Book series for first graders: Best book series for 1st graders — ever

Опубликовано: December 27, 2022 в 12:12 pm

Автор: alexxlab

Категории: Miscellaneous

55 of Our Favorite Chapter Books for 1st Graders

Your 1st grader is just transitioning from picture books to ones with more words and a readable storyline. There are books specifically written for practicing reading and getting kids excited about this new avenue of discovery and entertainment. Here is a list of chapter books we recommend checking out and giving to your little ones to get them started on their magical journey of reading.

1. The Magic School Bus

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This wonderful series was popular for my childhood and still holds relevance and excitement today! These kids’ chapter book teaches kids about science and discovery in a fun and imaginative way to inspire and motivate your kids to be curious. With each book, Mrs. Frizzle takes her students on a field trip to explore something new about the world we live in.

2. Jigsaw Jones

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This original series is full of adventurous stories of 3 kid detectives solving mysteries through puzzle solving. James Preller does a great job in capturing the excitement of adventure and his books will make even the most reluctant reader addicted.

3. The Ultimate Stink-tastic Collection

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Megan McDonald is gold in her Stink series for kids where she follows a little boy trying to manage everyday life and problems from the perspective of a child. This means dramatic and exaggerated with new life and new experiences, great for kids to relate and laugh along with!

4. The Judy Moody Most Mood-tastic Collection Ever

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These fun books are written for 3rd graders or younger, confident readers that enjoy relatable characters like Moody Judy with her constantly changing moods and desires to change the world. Megan McDonald inspires kids to be their authentic and unapologetic selves through her wonderful books.

5. Junie B. Jones Complete First Grade Collection

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These silly stories were another of my favorite series growing up and helped me advance to the next reading level. Junie B. shares her hilarious antics in darling stories that will make your kids laugh and never put her books down, a great addition to any school library.

6. Henry Huggins Series

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These classic stories are actually the storyline that led to the Ramona Quimby series, set in the 1950s about a young boy growing up discovering about the world with his dog Ribsy. Beverly Cleary does a great job in painting a picture kids can follow along with and relate to in many different ways.

7. Ramona Quimby Series

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This popular series is a must-have for any book list of chapter books for kids. Ramona is an American girl trying to maneuver school with teachers, workloads, and bullies. Very relatable characters and perfect to keep in your classroom library.

8. Amelia Bedelia Chapter Book

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This funny reader series follows Amelia Bedelia as she makes friends and goes through the many experiences of being a young girl. This 4-book series is a great addition to your kid’s reading list.

9. Horrid Henrys Mischievous Mayhem Collection

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Horrid Henry is an incorrigible kid with a perfect little brother that loves to cause mischief wherever he goes. The colorful illustrations and stories in this joke book are cute and fun for any young reader to laugh along with.

10. Nancy Drew Book Collection

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Carolyn Keene does not disappoint with her classic books of Nancy Drew mysteries. She has more than 30 books in her award-winning series, great for independent readers who love spending rainy days curled up with a good chapter book.

11. Charlie & Mouse

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Laurel Snyder creates magic with two goofy brothers in her chapter books. They create imaginary games, fictitious friends, and have ridiculous adventures that will captivate your young reader and improve their reading comprehension skills, and creativity.

12. Fancy Nancy: Nancy Clancy’s Ultimate Chapter Book Quartet

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A spin-off of the Fancy Nancy series Nancy Drew, readers can continue following their favorite private eye as she solves mysteries and makes friends. This cute series includes sweet stories and adorable illustrations.

13. Dog Man: The Supa Epic Collection

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These graphic novels were written by the same author who wrote the infamous Captain Underpants series, Dav Pilkey. This part-dog, part-man, crime-fighting hero has a new and exciting adventure on every page!

14. Everything You Need for a Treehouse

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Emily Hughes and Carter Higgens give us this adorable, age-appropriate nature book for kids that shares the magic of treehouses and living close with nature. Giving your 1st graders this single book is sure to inspire them to love and respect nature in the best ways.

15. Pedro, First-Grade Hero

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Fran Manushkin gives 1st graders a hero to look up to and learn from in Pedro. His adventures are filled with action and appropriate for your 1st grader’s reading level. It’s also nice to see more multicultural characters making appearances in children’s books.

16. Fly Guy Series

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These funny, imaginative, and illustrative stories by Ted Arnold follow an outrageous fly around as he tackles the big bad world around him. This series is great for early readers with lots of pictures and goofy storylines.

17. Hank Zipzer Collection

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Henry Winkler gives us Hank Zipzer, “the world’s greatest underachiever”! This series gives students some encouragement maneuvering growing up with learning disabilities. A great series for any young reader to learn and understand more about themselves and their peers.

18. Dragon Maters Series

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These easy-to-follow grade books are perfect for the blooming independent reader looking for adventure and reading growth. Tracey West does a great job in creating a series students can use to improve their reading comprehension in a fun and engaging way.

19. The Baby-sitters Club Graphic Novels

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Ann. M Martin gives us this popular series following the ups and downs of being a babysitter. These books are great for kids growing up and learning about responsibility and the challenges of wanting to make your own money and get more control over your life in a cute and relatable way.

20. Sofia Martinez Book Series

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This book series follows a 7-year-old bi-racial girl as she maneuvers the world between her English and Spanish heritage. Her adventures are heartfelt, sweet, and important for the many multi-racial kids growing up in today’s international world.

21. Yasmin Boxed Set

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Saadia Faruqi gives us magic with her courageous and inspiring 2nd-grade character named Yasmin. Sharing her Pakistani-American family and culture, along with her desire to learn about and explore the world, your students will love to learn from her.

22. Zoey and Sassafras Book Series

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This magical series by Marion Lindsay and Asia Citro guides the reader on Zoey’s journey as she realizes her family’s house attracts sick, magical animals that need her help. Follow along as Zoey uses science to solve mysterious illnesses and saves these fascinating creatures!

23. Penny and Her Sled

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Kevin Henkes gives our 1st graders the perfect first books to start their reading experience. These simple chapter books follow Penny the mouse as she goes on cute little adventures and solves basic life problems. Great for reading-aloud practice as well.

24. The Puppy Place Book Set

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Ellen Miles gives us complete cuteness with these adorable puppy stories about a foster family taking in new puppies all the time to protect them and help them find new/permanent homes. The series touches on important topics like animal care and the issues of spay and neutering.

25. If I Built a Car (If I Built Series)

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The first of 3 books in the series, Chris Van Dusen gives us imaginative stories about big dreams and the inventor and explorer in all of us. These books are great for your 1st graders to read and understand that they can reach for the stars and do anything they set their minds to.

26. Humphrey’s Tiny Tales 6 Books Set

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Betty G. Birney gives us an adorable series with an adventurous classroom hampster named Humphrey. He is constantly leaving the safety of his cage, meeting new animals, and learning things about the big, big world around him (just like your kids!).

27. Ready, Freddy! #1: Tooth Trouble

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Freddy is a quirky 1st grader that always seems to have a new problem to overcome. His goofy antics and relatable stories are perfect for the beginner readers in your life just getting into chapter books and series. Abby Klein is a genius at capturing the silliness and seriousness of being a kid.

28. Piper Green and the Fairy Tree

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This chapter book series follows Piper green, a unique young girl living on the coast of Maine. She is honest, and brave and will take your young readers on exciting adventures they will get lost in for days on end.

29. Endling: The Last

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This award-winning book is the first of 3 adventure books by Katherine Applegate that will take your kids on one action-packed adventure after another. These fantasy books are a wonderful series with beautiful illustrations and lessons about love, courage, and friendship.

30. The Questioneers

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Get your little kiddos thinking and exploring their curiosity with this chapter book series about the power of asking questions and seeking answers. A great series to inspire big ideas and courageous endeavors!

31. Princess Cora and the Crocodile

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A story of finding yourself and what it means to have fun, discover new things and explore with an unlikely companion. Princess Cora is tired of being told how to spend every day, ALL day by her parents, so she asked for help from her fairy godmother. Little does she know what form of help will come in.

32. The Infamous Ratsos

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This series is the brilliant brainchild of Matt Myers and Kara Lareau, and these trouble makers give the name a new meaning. In a city where you have “soft” and “tough” rats, they want to be the toughest! The problem is that when they try to do something bad, it ends up turning out to be good…what are these trouble “attempters” supposed to do to prove their worth?

33. Zeus The Mighty

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This is a 4-book series that tackles Greek mythology in a creative critter-filled way! The mighty Zeus is a hamster with a big personality and even bigger ambitions. Follow him and the other gods and goddesses on adventures jam-packed with furry fun!

34. Mercy Watson

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Best-selling series by Kate DiCamillo, Mercy is a pig that loves looking for snacks and ends up finding more than she bargained for. Her adventures range from fighting crime, to rescue missions, and going undercover. Your little 1st grade readers will love the following Mercy along with her wild escapades.

35. Audrey L and Audrey W: Best Friends-ish

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They might share the same name, but that seems to be the ONLY thing they have in common. This series follows two Audreys as they maneuver elementary school and the challenges kids face during this time in their lives. A great series for newly independent readers!

36. How to Read a Story

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Kate Messner shows beginner or reluctant readers the joys of reading in this delightful picture book with step-by-step instructions for reading aloud. It promotes friendship and sharing good stories that make us happy and help us grow.

37. The Princess in Black

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Written by the talented duo Shannon and Dean Hale, this 9-book series tells the fantastic tales of Princess Magnolia, a dainty and properly sweet princess who has an alter ego called the Princess in Black that protects her kingdom. This charming series has easy-to-read text and cute pictures to keep your readers engaged for all 9 books!

38. Anna Hibiscus

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Anna Hibiscus is a young girl born in Africa to a Canadian mother and African father. Her small town has a lot to teach, this beautiful series exposes readers to a new and exciting country, culture, and way of life. Follow along with Anna in this 10-book series as she discovers all there is to see, eat, hear, and do!

39. Owl Diaries: Eva’s Treetop Festival

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Your little readers will get wrapped up in this 15-book bestselling series by Rebecca Elliott. Eva the owl and her animal friends are always getting themselves into tricky situations. Thankfully they have each other to brainstorm and find solutions that work! With color illustrations and a relatable character on each page, reading never felt so whimsical!

40. Nate the Great

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This hit series by Cam Jansen and Marjorie Weinman has 28 books in total, each one telling the stories of Nate, the greatest detective alive! These mystery stories are the perfect grade books for readers to improve their problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

41. The Fantastic Frame

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Lin Oliver transports readers into a magical new world with this 5-book original series full of fantasy, adventure, and danger! Tiger and Luna are neighbors and new friends who meet a mysterious old lady with an enchanted frame. They quickly discover they can go into these famous paintings, but the trick isn’t getting in…it’s getting out!

42. Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark

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The classic series gets a new twist in these graphic novels with the same style readers know and love from the Magic Tree House franchise. Jack and Annie are ready for more exciting adventures, including being transported back to when dinosaurs lived. Now all they have to do is find out how to survive!

43. Magic Bone: Be Careful What You Sniff

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Nancy Krulik sends the adventurous reader along with Sparky, a sweet but messy puppy, as he digs up a magical bone. In this first book of the 11-book series, Sparky bites the bone and is transported to London. What does he see, smell, eat…and how is he going to get back home?

44. Geronimo Stilton: Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye

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Talk about a series that your 1st grade readers can enjoy for years. This hit series by the main character and author Geronimo Stilton has 81 books to devour. Each following the little mouse adventurer as he goes on quests to find treasure and other cool stuff.

45. Hum and Swish

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A new kind of picture book with a beautiful story and important message written by Matt Myers. Jamie is a young girl who enjoys spending time by herself. She is building a sandcastle at the beach and trying to find peace amidst people interrupting her. Follow Jamie and learn about how it feels to be an introvert in a social world.

46. Always

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An ode to the friendship between an animal and its owner, Alison McGhee shares a beautiful story about the magical power that bonds pet and master. With easy-to-read text and colorful illustrations, this book is great for beginner readers to practice with.

47. There’s No Such Thing as Little

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A heart-warming and inspirational story by Leuyen Pham shows there is no such thing as “little”. A great lesson for young readers to learn as they begin on their adventures in this big world.

48. Henry and Mudge

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The perfect companion series for new readers to get addicted to and fall in love with Henry, a young boy, and his giant dog Mudge. Follow along on their numerous adventures with cartoon illustrations and simple sentences great to encourage reading for fun.

49. Jasmine Toguchi

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Part of a 5-book series about a spunky Japanese-American girl named Jasmine Toguchi and her family that lives in Los Angeles. Each book shares some insight and information about the Japanese culture and exposes young readers to new customs, foods, and ways of living.

50. Monster and Boy

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This 3-book series is jam-packed with friendship stories that will teach your kids what it means to be loyal, courageous, and kind. The unlikely pair meets when the monster under the bed swallows Boy, and from then on their friendship blossoms.

51. Snail And Worm: Three Stories About Two Friends

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These two goofy little guys and the adventures they embark on are the perfect beginner book for young readers who are ready to move on from picture books to chapter books! Snail and worm travel through the pages in simple illustrations and cute stories your kids will love.

52. Frankie Pickle

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A series for the imaginative adventurer in all of us. Frankie is a young boy who loves to make-believe, make messes, and make his life a blast of fun! In the first book of the series, Frankie’s dirty room turns into a jungle landscape with danger at every corner, especially in the closet of DOOM!

53. Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things

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This chapter book tackles the challenges many kids face dealing with anxiety in a big and sometimes overwhelming world. Teachers and classmates are the scariest of all for little Alvin, but when he is home, he turns into Firecracker Man who isn’t afraid of anything. This series does a great job of explaining how anxiety shows up in kids and how we can understand and help them better.

54. Kai, Ninja of Fire

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Part of the Ninjago series, Kai is a young warrior in training excited to get out there and save the world! With the help of his master, can he control himself, remember his training, and become a great fighter?

55. A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever!

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We all remember the excitement of summer vacation! Spending time outside with your friends, no school, and no rules. These two best friends, James and Eamon get to spend their break at a nature camp and with their grandparents. What sorts of mischief and adventures will they get into?

29 Recommended Chapter Books to Read with Your First Grade Students

Finding the right chapter books that could help in increasing your students vocabulary and reading comprehension, especially for young first graders, can be challenging! There are so many more choices out there. This can make it tough to determine which series are really worthy of sharing with your students.

That’s why I have explored and researched all the appropriate chapter book series for your first graders and come up with a comprehensive list below.

These chapter book series are great for reading aloud with your little ones or assigning for silent or take-home reading. I hope you find this list helpful and it inspires you to start sharing some of these series with your first-graders!

Although this list is geared towards first-grade readers, we all know that many different reading levels can exist within a single grade level. So, to help you narrow down which series might be the right fit for certain students, I have also included a recommended grade/age range under each book description.

1. The Jackson Friends Series by Michelle Edwards

The Jackson Friends series by Michelle Edwards currently has 4 easy reader chapter books with multicultural characters. In Pa Lia’s First Day, the readers meet a HMONG female character as she faces first day nerves at school, easily relatable for all students facing first day jitters. The Talent Show introduces a young, African American girl who initially is thrilled to perform in the show until the time approaches where she actually needs to be in front of others on stage. Readers will enjoy seeing how these characters work through their nerves and overcome their fears.

2. Henry and Mudge Series by Cynthia Rylant

Cynthia Rylant’s Henry and Mudge Series will warm the hearts of your kids as they join Henry and his 182-pound English Mastiff, Mudge, through all of the trials and tribulations of life! This series not only beautifully illustrates the bond between a child and their pet but also shows readers that there are many different types of friendships in the world.

Try out the first book in the series before purchasing the collector’s set above with Henry And Mudge First Book.

Grade Range: K-2

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3. Lulu by Hillary McKay

In the Lulu series by Hillary McKay, readers meet Lulu, a 7 year old bi-racial girl with an enormous love of animals. Through the 6 chapter books in the series, readers experience all of the adventures Lulu has with her best friend and cousin Millie and some animals along the way.

4.

Mr. Putter and Tabby Series by Cynthia Rylant

Mr. Putter & Tabby Series by Cynthia Rylant is an endearing series that features an elderly man, Mr. Putter, who has been feeling lonely. He decides that getting a cat will help his loneliness and finds, Tabby, an older shelter cat, to help his loneliness! The series follows the elderly pair through all of the adventures that they get into. A series about friendship and companionship, your students will love the heartfelt nature and the hysterical situations that Mr. Putter and Tabby get involved in!!

Try out the first book in the series before purchasing the collector’s set above with Mr. Putter & Tabby Pour the Tea.

Grade Range: 1-4

5. Junie B. Jones Series by Barbara Park

Junie B. Jones’s Series by Barbara Park is adored by students of all ages. The series follows a witty, strong-willed little girl who is constantly getting herself into all kinds of mishaps and slapstick situations! Your kids will love following Junie B. Jones through the crazy adventures of her life with school, family, and friends.

Try out the first book in the series before purchasing the series above with Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus (Junie B. Jones, No. 1)

Grade Range: 1-4

6. Poppleton Series by Cynthia Rylant

The Poppleton Series by Cynthia Rylant is a great way to introduce chapter books to your first graders! This beloved series is about Poppleton the pig, with each book featuring three sweet stories about kind-hearted Poppleton and the animal friends and characters in his life. The easy-to-read short stories will definitely help to build your new reader’s confidence and keep them engaged!

Grade Range: PreK-3

7. Sam and Charlie by Leslie Kimmelman

Sam and Charlie series by Leslie Kimmelman follows the friendship of two new neighbors, now best friends, and a little sister too. The fact that the characters are Jewish is woven into the stories as the two friends have big adventures such as going to camp, while they bond over their love of various Jewish traditions.

8. Ramona and Beezus Series by Beverly Cleary

I’ve been a fan of this series since I was a kid, and I’m sure your kids will love The Complete Ramona Collection by Beverly Cleary as much as I did. The series follows the life of funny, charismatic third-grader Ramona as she experiences all the ups and downs of life in elementary school. Ramona’s curiosity and spunk will have your students begging you to read every single book in this heartwarming series.

9. Nikki and Deja Series by Karen English

The main characters in the Nikki and Deja series by Karen English are two best friends that explore real-life school situations such as school cliques and disagreeing with your best friend. The main characters are African American 3^rd graders who show kids how to manage some tricky social skills while maintaining your friendship.

10. Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne

Your students will LOVE The Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne. Join siblings, Jack and Annie, as they venture to different historical places and periods in time with a magical treehouse that they find near their home. These chapter books are not only highly entertaining for early readers but the offer a fun spin on history that will have your kids learning how to read while learning about history!

Try out the first book in the series: Magic Tree House, No. 1: Dinosaurs Before Dark

Grade Range: 1-4

11. Simply Sarah Series by Phyllis Reynolds

The Simply Sarah series by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor follows Sarah, a young girl who is tired of being ordinary. This series takes place in Chicago with several multicultural characters dwelling in an urban apartment building. Kids will enjoy the misadventures Sarah has in her attempts at school, at home, and her community to be seen as extraordinary.

12. Babysitter’s Little Sister Series by Ann M. Martin

A spin-off of one of my personal favorite series as a child, the Babysitter’s Club. Baby-Sitters Little Sister Series by Ann M. Martin, focuses on seven-year-old Karen Brewer, stepsister to the main character in the Babysitter’s Club series. The books focus on all of the adventures that Karen and her classmates encounter. Your first graders will not only relate to Karen and her friends but they will be entertained until the last page of every book in this series!

Try out the first book in this series with Karen’s Witch (Baby-Sitters Little Sister, No. 1)

Grade Range: K-2

13. The Cam Jansen Series by David A. Adler

The Cam Jansen series by David A. Adler is the perfect chapter book series for all those little detectives in your classroom. The series follows fifth-grade detective, Jennifer “Cam” Jansen, who got her nickname for having a photographic memory! Each book focuses on a different mystery that Cam and her best friend, Eric, must figure out and solve! Your students will love trying to figure out the mystery as they read each book in this exciting series! Start with book #1 in the series, Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds by David A. Adler.

Grade Range: 1-5

14. Amelia Bedelia Series by Herman Parish

The Amelia Bedelia Chapter Book series, originally written by Peggy Parish, was taken over by her nephew, Herman Parish, after her passing. He reimagined it into a chapter book series focusing on the childhood of the much-loved housekeeper who takes everything literally, Amelia Bedelia. The young Amelia Bedelia will have readers laughing non-stop with her constant misinterpretation of various word plays. Plus, these chapter books are a great way to get your students familiar with idioms and literal versus figurative meanings.

Try out the first book in the series: Amelia Bedelia Chapter Book 1: Amelia Bedelia Means Business

Grade Range: 1-5

15. Nate the Great Series by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat

Nate the Great series by Marjorie Weinman Sharat are wonderful chapter books for emerging readers. The text features simple vocabulary and the various plots revolve around everyday things that kids can relate to such as a missing picture or a lost cat. Students will love trying to solve each mystery with Nate, his dog, Sludge, and all of the other humorous characters that join in on their adventures.

Grade Range: 1-4

16. Ivy and Bean Series by Annie Barrows

Ivy and Bean by Annie Barrows is an award-winning series that both you and your students will adore. The chapter books tell the tale about two very different girls who become friends despite their differences. You will love the positive messages that these chapter books boast. Your students will love the humor involved with all the mischief these two unlikely friends find. The oversized print and simple illustrations make these a perfect pick for emerging readers.

Try out the first book in the series with Ivy & Bean: Book 1

17. Katie Woo Series by Fran Manushkin

The Katie Woo series by Fran Manushkin is excellent for young readers thanks to all of the positive messages expressed throughout each book. Katie Woo and her friends are normal kids dealing with everyday life lessons, like not getting the part in the school play or doing poorly on a test. The concepts are simple, but that makes it really easy for young readers to relate. Plus, the characters featured in the chapter books are engaging and humorous, which will keep your kids wanting to read every book in the series!!

Grade Range: K-2

18. Keena Ford

Keena Ford by Melissa Thompson, is an adventurous 2^nd grade African American girl who lives with her divorced mom and an older brother. Young readers will enjoy the humor of the sticky situations Keena gets herself into as she settles in to 2^nd grade.

19. Judy Moody Series by Megan McDonald

The Judy Moody series by Megan McDonald has students everywhere relating to main character Judy’s ever-changing moods and hysterical antics. Your class will love Judy’s perspective on life as a third-grader and relate to all of the emotions and obstacles that she faces on a daily basis. Judy’s wit and humor will entertain your students and the interesting facts sprinkled throughout the series on everything from algebra to the American Revolution will teach your kids tons of new things!

Try the first book in the series with Judy Moody Book 1: Judy Moody Was in a Mood

Grade Range: 1-4

20. Sofia Martinez by Jacqueline Jules

Sofia Martinez is a stubborn, mischievous young girl in the series written by Jacqueline Jules. These stories also imbed Spanish words and phrases, highlighted in pink, that exposes readers to another language while offering esl students an opportunity to feel included. The book also includes some stop and think moments where readers can guess what ideas Sofia may be coming up with as she problem solves through her adventures.

21. Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew by Carolyn Keene

The Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew by Carolyn Keene are the perfect chapter books for those wannabe sleuths in your classroom. Inspired by the original Nancy Drew chapter books, this series features a younger, third-grade Nancy Drew. She follows clues to solve mysteries appropriate for your first-grade readers – nothing too scary or complicated. But don’t be fooled by the easy-to-follow and not too scary mysteries, these stories are incredibly interesting and will have your emerging readers captivated right from the start!

Try the first book in the series with Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew: Sleepover Sleuths

Grade Range: 1-4

22. Alien in My Pocket Series by Nate Ball

Kids will love the silliness and sci-fi feel of the Alien in My Pocket series by Nate Ball. The series begins when a four-inch-tall alien crashes through Zack McGee’s bedroom window. The story follows Zack and his new alien friend, Amp, through all kinds of crazy adventures that they face together. Your students will love the illustrations on every page, interesting science facts, and unexpected plot twists as they make their way through each book in this fun series!

Grade Range: 1-5

23.

Jaden Toussaint by Marti Dumas

Jaden Toussaint by Marti Dumas is a series of chapter books following a smart (super smart) 5 year old African American boy bursting with confidence and some ninja dance moves. All kids will love watching him solve real kid problems like convincing his parents he needs more TV time and less time reading.

24. Eerie Elementary Series by Jack Chabert

The Eerie Elementary series by Jack Chabert is part of Scholastic’s early chapter book line. Which is aimed at new and emerging readers, making it perfect for your first graders! Especially if they love a bit of mystery and spookiness in their reading material! The Eerie Elementary series features fun illustrations and fast-paced plots. It will keep your readers building their reading confidence as they learn all about the school that comes alive and all the spooky adventures that occur as a result!

Grade Range: 1-3

25.

Jigsaw Jones Series by James Preller

The Jigsaw Jones series by James Preller is a campy series of Scooby Doo-esque mystery chapter books that your kids won’t be able to put down as they try to crack the codes and figure out the puzzles along with private detective, Jigsaw Jones. With relatable characters and humorous scenarios, it’s no wonder that this series has over 33 chapter books and remains a favorite among new readers.

Grade Range: 1-5

26. Stink Series by Megan McDonald

If your students like the Judy Moody series, they will love the Stink series by Megan McDonald that focuses on Judy’s little brother, Stink. Your first-graders will love the hilarious antics of Stink Moody and his friends. Not to mention all of the random facts and cool science adventures that are packed into each book! These are especially appealing for young boys and may just turn a reluctant reader into an avid on!

Try the first book in the series with Stink Book 1: The Incredible Shrinking Kid

Grade Range: K-3

27.

The Frog and Toad Series by Arnold Lobel

Part of the I Can Read book list, the Frog and Toad series by Arnold Lobel is a classic first-grade chapter book series. It has stood the test of time with its beautiful illustrations and life lessons about friendship and loyalty that is inherent to each story. With simple and easy-to-follow plot lines, students will feel accomplished as they finish each chapter book with ease.

Try the first book in the series with Frog and Toad Are Friends

Grade Range: K-3

28. The Mercy Watson Series by Kate DiCamillo

Written by acclaimed author Kate DiCamillo, the Mercy Watson series will entice all those animal-lovers in your classroom. This charming story about a childless couple who randomly end up purchasing an ‘unusual’ pig named Mercy. The series will entertain your students as they explore all of the hysterical and heartwarming adventures that Mercy gets herself and her adopted parents, the Watsons, into. The series is perfect for beginning readers. It features jovial illustrations and familiar plotlines with a fun pig-centered twist.

Grade Range: 1-4

29. Amazing Grace by Mary Hofmann

Amazing Grace chapter books by Mary Hofmann pick up with Grace, the same young, free-spirited girl, found in the picture book, Amazing Grace. Definitely enjoyable! This book series does contain some higher, more challenging vocabulary. It would be good for higher readers or as a class read aloud.

Guest post by Margot Carmichael from Carmichael’s Class

“Teaching 4th grade for four years has helped shape me as a teacher who is passionate about creating a classroom that engages and inspires my students, integrates technology-driven learning, offers real-world experiences, and breeds creativity. I have taught highly diverse classes with high populations of ESL learners, Special Ed learners, and behavior challenges–granting me a deep understanding on the importance of personalizing learning for each and every student. As a teacher, I am constantly learning and evolving, but the one constant is always putting my students first!”

Education to the Core is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program. An affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. All opinions and recommendations are my own and shared from my free will and not part of any promotion.

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Tales of Evgeny Klyuyeva

Zhuzha and Cowl 9000 fairy tales

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Commissioner Gordon

Maria Bershadskaya. “Big Little Girl”

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The main character of the book is so tall that even her mother stands on a stool to braid her pigtails. But otherwise, she is no different from her peers, because every child is big enough to put away toys, but too small to learn something that only adults know. Kind, bright and joyful stories about how to tame the city or what an attempt to bake a pie can turn into, you will re-read more than once.

Julia Simbirskaya. “Once upon a time Dimka”

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Julia Simbirskaya writes books for the little ones. Her character Dimka becomes understandable and close to readers from the first pages, because everything that happens to him happens in the life of every child. That is why everyone needs such a book friend.

Sven Nordqvist. “Petson and Findus”

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The Norwegian writer and artist described the friendship of the kitten Findus and the old man Petson so captivatingly that for almost 40 years more and more new generations have been reading about the antics of Findus and the eccentricities of his owner not only children, but also adults.

Gerald Darrell. “Talking Package”

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Set off on a journey in an old steam locomotive to find a magical land, confront evil basilisks, befriend a magician who mistakenly created amazing animals – a wonderful scenario for a summer vacation in Greece, to which young readers of the book “The Talking Bundle” can also join.

Eduard Uspensky. “Down the Magic River”

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Great aunt – Baba Yaga? Why not. The protagonist Mitya is at first surprised by everything that happens to him, and then stops – because he has to save the whole kingdom from misfortune, which was captured by Koschey the Immortal. All Russian fairy tales are gathered in one ironic story by the master of children’s prose, and there is no doubt that after this book, readers will like both “Guarantee Men”, and “Fur Boarding School”, and, of course, “Uncle Fyodor, Dog and Cat” .

Yuri Druzhkov. “The Adventures of Pencil and Samodelkin”

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Two wizards escaped from their boxes in a toy store. A pencil can create animated pictures, and Samodelkin can make literally anything with his own hands. But here’s the problem – the artist fell ill and drew a terrible pirate and a nasty spy, so now friends will have to resist them and, of course, go on an exciting adventure. If you like Yuri Druzhkov’s book, be sure to read its sequel – The Magic School of Pencil and Samodelkin.

Alexander Volkov. The Wizard of the Emerald City

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Alexander Volkov’s magical world echoes Frank Baum’s fairy-tale land of Lyman, and both of these books are wonderful in their own way. Introduce children to the kind girl Ellie and her brave dog Totoshka, the Scarecrow, who pronounces difficult words in warehouses, and the Tin Woodman with the most sensitive and loving heart.

Carlo Collodi. The Adventures of Pinocchio

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Many people know the cheerful Pinocchio, but not everyone has read about the adventures of his Italian predecessor – and after all, Pinocchio’s trials were much more difficult. But the reward of the Italian hero was, perhaps, more significant – after all, he was able to become a real boy.

Joel Harris. “Tales of Uncle Remus”

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The book by Joel Harris tells about the exciting adventures of the resilient brother Rabbit, who is trying by all means to avoid the insidious tricks of brother Fox and other enemies. Uncle Remus Tales is based on Negro folklore that Joel Harris adapted for children.

Anne Hogarth. “Muffin and his merry friends”

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The cheerful donkey, his friends and their simple and kind adventures seem to be created in order to make children fall in love with reading. Watching how Mafin learns to sing, bakes a cake or helps a tramp, young readers will not mind repeating these fascinating deeds themselves.

Otfried Preusler. “Dwarf Kherbe”

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The author of “Little Baba Yaga” has many wonderful books for children – including a funny story about the gnome Kherbe. How to explain the saying “Fear has big eyes”? How to understand what friendship is? Just read Preusler! The adventures of a gnome who makes amazing hats and his friends is a wonderful path into the world of German children’s literature.

Francis Burnett. “Little Princess” and “Little Lord Fauntleroy”

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Francis Burnett’s heroes are small children, but despite their young age, they perform deeds worthy only of the best adults. So, Sarah Crewe, the little princess, remembers even in the most difficult time for her: there is always someone who has it even harder. And Cedric from the book “Little Lord Fauntleroy” will stop at nothing, even if you need to help people whom he himself does not know.

Eno Roud. “Coupling, Half Shoes and Moss Beard”

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Once meeting and making friends, the cheerful main characters set off on a journey to the sea. Clutch writes poetry, Mossbeard is ready to sacrifice himself in order not to disturb the bird, and Halfboot turns out to be not a very reliable comrade. Eno Raud’s book tells how friendship is tested by fame and suspicion, as well as how to save not only good relations, but the whole planet.

Astrid Lindgren. “Pippi Longstocking”

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Astrid Lindgren invented the strongest girl in the world, whose funny adventures hide stories about how sad it is for a child to be alone and how to make friends if you have a good heart, but very headstrong disposition The famous writer also has works in which she raises “non-childish” themes of death, self-sacrifice, boundless malice and infinite courage – after your favorite “Pippi” and “Carlson”, read “Mio, my Mio” with schoolchildren.

J.R.R. Tolkien. The Hobbit, or There and Back Again

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The book about the exciting adventures of the hobbit Bilbo Baggins, the wise wizard Gandalf and the brave dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield was published in 1937 and very quickly gained fans around the world. And today, Tolkien’s Middle-earth is one of the most popular magical worlds. Go on a journey through it and you.

Vladislav Krapivin. “Choky-chok”, or the Knight of the Transparent Cat”

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This not the most famous story by Vladislav Krapivin tells about the fabulous country of Australia, where you can get if the samovar turns into a steam locomotive. At the special invitation of the Chief Mage, an ordinary boy Lesha is sent to these lands, who will have to go through incredible adventures and face many dangers. And the magic word “choki-chok” will help him to emerge victorious from all troubles.

Elinor Porter. Pollyanna

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“The game of joy”, which was invented by Pollyanna’s father, the ability not to lose heart in any situation – this is what both adults and children sometimes lack. For a boost of optimism, read with your children a fascinating book about how one child changed the mood of an entire city.

Gianni Rodari. “Journey of the Blue Arrow”

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One of the best winter fairy tales, in which there is a place for both real losses and happy meetings. The book is full of the recognizable humor of the famous Italian author, and the journey of the toy train is so captivating that you want to re-read the story again. However, open other works by Rodari – for example, “Gelsomino in the land of liars” and “Planet of Christmas Trees”.

Maria Kruger. «Blue bead»

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What if any of your wishes can come true? Is it possible to dream about everything? What to do if an evil sorceress is hunting for a magic bead? The main character of the book Karolinka very quickly understands how important it is to think about the possible consequences of her desires – and her kind story will appeal to both girls and boys, and their parents.

Valentina Oseeva. “Vasek Trubachev and his comrades”

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The story of Valentina Oseeva can be called a real school epic. It covers two years of the life of schoolchildren and tells about the ordeals of the Great Patriotic War that befell the young heroes. There is no moralizing and edifying in the book – but there are many real feelings: resentment, disappointment, despair, desperate faith, and sincere friendship. Therefore, the events described are perceived as completely real, and not as dry facts from a textbook.

Miyoko Matsutani. “Fox tail-colored bun”

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A modern Japanese writer discovers a fairy-tale world that is both alien and understandable to European readers. Unusual transformations take place in it, and a girl makes friends with a fox cub – and each story is simple and elegant, like ikebana or haiku, to which this fairy tale may one day lead young readers.

Lesley Rees.

“About the koala Ushastika”

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Australian author and naturalist brings his experience as a hunter and wildlife observer to books about koalas, kangaroos and platypuses. His characters do not look like people, as is often the case when writers talk about animals. On the contrary, Riis’s animals are unusually natural and real – and therefore his wonderful stories are the best books for introducing young readers to the animal world.

Ernest Seton-Thompson. “Little Savages”

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Even today, children sometimes play Indians and think how great it would be to build a wigwam and settle there. Jan and his friend Sam were lucky – they had the opportunity not only to live like real Indians, but also to learn a lot about the forest and even help their older friend Caleb return the farm taken by deceit. Fans of animal stories will also appreciate Thompson’s other works, such as The Mustang Pacer and The Story of the Black and Brown Fox.

Tamara Mikheeva. Asino Leto

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Who among us has not dreamed of being in a fairyland? And Asya has real magical friends – gnomes and fairies, with whom the girl spends a wonderful summer. But she has to learn that magical talents bring great responsibility, which requires, for example, to go through a thunderstorm in order to save a friend from mortal danger.

Irina Tokmakova. “And a merry morning will come”

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The works of Irina Tokmakova do not need recommendations, more than one generation has grown up on them. And I want good storytellers to tell wonderful stories to young readers again and again. Especially when it seems that everything is bad: after all, in order for the most cherished dreams to come true, you must always move forward – which this book reminds you of.

Rune Belswick. “Prostodursen: Summer and Something Else”

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A book for cozy, measured, warm reading. The Scandinavian writer Rune Belsvik knows how to envelop the story and transfer it to a magical world like no one else. His story about the good Prostodursen does not have a fast-paced plot, but there are many crispy gingerbread, pebbles gurgling into the river, pretend berries and juice from kudyka. And also a philosophical thought about how important it is to warm hearts. Rune Belswick’s stories make you smile over and over again – so read this book even if you don’t have kids.

Gray Owl. “Sajo and Her Beavers”

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The story of a girl rescuing beaver friends from a zoo was created by an author who knows more about the relationship between Indians and colonists than anyone else. The author looks at his fellow tribesmen with sympathy, realizing that the usual way of life will never return. But he hopes that the most important thing can be saved – faith, hope and friendship. Therefore, not only the Indians themselves come to the aid of his heroine, but also “strangers” – and the book turns out to be life-affirming, despite everything that readers know about the tragedy of the indigenous population of America.

Hans Christian Andersen. “Thumbelina”

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The story of a little girl who was born from a magic flower is probably one of the kindest and most childish in the world, because Thumbelina’s adventures end with a classic happy ending. But after her, readers open the “Wild Swans”, and “The Little Mermaid”, and “The King’s New Outfit” – and see a fairy-tale world in which there is always a place for both sadness and laughter.

Alexander Pushkin. “The Tale of the Dead Princess and the Seven Bogatyrs”

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Pushkin’s works are familiar to many from early childhood. First, parents read stories about Tsar Saltan, Prince Gvidon and the beautiful Swan Princess, an old fisherman and a goldfish to their kids. Then the children grow up and get acquainted with the work of the poet themselves. “The Tale of the Dead Princess and the Seven Bogatyrs” is one of the most famous Pushkin stories.

Lyubov Voronkova.

“Girl from the City”

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At the height of the war, a simple Russian woman takes in her family a little Valentinka, who has lost her relatives and her home. How can a city girl settle down in a village, overcome the pain of loss, and start living a full life again? How to find a common language with other children? Lyubov Voronkova’s story “The Girl from the City” is dedicated to this.

Ulf Stark. “Let the polar bears dance”

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Ulf Stark is not afraid of difficult topics. How to build relationships with parents, especially if they get divorced? What is most important for each person, a teenager or not? How to make the biggest choice in life? In the book “Let the polar bears dance”, the writer does not give unambiguous answers to these questions, but only invites readers to think about them for themselves.

Maria Parr. “Waffle Heart”

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The heroes of Maria Parr are friends who live in a distant Scandinavian country and learn to grow up together, overcome difficulties at school and family troubles. They cope with the first losses, think about what lies ahead for them, and also love the sea and waffles very much.

Anne-Catherine Westley. “Dad, Mom, Grandmother, Eight Children and a Truck”

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The story of a large family, created by the Norwegian children’s writer Anne-Katrine Vestley, is a cozy, kind, cheerful and very realistic story. Westley’s fascinating language makes you forget about everything, read and enjoy both the heroes of the book and life in general.

JK Rowling. “Harry Potter”

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The cycle of books by the English writer JK Rowling is filled not only with miracles and the struggle between good and evil. The most important thing in her novels is a detailed and very realistic story of growing up. Rowling’s heroes go through this path with all the accompanying hardships, quarrels and reconciliations, first love and true friendship.

Michael Ende. The Endless Book

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Finding yourself and understanding your desires are the most difficult problems that every growing teenager faces. Michael Ende weaves these themes into a fairy tale, confuses the reader by connecting real and fictional worlds, and tells a story full of both touching and painful episodes.

Nina Dashevskaya. “Willy”

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Nina Dashevskaya wrote a kind fairy tale in which objects come to life and it seems that Willy’s bike can really be an iron horse and a true friend. This story is important to read for those children and adolescents who have already begun to understand that they are somehow different from others. And for older schoolchildren, Dashevskaya has “I’m not a brake” and “Pi Day”.

Clive Staples Lewis. The Chronicles of Narnia

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A magical tale of the world behind the door of an ordinary closet, Christian fantasy, a test of brotherly love, talking animals and subtle humor – in the Lewis series of books everyone will find something to their liking. That is why readers around the world and at any age again and again return to their favorite heroes, dreaming of saving Narnia and meeting the Great Lion.

Andrei Zhvalevsky, Evgenia Pasternak. “Time is always good”

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What happens if a child enters the 21st century from the 20th century and vice versa? Modern Belarusian authors are sure that brave children will cope with all the trials. Because there will always be a loving mother nearby, true friends will be found, and, most importantly, times will always be good, no matter how difficult they may seem from the outside.

Janusz Korczak. “King Matt the First”

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Janusz Korczak wrote a fairy tale about a boy-king who most of all wanted everyone in his state to be happy – both adults and children. However, he did not succeed, because many tried to interfere with the king. The sad continuation of “King Matt on a Desert Island” tells about what happened next. And when you close the book, you want to hug your parents or children – it’s so good that they are nearby.

Jeanne Birdsell. “Penderwicks”

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A family with which something always happens – this is how the resilient Penderwicks can be characterized. They can brew an incredibly cool porridge, which they then disentangle themselves – and even with an excellent result.

Sarah Pennypacker. “Pax”

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The heroes of Sarah Pennypacker’s book are a boy and foxes who part because of the outbreak of war. The boy returns to the war zone to find his pet, while the pet fox learns to live in the forest with other animals. The author writes about abstract war in abstract geography, but in her book all the emotions experienced by the characters are sincere and true.

Daria Dotsuk. “Voice”

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A book for those who suffer from panic attacks and those who cannot believe in them. Sasha faces these severe attacks after she witnesses a terrorist attack in the Moscow metro. Parents send the girl to Kaliningrad, to her grandmother, where Sasha joins the club of book lovers – and this becomes the first step on her path to recovery.

Marie Aude-Muraille. Miss Charity

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The main character of the book, Charity Tiddler, overcomes the conventions of stiff England at the end of the 19th century and becomes a famous artist. To create a story about a talented, inquisitive and stubborn girl who, despite everything, believes in her dream, Marie-Aude Murail was inspired by the biography of the English writer Beatrice Potter, the author of the famous fairy tales about Peter Rabbit.

R. J. Palacio. “Miracle”

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It is very difficult to get used to a new school when you are completely different from others. The hero Palacio suffers from a rare genetic disease, due to which he undergoes several plastic surgeries on his face. In order to settle down in the class, he shows willpower and perseverance – and soon, thanks to his amazing character, he finds real friends.

Nina Dashevskaya. “I am not a brake”

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The protagonist of the book, Ignat, is used to running headlong, rushing on roller skates or racing on a scooter. Sometimes he stops, but only to help those around him – his friends, mother and younger brother. Nina Dashevskaya’s book teaches you to always follow your dream, support your loved ones and never despair.

Christine Nöstlinger. Gretchen

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The plot of the book to Christine Nöstlinger is banal at first glance: the parents of the main character separate and converge again, while she herself at this time finds her first love and new friends. But behind ordinary events lies a deep and dramatic story of growing up, the heroine of which has to radically reconsider the main values of her life.

Julia Kuznetsova.

“First job”

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High school student Masha Molochnikova dreams of going to Spain for language courses, but her parents cannot pay for the trip. Then mother arranges for Masha herself to work so that she can save up the required amount. So she faces all the difficulties of the adult world and is forced to solve quite serious questions: what to do when a student becomes attached to you, how to communicate with her super-successful mother, who to ask for help when all the seemingly correct methodological techniques do not work.

Ekaterina Murashova. “Correction class”

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“Correction class” is a story about a difficult class in which each student has his own sad story. This is a book about how different teachers and parents are and what they do to make their lives a little easier. Elements of fantasy are woven into the story so naturally that they don’t even seem unrealistic. They skillfully lead the reader to the tense ending of the story and give hope for a happy ending to the last page.

Dina Sabitova. “Where there is no winter”

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The main characters of Dina Sabitova’s story – brother and sister Pasha and Gulya – end up in an orphanage. There they face numerous adversities, learn to take care of each other and never lose their presence of mind. Dina Sabitova’s book does not frighten, but gives hope, faith in a miracle.

Cornelia Funke. “Inkheart”

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What reader would not like to meet the characters and see with their own eyes everything described by the author? When Mortimer Folhart reads a fairy tale to his daughter, his wife enters a fantasy world. Now the heroes are looking for a way to save her and defeat the fabulous villain Capricorn, who managed to get out of the book. The continuation of exciting adventures can be found in other works of the series – the novels “Ink Blood” and “Ink Death”.

Frida Nilsson. “Thin Sword”

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The main character Sasha sets off in pursuit of Lord Death, who took his mother to his kingdom.