Want a break from screens and formal lesson plans? Family reading time is a great solution! Whether it’s a family read-aloud or silent sustained reading, the long-term benefits are indisputable. In the short-term, it’s a great time for you to decompress. While they’re reading, be sure to grab a good book too and join them!
But what should your child read? We’ve got you covered. From kid to kid, here’s a list of books and series that come highly recommended (with links to purchase them from your local bookstores). Let’s continue celebrating National Reading Month from home!
Recommended for ages 4-9
We Are in a Book!
By Mo Willems
Winner of the Caldecott Honor award, this book is one of many about best friends Elephant and Piggie and is both interactive and engaging for beginning readers.
Recommended Reading Level (RRL): ages 4-8
Do You Like My Bike?
By Norm Feuti
The first in the Hello Hedgehog! series, the endearing animal characters make reading fun for new readers.
RRL: ages 4-6
Super Turbo Saves the Day!
By Lee Kirby
Perfect for emerging readers, this is the first book in a new illustrated chapter book series about Super Turbo, the loveable class pet hamster who fights crime after the kids go home.
RRL: ages 5-9
The Bad Guys
By Aaron Blabey
A comical graphic novel series for young readers, Mr. Wolf, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Snake, and Mr. Shark are on a mission to become “the good guys.”
RRL: ages 6-9
Dinosaurs Before Dark (Magic Tree House #1)
By Mary Pope Osborne
This 50+ volume series has been entertaining kids for over twenty-five years and remains a kid favorite, especially for those just beginning chapter books.
RRL: ages 6-9
Recommended for ages 7 and up
Dogman
By Dav Pilkey
With the ability to make all kids laugh, this silly comic series features Dogman, a hero who is part dog, part human created by Harold and George, the mischievous boys from the Captain Underpants series (another favorite!)
RRL: ages 7-10
I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912
By Lauren Tarshis
This is part of the New York Times bestselling series, I Survived, about real events in history, told through the eyes of children, and appropriate for kids starting to read chapter books.
RRL: ages 7-12
Big Nate: From the Top
By Lincoln Peirce
The first in the 23-book series, this bestselling graphic novel series about 11-year-old Nate and his hilarious middle school antics is a favorite among boys.
RRL: ages 8-12
Kristy’s Great Idea (#1 Babysitter’s Club Graphic Novels)
By Ann M. Martin (illustrated by Raina Telgemeier)
Inspired by the original Babysitter’s Club series, Raina Telgemeier has reimagined the adventures of four best friends into graphic novels girls love!
RRL: ages 8-12
Diary of a Wimpy Kid #1
By Jeff Kinney
A hilarious graphic novel series about middle-schooler, Greg, and his feeble attempts at popularity.
RRL: ages 8-12
Who is Pele?
By James Buckley
This is the true story of a boy from Brazil who became the greatest soccer player of all time. Written for children who enjoy nonfiction, this is part of the Who Was? Series.
RRL: ages 8-12
Smile, Sisters, and Guts: box set
By Raina Telgemeier
A bestselling graphic memoir series based on the author’s life in middle school: a favorite among young girls!
RRL: ages 8-12
Mayhem on Mackinac Island (Michigan Chillers #1)
By Jonathan Rand
This series brings a spooky twist to famous landmarks in Michigan and will appeal to kids who like scary stories.
RRL: ages 8-12
The Nerdy Dozen
By Jeff Miller
About a group of video gamers who get wrapped up in a mission to save the world, this is the first in an action-adventure series.
RRL: ages 8-12
Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy
By Tui T Sutherland
This is the first in a fantasy series about five young dragons, geared for middle-grade readers.
RRL: ages 8-13
The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell
By Chris Colfer
This is a New York Times bestselling fantasy series about twin siblings and their adventures in the world of stories and fairy tales.
RRL: ages 8-12
The House in Poplar Wood
by K. E. Ormsbee
A book for middle-age kids, this stand-alone novel about an unusual family is both a fantasy and mystery that will keep your child reading far into the night.
RRL: ages 8-12
The Fairy Tale Detectives (The Sisters Grimm, Book 1)
By Michael Buckley
A fantasy series for older kids, this story about two orphaned sisters is both humorous and mysterious.
RRL: ages 8-12
Harry Potter and the Sorceror’s Stone
By J.K. Rowling
Children and adults alike continue to be captivated by Harry, Hogwarts, and the World of Wizardry.
RRL: ages 8+
Miles Morales: Spider-Man
By Jason Reynolds
This graphic novel adds a fresh take on the spider-man legacy by a multi-award-winning author for young adults.
RRL: ages 11+
