Chapter books are one of the most important stops on your child’s reading journey. They not only encourage your child to dive deeper into the magic of storytelling — but with their complex plots, themes, and character development, chapter books help your child increase critical reading skills like comprehension, stamina, and fluency.
According to teachers, chapter books like those from the must-read I Survived series are the perfect place to start for kids in grades 1 and 2. Not only will your child love being transported back in time to learn about events from history, they’ll be totally gripped by the engaging storytelling.
“Students sometimes find that they are really interested in certain topics and the next thing they know they are seeking out more books about that topic,” says Kristen Pishkin, a second-grade teacher in Massachusetts. “This series does this for them.”
For children in grades 3 to 5, consider Restart, which is adored by Marissa Jordening and Kelly Matthews, two fourth-grade teachers in Colorado.
“This book can serve as a great conversation starter about the impact of a single person for both good and bad,” says Jordening. Matthews also notes how this book is a great way to inspire a dialogue about bullying and the pain that often results from it. “It gives students a chance to see how one small accident can change everything,” she says.
Kate Waggoner, a seventh-grade English and journalism teacher in Oregon, recommends Stepsister, a modern spin on the classic Cinderella story for kids in middle and high school. “The story is about love, self-image, self-confidence, and forgiveness, and teaches an important lesson about the dangers of allowing the way others perceive us to dictate our lives,” says Waggoner.
Get ready for your child to go back to school with our guide — it's full of recommended books, teacher tips, homework help, and more resources for a successful school year. Plus, take a look at these tips for choosing just-right books.
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