We Asked Families: What Series Are Captivating Your Readers Now?

Is there anything better than digging into the latest volume in a beloved series? Young readers and their families say no. We reached out to our community on social media to ask which series they can’t stop reading. Their answers are packed with adventure, whimsy, and just a hint of magic. 

Whether you’re looking to discover your family’s next favorite read or just want to rave about your current favorites, these series are sure to delight. 

Dog Man and Cat Kid

What do kids want to read next? 

"Dog Man,” writes Edmundo on Instagram. “Cannot wait for the next one." 

Devotees of the fan-favorite crime-biting canine agree: Dog Man may be part dog and part man, but he is all hero. Dav Pilkey’s laugh-out-loud series appeals to readers who appreciate some empathy and kindness in their comic-book action. (Psst: Find out what Dog Man’s up to in the newest book in the series, plus watch a trailer for the new Dog Man movie.) 

Got a budding graphic novelist? Cat Kid, also by Dav Pilkey, does more than just tell fun stories. The series, which features 21 baby frogs with a passion for making comics, brings kids into the process of creating a graphic novel. 

No wonder Amber commented on our Instagram post to say, “"Cat Kid is huge with our second graders right now — they stalk the shelves for available books!"

The Front Desk Series 

"Front Desk audiobooks are always on repeat in my house,” says Ashley. “My youngest is making Hank's Saltine burgers right now!"

There’s a reason that Front Desk has a starred review from Kirkus Reviews, which writes, “Many readers will recognize themselves or their neighbors in these pages.” 

Mia Tang, the 10-year-old protagonist of this series, has a lot of secrets and even more courage and kindness. Read to find out why the first book in this series won the 2019 Asian Pacific American Award for Children's Literature. 

Wings of Fire

The best-selling Wings of Fire series is perfect for dragon lovers and other fantasy enthusiasts. Beginning with The Dragonet Prophecy and spanning 18 books (so far), this epic saga follows the adventures of young dragonets as they grapple with their destiny. Can they end the war raging between the tribes of Pyrrhia and take control of their futures? Bonus: Many titles in this popular series are available as graphic novels! 

Whatever After, Best Wishes, and More

“Third-grade girls are so into the Whatever After and Best Wishes series,” writes Amber. (“They’re also loving The Tryout and The Squad," she says.) 

Whatever After will appeal to lovers of fairytales and speculative fiction. In this series, siblings Abby and Jonah find a magic mirror in their basement that transports them into classic fairy tales. However, once they’re inside the stories, it’s all too easy to alter the plot.

Ever wish you had a talisman that could make your dreams come true? Best Wishes shows why kids (and adults!) might be better off without the ability to grant every wish their heart desires.