Although young readers have an incredible array of series to choose from, once students are ready to dive into something more challenging, it can be harder to find age-appropriate series.

Experienced teacher Meghan Everette loves keeping her classroom library stocked with series books because they keep students hooked in for a while, which keeps them going⁠—and growing⁠—as readers.

But Everette has found that bridging the gap between early reader series and young adult series can be tricky. Middle grade readers need to tackle more challenging texts but are not ready for the more mature themes found in YA books.

The series below are some of Everette’s favorites and are perfect for students who have moved beyond early chapter books but who aren’t quite ready for these young adult favorites. 

I Survived…  

The bestselling I Survived series from author Lauren Tarshis is a must-read for kids who love mysteries, history, and drama. The thrilling survival stories of kids who lived through the most challenging times in history are the perfect segue into reading full-length novels. History buffs can dive even deeper with the nonfiction “True Stories” companion books, while comic fans will devour the new graphic novel adaptations of popular I Survived tales.

The Baby-Sitters Club

This beloved tween series from the 1980s and ‘90s has resurged in popularity in recent years⁠—and even inspired a Netflix series! The original books have been reprinted with updated covers to appeal to a new generation of readers, and the series has even been adapted into graphic novels with art by Raina Telgemeier and Gale Galligan. 

Tween readers will connect with these stories of friendship and growing pains as they follow a group of young women who tackle baby-sitting and personal challenges with grace, humor, and the support of their friends. Readers who aren’t quite ready for The Baby-Sitters Club will enjoy Beverly Cleary’s Ramona series.

Goosebumps

These spooky tales are one-part Scooby-Doo, one-part Are You Afraid of the Dark?, and feature just enough paranormal creepiness to keep readers engaged and eager for the next spine-tingling tale.

The classic Goosebump series launched several spin-off series, including Goosebumps Horrorland, the villain-focused Goosebumps Most Wanted, and even graphic novel adaptations.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

This illustrated series follows a lovable but unpopular middle schooler who navigates the adolescent turmoils of friendship and family. The relatable protagonist Greg offers an accessible way for students to identify with a character who doesn’t always feel comfortable in his own skin. It’s the perfect series for readers who loved the Captain Underpants and Notebook of Doom series and are ready to tackle middle school life.

39 Clues

This thrilling, fast-paced, and action-filled mystery series stars orphaned twin protagonists Amy and Dan. In each book, the twins embark on a new adventure in a far-flung locale as they attempt to solve the latest in a series of clues that will reveal their influential family’s most powerful secret. Readers who love the series’ more fantastical elements will also enjoy the Harry Potter series and the Chronicles of Narnia.