Great Chapter Books for Family Reading

Hatching Magic by Ann Downer

When a thirteenth-century wizard confronts twenty-first century Boston while seeking his pet dragon, he is followed by a rival wizard and a very unhappy demon, but eleven-year-old Theodora Oglethorpe may hold the secret to setting everything right.

Kenny and the Dragon by Tony DiTerlizzi

Kenny is a little rabbit with a very big problem. His two best friends are heading into a battle of legendary proportions—with each other! In one corner there’s Graeme, a well-read and cultured dragon with sophisticated tastes. In the other there’s George, a retired knight and dragon slayer who would be content to spend the rest of his days in his bookshop.

Ms. Rapscott’s Girls by Elisa Primavera

At Great Rapscott School for the Daughters of Busy Parents, the lessons learned are far from the ordinary. From getting lost on purpose to a making birthday cake, Ms. Rapscott strives to create well-rounded students who can enjoy an adventure.

The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher by Dana Levy

With four brothers, a dog, a cat, school projects, soccer matches, and a grumpy neighbor, the Fletchers are your typical American family…with two dads, and siblings who are adopted kids from various ethnic backgrounds.

The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg

Claudia is bored. She's ready for a big change, but wants to make sure she does it with style. When she decides to run away, she carefully appoints a partner (her younger brother), and selects a destination (The Metropolitan Museum of Art), but there are some adventures you simply can't plan in advance.

Nany X (series) by Madelyn Rosenberg

Ten-year-old Ali and 8-year-old Jake learn that their new nanny is actually an undercover crime buster in an action-packed and hilarious short novel that stars a Mary Poppins for the 21stcentury. 

Magic Marks the Spot (series) by Caroline Carlson

When Hilary Westfield escapes Miss Pim's finishing school to join a misfit pirate crew, she embarks on an unexpectedly magical swashbuckling, plank-walking, searfaring journey

The Penderwicks (series) by Jeanne Birdsall

This summer the Penderwick sisters have a wonderful surprise: a holiday on the grounds of a beautiful manor called Arundel. Soon they are busy discovering the summertime magic of Arundel’s sprawling estate. But the best discovery of all is Jeffrey Tifton, son of Arundel’s owner, who quickly proves to be the perfect companion for their adventures.

The Pepins and Their Problems by Polly Horvath

Whether it's waking up to find toads in their shoes, becoming trapped on the roof, or searching for cheese when their cow makes only lemonade, the Pepin family always seem to get into the most bizarre scrapes. Lucky for them, they have an author with large psychic antennae and great problem-solving readers who can join the Pepins on their hilarious adventures.

Ruby Holler by Sharon Creech

Thirteen-year-old fraternal twins Dallas and Florida have grown up in a terrible orphanage but their lives change forever when an eccentric but sweet older couple invites them each on an adventure, beginning in an almost magical place called Ruby Holler.

Saxby Smart, Private Detective (series) by Simon Cheshire

Saxby Smart is no ordinary ten-year-old. He's the best detective in the world. With the help of his Thinking Chair and his two best friends, Saxby solves three of his most puzzling cases. The reader solves the mystery alongside him.

Story of Diva and Flea by Mo Willems

Diva, a small yet brave dog, and Flea, a curious streetwise cat, develop an unexpected friendship in this unforgettable tale of discovery.

Tuesdays at the Castle (series) by Jessica Day George

Every Tuesday, Castle Glower takes on a life of its own-magically inventing, moving, and even completely getting rid of some of its rooms and Celie spends her days mapping these changes out. When the castle is ambushed and Celie's parents and oldest brother go missing, it's up to her to protect their home and save their kingdom.

Tumtum & Nutmeg: adventures beyond Nutmouse Hall (series) by Emily Bearn

In three thrilling tales of daring and wit, Tumtum and Nutmeg-along with veteran hero General Marchmouse, Ms. Tiptoe's bouncing ballerina army, and a team of caged gerbils--prove that small-size mice can have world-size hearts.