January 30

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Top 10 (or so) Chapter Books for Transitioning Readers by Arika Dickens

Posted by on January 30, 2016 in Top Ten Lists | 20 Comments

As an elementary teacher-librarian and a mother of two young readers ages 6 and 8, finding entry-level chapter books that have both a kid-friendly design (white space, font size, spacing, illustrations) and engaging characters/plot has been daunting.  But it can be done.  Below are 10 sure-fire hits in my school and home for the transitioning readers in grades 1-3…plus a couple of bonus picks. The best part: these are books that kids like, not just books that adults think kids should like. The proof is in their quotes.

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  1. Dory Fantasmagory by Abby Hanlon

Original and free spirited, Dory drives her family crazy with eccentric, imaginary characters that she brings to life like monster BFF Mary, gnome/fairy godmother Mr. Nuggy, and the villainous Mrs. Gobble-Gracker.  First in a trilogy.

 

“I liked when Dory and Mary fought Mrs. Gobble-Gracker. It had lots of pictures so I could tell what was really happening.” – Harper, 2nd grade

 

  1. Lulu and the Brontosaurus by Judith Viorst

Having not received the pet brontosaurus she demanded for her birthday, Lulu packs her bag and sets off to find the elusive animal.  First in a trilogy.

 

“I like that she sings the song about wanting a brontosaurus. There are two versions of it: one when she wants one, and one where she gets one. When she realizes that the brontosaurus wants her to be HIS pet, that was really funny.” – Lynzie, 1st grade

 

  1. The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes

Faced with realistic challenges like a destructive sibling and stage fright, 2nd grader Billy tackles the new school year with an honest – and ultimately courageous – heart.

 

“When Billy fell off the bridge and got a big bump on his head, his mom and dad were really worried. I liked that.” – Vaughn, 1st grade

 

  1. The Princess in Black by Shannon & Dean Hale

Princess Magnolia has a secret: when her glitter stone ring rings, she sneaks off to transform into her alter ego, the Princess in Black, who helps protect the kingdom’s goats from hungry monsters.  First in a series.

 

“It’s not just for girls. It’s for boys, too. It has fighting and monsters and stuff.” – Henry, 1st grade

 

  1. Tales of Bunjitsu Bunny by John Himmelman

As she encounters challenging scenarios and problems, martial-arts bunny Isabel utilizes clever thinking over muscle flexing in short, Zen-inspired stories.  First in a series.

 

“I like how she (Isabel) was smarter than all the others by using her head and not smashing through things.” – A., 2nd grade

 

  1. The Haunted Library by Dory Hillestad Butler

Kaz the ghost is separated from his family and ends up in a library with Claire, a real girl who is able to see and interact with ghosts…and who may be able to reunite Kaz with his brother. First in a series.

 

“Well, I like the mystery of the library ghost. I thought it was a cool and fun book to read and not scary at all.” – Megan, 3rd grade

 

  1. Captain Awesome to the Rescue! by Stan Kirby

Eugene’s the new kid in Sunnyville who loves comics and superheroes. Inspired by his heroes, he solves problems and saves his town from “bad guys” by transforming into Captain Awesome!  First in a series.

 

“Captain Awesome makes lots of funny jokes. Like in the first book, the baby has a really stinky diaper and he calls her Queen Stinkypants. The villains are funny, too.  I like all the Captain Awesome books!” – Taye, 3rd grade

 

  1. My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett

A wild adventure begins when Elmer, who hears of a captive dragon on Wild Island, runs away to free the dragon and claim the prize: a free ride.  An oldie but goodie! First in a trilogy.

 

“I like how when Elmer found the dragon, he wanted to help the dragon find his family. Elmer was being really nice. It was cool how they took flights in the forest, because I’d want to ride on a dragon, too.” – Hutton, 1st grade

 

  1. Bink and Gollie by Kate DiCamillo & Allison McGhee

Eccentric Bink and sensible Gollie are the best of friends. Three short stories showcase how true friendship can include compromise, patience, and compassion.  First in a trilogy.

“I liked when Bink went to the store where they had a bargain of socks. Bink was herself and chose the socks she liked, even though Gollie did not like them.” – Juliet, 3rd grade

 

  1. The Heroes in Training series by Joan Holub & Suzanne Williams

Action and mythology collide in this series, as Cronos and the rest of the Titans are wreaking havoc until 10-year-old Zeus discovers his exceptional powers and sets off to defeat the Titans alongside his fellow Olympians.

“The boys are adventurous, and I like adventures. When Zeus gets caught by half-giants, which are pretty much monsters, it was exciting.” – Ausby, 1st grade

 

…and a couple more:

  1. Mercy Watson series by Kate DiCamillo

Mercy’s an outgoing porcine wonder who loves hot buttered toast almost as much as her owners, Mr. and Mrs. Watson, love their darling, their dear pet pig.

“I like Officer Tomilello. He talks to himself when something is not right.” – H., 1st grade

 

 

  1. The Notebook of Doom: Rise of the Balloon Goons by Troy Cummings

Upon moving to a new town, Alexander discovers that balloon goons are running rampant and stealing air…but no one else seems to notice.  First in a series.

“I like the balloon monster people and how they were kind of everywhere, almost following you around. That was creepy.” – Brock, 3rd grade

 

Arika Dickens is an elementary teacher-librarian in the suburbs of Seattle who is passionate about finding that just-right book for every child.  Outside of the school library, she’s often found playing outside, building Legos, and reading stories with her family. Find her online at www.librarianarika.wordpress.com or @librarianarika on Twitter.