We asked our Reading Rockets friends (parents, classroom teachers, special education teachers, librarians, and others) to share their own experiences in finding great books that appeal to with kids with learning and attention issues — including dyslexia and other language-based disabilities, ADD/ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder.
We asked what books are most engaging and motivate kids to pick up a new book and keep reading. We learned that certain genres (humor, mysteries, fantasy and science fiction) are especially appealing, as well as certain topics (action and adventure, school days, and sports) and formats, including graphic novels and beginning chapter books — especially if they are part of a series.
We expected to see Dav Pilkey’s wildly popular Captain Underpants series mentioned a lot (and it was), but were excited to learn about other series and characters that kids really love. Take a look below at what we discovered.
What you’ll find here:
The appeal of book series
The great majority of book titles recommended by our survey takers were part of a series. Series books reintroduce beloved characters in new stories, with recognizable plot structures and familiar storylines such as making friends, solving mysteries, or going on amazing adventures. The author’s writing style also begins to feel familiar. These features can be reassuring to readers and make them eager to dive into the next book.
“I find series work well since the kids will usually read the entire series and they feel as if they know the characters.”
Browse the lists below to find lots of recommendations for series that appeal to kids. If you want to dig deeper, use Book Finder to search for more titles.
Genres: humor, fantasy, mysteries, historical fiction and more
Humor
Many of the recommended books have humor at their core. One survey respondent said, “The humor captures their interest and they want to read more.”
“All children no matter their challenges love to laugh and have a good time, so any book that can spark that within them will be a big hit and get them going on the great journey to enjoy literacy.”
In the panel discussion, How to Get and Keep Boys Reading, author Jon Scieszka (and founder of the Guys Read initiative) makes a plea for more “funny books” … “a kid gets one of those books and he’s just going to give it to his friends.”
Survey recommendations:
- Alvin Ho series by Lenore Look (ages 6-9)
- Amelia Bedelia series by Peggy Parish (ages 3-6)
- Bad Guys series by Aaron Blabey (ages 6-9)
- Bad Kitty series by Nick Bruel (ages 6-9)
- Big Nate series by Lincoln Peirce (ages 6-9)
- Black Lagoon Adventures series by Mike Thaler (ages 6-9)
- Captain Underpants series by Dav Pilkey (ages 6-9)
- Chet Gecko series by Bruce Hale (ages 6-9)
- Chicken Squad series by Doreen Cronin (ages 6-9)
- Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin (ages 3-6)
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney (ages 9-12)
- Diary of a Worm series by Doreen Cronin (ages 3-6)
- Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey (ages 6-9)
- Fancy Nancy (ages 3-6) and Nancy Clancy (ages 6-9) series by Jane O’Connor
- Fly Guy series by Tedd Arnold (ages 6-9)
- Frindle by Andrew Clements (ages 9-12)
- Go Dog Go by P.D. Eastman (ages 3-6)
- Hank Zipzer series by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver (ages 6-9)
- Judy Moody series by Megan McDonald (ages 6-9)
- Junie B. Jones series by Barbara Park (ages 6-9)
- Lunch Lady series by Jarrett (ages 6-9)
- Math Curse by Jon Scieszka
- Marvin Redpost series by Louis Sachar
- Pete the Cat series by James Dean (ages 3-6)
- Pigeon series by Mo Willems (ages 3-6)
- Ramona and Beezus books by Beverly Cleary (ages 6-9)
- Sideways Stories from Wayside School series by Louis Sachar (ages 9-12)
- Stink series by Megan McDonald (ages 6-9)
More recommended books from Reading Rockets:
- Frank Einstein series by Jon Scieszka (ages 9-12)
- Joey Pigza series by Jack Gantos (ages 9-12)
Fantasy and science fiction
There’s a reason that the Harry Potter books are among the most widely read stories ever. And why the Chronicles of Narnia books, the Hobbit series, and A Wrinkle in Time are enduring classics. Fantasy and science fiction ignite a child’s imagination — anything is possible and the genre stretches our thinking and curiosity muscles.
Fantasy and science fiction allow young readers to experiment with different ways of seeing their world. You can explore a “what if …” scenario and make connections between a fantasy world and the real one.
Survey recommendations:
- Amulet series by Kazu Kibuishi (ages 9-12)
- Artemis Fowl series by Eoin Colfer (ages 9-12)
- Bone series by Jeff Smith (ages 9-12)
- Dragon Masters series by Tracey West (ages 6-9)
- Dragon Slayers Academy series by Kate McMullan (ages 6-9)
- Dragonblood series by Michael Dahl (ages 9-12)
- Jedi Academy series by various authors (ages 9-12)
- Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne (ages 6-9)
- Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan (ages 9-12)
- Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot series by Dav Pilkey and Dan Santat (ages 6-9)
More recommended books from Reading Rockets:
- Frank Einstein series by Jon Scieszka (ages 9-12)
- Princess in Black series by Shannon Hale (ages 6-9)
- Sardine in Outer Space series by Emmanuelle Guibert (ages 6-9)
Mysteries
Mysteries and detective stories have always been popular. The books are fun, and they keep kids using their critical thinking skills — guessing, inferring, predicting, and solving. Our readers recommend the Geronimo Stilton series, featuring a very funny mouse detective. Also popular: Chet Gecko, a wisecracking fourth-grade detective (think Sam Spade) who along with his mockingbird sidekick, solve schoolyard mysteries.
Kid detectives are very popular, from Encyclopedia Brown, where readers solve each mystery alongside the protagonist, to Cam Jansen, who uses her photographic memory to solve neighborhood mysteries. For kids who love sports, the Ballpark Mysteries are a perfect combination of sleuthing, trivia, and baseball. Young readers still love the classics, too: The Boxcar Children and Trixie Belden series.
Survey recommendations:
- 43 Old Cemetery Road series by Kate Klise (ages 6-9)
- A to Z Mysteries series by Ron Roy (ages 6-9)
- Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warner (ages 6-9)
- Cam Jansen series by David Adler (ages 6-9)
- Chet Gecko series by Bruce Hale (ages 6-9)
- Chicken Squad series by Doreen Cronin (ages 6-9)
- Encyclopedia Brown series by Donald Sobol (ages 9-12)
- Geronimo Stilton series by Geronimo Stilton (ages 6-9)
- The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick (ages 9-12)
- Nate the Great series by Marjorie Sharmat (ages 6-9)
- Trixie Belden series by Julie Campbell (ages 9-12)
More recommended books from Reading Rockets:
- Ballpark Mysteries series by David A. Kelly (ages 6-9)
- King & Kayla series by Dori Hillestad Butler (ages 6-9)
- Precious Ramotswe Mysteries series by Alexander McCall Smith (ages 6-9)
- Secret Coders series by Gene Yang (ages 9-12)
Historical fiction
Historical fiction breathes life into history, adding depth and color to a young person’s understanding of the times, places, and people. Historical fiction can provide a helpful way into difficult subjects — for example, the Holocaust (Number the Stars) or the civil-rights movement (The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963). Historical fiction invites young readers to put themselves in the story by introducing relatable characters as well as revealing different points of view — essential to understanding history and how it is recorded and shared.
Survey recommendations:
- Al Capone: Tales from Alcatraz series by Jennifer Choldenko (ages 9-12)
- Back in Time series by Dan Gutman (ages 9-12)
- Four Points series by Hope Larson (ages 9-12)
- I Survived series by Lauren Tarshis (ages 9-12)
- Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder (ages 6-9)
- Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne (ages 6-9)
- Tucket’s Travels series by Gary Paulsen (ages 9-12)
More recommended books from Reading Rockets:
- Calpurnia Tate series by Jacqueline Kelly (ages 9-12)
- Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos (ages 9-12)
- Number the Stars by Lois Lowry (ages 9-12)
- Ranger in Time series by Kate Messner (ages 6-9)
- Time Warp Trio series by Jon Scieszka (ages 6-9)
- The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis (ages 9-12)
Biographies
Reading well-crafted books about the lives of remarkable people can be more engaging than fiction! Biographies reveal to kids how real-life people overcame obstacles in their own lives and helped make their community, country, or even the whole world a better place. In that way, biographies can inspire children to see the world in a new way, and imagine their own place in it. Biographies are also a great way to build a child’s background knowledge, and support their lerarning across all subject areas.
Biographies can seem like a tough sell with some children — the key is to match a child’s interests with the right book topic. For example, if you know a child who loves animals, you might introduce him to The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life with the Chimps by Jeannette Winter. Or if you know a child who loves to invent and build things, introduce her to Neo Leo: The Agerless Ideas of Leonardo da Vinci by Gene Baretta. Many of our survey respondents like the biography series listed below.
Survey recommendations:
- Ordinary People Change the World series by Brad Meltzer (ages 3-6)
- Picture Book Biographies series by David Adler (ages 6-9)
- Who Was? /Who Is? series (ages 9-12)
More recommended books from Reading Rockets:
- American Revolution biographies by Jean Fritz (ages 6-9)
- Latino / Latina picture book biographies by Monica Brown (ages 6-9)
- Lives of (and What the Neighbors Thought) series by Kathleen Krull (ages 9-12)
- Women Who Broke the Rules series by Kathleen Krull (ages 6-9)
Topics: adventure, school, sports, fascinating facts and more
The best way to encourage kids to read more is to provide books that tap into their natural interests! You may already know a child who loves adventure stories, another who devours books filled with fascinating facts about our world, and another who is sports crazy. Other children enjoy books about family life and school because they can connect to the characters and really see themselves in those stories. Luckily, there are many wonderful titles in all of these areas for children to explore.
Learning about American or world history doesn’t need to be dry and just-the-facts. The books listed below offer an exciting look at different historical periods through the lives of real people and the events that swirled around them. The graphic novel format of Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales is rich in detail and thrilling to read. The “scrapbook histories” give young readers an intimate glimpse into the lives of famous people in history.
The Eyewitness Books are also very popular — you can find one on just about any topic — and they are filled with lively illustrations, photographs, timelines, diagrams and other graphical elements.
Action and adventure
Survey recommendations:
- Amulet series by Kazu Kibuishi (ages 9-12)
- Back in Time series by Dan Gutman (ages 9-12)
- Bad Guys series by Aaron Blabey (ages 6-9)
- Bird & Squirrel series by James Burks (ages 6-9)
- Bone series by Jeff Smith (ages 9-12)
- Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey (ages 6-9)
- Dragonblood series by Michael Dahl (ages 9-12)
- Flat Stanley series by Jeff Brown (ages 6-9)
- Hatchet by Gary Paulsen (ages 9-12)
- LEGO Ninjago readers and chapter book series by various authors (ages 5-9)
- LEGO Superheroes readers and chapter book series by various authors (ages 5-9)
- Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne (ages 6-9)
- Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan (ages 9-12)
- Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot series by Dav Pilkey and Dan Santat (ages 6-9)
- Tucket’s Travels series by Gary Paulsen (ages 9-12)
- Zinc Alloy series by Donald Lemke (ages 6-9)
Families and growing up
“They love books with humor. They love stories about kids who make mistakes and get in trouble and learn from their mistakes.”
Survey recommendations:
- Alvin Ho series by Lenore Look (ages 6-9)
- Clementine series by Sara Pennypacker (ages 6-9)
- Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier (ages 9-12)
- Henry and Mudge series by Cynthia Rylant (ages 3-6)
- Judy Moody series by Megan McDonald (ages 6-9)
- Julian series by Ann Cameron (ages 6-9)
- Katie Woo series by Fran Manushkin (ages 5-7)
- Lemonade Wars series by Jacqueline Davies (ages 6-9)
- Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes (ages 3-6)
- Ramona and Beezus and Henry Huggins books by Beverly Cleary (ages 6-9)
- Sisters by Raina Telgemeier (ages 9-12)
- Stink series by Megan McDonald (ages 6-9)
More recommended books from Reading Rockets:
- Baby-Sitters Club series by Ann Martin and illustrated by Raina Telgemeier (ages 6-9)
- Dyamonde Daniel series by Nikki Grimes (ages 6-9)
- Freddie Ramos: Zapato Power series by Jacqueline Jules (ages 6-9)
- Jasmine Toguchi: Mochi Queen series by Debbi Michiko Florence (ages 6-9)
- Ling and Ting series by Grace Lin (ages 6-9)
- Lola Levine series by Monica Brown (ages 6-9)
School days
“The heroes in these books are kids who are struggling, kids who end up in the principal’s office, kids who are real kids.”
Survey recommendations:
- Black Lagoon Adventures series by Mike Thaler (ages 6-9)
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney (ages 9-12)
- Dork Diaries series by Rachel Renée Russell (ages 9-12)
- Drama by Raina Telgemeier
- El Deafo by Cece Bell (ages 9-12)
- Frindle by Andrew Clements (ages 9-12)
- Hank Zipzer series by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver (ages 6-9)
- Jedi Academy series by various authors (ages 9-12)
- Lunch Lady series by Jarrett J. Krosoczka (ages 6-9)
- Marvin Redpost series by Louis Sachar (ages 6-9)
- Middle School series by James Patterson (ages 9-12)
- Origami Yoda series by Tom Angleberger (ages 9-12)
- Sideways Stories from Wayside School series by Louis Sachar (ages 9-12)
- Smile by Raina Telgemeier (ages 9-12)
- Wonder by R.J. Palacio (ages 9-12)
More recommended books from Reading Rockets:
- Gooney Bird Greene series by Lois Lowry (ages 6-9)
- Real Friends by Shannon Hale (ages 9-12)
Sports
Survey recommendations:
- Comeback Kids series by Mike Lupica (ages 9-12)
- Matt Christopher Sports Classics series (ages 9-12)
- Matt Christopher Legends in Sports series (ages 9-12)
- Mike Lupica fiction (ages 10 and up)
- Tim Green fiction (ages 9-12)
- Who Was? /Who Is? series (ages 9-12)
More recommended books from Reading Rockets:
- The Crossover by Kwame Alexander (ages 9-12)
- Ghost by Jason Reynolds (ages 9-12)
- Sports Story series by Fred Bowen (ages 9-12)
Animal facts
“The science books are interesting and engaging — spiders, snakes, tornadoes, hurricanes. My kids love to learn about animals, weather, outer space so they love to choose books on those topics.”
Survey recommendations:
- DK Readers leveled books about animals (ages 6-12)
- Gail Gibbons books about animals (ages 3-9)
- I Spy Animals by Jean Marzollo (ages 3-6)
- National Geographic Kids books about animals (ages 3-12)
- Who Would Win? series by Jerry Pallotta (ages 6-9)
More recommended books from Reading Rockets:
- Seymour Simon books about animals (ages 6-9)
- Steve Jenkins books about animals (ages 3-12)
- Susan Stockdale books about animals (ages 3-6)
History
Survey recommendations:
- If You Lived series by various authors (ages 6-9)
- Magic Tree House Fact Tracker series by Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce (ages 9-12)
- Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales series by Nathan Hale (ages 9-12)
- On My Own History series by various authors (ages 6-9)
More recommended books from Reading Rockets:
- Cobblestone Magazine by Cricket Media (ages 9-12)
- Jean Fritz books about American history (ages 6-9)
- The Lincolns: A Scrapbook History of Abraham and Mary by Candace Fleming (ages 9-12)
- Our Eleanor: A Scrapbook Look at Eleanor Roosevelt’s Remarkable Life by Candace Fleming (ages 9-12)
Fascinating facts
Survey recommendations:
- 5,000 Awesome Facts (About Everything) by National Geographic Kids (ages 9-12)
- Guinness World Records (ages 6-12)
- Guinness World Records: Amazing Animals (ages 6-9)
- Guinness World Records: Science and Stuff (ages 6-12)
- Little Kids First Big Book series by National Geographic (ages 3-6)
More recommended books from Reading Rockets:
- Bet You Didn’t Know: Fascinating, Far-out, Fun-tastic Facts! by National Geographic Kids (ages 9-12)
- Big Book of How by Time for Kids (ages 9-12)
- Big Book of Why by Time for Kids (ages 9-12)
- Pop-Up House of Inventions by Robert Crowther (ages 6-9 years)
Eyewitness books
“Evolving readers will read several grade levels over their normal level if they are interested in the topic, so nonfiction is a super option for any struggling reader.”
Popular formats: graphic novels, beginning chapter books, audiobooks and more
Graphic novels are very popular, and especially appealing to readers who may not pick up a more traditional book on their own. Readers are drawn to the lively, easy-to-follow storylines, the action found in many graphic novels, and the accessible text. The pictures in graphic novels are expressive, simple, and rich all at the same time. The images provide big clues about character and plot and encourage readers to look closely.
Easy readers and beginning chapter books are a great bridge from picture books to longer, more text-heavy chapter books. Many of the most popular are part of a series, so kids who love Elephant and Piggie or Here’s Hank, for example, will want to jump into the next book. Quick, fun reads build confidence!
Audiobooks allow kids who struggle with decoding to enjoy stories above their reading level, and to connect directly with the story and the storyteller. And listening to stories exposes kids to complex, rich vocabulary and language. Audiobooks also model fluent, expressive reading and strengthen critical listening skills.
Graphic novels
“Graphic novels provide great visual cues. Speech bubbles help with expression. The creative imagination of the authors and illustrators is captivating.”
Survey recommendations:
- Amulet series by Kazu Kibuishi (ages 9-12)
- Babymouse series by Jennifer Holm and Matt Holm (ages 6-9)
- Bad Guys series by Aaron Blabey (ages 6-9)
- Big Nate series by Lincoln Peirce (ages 6-9)
- Bird & Squirrel series by James Burks (ages 6-9)
- Bone series by Jeff Smith (ages 9-12)
- Captain Underpants series by Dav Pilkey (ages 6-9)
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney (ages 9-12)
- Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey (ages 6-9)
- Drama by Raina Telgemeier
- El Deafo by Cece Bell (ages 9-12)
- Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier (ages 9-12)
- Jedi Academy series by various authors (ages 9-12)
- LEGO Superheroes readers and chapter book series by various authors (ages 5-9)
- Lunch Lady series by Jarrett J. Krosoczka (ages 6-9)
- Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales series by Nathan Hale (ages 9-12)
- Sisters by Raina Telgemeier (ages 9-12)
- Smile by Raina Telgemeier (ages 9-12)
- Squish series by Jennifer Holm and Matt Holm (ages 6-9)
- Zinc Alloy series by Donald Lemke (ages 6-9)
More recommended books from Reading Rockets:
- Baby-Sitters Club series by Ann Martin and illustrated by Raina Telgemeier (ages 6-9)
- Rapunzel’s Revenge series by Shannon Hale (ages 9-12)
- Real Friends by Shannon Hale (ages 9-12)
- Sardine in Outer Space series by Emmanuelle Guibert (ages 6-9)
- Secret Coders series by Gene Yang (ages 9-12)
- TOON series by various authors (ages 3-9)
Classic literature as graphic novels
“Some classics have been rewritten in graphic novel form. When I find them, I try to buy them. Even for my good readers, a graphic novel can be less intimidating at times. My hope is that once they have read the graphic novel, there might be some interest in reading the original version.”
Recommended books from Reading Rockets:
- Classics Illustrated by various authors (ages 9 and up)
- The Complete Don Quixote by Cervantes (ages 12 and up)
- The Odyssey by Gareth Hinds, based on epic poem by Homer (ages 12 and up)
- Romeo and Juliet by Gareth Hinds, based on the play by William Shakespeare (ages 12 and up)
- A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel by Hope Larson, adapted from the book by Madeleinme L’Engle (ages 9-12)
Picture books: old favorites
Survey recommendations:
- Brown Bear, Brown Bear by Bill Martin Jr. (ages 3-6)
- Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. (ages 0-6)
- Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin (ages 3-6)
- Clifford series by Norman Bridwell (ages 3-6)
- Curious George by H.A. Rey (ages 3-6)
- The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein (ages 6-9)
- Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss (ages 3-6)
- If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff (ages 3-6)
- Inch by Inch by Leo Lionni (ages 3-6)
- Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes (ages 3-6)
- Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey (ages 3-6)
- Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola (ages 3-6)
- Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig (ages 6-9)
- Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak (ages 3-6)
Easy readers
“The Elephant and Piggie books launch many of my beginning readers into reading success. The strugglers are successful because the words mirror the pictures. The books are funny, and the children want to read them over and over again. The children who struggle with reading are surprised that they have read the entire book, then they want to do more reading.”
Survey recommendations:
- Biscuit series and Katy Duck series by Alyssa Capucilli (ages 3-6)
- BOB Books series by Bobby Lynn Maslen (ages 3-6)
- Dr. Seuss books (ages 3-6)
- Elephant and Piggie series by Mo Willems (ages 3-6)
- Fly Guy series by Tedd Arnold (ages 6-9)
- Frog and Toad series by Arnold Lobel (ages 3-6)
- Go Dog Go by P.D. Eastman (ages 3-6)
- Henry and Mudge series by Cynthia Rylant (ages 3-6)
- Mr. Putter and Tabby series by Cynthia Rylant (ages 6-9)
- Penny the Mouse series by Kevin Henkes (ages 3-6)
- Pete the Cat series by James Dean (ages 3-6)
- Splat the Cat series by Rob Scotton (ages 3-6)
Recommended books from Reading Rockets:
- King & Kayla series by Dori Hillestad Butler (ages 6-9)
- Fox series by James Marshall (ages 6-9)
- TOON series by various authors (ages 3-9)
Beginning chapter books
Survey recommendations:
- Alvin Ho series by Lenore Look (ages 6-9)
- Amelia Bedelia series by Peggy Parish (ages 3-6)
- Bad Kitty series by Nick Bruel (ages 6-9)
- Black Lagoon Adventures series by Mike Thaler (ages 6-9)
- Chicken Squad series by Doreen Cronin (ages 6-9)
- Dragon Masters series by Tracey West (ages 6-9)
- Dragon Slayers Academy series by Kate McMullan (ages 6-9)
- Flat Stanley series by Jeff Brown (ages 6-9)
- Fly Guy series by Tedd Arnold (ages 6-9)
- Here’s Hank series by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver (ages 6-9)
- Julian series by Ann Cameron (ages 6-9)
- Junie B. Jones series by Barbara Park (ages 6-9)
- Katie Woo series by Fran Manushkin (ages 5-7)
- LEGO Ninjago readers and chapter book series by various authors (ages 5-9)
- Lulu series by Hilary McKay (ages 6-9)
- Marvin Redpost series by Louis Sachar (ages 6-9)
- Mercy Watson series by Kate DiCamillo (ages 6-9)
- Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot series by Dav Pilkey and Dan Santat (ages 6-9)
More recommended books from Reading Rockets:
- Bink and Gollie series by Kate DiCamillo (ages 6-9)
- Dyamonde Daniel series by Nikki Grimes (ages 6-9)
- Ling and Ting series by Grace Lin (ages 6-9)
- Lola Levine series by Monica Brown (ages 6-9)
- Precious Ramotswe Mysteries series by Alexander McCall Smith (ages 6-9)
- Rabbit and Robot series by Cece Bell (ages 6-9)
Audio books
Survey recommendations:
- Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
- Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
- The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden
- Hank the Cow Dog series by John R. Erickson
- Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
- Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
- Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne
- The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
- Penderwick series by Jeanne Birdsall
- Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan
- Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
- Song of the Lioness series by Tamora Pierce
- The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
- Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume
- The Watsons Go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis
- Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Books featuring kids with learning and attention issues
Recommended books:
- Clementine series by Sara Pennypacker (ages 6-9)
- Here’s Hank series by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver (ages 6-9)
- Hank Zipzer series by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver (ages 9-12)
- My Name Is Brain Brian by Jeanne Betancourt (ages 9-12)
- Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan (ages 9-12)
- Thank You Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco (ages 6-9)
More recommended books from Reading Rockets:
- A Boy Called Bat and Bat and the Waiting Game by Elana K. Arnold (ages 6-9)
- Fish in a Tree by Linda Mullaly Hunt (ages 10 and up)
- Joey Pigza series by Jack Gantos (ages 9-12)
- Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine (ages 10 and up)
Favorite book characters
Who took the survey?
Reprints
You are welcome to print copies or republish materials for non-commercial use as long as credit is given to Reading Rockets and the author(s). For commercial use, please contact [email protected].