The 50 best read-aloud chapter books for young kids (2024)

I love to read chapter books aloud to my two boys. Even though my six year old is getting to the point where he can read on his own I still love snuggling up with a good book with my boys on either side of me. It is great bonding time and fun to have an excuse to reread your favorite childhood books or discover a new adventure together.

We have a very comprehensive list of 50 of our favorite chapter books that we are going to break down into 3 categories:

1. Best chapter books for 6 year olds (first grade)
2. Chapter books for second grade boys and girls
3. Our favorite 3rd grade chapter book series

Here are a few things I have learned while reading chapter books to my kids

• Don’t underestimate your child’s reading comprehension! There have been times when I’ve been reading and I think to myself that there is NO way my kids are catching on to this story, but they do! Jungle Book was one of those books. My husband read it aloud to them and the first time I heard him reading I was sure my boys would never ask to hear more, but they did, and they loved the book.
• Books that have a drawing every few pages are nice to keep them engaged (especially for my 4-year old), but it isn’t necessary. Sometimes it’s fun to see their imaginations working without looking at pictures.
• This part is fun. Or embarrassing. Or will get you out of your comfort zone. Or is a great way to practice being a stage actor. However you look at it, don’t forget to use dramatic voices and use your hands. Give each character their own voice. Nothing will make your child lose interest in the story quicker than a monotone voice. The story doesn’t have to be read in a boring way, make it fun and even a little silly.
• If there is a book that is terrifying your child or you feel the material may be too much for them, put it away and try again when they are older. Don’t scar your child with a book, we want reading to be fun! My six year old was a little nervous by BFG, but insisted he was okay. If I knew he was seriously terrified we would have put it away for when he was ready. You want the books to spark their imagination and to help them form a love of reading, not to create nightmares.

I’ve provided an easy amazon link for all the books we are featuring. I hope this helps in your quest to have some bonding time with your little ones!

Best chapter books for 6 year olds (First Grade)

As your little one takes their first steps into the enchanting world of chapter books, it’s essential to choose stories that captivate their imagination and foster a love for reading. At the age of 6, children are developing their reading skills and are ready to dive into more complex narratives. Here’s a curated list of the best chapter books for 6-year-olds that will transport them to magical realms, introduce them to unforgettable characters, and instill a lifelong love for books.

1. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
2. Stuart Little by E.B. White
3. The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
4. Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard Atwater
5. Toys Go Out by Emily Jenkins
6. The Great Brain by John D. Fitzgerald
7. The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks
8. The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
9. Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park
10. The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne
11. Peter Pan by Bobby Driscoll
12. Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
13. The Doll People by Ann M. Martin
14. The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
15. The Trumpet of the Swan by E. B. White
16. Freckle Juice by Judy Blume
17. The Judy Moody by Megan McDonald
18. Rufus M. by Eleanor Estes
19. How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell
20. Fat Men From Space by Daniel Manus Pinkwater

Chapter books for second grade boys and girls

Entering the world of chapter books is an exciting milestone for young readers, and second grade is a crucial time to foster a love for independent reading. For boys and girls in second grade, the right chapter book can open up a universe of imagination, curiosity, and wonder. In this section, we’ll explore a curated list of engaging chapter books that are sure to captivate the adventurous spirit of second-grade boys and girls.

1. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
2. The BFG by Roald Dahl
3. The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling
4. Matilda by Roald Dahl
5. Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar
6. The Borrowers by Mary Norton
7. The Moffats by Eleanor Estes
8. How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell
9. Holes by Louis Sachar
10. Danny the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl
11. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
12. Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl
13. The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson
14. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien
15. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
16. Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
17. Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
18. Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell
19. Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary
20. Secret Agent Jack Stalwart by Elizabeth Singer Hunt

3rd grade chapter book series

Embarking on the literary adventure of a lifetime, 3rd-grade chapter book series open the doors to a magical realm where imagination knows no bounds. Designed to captivate young minds, these series seamlessly blend storytelling with valuable life lessons, fostering a love for reading that lasts a lifetime. In this section, we’ll delve into the enchanting universe of 3rd-grade chapter book series, exploring the reasons they are cherished by young readers and their impact on literary development.

1. Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne
2. Hank the Cowdog series by John R. Erickson
3. Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis
4. The Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warner
5. Ivy & Bean series by Annie Barrows
6. The Little House Collection by Laura Ingalls Wilder
7. The Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi
8. Choose Your Own Adventure books
9. Nancy Drew by Carolyn Keene
10. Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren

Conclusion

In concluding our exploration of read-aloud chapter books, the joy of snuggling up with my boys for a good book remains a cherished bonding time, even as my eldest starts to read independently. Our compiled list of 50 favorite chapter books caters to the evolving tastes and reading levels of young minds, guiding parents through enchanting tales for first graders, adventurous narratives for second graders, and captivating series for third graders. From the valuable lessons learned about children’s comprehension and the power of imagination to the advice on using dramatic voices, our journey emphasizes creating an engaging experience that fosters a lifelong love for reading.

As we share our curated list, complete with convenient Amazon links, it is my hope that it serves as a helpful guide for fellow parents, caregivers, and educators seeking to embark on their own literary adventures. May these stories be the foundation of treasured memories, the catalysts for vibrant imaginations, and the fuel for a lifelong passion for the written word. Happy reading!

I made another awesome list of read-aloud chapter books from your suggestions and comments.

Click the picture below to check it out:

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