly Guy(opens in a new window) series by Tedd Arnold (ages 6-9)
• Here’s Hank(opens in a new window) series by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver (ages 6-9)
• Julian (opens in a new window)series by Ann Cameron (ages 6-9)
• Junie B. Jones(opens in a new window) series by Barbara Park (ages 6-9)
• Katie Woo(opens in a new window) series by Fran Manushkin (ages 5-7)
• LEGO Ninjago(opens in a new window) readers and chapter book series by various authors (ages 5-9)
• Lulu(opens in a new window) series by Hilary McKay (ages 6-9)
• Marvin Redpost(opens in a new window) series by Louis Sachar (ages 6-9)
• Mercy Watson(opens in a new window) series by Kate DiCamillo (ages 6-9)
• Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot(opens in a new window) series by Dav Pilkey and Dan Santat (ages 6-9)

More recommended books from Reading Rockets:

• Bink and Gollie(opens in a new window) series by Kate DiCamillo (ages 6-9)
• Dyamonde Daniel(opens in a new window) series by Nikki Grimes (ages 6-9)
• Ling and Ting(opens in a new window) series by Grace Lin (ages 6-9)
• Lola Levine(opens in a new window) series by Monica Brown (ages 6-9)
• Precious Ramotswe Mysteries(opens in a new window) series by Alexander McCall Smith (ages 6-9)
• Rabbit and Robot(opens in a new window) series by Cece Bell (ages 6-9)

Audio books

Survey recommendations:

• Because of Winn Dixie(opens in a new window) by Kate DiCamillo
• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory(opens in a new window) by Roald Dahl
• Charlotte’s Web(opens in a new window) by E.B. White
• The Cricket in Times Square(opens in a new window) by George Selden
• Hank the Cow Dog(opens in a new window) series by John R. Erickson
• Harry Potter(opens in a new window) series by J.K. Rowling 
• Hatchet(opens in a new window) by Gary Paulsen
• Magic Tree House(opens in a new window) series by Mary Pope Osborne
• The Mouse and the Motorcycle(opens in a new window) by Beverly Cleary
• Penderwick(opens in a new window) series by Jeanne Birdsall
• Percy Jackson(opens in a new window) series by Rick Riordan
• Shiloh (opens in a new window)by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
• Song of the Lioness(opens in a new window) series by Tamora Pierce
• The Tale of Despereaux(opens in a new window) by Kate DiCamillo
• Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing(opens in a new window) by Judy Blume
• The Watsons Go to Birmingham(opens in a new window) by Christopher Paul Curtis
• Wonder(opens in a new window) by R.J. Palacio

Recommended books:

• Clementine(opens in a new window) series by Sara Pennypacker (ages 6-9)
• Here’s Hank(opens in a new window) series by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver (ages 6-9)
• Hank Zipzer(opens in a new window) series by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver (ages 9-12)
• My Name Is Brain Brian(opens in a new window) by Jeanne Betancourt (ages 9-12)
• Percy Jackson(opens in a new window) series by Rick Riordan (ages 9-12)
• Thank You Mr. Falker(opens in a new window) by Patricia Polacco (ages 6-9)

More recommended books from Reading Rockets:

• A Boy Called Bat(opens in a new window) and Bat and the Waiting Game(opens in a new window) by Elana K. Arnold (ages 6-9)
• Fish in a Tree (opens in a new window)by Linda Mullaly Hunt (ages 10 and up)
• Joey Pigza(opens in a new window) series by Jack Gantos (ages 9-12)
• Mockingbird (opens in a new window)by Kathryn Erskine (ages 10 and up)