Best Books for Early Chapter Book Readers

The leap from picture books to chapter books is huge. These transitional reads use short chapters, illustrations, and accessible language to give new independent readers the confidence of finishing a "real" book.

30,852 books

Addy's Cup of Sugar

Jon J. Muth

For the child grappling with the heavy heart of losing a pet and needing to understand that they are not alone in their

Ages 4–8

Arnie #1

Arnie and the New Kid

Nancy Carlson

Arnie never gave much thought to his classmate in a wheelchair until a set of crutches helps him see the world from a br

Ages 4–8

A World After...

An Asteroid Strike

Alex Woolf

For the curious middle grader who wonders about the secrets of the cosmos and the science behind Earth's most dramatic n

Ages 8–12

My Big Fat Teen Crisis

Jenny Smith

For the teen feeling uprooted by a family move, this diary-style comedy captures the awkwardness of starting over in the

Ages 11–14

Rhinos Who... #1

Rhinos Who Snowboard

Julie Mammano

Rhinos hit the slopes with major style, mastering the mountain and teaching you the coolest snowboarding lingo along the

Ages 3–7

A Year Without Autumn

Liz Kessler

Jenni's much-anticipated vacation with her family and best friend, Autumn, is disrupted when a mysterious old elevator t

Ages 8–12

Penguin Pippin and his Friends

Vacation on Antarctica

Paweł Jedynak

For the curious child who dreams of icy adventures and meeting penguins, this gentle journey explores a magical frozen w

Ages 3–7

I Love You #2

I Love You Baby from Head to Toe!

Karen Pandell

A warm, rhythmic celebration of your baby's body, perfect for cuddling and building self-awareness through gentle rhymes

Ages 0–3

Troy High

Shana Norris

High school football turns into an epic battlefield when an ancient rivalry ignites, forcing Cassie to choose between a

Ages 12–17

The Things with Wings

Gregory Holch

Newton and his butterfly-obsessed friend Vanessa chase a seasonal mystery at Angel Falls while undergoing life-changing

Ages 8–12

Spy Kids Adventures #10

Best Friend Fiasco

Elizabeth Lenhard

For the young problem-solver learning to navigate sibling rivalry and trust, this mystery uses math puzzles to identify

Ages 7–10

Maybe Tomorrow?

Charlotte Agell

For the child grappling with the heavy, invisible weight of grief or loss, whether it is the death of a pet or a friend

Ages 4–8

Women of Our Time

Diana: Twentieth-Century Princess

Patricia Reilly Giff

The most fascinating thing you'll learn is how Princess Diana balanced the heavy weight of royal duties with her role as

Ages 7–11

Animal Moves Out #1

Goat Moves Out of the Barnyard

Nikki Potts

For the child who feels overwhelmed by noisy siblings or friends and thinks moving away is the only solution to find pea

Ages 5–7

Birds in colors

Mickael Poloti

For the child who marvels at the natural world and wants to learn about the diversity of wildlife through vibrant, real-

Ages 6–10

On the Go! #2

Tugboats

Matt Doeden

For the child who is fascinated by heavy machinery and big boats, this guide reveals how small tugs use their power to g

Ages 4–7

Defy #2

Ignite

Sara B. Larson

For the teen navigating the heavy weight of new responsibilities while trying to stay true to their heart in the face of

Ages 12–18

Kids Around the World

We Live in China

Pascal Pilon, Elisabeth Thomas

For the child curious about life across the globe, this photographic journey offers a window into the diverse daily rout

Ages 8–12

Ada Twist, Scientist

Ghost Busted

Gabrielle Meyer

For the child who loves a good scare but also enjoys a silly twist, this story flips the script to show that perspective

Ages 6–9

Choose Your Own Adventure #5

Mystery of the Maya

R. A. Montgomery

For the child who thrives on agency and loves to be the hero, this interactive adventure builds confidence by letting th

Ages 8–12

Look and Learn #3

A Night in Town

Heinz Kurth

For the curious child who wonders what happens when the streetlights come on and the world goes to sleep. Discover the h

Ages 5–9

Read All About #2

Cats

Jaclyn Jaycox

For the child who is about to welcome a new kitten or loves every cat they meet on the sidewalk. This simple guide build

Ages 5–8

My Very First Book #4

My Very First Book of Words

Eric Carle

For the curious toddler eager to name everything they see. This interactive split-page book turns learning first words i

Ages 1–4

A Long Way Away

Frank Viva

For the child who finds comfort in the rhythm of home and away, this unique vertical book explores the wonder of long jo

Ages 3–7