That being said, this is also a time when learning differences show up. If your child is not improving in reading, it’s important to determine why and get help. Public schools can evaluate your child for free, or you can get a private evaluation from an independent psychologist.

As with most skills, practice makes better. We want our 7- and 8-year-olds reading books that are just right for their reading level and that they love.

So, what books will keep your children reading voraciously? We’ve collaborated with experts across the children’s book industry to find the 50 best books for 7- and 8-year-olds — great books that will spark their interest and keep them engaged.

Heading out to your local library or bookstore? You can download the full version of the list here.

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Not just for little kids, picture books provide elementary-age children with meaningful illustrated stories that build background knowledge, improve vocabulary, teach valuable lessons, and inspire imagination. Try our favorite picture book selections for the 7- and 8-year-old crowd. We think your kids will love them.

9780823455706 A Book of Maps for You by Lourdes Heuer, illustrated by Maxwell Eaton, III 9780142500408 Squids Will Be Squids by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Lane Smith 9781682637913 The Library Dragon by Carmen Agra Deedy, illustrated by Michael P. White 9780763660536 Journey by Aaron Becker 9781774883488 Towed by Toad by Jashar Awan 9780744098440 My Encyclopedia of Very Important Myths and Legends by DK 9780593620441 The Interpreter by Olivia Abtahi, illustrated by Monica Arnaldo 9781774882023 We Are Definitely Human by X. Fang 9780593697146 Fail-a-bration by Brad Montague and Kristi Montague 9781536235500 The Dictionary Story by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston 9781912497485 Arthur and the Golden Rope* by Joe Todd-Stanton 9780803735118 The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon yes yes Beginning Chapter Books

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Beginning chapter books are the next step after early readers and a big deal for kids. Chapter books signify to kids that they’re becoming a “grown-up” reader. Celebrate this stage when it comes, but make sure your children are ready are ready for it. (Use the 5-Finger Test to help.)

9781536235623 Bear and Bird: The Picnic and Other Stories* by Jarvis 9780593649664 Earl & Worm #1* by Greg Pizzoli 9780448462424 The Haunted Library #1* by Dori Hillestad Butler, illustrated by Aurore Damant 9780385730174 Nate the Great* by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat, illustrated by Marc Simont 9780763645045 Mercy Watson to the Rescue* by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen 9780593618776 Millie Magnus Won’t Be Bullied* by Brittany Mazique, illustrated by Ebony Glenn 9781536202908 Elephant & Piggie* by Mo Willems 9780553533941 Basketball’s Greatest Players by S. A. Kramer 9781536221978 Frank and Bean* by Jamie Michalak, illustrated by Bob Kolar 9780593699225 Amina Banana* by Shifa Saltagi Safadi, illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel 9781536206395 Juana and Lucas* by Juana Medina 9780142403525 The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney 9780142420959 Dragonbreath by Usurla Vernon 9780147510679 Dory Fantasmagory* by Abby Hanlon yes yes Graphic Novels

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Graphic novels help build strong reading skills by combining engaging visuals with rich storytelling that supports comprehension. They’re also great for boosting confidence, especially for kids who are transitioning to longer chapter books, while making reading feel fun and accessible.

9781101918265 Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea* by Ben Clanton 9780593123300 Pizza and Taco: Who’s the Best?* by Stephen Shaskan 9780593706701 Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus: The Graphic Novel* by Barbara Park, illustrated by Honie Beam, adapted by Colleen AF Venable 9780593121054 Max Meow Book 1: Cat Crusader* by John Gallagher 9780593121054 Max Meow Book 1: Cat Crusader* by John Gallagher 9780593093719 Zoo Patrol Squad: Kingdom Caper #1 by Brett Bean 9780593699768 Pencil & Eraser: We Have a Dull-Emma!* by Jenny Alvarado 9780593119457 Real Pigeons Fight Crime* by Andrew McDonald, illustrated by Ben Wood yes yes Next Level Chapter Books

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When your child breezes through beginning chapter books, it’s time to move on to harder selections. Books like the ones below will provide just enough of a challenge to encourage reading growth and develop literacy. Plus, they’re all excellent, kid-favorite choices.

9780142410349 Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake 9780593488997 A to Z Animal Mysteries* by Ron Roy and Kayla Whaley, illustrated by Chloe Burgett 9780593372982 Minecraft Stonesword Saga* by Nick Eliopulos 9780593127261 Magic Tree House* by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Antonio Javier Caparo 9780142400104 Cam Jansen* by David A. Adler, illustrated by Susanna Natti 9781984850829 Unicorn Academy* by Julie Sykes, illustrated by Lucy Truman 9780375849305 Alvin Ho* by Lenore Look, illustrated by Leuyen Pham 9780593479544 Dragon Storm* by Alastair Chisholm, illustrated by Eric Deschamps 9780593526965 The Underdogs* by Kate Temple and Jol Temple, illustrated by Shiloh Gordon 9780399558238 Isadora Moon Goes to School* by Harriet Muncaster 9780593620663 She Persisted: Simone Biles* by Kekla Magoon and Chelsea Clinton, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger and Gillian Flint 9781664340626 Stitch Head* by Guy Bass, illustrated by Pete Williamson 9798217030989 Murray and Bun! by Adam Stower 9780593644416 Bibsy Cross and the Bad Apple* by Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Dung Ho 9780593122983 The Magnificent Makers* by Theanne Griffith, illustrated by Reggie Brown 9780807508527 The Boxcar Children* by Gertrude Chandler Warner, illustrated by L. Kate Deal

Get the printable version of the list.

Explore our 50 Best series to get great recommendations for other ages.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2015 and updated in 2025.

The post The 50 Best Books for <br>7- and 8-Year-Olds appeared first on Brightly.

No matter where your child is on this developmental continuum, here you’ll discover the best books to encourage their love of reading. Each book has been carefully selected by our group of experts.

Since we also think that finding books in a series is like discovering buried treasure, we’ve put *asterisks* next to the titles that are part of a larger series.

So whether your 5- or 6-year-old is building their reading foundation with picture books or reading chapter books on their own, here are our go-to books to entice, entertain, and educate.

Heading out to your local library or bookstore? You can download the full version of the list here.

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Sharing a story with your child is always worth it. Whether they can read independently or not, reading aloud is a special experience. It also helps to build their literacy foundations and keep them engaged with reading.

It’s a good idea to keep picture books in the mix even as your child’s reading skills grow, as they offer kids a greater variety of reading choices and have a strong visual appeal.

This list of picture books contains a variety of genres, kid-appealing topics, captivating illustrations, and diverse characters. Best of all, they’re well written and kids love them.

9780593406380 The Book That Almost Rhymed by Omar Abed, illustrated by Hatem Aly 9780763619619 The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds 9780399257742 Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson 9780593564691 Piper Chen Sings by Phillipa Soo and Maris Pasquale Doran, illustrated by Qin Leng 9780670827596 The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Lane Smith 9781101998632 Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake by Michael Kaplan, illustrated by Stephane Jorisch 9780593462911 I’m Sorry You Got Mad by Kyle Lukoff, illustrated by Julie Kwon 9780593203255 Something, Someday by Amanda Gorman, illustrated by Christian Robinson 9780525707752 The Serious Goose by Jimmy Kimmel 9780593380062 Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings 9780763689032 Interrupting Chicken* by David Ezra Stein 9780593810965 Don’t Think of Tigers by Alex Latimer 9780670451494 Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey 9780451469540 Night Animals by Gianna Marino 9780593619131 The Truth About the Couch by Adam Rubin, illustrated by Liniers 9780593661345 Home in a Lunchbox by Cherry Mo 9780593697894 Good Night Thoughts by Max Greenfield, illustrated by James Serafino 9781426310096 National Geographic Book of Animal Poetry by J. Patrick Lewis 9781536202908 Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall 9780593703526 Rocket Says Look Up!* by Nathan Bryon, illustrated by Dapo Adeola 9780593693254 Papilio by Ben Clanton, Corey R. Tabor and Andy Chou Musser 9780593203552 Over, Bear! Under, Where? by Julie Hedlund, illustrated by Michael Slack yes yes Beginning Readers

It’s exciting when your child starts to read! Now they’re learning sight words, or words to know at a glance, and the books they’re reading contain these words. At this stage, it’s helpful for them to read books that map to their background knowledge or areas of interest.

Beginning reading books start with a few simple words or phrases per page. As your child grows in their ability, the difficulty increases. The phrases become sentences and eventually paragraphs. Start with the easier beginning books first and adjust as your child progresses.

If you’re curious about the specific reading level of a book, you can check its level here or ask your child’s teacher.

9781524792442 Uh-Oh, Rollo!* by Reed Duncan, illustrated by Keith Frawley 9780140544572 Froggy Gets Dressed* by Jonathan London, illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz 9781536204278 See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog* by David LaRochelle, illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka 9781423102953 Today I Will Fly! – An Elephant & Piggie Book* by Mo Willems 9781524791964 I Will Race You Through This Book! by Jonathan Fenske 9780394900209 Go, Dog. Go! by P.D. Eastman 9781524718664 Tyrannosaurus Rex (StoryBots) by Storybots 9781101918548 The Spider* by Elise Gravel 9780593646236 Gertrude Gish on a Dish on a Fish by Sarah Hwang 9780593483169 How to Love a Pony by Michelle Meadows, illustrated by Sawyer Cloud 9780823460106 The Best Worst Camp Out Ever by Joe Cepeda 9780823459100 The Lost Mitten by Jannie Ho 9781984895608 I Love Being Me! by Mechal Renee Roe 9780736431200 A Tale of Two Sisters (Disney Frozen) by Melissa Lagonegro, illustrated by RH Disney yes yes Early Chapter Books & Graphic Novels

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Chapter books are the Holy Grail for growing readers. Kids want so badly to be like the big kids. But don’t rush. Joy can easily turn to frustration if your child isn’t ready. When they are ready, we think they’ll devour these books.

We’ve vetted our list to include books with boys, girls, robots, magic, diverse characters, and child-friendly topics. Even better, all of these books are in a series. So if they like one, your child has more to read by the same author.

9781524701611 Purrmaids #1: The Scaredy Cat* by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen, illustrated by Vivien Wu 9780593643938 Shark and Bot (A Graphic Novel)* by Brian Yanish 9780593123300 Pizza and Taco: Who’s the Best?* by Stephen Shaskan 9780593645635 Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus: The Graphic Novel* by Barbara Park, illustrated by Honie Beam, adapted by Colleen AF Venable 9781984895837 Donut Feed the Squirrels* by Mika Song 9780593304921 Ballet Bunnies #1: The New Class* by Swapna Reddy, illustrated by Binny Talib 9780593427781 Super Magic Boy: I Am a Dinosaur* by Jarod Roselló 9780803740884 Dory Fantasmagory* by Abby Hanlon 9780763659547 Bink and Gollie* by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee, illustrated by Tony Fucile 9780142419885 EllRay Jakes Is Not a Chicken* by Sally Warner, illustrated by Jamie Harper 9780679824114 Magic Tree House #1: Dinosaurs Before Dark* by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca 9780593464601 Shark Princess* by Nidhi Chanani 9780763622701 Mercy Watson to the Rescue* by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen 9780593699768 Pencil & Eraser: We Have a Dull-Emma!* by Jenny Alvarado

Get the printable version of the list.

Explore our 50 Best series to get great recommendations for other ages.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2015 and updated in 2025.

The post The 50 Best Books for <br>5- and 6-Year-Olds appeared first on Brightly.

Which brings us to this book list — our 50 best books for 11- and 12- year-olds, curated by a panel of children’s literature experts. You’ll find a wide variety here, excellent books that appeal to a range of preteen interests, backgrounds, and even moods.

You can download the entire printable list here.

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Fantasy, magic, and horror provide tech-free escapism for kids. Readers can travel to other worlds to experience illusions, ghosts, dragons, and more.

9780147515544 Circus Mirandus http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/317776/circus-mirandus-by-cassie-beasley/9780147515544/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Cassie Beasley 9780544541221 Dealing with Dragons https://www.hmhco.com/shop/books/Dealing-with-Dragons/9780544541221 by Patricia C. Wrede 9781416963998 Doll Bones http://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Doll-Bones/Holly-Black/9781416963998 by Holly Black, illustrated by Eliza Wheeler 9780062392053 Impyrium https://www.harpercollins.com/9780062392053/impyrium by Henry H. Neff 9780375826696 Eragon http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/126442/eragon-by-christopher-paolini/9780375826696/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Christopher Paolini 9781101994764 Furthermore http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/531663/furthermore-by-tahereh-mafi/9781101994764/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Tahereh Mafi 9781616205676 The Girl Who Drank the Moon http://algonquinyoungreaders.com/book/the-girl-who-drank-the-moon/ by Kelly Barnhill 9780440238133 His Dark Materials Trilogy http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/HDM/his-dark-materials/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Philip Pullman 9780345534835 The Hobbit http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/179206/the-hobbit-by-jrr-tolkien/9780345534835/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by J.R.R. Tolkien 9781423186922 https://assets.readbrightly.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/screaming-staircase1.jpg Lockwood & Co.: The Screaming Staircase http://books.disney.com/book/screaming-staircase-the/ by Jonathan Stroud 9780394820378 The Phantom Tollbooth http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/89124/the-phantom-tollbooth-by-norton-juster-illustrated-by-jules-feiffer/9780394820378/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer yes yes Mystery and Adventure

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Kids love to imagine themselves as the main characters, especially in kids-can-do-anything adventure and mystery stories like these selections. These books are great confidence boosters and great fun.

9780307931474 Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/216860/escape-from-mr-lemoncellos-library-by-chris-grabenstein/9780307931474/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Chris Grabenstein 9780440419396 Hoot http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/79539/hoot-by-carl-hiaasen/9780440419396/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Carl Hiaasen 9781626721562 The Nameless City http://us.macmillan.com/thenamelesscity/faitherinhicks/9781626721562/ by Faith Erin Hicks, color by Jordie Bellaire 9781619636132 Princess Academy http://www.bloomsbury.com/us/princess-academy-9781619636132/ by Shannon Hale 9781481423366 Spaced Out http://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Spaced-Out/Stuart-Gibbs/Moon-Base-Alpha/9781481423366 by Stuart Gibbs 9780142401200 The Westing Game http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/296599/the-westing-game-by-ellen-raskin/9780142401200/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Ellen Raskin 9780316114271 Where the Mountain Meets the Moon http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/grace-lin/where-the-mountain-meets-the-moon/9780316114271/ by Grace Lin yes yes Coming-of-Age

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These characters grow and change by facing life’s challenges. Readers will connect with the struggles of daily life and growing up. What’s more, you’re more likely to develop empathy and understanding after walking a mile in someone else’s story.

9780142403709 Al Capone Does My Shirts http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/286805/al-capone-does-my-shirts-by-gennifer-choldenko/9780142403709/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Gennifer Choldenko 9780312384487 American Born Chinese http://us.macmillan.com/americanbornchinese/geneluenyang/9780312384487/ by Gene Luen Yang 9780375858246 Because of Mr. Terupt http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/196683/because-of-mr-terupt-by-rob-buyea/9780375858246/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Rob Buyea 9780147515797 The Best Man http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/317809/the-best-man-by-richard-peck/ by Richard Peck 9781481415903 As Brave As You http://www.simonandschuster.com/books/As-Brave-As-You/Jason-Reynolds/9781481415903 by Jason Reynolds 9780142422861 Counting by 7s http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/310923/counting-by-7s-by-holly-goldberg-sloan/9780142422861/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Holly Goldberg Sloan 9780544107717 The Crossover http://www.hmhco.com/shop/books/The-Crossover/9780544107717 by Kwame Alexander 9781101934593 Flying Lessons & Other Stories http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/530007/flying-lessons-and-other-stories-by-ellen-oh/9781101934593/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 edited by Ellen Oh 9780385743174 Goodbye Stranger http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/220542/goodbye-stranger-by-rebecca-stead/9780385743174/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Rebecca Stead 9780679734772 The House on Mango Street http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/27844/the-house-on-mango-street-by-sandra-cisneros/9780679734772/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Sandra Cisneros 9780142417751 Mockingbird http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/304951/mockingbird-by-kathryn-erskine/9780142417751/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Kathryn Erskine 9780544022805 Okay for Now http://www.hmhco.com/shop/books/Okay-for-Now/9780544022805 by Gary D. Schmidt 9780062377012 Pax https://www.harpercollins.com/9780062377012/pax by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Jon Klassen 9780375851230 Return to Sender http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/2698/return-to-sender-by-julia-alvarez/9780375851230/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Julia Alvarez 9780553497311 The Seventh Most Important Thing http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/240554/the-seventh-most-important-thing-by-shelley-pearsall/9780553497311/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Shelley Pearsall 9780440416777 Stargirl http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/171194/stargirl-by-jerry-spinelli/9780440416777/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Jerry Spinelli 9780380805600 Touching Spirit Bear https://www.harpercollins.com/9780380805600/touching-spirit-bear by Ben Mikaelsen 9780375850868 When You Reach Me http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/172230/when-you-reach-me-by-rebecca-stead/9780375850868/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Rebecca Stead 9781101994825 Wolf Hollow http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/531665/wolf-hollow-by-lauren-wolk/9781101994825/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Lauren Wolk yes yes Inspired by History

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Few things stick with you as much as a deeply memorable story. These historical fiction books bring history to life through their dynamic characters and plots, and will stay with readers long after the last page.

9780399555497 Before We Were Free http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/2687/before-we-were-free-by-julia-alvarez/ by Julia Alvarez 9781596433595 Boxers & Saints Series http://us.macmillan.com/series/boxerssaints/ by Gene Luen Yang 9780439874021 Echo https://shop.scholastic.com/teachers-ecommerce/books/echo-9780439874021.html by Pam Muñoz Ryan 9780525426165 The Inquisitor’s Tale http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/313397/the-inquisitors-tale-by-adam-gidwitz/9780525426165/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Adam Gidwitz, illustrated by Hatem Aly 9780375756726 Little Women http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/1688/little-women-by-louisa-may-alcott/9780375756726/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Louisa May Alcott 9780440422143 The Mighty Miss Malone http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/35775/the-mighty-miss-malone-by-christopher-paul-curtis/9780440422143/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Christopher Paul Curtis yes yes Page-Turning Nonfiction

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Unforgettable and often unbelievable, these well-written nonfiction books inspire and educate readers. Learn more about significant people and specific periods of history in one of these compelling book choices.

9781596434875 Bomb http://us.macmillan.com/bomb/stevesheinkin/9781596434875/ by Steve Sheinkin 9780062662385 Hidden Figures (Young Readers’ Edition) https://www.harpercollins.com/9780062662385/hidden-figures-young-readers-edition by Margot Lee Shetterly 9780316327930 I Am Malala (Young Readers’ Edition) http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/malala-yousafzai/i-am-malala/9780316327930/ by Malala Yousafzai 9780763670634 Isaac the Alchemist: Secrets of Isaac Newton, Reveal’d https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/548102/isaac-the-alchemist-secrets-of-isaac-newton-reveald-by-mary-losure/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Mary Losure 9780544319592 Some Writer! The Story of E.B. White http://www.hmhco.com/shop/books/Some-Writer/9780544319592 by Melissa Sweet 9780763664428 What Color Is My World? The Lost History of African-American Inventors http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/216355/what-color-is-my-world-by-kareem-abdul-jabbar-and-raymond-obstfeld/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Raymond Obstfeld, illustrated by Ben Boos and A.G. Ford 9781607749769 Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/534776/women-in-science-by-rachel-ignotofsky/9781607749769/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Rachel Ignotofsky

Learn more about the experts behind this reading list.

Get the printable version of the list.

Explore our 50 Best series to get great recommendations for other ages.

The post The 50 Best Books for <br>11- and 12-Year-Olds appeared first on Brightly.

Since children this age are also placing a greater value on independence, they may be more interested in choosing books for themselves. Let them read through this list of expert recommendations for the 50 best books for 9- and 10- year-olds and select one (or 10) books to read.

Of course, you know your child best. So if you see a book that would be a good fit with his or her interests, buy it or borrow it and give it to your child. The more books, the more reading!

You can download the entire printable list here.

file_attachments 8993 8993 The 50 Best Books for 9- and 10-Year-Olds 50-best-books-9-10-yr-olds1.pdf 81764 https://assets.readbrightly.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/50-best-books-9-10-yr-olds1.pdf https://www.readbrightly.com/50-best-books-9-10-year-olds/50-best-books-9-10-yr-olds-2/ 15 50-best-books-9-10-yr-olds-2 inherit 6932 2017-05-01 15:55:13 2017-05-01 15:55:59 0 application/pdf application pdf https://www.readbrightly.com/wp-includes/images/media/document.png 6975 6975 tween-thumb tween-thumb.gif 2855 https://assets.readbrightly.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/tween-thumb.gif https://www.readbrightly.com/50-best-books-9-10-year-olds/tween-thumb-2/ tween 10 tween-thumb-2 inherit 6932 2016-09-23 16:23:15 2016-09-23 16:23:24 0 image/gif image gif https://www.readbrightly.com/wp-includes/images/media/default.png 320 213 https://assets.readbrightly.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/tween-thumb.gif 128 85 https://assets.readbrightly.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/tween-thumb.gif 320 213 https://assets.readbrightly.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/tween-thumb.gif 320 213 https://assets.readbrightly.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/tween-thumb.gif 320 213 https://assets.readbrightly.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/tween-thumb.gif 320 213 https://assets.readbrightly.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/tween-thumb.gif 320 213 https://assets.readbrightly.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/tween-thumb.gif 320 213 https://assets.readbrightly.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/tween-thumb.gif 320 213 https://assets.readbrightly.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/tween-thumb.gif 320 213 https://assets.readbrightly.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/tween-thumb-181×120.gif 181 120 https://assets.readbrightly.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/tween-thumb-165×110.gif 165 110 https://assets.readbrightly.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/tween-thumb-250×166.gif 250 166 https://assets.readbrightly.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/tween-thumb-236×159.gif 236 159 https://assets.readbrightly.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/tween-thumb-320×200.gif 320 200 https://assets.readbrightly.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/tween-thumb.gif 320 213 https://assets.readbrightly.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/tween-thumb-240×213.gif 240 213 yes yes Fantasy

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Fantasy books are best known for their magic, mythical creatures, and ability to keep kids turning the pages! In the titles below, kids can look forward to magicians, ghosts, robots, perilous quests, and feats of bravery.

9780060530921 The Graveyard Book https://www.harpercollins.com/9780060530921/the-graveyard-book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean 9780142419670 A Tale Dark and Grimm http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/306780/a-tale-dark-and-grimm-by-adam-gidwitz-illustrated-by-hugh-dandrade/9780142419670/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Adam Gidwitz, illustrated by Dan Santat 9780439813785 The Invention of Hugo Cabret https://store.scholastic.com/Books/Hardcover-Books/The-Invention-of-Hugo-Cabret by Brian Selznick 9780312367541 A Wrinkle in Time http://us.macmillan.com/books/9780312367541 by Madeleine L’Engle 9780142406632 Ranger’s Apprentice Series http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/DUD/rangers-apprentice/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by John Flanagan 9780439708180 https://assets.readbrightly.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/harry-potter.jpg Harry Potter Series http://harrypotter.scholastic.com/ by J.K. Rowling 9780399247941 Redwall Series http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/DUI/redwall/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Brian Jacques yes yes Classics and Award Winners

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These award winners all have one thing in common — they’re amazing, well-written books that will stay with readers long after the last page.

9780689710681 Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIHM http://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Mrs-Frisby-and-the-Rats-of-Nimh/Robert-C-OBrien/9780689710681 by Robert C. O’Brien, illustrated by Zena Bernstein 9780425287675 Matilda http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/319178/matilda-by-roald-dahl-illustrated-by-quentin-blake/9780425287675/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake 9780061974151 The Chronicles of Narnia Series http://harpercollinschildrens.com/feature/chroniclesofnarnia/books.html by C. S. Lewis 9780547251271 A Long Walk to Water http://www.hmhco.com/shop/books/A-Long-Walk-to-Water/9780547251271 by Linda Sue Park 9780061992254 The One and Only Ivan https://www.harpercollins.com/9780061992254/the-one-and-only-ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao 9780440414803 Holes http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/159528/holes-by-louis-sachar/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Louis Sachar 9780439120418 Esperanza Rising https://store.scholastic.com/Books/Paperback-Books/Esperanza-Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan 9780060560133 Walk Two Moons https://www.harpercollins.com/9780060560133/walk-two-moons by Sharon Creech 9780618724833 The Wednesday Wars http://www.hmhco.com/shop/books/The-Wednesday-Wars/9780618724833 by Gary D. Schmidt 9781536214345 Because of Winn-Dixie https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/653863/because-of-winn-dixie-anniversary-edition-by-kate-dicamillo/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Kate DiCamillo 9780439443838 Rules http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/book/rules#cart/cleanup by Cynthia Lord yes yes Graphic Novels

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Since we live in a visual culture, it makes sense that graphic novels, or stories told in sequential art, appeal so much to kids. In addition to their visual appeal, these graphic novels tell compelling stories in a variety of genres ranging from sci-fi to memoir to fantasy.

9780439846813 The Stonekeeper (Amulet Book #1) https://store.scholastic.com/Books/Paperback-Books/Amulet-1-The-Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi 9780525429678 Roller Girl http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/313687/roller-girl-by-victoria-jamieson/9780525429678/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Victoria Jamieson 9781596436954 Zita the Spacegirl http://us.macmillan.com/zitathespacegirl/benhatke by Ben Hatke 9781419712173 El Deafo http://www.abramsbooks.com/product/el-deafo_9781419712173/ by Cece Bell 9780545540612 Ghosts https://store.scholastic.com/Books/Paperbacks/Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier yes yes Realistic

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Realistic books, especially ones about other kids, invite children to put themselves into the story. This kind of identification helps kids build empathy and a greater awareness of themselves and others, and lets them know they are not alone.

9780689818769 Frindle http://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Frindle/Andrew-Clements/9780689818769 by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Brian Selznick 9780060292874 Love That Dog https://www.harpercollins.com/9780060292874/love-that-dog by Sharon Creech 9780066236223 So B. It https://www.harpercollins.com/9780066236223/so-b-it by Sarah Weeks 9781416971702 Out of My Mind http://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Out-of-My-Mind/Sharon-M-Draper/9781416971719 by Sharon M. Draper 9780440420477 The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/13803/the-penderwicks-by-jeanne-birdsall/9780440420477/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Jeanne Birdsall 9780375869020 Wonder http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/208913/wonder-by-r-j-palacio/9780375869020/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by R. J. Palacio 9781416925088 Hatchet http://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Hatchet/Gary-Paulsen/9781416925088 by Gary Paulsen 9780142426050 Three Times Lucky http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/308889/three-times-lucky-by-sheila-turnage/9780142426050/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Sheila Turnage 9780312643003 Rain Reign http://us.macmillan.com/rainreign/annmmartin by Ann M. Martin 9780440416791 Harriet the Spy http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/50095/harriet-the-spy-by-louise-fitzhugh/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Louise Fitzhugh yes yes Humor

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Funny stories entice kids to read, even the most reluctant of readers. Because who doesn’t like to laugh?! (Besides Voldemort.)

9780316276917 Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/james-patterson/middle-school-the-worst-years-of-my-life/9780316276917/ by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts 9781493527489 https://assets.readbrightly.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/6th-grade-ninja.jpg Diary of a Sixth Grade Ninja https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17447071-diary-of-a-sixth-grade-ninja by Marcus Emerson 9780142408810 Tales of Fourth-Grade Nothing http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/286551/tales-of-a-fourth-grade-nothing-by-judy-blume/9780142408810/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Judy Blume 9780062283597 Big Nate Series https://www.harpercollins.com/search-results/?series=big-nate&order=relevance by Lincoln Peirce 9780064407663 A Series of Unfortunate Events Series https://www.harpercollins.com/9780064407663/a-series-of-unfortunate-events-1-the-bad-beginning by Lemony Snicket, illustrated by Brett Helquist 9780810993136 Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series http://www.abramsbooks.com/product/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid-diary-of-a-wimpy-kid-1_9780810993136/ by Jeff Kinney 9780380731480 Wayside School Series https://www.goodreads.com/series/67972-wayside-school by Louis Sachar

http://www.scholastic.com/parents/book/sideways-stories-wayside-school

yes yes Historical Fiction

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Reading a story set in a historical period helps bring those events and times to life. Not only do kids learn more about the history, they see it through the eyes of a beloved character, which gives it a special kind of resonance.

9780385382946 The Watsons Go to Birmingham — 1963 http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/35779/the-watsons-go-to-birmingham–1963-by-christopher-paul-curtis/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Christopher Paul Curtis 9780061962783 Inside Out and Back Again https://www.harpercollins.com/9780061962783/inside-out-and-back-again by Thanhha Lai 9780147510488 The War that Saved My Life http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/314816/the-war-that-saved-my-life-by-kimberly-brubaker-bradley/9780147510488/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley 9780060760885 One Crazy Summer https://www.harpercollins.com/9780060760885/one-crazy-summer by Rita Williams-Garcia 9780547577098 Number the Stars http://www.hmhco.com/shop/books/Number-the-Stars/9780547577098 by Lois Lowry yes yes Nonfiction

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With engaging writing about fascinating topics, these nonfiction books and memoirs will grow kids’ knowledge and expand their horizons.

9780147510426 The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (Young Readers Edition) http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/314792/the-boy-who-harnessed-the-wind-by-william-kamkwamba-illustrated-by-anna-hymas/9780147510426/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer, illustrated by Anna Hymas 9780399252518 Brown Girl Dreaming http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/304851/brown-girl-dreaming-by-jacqueline-woodson/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Jacqueline Woodson 9780670910571 Science Verse http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/291290/science-verse-by-jon-scieszka-illustrated-by-lane-smith/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Lane Smith 9781416950462 Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 http://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Moonshot/Brian-Floca/9781416950462 by Brian Floca 9780761386339 Zombie Makers: True Stories of Nature’s Undead https://www.lernerbooks.com/products/t/12455/9780761386339/zombie-makers by Rebecca L. Johnson

Learn more about the experts behind this reading list.

Get the printable version of the list.

Explore our 50 Best series to get great recommendations for other ages.

The post The 50 Best Books for <br>9- and 10-Year-Olds appeared first on Brightly.