Engaging Chapter Books for Rising First-Graders
For parents looking to find engaging chapter books for a 6-year-old, there are several excellent options that can help build a love of reading. If your child has enjoyed "Mr. Popper’s Penguins" and the "Ramona" books, you might want to consider the "Ryan Hart" series by Renée Watson. This series, set in Portland, Oregon, features a spunky and lovable protagonist who navigates similar challenges to those faced by Ramona, such as relationships with siblings, financial struggles, and personal growth.
Another great choice is Emily Jenkins's "Harry Versus the First 100 Days of School." This book follows Harry as he faces the anxiety of starting first grade and gradually gains confidence. The full-color illustrations by Pete Oswald add visual appeal and highlight the diversity of Harry's Brooklyn neighborhood.
If you're looking for a fantasy adventure series, the "Kingdom of Wrenly" series by Jordan Quinn offers a variety of short, engaging stories that can keep young readers entertained for a long time.
Finding Great YA Novels
When it comes to finding good young adult (YA) novels, it's important to understand that YA is not a genre but a descriptor indicating the target audience. Within this category, there are numerous genres such as historical fiction, contemporary realistic, romance, horror, and sci-fi. To find what works best for a particular reader, consider checking out the winners and finalists of the Printz Award for literary fiction. For horror fans, the Young Blood Library online is a valuable resource. Additionally, the weekly podcast "Hey Ya" provides updates on new releases, book-to-movie adaptations, and YA publishing news.
Librarians are also an invaluable resource when seeking recommendations. They can tailor suggestions based on individual tastes and preferences, helping readers discover books that resonate with them.
Long-Form Audiobooks for Preschoolers
For parents looking for long-form audiobooks to play during car rides with their 4-year-old grandchildren, there are several options available. The "Heartwood Hotel" series by Kallie George, narrated by Amy Melissa Bentle, is a favorite in the gentle anthropomorphic animal stories genre. Each audiobook runs more than two hours and can make carpool trips more enjoyable.
Ruth Stiles Gannett’s classic trilogy "My Father’s Dragon" is another great choice, with a combined total length of 2 hours 23 minutes. If shorter stories are preferred, Julie Andrews’s podcast "Julie’s Library" offers 21 episodes ranging from 16 to 30 minutes, featuring contemporary picture books read aloud by their authors.
Encouraging a Love for Stories in Curious Readers
For parents struggling to get their curious children interested in stories, narrative nonfiction and short-form biographies can be a great alternative. Titles like "The Great Stink: How Joseph Bazalgette Solved London’s Poop Pollution Problem" and "Glitter Everywhere! Where It Came From, Where It’s Found & Where It’s Going" blend science and history in an engaging way.
The "Kid Legends" series by Robin Stevenson offers short, engaging biographies that are perfect for bedtime reading. For those interested in the Roman Empire, David Macaulay’s "City: A Story of Roman Planning and Construction" and "Rome Antics" provide informative and visually appealing content.
Picture Books for Reluctant Readers
For middle-graders who are reluctant readers, picture books can still be a great option. "The Undefeated" by Kwame Alexander and "A Different Pond" by Bao Phi offer powerful narratives that can engage older readers. Kyle Lukoff’s "I’m Sorry You Got Mad" and Phoebe Wahl’s "The Blue House" provide humorous and emotional stories that resonate with a wide audience.
Other notable titles include "Have You Ever Seen a Flower?" by Shawn Harris and Julie Morstad’s "Time Is a Flower," which offer artistic and thought-provoking content that invites multiple re-readings. These books can be enjoyed by younger readers but offer deeper meaning for older children who bring more background knowledge and emotional maturity to the texts.