Short and Sweet: Chapter Books for the Beginning or Reluctant Reader

Young readers often make the jump to chapter books in the summer. It's a huge deal to move from easy readers like Henry and Mudge or Green Eggs and Ham to full-fledged chapter books. Finding something that challenges yet doesn't overwhelm can be tricky.

Critter Club series is a must read for young animal fans. This group of animal helpers encounter mystery, friendship issues, and family issues (age appropriately handled) while caring for the animals in their community.

Readers not quite ready for Judy Blume's Peter Hatcher stories should check out Friend or Fiend? With the Pain and the Great One. Trademarks of Blume's fiction for young readers--sibling conflict handled with humor and heartfelt resolution--are abundant here.

I Don't Believe It, Archie! is perfect for those who like their humor wacky and offbeat. Weird things are always happening to Archie: escaping a runaway piano, trapped in a house with a lion, and other outrageous things are everyday occurrences for Archie (usually while on his way to do an errand for his mother). Luckily, he manages to make a narrow escape each time. Some Briticisms (money, etc) may be unfamiliar to readers, but they don't get in the way of the story.


Need more ideas for easy chapter books? I wrote a post on the ALSC (Association for Library Services to Children) blog about recently published easy chapter book series.

Jennifer Schultz, Youth Services Librarian, Fauquier County Public Library