When you have a child who flies through books, keeping them reading with titles they love and find engaging can be a challenge — but it’s essential for helping them maintain their love of books.
While advanced readers may be skilled in decoding and comprehending texts well above their grade level, not all books that provide a reading challenge are appropriate for an advanced reader's age. Certain titles might be too scary or confronting for a young reader, whereas others may deal with themes that are too mature for a child’s current emotional and social level.
For advanced readers ages 6 to 7, look for early chapter books with short chapters and large font sizes. The Dragon Masters series, part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, is a great introduction! Your growing reader will build key literacy skills as well as enjoy the supportive imagery and engaging story. These books are great stepping stones for lengthier titles as your child continues to build their reading skills.
For advanced readers ages 8 to 10, opt for contemporary fiction titles that explore themes they can relate to, such as the complexities of school friendships. Save Me a Seat is a timeless story about two boys, Joe and Ravi, discovering the power of friendship and standing up for themselves.
As for advanced readers ages 11 to 13, the exciting genre of science fiction is an ideal way to expand their interests. Your thrill-seeking preteen can dive into extraordinary books, like the Last Gate of the Emperor #1, and fine-tune their vocabulary and reading comprehension skills — all while enjoying a captivating plot.
Shop engaging books for advanced readers below! Find more books and activities at The Scholastic Store.
For more tips on finding books at the right level for your child, visit our guide on reading levels for kids. There you'll find recommended books and helpful advice and resources, including advanced reading activities and much more.